Methods and systems to keep a work piece surface free from liquid accumulation while performing liquid-jet guided laser based material processing

A liquid jet guided laser system comprising:

• a laser for emitting a laser beam;
• a first nozzle module for forming a liquid jet from a liquid supply line;
• an optical element for introducing the laser beam into the liquid jet,
• wherein the laser beam is configured to be totally internally reflected within the liquid jet;
• a second nozzle module comprising a first gas inlet connected to one or more first gas supply lines to form a first gas flow,
• wherein the first gas flow is an assist gas,
• wherein the second nozzle module comprises a first exit,
• wherein the second nozzle module is configured to form a cavity with the first nozzle module, and
• wherein the liquid jet and the assist gas are configured to enter the cavity, and the liquid jet with the assist gas exits out of the second nozzle module through the first exit;
• and
• a third nozzle module comprising a second gas inlet connected to one or more second gas supply lines to form a second gas flow, wherein the second gas flow is an air jet,
• wherein the second nozzle module and the third nozzle module are configured to form a first conduit between the second nozzle module and the third nozzle module,
• wherein the air jet is configured to pass through the first conduit and exits out of a second exit formed between the second nozzle module and the third nozzle module,
• wherein the air jet is configured to exit separately from the laser and liquid jet with assist gas, and
• wherein the air jet is configured to surround the laser and the liquid jet with assist gas.