Laser cutting process for forming stents

Abstract

Systems and methods for improving the cutting efficiency and cut profile of stent strut is provided. A means for altering the energy distribution of a laser beam is provided, along with various ways of controlling a laser to provide for improved strut configurations are provided. A method for improved cutting speeds using a combination of laser sources is also provided.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for shaping a laser beam for cutting a stent pattern into a stent, comprising:
 providing a laser beam having a first intensity distribution; and   re-mapping the first intensity distribution of the laser beam to a second intensity distribution.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first intensity distribution is a Gaussian intensity distribution. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the second intensity distribution is a top hat intensity distribution. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the second intensity distribution is a non-Gaussian intensity distribution. 
     
     
         6 . A method for cutting a stent pattern into a tube, comprising:
 remapping the intensity distribution of a laser beam to a non-Gaussian intensity distribution; and   applying the non-Gaussian intensity beam to a tube to remove at least a portion of a wall thickness of the tube.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein applying the beam to the tube includes exposing the tube to multiple passes of the laser beam. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein remapping includes providing a non-Gaussian intensity distribution to the laser beam, the non-Gaussian intensity distribution having at least one characteristic resulting in removing material from the wall of the tube in a selected configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the selected configuration includes forming indentations on a surface of the tube. 
     
     
         10 - 20 . (canceled)