FAQ

QiOVA uses dynamic, programmable “smart” SLMs which, when coupled with our BeamForge software, convert a single beam injected at the input of our VULQ1-M module into several tens or hundreds of parallelized multibeams at the module’s output. Depending on the laser energy available at the module input, our BeamForge software can be used to shape different multi-beam patterns and modulate the energy on each multi-beam. Our technology is ideally suited to marking 2D data matrix codes, QR codes or accelerating micro-machining processes such as surface structuring, micro-drilling, ablation or thin-film cutting.

No, the multiple beams generated by our VULQ1-M module retain the type of single beam injected at the module’s input (a Gaussian beam will remain Gaussian). What our VULQ1 module does, in addition to generating multi-beam models, is correct aberrations such as astygmatism, coma and center point suppression, which are typical of all SLMs, as well as delta X, Y and Z correction, and the angle correction induced by the first mirror of a galvanometric scanner, to enable surface machining of a parafacial sample at the propagation axis of the optical installation (breadobroad, or industrial laser system).

Absolutely not: the classic sequences for setting laser parameters (power, pulse duration, frequency, ….) and galvanometric scanner parameters (trajectory, scanning speed, etc.) are retained. To these two classic sequences, we add a pre-leminary sequence, namely: the choice of pre-loaded or customized multi-beam pattern, and the desired energy modulation by multi-beam or not. This sequence, corresponding to the module, is added to the PLC before the next two sequences (laser and scanner).

The VULQ1-M module is installed between the laser source and the scanner. It may be useful to use a telescope or beam expander between the output window of the laser source and the input window of the module, first to meet VULQ1-M specified conditions of use, also to have a fine control on the focused beam diameter. If possible, the scanner should be positioned as close as possible to the output of the VULQ1-S module. If not, a simple reimaging system needs to be used to enjoy the full perfomance of multibeam processing ; QiOVA’s technical will be happy to support design work fit to your installation.

The VULQ1-M module can operate with all types of pulsed lasers (nanosecond, picosecond, femtosecond), as well as continuous lasers up to 100W average power in the infrared, and 50W in the visible. A new, more powerful version will enable us to work with even more powerful lasers.

Yes – the generation of top-hat or Bessel beam profiles from a Gaussian inputs is possible with VULQ1-M in the future. It requires to use advanced algorithms we are currently developping in collaboration with the universite of Strabourg, within the SM4RT.PR0D France 2030 framework. These new function wil be supported by the same hardware as today.

VULQ1 technology can mark any type of Datamatrix or QR codes from user input, it is a simple software configuration question. But VULQ1 doesit much faster than any other conventional laser.

Generally, VULQ1 is much faster than conventional solutions because it uses smart parallelization of the marking process.
More specifically, concerning the 2D codes, QiOVA holds 2 worldwide patents on specific marking technologies:
1- FULL-STAMP (typical code dimensions: 0.5mm to 3mm) where a laser pulse instantly marks a 2D Data Matrix code.
2- PIXEL-STAMP (typical dimensions fixed by the scanner’s field of view) where QR codes or alphanumeric codes are marked point by point at pixel scale by each parallelized multi-beam.
PIXEL-STAMP is also used for process acceleration in micro-machining, energy modulation can also be employed for each multi-beam.

Yes, perfectly. Our multi-beam technology can be applied to the acceleration of micro-machining processes whenever a multi-beam process exists, thus enabling the use of more than 50% of laser power (which is traditionally the case with a single beam) and therefore the parallelization of beams to accelerate processes and thus achieve a tenfold increase in productivity (x4 to x8) and thus enable a much higher return on investment and a reduction in machining cost per part.

QiOVA’s dynamic, programmable multi-beam solutions are designed primarily for the following markets and applications:
– Medical industries: marking of pharmaceuticals primary packaging (syringes, vials, plungers, sprays, eye drops, etc.).
– Luxury goods industry: decoration of all kinds (bottles, caps, etc.), unique QR codes for customer engagement
– Electronics: serialization of chips or miniaturized components
– Beverage industry: decoration of bottles, in-line serialization of cans
– Micro-machining: all surface processing, selective ablation, micro-drilling, texturation