3.00 Credits
Due to the significant advances of lasers, laser-based manufacturing and material processing have been widely used in many industry sectors, including energy, aerospace/aeronautics, automotive, medical, electronics, etc. Laser-matter interaction is a complicated multi-physics process, involving laser absorption, electron excitation, heat/mass transfer, fluid/solid mechanics, and phase/microstructure change, etc. A good understanding of these fundamental mechanisms in laser material processing is crucial for the improvement of accuracy, efficiency and product quality in these processes. This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of the lasers, optics, and laser-matter interaction mechanisms in various laser-based manufacturing and materials processing techniques. The students are also exposed to different analytical and numerical models that capture the physics in material processing techniques. Opportunities are created for students to explore the possibilities of using laser-based techniques in their own research areas. Students are expected to have completed an undergraduate course on heat transfer and fluid dynamics or obtained consent from instructor before enrolling in this course.