Short-Pulse Lasers Making a Flash in the Food and Beverage Industry

Most people associate lasers with a continuous beam, like that of a laser pointer, which is why pulsed and short-pulse lasers often go unrecognized. However, short-pulse lasers emit incredibly brief bursts of light, with pulse durations in the following ranges:

• Nanoseconds: 10^-9 seconds
• Picoseconds: 10^-12 seconds
• Femtoseconds: 10^-15 seconds

These brief flashes of light can be precisely focused on a localized area, minimizing thermal effects on heat-sensitive materials. As a result, they are increasingly utilized in various industries, including micromachining, precision material processing, medical applications, and scientific research. Recently, their applications in the food and beverage (F&B) industry have been on the rise. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative development.

Surface texturing and marking

Surface texturing and marking are common laser applications, but how can short-pulse lasers enhance items in the food industry? Laser cutting excels at creating tiny incisions that modify surface texture without damaging the bulk of the product. Consider chocolates and candies—texture plays a critical role in the consumer experience. Many food manufacturers recognize the importance of aesthetics and seek ways to produce visually stunning, high-quality items that meet consumer expectations.

Short-pulse laser technology enables food manufacturers to achieve remarkable levels of detail. For instance, it can impart unique textures or even change the color of chocolate to a holographic rainbow without damaging the product or significantly increasing production costs. This technology is becoming increasingly relevant in the F&B sector.

Cutting and slicing foods

Applications of short-pulse lasers go beyond decorating foods to increase their shelf appeal. They are also revolutionizing the cutting and slicing processes in the food industry, delivering exceptional precision and efficiency. These lasers create clean cuts without causing heat-related damage, which is crucial for preserving the integrity of delicate items like cheeses, meats, chocolates, and baked goods. 

One of the key advantages of short-pulse lasers is their ability to enhance production speed, with some manufacturers reporting productivity increases of up to 50% compared to traditional procedures. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in high-volume environments.

Additionally, laser cutting allows for intricate designs, helping products stand out in a competitive marketplace while significantly reducing waste—conventional techniques often generate uneven edges and excess material. Laser technology fosters more sustainable practices by minimizing off-cuts, ultimately lowering costs and benefiting the environment.

As the food industry increasingly adopts short-pulse laser technology, we can anticipate ongoing advancements in production efficiency, quality, and innovative product designs.

Peeling fragile foods

Some foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits, have thin, delicate skins that standard peeling methods can easily damage. Ultra-short laser pulses can peel these fragile items with minimal damage and material loss, preserving product integrity.

Brewing coffee

Traditionally, we brew coffee by grinding coffee beans and pouring hot water over them. An alternative is cold-brewing, a slower process that uses cold or room-temperature water and can yield a better outcome (i.e., a better flavor). While this approach takes several hours, the drink it produces is generally less acidic and bitter. The challenge is the time it takes to cold-brew the coffee. But what if we were to cold-brew coffee using short-pulse lasers?

Current technology suggests this innovative method could produce a flavorful cup of coffee in just three minutes. This is another practical (and fun!) example of how laser technology can be applied successfully in food science.

Cleaning surfaces and sterilizing food facilities and equipment

One of the biggest bottlenecks in the food industry is sanitizing the work environment. The facility where the food is produced can never be too clean. Contaminants can find their way into the food at any point. Ultra-short laser pulses not only assist in cleaning the facilities but can also be used for microbial decontamination.

Packaging and sealing food and beverage items

Compared to standard methods, short-pulse lasers can also enhance product packaging by creating more precise perforations, score lines, and sealing patterns. This accuracy is particularly beneficial for mass-distributed foods. Additionally, pulsed lasers can assist in defect detection, ensuring package integrity, which is essential for perishable items.

Wrap up

Short-pulse laser technology is sophisticated and versatile. Its applications in the F&B industry can enhance product quality, improve food safety, and optimize packaging for more efficient transportation—contributing to a positive ecological impact.

Join us at LaserNetUS to learn more about short-pulse lasers and laser applications.