Multiple-beam laser processing using multiple laser beams with distinct wavelengths and/or pulse durations

A multiple-beam laser processing system for processing a workpiece made of a non-absorptive material, the multiple-beam laser processing system comprising:

• an assist laser for generating an assist laser beam with a first wavelength and a first pulse duration, wherein the non-absorptive material of the workpiece is sufficiently absorptive of the assist laser beam with the first wavelength and the first pulse duration to modify a property of the non-absorptive material, wherein the assist laser is a green fiber laser;
• a process laser for generating a process laser beam with a second wavelength and a second pulse duration, wherein at least one of the first and second wavelengths and the first and second pulse durations are different, and wherein the process laser beam alone is not sufficiently absorbed in the non-absorptive material of the workpiece to complete processing of the non-absorptive material, wherein the process laser is an IR fiber laser;
• and
• a beam combiner for directing the assist laser beam from the assist laser and the process laser beam from the process laser at a target location on the workpiece such that the assist laser beam with the first wavelength and the first pulse duration modifies a property of the non-absorptive material of the workpiece at the target location forming absorption centers and such that the process laser beam with the second wavelength and the second pulse duration is coupled into the absorption centers fanned in the non-absorptive material at the target location to complete processing of the non-absorptive material at the target location.

A multiple-beam laser processing system for processing a workpiece, the multiple-beam laser processing system comprising:

• a first laser for generating a first laser beam with a first wavelength and a first pulse duration, wherein the first laser beam at the first wavelength and the first pulse duration, by itself, is not able to complete processing of the workpiece, wherein the first laser is a green fiber laser;
• a second laser for generating a second laser beam with a second wavelength and a second pulse duration, wherein at least one of the first and second wavelengths and the first and second pulse durations are different, and wherein the second laser beam at the second wavelength and the second pulse duration, by itself, is not able to complete processing of the workpiece, wherein the second laser is an IR fiber laser;
• and
• a beam combiner for directing the first laser beam from the assist laser and the second laser beam from the process laser at a target location on the workpiece such that the first laser beam with the first wavelength and the first pulse duration modifies a property and/or a geometry of the at least one layer of material to facilitate the second laser beam completing processing of the workpiece at the target location.