Thin-film devices, for example electrochromic devices for windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. Particular focus is given to methods of patterning optical devices. Various edge deletion and isolation scribes are performed, for example, to ensure the optical device has appropriate isolation from any edge defects. Methods described herein apply to any thin-film device having one or more material layers sandwiched between two thin film electrical conductor layers. The described methods create novel optical device configurations.

Thin-film devices, for example electrochromic devices for windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. Particular focus is given to methods of patterning optical devices. Various edge deletion and isolation scribes are performed, for example, to ensure the optical device has appropriate isolation from any edge defects. Methods described herein apply to any thin-film device having one or more material layers sandwiched between two thin film electrical conductor layers. The described methods create novel optical device configurations.

Methods of laser processing a transparent material are disclosed. The method may include positioning the transparent material on a carrier and transmitting a laser beam through the transparent material, where the laser beam may be incident on a side of the transparent material opposite the carrier. The transparent material may be substantially transparent to the laser beam and the carrier may include a support base and a laser disruption element. The laser disruption element may disrupt the laser beam transmitted through the transparent material such that the laser beam may not have sufficient intensity below the laser disruption element to damage the support base.

Methods of laser processing a transparent material are disclosed. The method may include positioning the transparent material on a carrier and transmitting a laser beam through the transparent material, where the laser beam may be incident on a side of the transparent material opposite the carrier. The transparent material may be substantially transparent to the laser beam and the carrier may include a support base and a laser disruption element. The laser disruption element may disrupt the laser beam transmitted through the transparent material such that the laser beam may not have sufficient intensity below the laser disruption element to damage the support base.

Joining methods and corresponding structures are disclosed. In some instances, a method for joining two or more components may include generating a shockwave in a first component to form a jet of a material of the first component directed towards a second component. The jet may penetrate the second component to connect the first component with the second component. Articles of pre-joined and joined components are also described.

Joining methods and corresponding structures are disclosed. In some instances, a method for joining two or more components may include generating a shockwave in a first component to form a jet of a material of the first component directed towards a second component. The jet may penetrate the second component to connect the first component with the second component. Articles of pre-joined and joined components are also described.

A method for processing a plastic workpiece having a first side and a second side opposite the first side using laser ablation and a nozzle body produced according to the method. The method includes advancing a laser beam into the plastic workpiece from outside of the plastic workpiece and through the first side to at least partially penetrate the plastic workpiece, and evaporating at least a portion of the plastic workpiece with the laser beam starting from the second side.

A workpiece-separating device includes: a holding member which detachably holds one of the workpiece and the supporting body; a laser irradiation part which irradiates the separating layer with the laser beam through the other of the supporting body and the workpiece of the laminated body being held by the holding member; and a controlling part which controls an operation of the laser irradiation part, wherein the laser irradiation part has a laser scanner which moves the spot like laser beam along the laminated body, an entire irradiated face of the separating layer in an area of the laser beam irradiated from the laser scanner toward the laminated body is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas each having a band shape that is elongated in one of two directions intersecting a light irradiation direction from the laser irradiation part.

A workpiece-separating device includes: a holding member which detachably holds one of the workpiece and the supporting body; a laser irradiation part which irradiates the separating layer with the laser beam through the other of the supporting body and the workpiece of the laminated body being held by the holding member; and a controlling part which controls an operation of the laser irradiation part, wherein the laser irradiation part has a laser scanner which moves the spot like laser beam along the laminated body, an entire irradiated face of the separating layer in an area of the laser beam irradiated from the laser scanner toward the laminated body is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas each having a band shape that is elongated in one of two directions intersecting a light irradiation direction from the laser irradiation part.

A method for producing a cavity in a substrate composed of hard brittle material is provided. A laser beam of an ultrashort pulse laser is directed a side surface of the substrate and is concentrated by a focusing optical unit to form an elongated focus in the substrate. Incident energy of the laser beam produces a filament-shaped flaw in a volume of the substrate. The filament-shaped flaw extends into the volume to a predetermined depth and does not pass through the substrate. To produce the filament-shaped flaw, the ultrashort pulse laser radiates in a pulse or a pulse packet having at least two successive laser pulses. After at least two filament-shaped flaws are introduced, the substrate is exposed to an etching medium which removes material of the substrate and widens the at least two filament-shaped flaws to form filaments. At least two filaments are connected to form a cavity.