Image in laser-etched-photo-crystal is created by the focused laser beam “burning” inside crystal. It creates millions of microfracture points to form an image. The conical beam, with a focal length of about 2"-3", shines into the glass without damaging it, except at the focal point where the image is located.
At that one focal point, concentrated energy heats the glass to the cracking point, causing a minor "burn", or fracture which is the element of image. To draw more cracking points and form a complete image, the computer controlled motor moves the laser beam to different places inside crystal. Laser beam is on and off (pulse) during the process. A typical image will consist of hundred thousand points depending image size and accuracy.
The current laser technology used in engraving machine allows the "burn" speed of 1000 points to 2000 points per second. The engraving time depends on many factors, such as image brightness and contrast, size of crystal, and "burn" size.
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