An important field for biocompatible polymers is the production of vision implants, such as intraocular lenses (IOL) and customized contact lenses, where polymer surface polishing plays a crucial role.

Typically, curved surfaces are manufactured mechanically through milling, turning, or lathe cutting. While 3D objects or surfaces can be created using laser micromachining, producing a surface finish with surface roughness values lower than 1 µm Ra is challenging due to the nature of light-matter interaction.

However, bursts of femtosecond laser pulses enable the polishing of biocompatible hydrophilic acrylic polymer surfaces to achieve a roughness value of less than 50 nm Ra. A laser-polished surface demonstrates a transparent appearance, showing great potential for the commercial fabrication of low-surface-roughness custom-shaped optics.

The CARBIDE femtosecond laser is the number one choice for polymer surface polishing, capable of processing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic polymers.

Stainless steel polishing is a finishing technique used to achieve a specific or unique surface finish on metal.

Stainless steel, a widely used alloy known for its rust-free and heat-resistant properties, is utilized in various applications ranging from consumer electronics to medical tools. Femtosecond lasers can engrave different types of stainless steel and modify their surface properties.

Ultrashort pulsed laser radiation forms a typical micro-cone structure with roughness values of Sa approximately 6 µm, Sq approximately 8 µm, and Sz over 30 µm. As a result, the bottom of the structure appears dark grey and lacks a metallic shine. Subsequent polishing of stainless steel using GHz burst mode can completely smooth the micro-cone structure, resulting in roughness values of Sa and Sq below 0.2 µm, and Sz below 2 µm.