Methods and systems for laser processing a workpiece using a plurality of tailored laser pulse shapes

A method for laser dicing a workpiece using a plurality of different temporal pulse profiles that are changed on-the-fly, the workpiece including one or more device layers formed over a semiconductor substrate, the one or more device layers including a pattern of multiple, mutually spaced apart electronic circuit components separated by one or more streets along which a laser beam can form a kerf defined by side walls, the method comprising:

• selecting a first temporal pulse profile shape and a second temporal pulse profile shape;
• generating, using a single laser source, a first laser pulse train including a sequence of laser pulses temporally shaped according to the first temporal pulse profile shape and a second laser pulse train including a sequence of laser pulses temporally shaped according to the second temporal pulse profile shape;
• in a first pass of the laser beam along a street, directing the first laser pulse train to the workpiece to remove at least a first portion of the one or more device layers along the street;
• and
• in a second pass of the laser beam along the street, directing the second laser pulse train to the workpiece to cut through the semiconductor wafer along the street.