Patent attributes
A method for the laser reinforced direct bonding of two optical components having a respective bonding surface and a reinforced optical assembly made thereby are provided. The method includes a first step of assembling the two optical components by direct bonding of their respective bonding surface together, thereby defining a direct-bonded interface therebetween. The method further includes a second step of reinforcing the direct-bonded interface with a weld seam including at least one substantially continuous reinforcing weld line forming a closed shape enclosing a sealed direct-bonded region. Each weld line is inscribed by focusing ultrashort laser pulses at the direct-bonding interface so as to generate non-linear optical phenomena inducing a localized junction between the two optical components. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide reinforced optical assemblies exhibiting hermetic and mechanically resistant bonds over a large area as well as negligible alteration of their optical transmission properties.
