10/26/2010
7,820,936
Method and apparatus for controlling and adjusting the intensity profile of a laser beam employed in a laser welder for welding polymeric and metallic components
Weber and Holman of Boston Scientific Scimed, Minnesota have developed a method for forming a fusion bond between two materials such as two components of a catheter. The method begins by positioning the parts for bonding.  A laser beam is generated that has an intensity profile across its width  the parts fused together.  After the laser beam is generated, the intensity profile of the laser beam that is directed onto the bond site is controllably adjusted by an optical element such as a dynamically-adjustable beam shaping element.  (RDC 2/18/2011)