| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/A00508/01 |
| Title: |
AF: LASER BASED MICRO-ENGINEERING PROCESS DEVELOPMENTS |
| Principal Investigator: |
O'Neill, Professor W |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
School of Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Liverpool |
| Scheme: |
Advanced Fellowship (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 April 2000 |
Ends: |
30 June 2003 |
Value (£): |
122,731
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Manufacturing Machine & Plant |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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This proposal makes the case for an Advanced Research Fellowship in order that full-time research can be, carried out on laser materials processing developments for micro-engineering:, Micro-engineering is well positioned to account for a significant share of the global manufacturing activity in the next millennium. At present microengineering is generating, widespread interest which will. undoubtedly produce significant commercial opportunities for both developers and the sponsoring nations. This proposal describes the research that is necessary for micron and sub-micron processing of materials using lasers to be realised. The availability of short pulse visible high power lasers, such as the copper vapour laser, provides the opportunity to examine short pulse laser material interactions which are capable of providing processing opportunities on the micro scale for machining, cutting and welding operations. A series of basic generic investigations on interaction phenomena are proposed in addition to application specific research and theoretical modelling which aims to increase the scope of laser materials processing for manufacturing industries engaged in micro-engineering. The high power visible output means that high energy photons are available in sufficient numbers for photolytic interactions. Photolytic interactions will be investigated in order to develop further understanding of such processes in order to develop photo-curing of polymers and photo-induced chemical machining processes suitable for microengineering. In addition, this proposal aims to investigate new intensity regimes produced by radically new delivery techniques using hollow waveguides and positioning equipment developed for Atomic Force Microscopes. Empirical investigations of high brightness illumination of materials using short wavelength lasers and lasers delivered through light channels of sub=wavelength dimensions. This proposal intends to increase the range of process options for Micro-Engineers in applications relevant to the predicted future markets of micro-engineering in the following sectors: Automotive, Aerospace, Communications and Medical.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.liv.ac.uk |