Laser heat is localized, but the Thermal Return Time determines if that heat can dissipate. In tiny designs, the laser returns so fast that the material never cools down.
Act I: The Bug
Standard Raster Path (1mm Scale)
Return Time
2.0 ms
Surface State
Ablation/Pitting
Chemical State
De-oxidation
Resulting Slag
High
Thermal Compounding
The Failure: At a 1mm scale, the laser returns to the same neighborhood in just 2ms. This exceeds the thermal relaxation limit, causing Ablative Pitting (surface craters), Slag Accumulation (re-solidified dross), and Thermal De-oxidation (destruction of the protective oxide layer).
Act II: The Fix
Dispersive Pathing (Stochastic)
Min. Return
54.0 ms
Thermal Relief
High
Thermal Stress
The Success: By using a Dispersive Path, we scatter the energy. The laser still hits every pixel, but the Return Time to any specific neighborhood is extended to >50ms, allowing perfect cooling.