For the first time ever, it is possible to combine the advantages of both water and laser cutting in one operation. Utilizing the difference in the refractive indices of air and water, the technology behind Laser MicroJet® creates a laser beam that is completely reflected at the air-water interface. 

The laser is, therefore, entirely contained within the water jet as a parallel beam, similar in principle to an optical fiber.

Illustration of the Laser MicroJet® principle

This lack of deviation is maintained through and beyond the work piece, facilitating the accurate cutting of porous or layered materials, all with minimal thermal and structural distortion, leaving a fine cut edge. Its advantages outweigh both high-pressure water jet cutting and conventional laser cutting.

The conventional focused laser beam has a limited working distance of just a few millimeters due to beam divergence.  As a result, the conventional laser generates a heat-affected zone in the material causing damage.  Contamination is also an issue as the molten material is not expelled.


Laser MicroJet® technology employs a laser beam which is completely reflected at the air-water interface, where the beam can be guided over a distance up to 10 cm.  The water jet cools the substrate while removing the molten material from the cut and avoiding contamination.

Outstrips High-Pressure Water Cutting
The water jet releases a low pressure stream of water, generating virtually no force on the work piece, thus allowing trouble-free processing of very fine materials. 
The gentle water stream reduces contamination to a minimum as ablated material is removed by the water, leaving the cut area clean and clear from debris.

Cooler than a Conventional Laser
Unlike conventional laser cutting where thermal distortion is a problem, the cut is cooled by the water jet between laser pulses, producing what is effectively “cold laser cutting.”  This method significantly reduces deformation and heat damage, allowing the material to retain its original structure.

More versatile than both
With Laser MicroJet®, complex 3-D cutting is possible because of its long working distance and fiber-like transmission.  Laser MicroJet® can be used effectively with complex profiles and contours where normal access would be impeded or impossible.