Multi-wavelength programmable laser processing mechanisms and apparatus utilizing spectrometer verification

A method for verifying machining system operations on a workpiece comprising at least two different materials having different identifying spectra comprising the steps of:

• a) generating a machining beam;
• b) generating a tracking beam, said tracking beam being separate from said machining beam;
• c) providing means for scanning said machining and tracking beams along an axis, said scanning means being movable and having a first surface for reflecting said machining beam and a second surface for reflecting said tracking beam;
• d) providing at least two tiltable lens one lens being positioned to at least partially focus said machining beam prior to being reflected by said scanning means, another lens being positioned to at least partially focus said tracking beam prior to being reflected by said scanning means;
• e) tilting each of said at least two lenses at an angle to said machining and tracking beams to add to said machining and tracking beams an amount of astigmatism opposite to astigmatism in the remainder of said system;
• f) providing at least two concave cylindrical mirrors having curved reflective surfaces, the curvatures of the reflective surfaces being substantially identical, one concave cylindrical mirror being positioned to receive and interrupt said reflected machining beam directly from said scanning means first surface, another concave cylindrical mirror being positioned to interrupt said reflected tracking beam directly from said scanning means second surface;
• g) simultaneously scanning said machining and tracking beams with said scanning means;
• h) reflecting said machining received directly from said scanning means first surface off said one concave cylindrical mirror and at least partially focusing said machining beam at a workpiece;
• i) reflecting said tracking beam received directly from said scanning means second surface off said another concave cylindrical mirror and at least partially focusing said tracking beam at a detector;
• j) securing a workpiece to receive said machining beam after reflection from said one concave cylindrical mirror;
• k) detecting said tracking beam after reflection from said another concave cylindrical mirror;
• l) determining the position of the reflected tracking beam;
• m) controlling said machining beam by determining the position of said machining beam relative to said workpiece based upon the detected position of the reflected tracking beam;
• n) detecting identifying spectra generated by vaporization of different materials in said workpiece by said machining beam;
• and
• o) verifying an end point of machining based upon the identification of spectra of said different materials in said workpiece.