Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1536435
14 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 Feature Interview by Marcy LaRont I-CONNECT007 Is it hard to imagine a single laser pulse re- duced not only from nanoseconds (0.000000001s) to picoseconds (0.0000 00000001 s) in its pulse duration, but even to femtoseconds (0.000000000000001 s)? Well, buckle up because it seems we are there. In this interview, Dr. Stefan Rung, technical director of laser machines at Schmoll Mas- chinen GmbH, traces the technology trajec- tory of the laser drill from the CO 2 laser to cutting-edge picosecond and hybrid laser drilling systems, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each method, and dem- onstrating how laser innovations are shaping the future of PCB fabrication. Marcy LaRont: Stefan, we are here to explore the evolution of laser drilling in PCB fabri- cation, and what's new and possible today. Take me through that history and what today's technology offers the printed circuit board and substrate manufacturer. The Evolution of Picosecond Laser Drilling