Recent research and development in laser machining and laser forming processes is reviewed. In the laser machining area, striation formation and prediction, and gas jet workpiece interactions are discussed. In the laser forming area, strain rate effects, and convex forming are presented.

Hybrid laser processing for precision microfabrication of hard materials, in which the interaction of a conventional pulsed laser beam and another medium on the material surface leads to effective ablation, is reviewed. The main role of the medium is to produce strong absorption of the nanosecond laser beam by the materials. Simultaneous irradiation with the ultraviolet (UV) laser beam and the ...