Theoretical Research of Laser Glass Cutting

The results of calculating the three-dimensional fields of elastic stresses induced by the local heating of glass on condition that it is cut by ytterbium laser radiation with a wavelength of 1.07 μm and lying within the range of the weak absorption of soda-lime glass. An extended area in the form of a tensile stress streak forms on the surface of the glass along the beam’s line of movement under the laser glass irradiation. It is restricted on both sides by compressive-stress zones obstructing the crack from passing beyond the tensile stress region. It is demonstrated that the most favorable conditions for the stable propagation of the crack are realized when using two spots of irradiation.