A boroscope includes a working head having first and second ends. A first optical fiber extends through the boroscope to a position between the first and second ends. A second optical fiber extends through the boroscope to the second end of the working head. A laser optical fiber extends through the boroscope. At least one lens is arranged between the first end and the second end of the working head and a mirror is gimballed to the second end of the working head. The laser optical fiber directs laser light transmitted through the laser optical fiber onto the lens and then onto the mirror. A first LED is arranged at a position between the first end and the second end of the working head and a second LED is arranged at the second end of the working head and an actuator devices adjust the position of the mirror.

A boroscope includes a working head having first and second ends. A first optical fiber extends through the boroscope to a position between the first and second ends. A second optical fiber extends through the boroscope to the second end of the working head. A laser optical fiber extends through the boroscope. At least one lens is arranged between the first end and the second end of the working head and a mirror is gimballed to the second end of the working head. The laser optical fiber directs laser light transmitted through the laser optical fiber onto the lens and then onto the mirror. A first LED is arranged at a position between the first end and the second end of the working head and a second LED is arranged at the second end of the working head and an actuator devices adjust the position of the mirror.

Methods and systems for welding are disclosed, including generating electromagnetic radiation from an ultrashort pulse laser; coupling the electromagnetic radiation from the ultrashort pulse laser to a scanner comprising a scanning and focus range, wherein the scanner is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the ultrashort laser and to scan and focus the electromagnetic radiation onto a joining interface of one or more materials; using a computer to adjust the pulse repetition rate and the average power of the ultrashort pulse laser; using one or more stages to position the joining interface; using a dichroic filter positioned between the scanner and the one or more materials; and focusing an imager and processor through the dichroic filter and onto the joining interface to monitor the joining interface of the one or more materials within the scanning and focus range of the electromagnetic radiation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Local metallization of semiconductor substrates using a laser beam, and the resulting structures, e.g., micro-electronic devices, semiconductor substrates and/or solar cells, are described. For example, a solar cell includes a substrate and a plurality of semiconductor regions disposed in or above the substrate. A plurality of conductive contact structures is electrically connected to the plurality of semiconductor regions. Each conductive contact structure includes a locally deposited metal portion disposed in contact with a corresponding a semiconductor region.

A system for and a method of controlling a filler wire and/or an heat source is provided. The system includes a high intensity energy source configured to heat at least one workpiece to create a molten puddle on a surface of the at least one workpiece. A filler wire feeder is configured to feed a filler wire into said molten puddle, and a travel direction controller is configured to advance the high intensity energy source and the filler wire in a travel direction to deposit the filler wire on the at least one workpiece. The system also includes a controller configured to move the filler wire and/or the energy source in at least a first direction during the feeding and advancing of the filler wire. At least the first direction is controlled to obtain a desired shape, profile, height, size, or admixture of a bead formed by the molten puddle.

A system for and a method of controlling a filler wire and/or an heat source is provided. The system includes a high intensity energy source configured to heat at least one workpiece to create a molten puddle on a surface of the at least one workpiece. A filler wire feeder is configured to feed a filler wire into said molten puddle, and a travel direction controller is configured to advance the high intensity energy source and the filler wire in a travel direction to deposit the filler wire on the at least one workpiece. The system also includes a controller configured to move the filler wire and/or the energy source in at least a first direction during the feeding and advancing of the filler wire. At least the first direction is controlled to obtain a desired shape, profile, height, size, or admixture of a bead formed by the molten puddle.

A process for growing a substrate (24) as a melt pool (28) solidifies beneath a molten slag layer (30). An energy beam (36) is used to melt a powder (32) or a hollow feed wire (42) with a powdered alloy core (44) under the slag layer. The slag layer is at least partially transparent (37) to the energy beam, and it may be partially optically absorbent or translucent to the energy beam to absorb enough energy to remain molten. As with a conventional ESW process, the slag layer insulates the molten material and shields it from reaction with air. A composition of the powder may be changed across a solidification axis (A) of the resulting component (60) to provide a functionally graded directionally solidified product.

A process for growing a substrate (24) as a melt pool (28) solidifies beneath a molten slag layer (30). An energy beam (36) is used to melt a powder (32) or a hollow feed wire (42) with a powdered alloy core (44) under the slag layer. The slag layer is at least partially transparent (37) to the energy beam, and it may be partially optically absorbent or translucent to the energy beam to absorb enough energy to remain molten. As with a conventional ESW process, the slag layer insulates the molten material and shields it from reaction with air. A composition of the powder may be changed across a solidification axis (A) of the resulting component (60) to provide a functionally graded directionally solidified product.

A method for manufacturing a pressure measuring cell, which has a ceramic platform and a ceramic measuring membrane, wherein the measuring membrane is joined with the platform pressure tightly by an active hard solder, or braze, wherein the method includes: providing the platform, the measuring membrane and the active hard solder, or braze, positioning the active hard solder, or braze, between the platform and the measuring membrane; melting the active hard solder, or braze, by irradiating the active hard solder, or braze, by a laser, wherein the irradiating of the active hard solder, or braze, occurs through the measuring membrane; and letting the active hard solder, or braze, solidify by cooling.

A method for manufacturing a pressure measuring cell, which has a ceramic platform and a ceramic measuring membrane, wherein the measuring membrane is joined with the platform pressure tightly by an active hard solder, or braze, wherein the method includes: providing the platform, the measuring membrane and the active hard solder, or braze, positioning the active hard solder, or braze, between the platform and the measuring membrane; melting the active hard solder, or braze, by irradiating the active hard solder, or braze, by a laser, wherein the irradiating of the active hard solder, or braze, occurs through the measuring membrane; and letting the active hard solder, or braze, solidify by cooling.