Laser-induced image technology (yesterday, today, and tomorrow)

Methods and systems of laser-induced image technology and ways of their development are discussed. These methods depend on kind of laser-induced etch points (marks), which are used for image creation. Today, the marks, which are usually used for this purpose, are laser-induced damages which are a result of breakdown phenomena. The ways for increasing quality of such images are discussed. However, there are also other marks appearing as a result of interaction of power laser radiation with transparent material. The use of these marks opens new opportunities for creation of laser-induced images with special characteristics. These opportunities are also subject of our discussion.