Customizable edge contour glass cutting enabled by improved volumetric holographic algorithm

Abstract Ultra-thin glass (UTG) possesses a broad spectrum of applications in high-end electronic devices, such as foldable smartphones and flexible displays. Laser beam shaping for arc cutting UTG screens helps reduce stress concentration, thereby effectively enhancing their safety and longevity. However, the existing three-dimensional (3D) holography algorithms in beam shaping often suffer from high computational complexity and limited flexibility. To address these issues, we propose an iterative holographic algorithm combined with 3D chirp-z transform (3D-CZT) that generates 3D designable multi-foci with 90% light field uniformity. It also effectively corrects spherical aberration caused by refractive index mismatches, while maintaining precise beam shaping throughout the material. Moreover, by focusing on a specific region, the 3D-CZT method reduces the single iteration time to 0.5 seconds, achieving a speed one order of magnitude faster than conventional algorithms. On this basis, customizable glass-edge cutting by shaping the 3D-focused beam within the material is achieved. The glass edge demonstrates high geometric fidelity and remains smooth, mitigating the risk of micro-cracks. This work proposes a sophisticated and efficient methodology for the laser cutting of transparent materials.