Dual-band antireflection (DBAR) windows based on surface microstructures offer a promising solution for mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) co-aperture composite imaging. However, micro-nano manufacturing technology faces significant challenges in efficiently producing highly uniform microstructures with characteristic dimensions of ~1 μm across hundreds of millimeters. Here, we report a laser optical field modulation (LOFM) technology for the rapid manufacture of ultra-large-scale arrays of antireflection microholes (ARMHs) on large-aperture and non-perfectly planar windows. LOFM technology, which modulates laser pulses in both temporal and spatial domains, enhances ARMH aspect ratios from 0.1 to 0.8 without reducing manufacturing time, and maintains processing accuracy even with laser focus shifts, thereby addressing inconsistencies in large-area processing. As a proof of concept, approximately 7 billion ARMHs are fabricated on a 100-mm-diameter zinc sulfide (ZnS) window at a rate of 20000 holes per second using LOFM technology assisted by machine learning. The fabricated DBAR ZnS window exhibits ultra-broadband (3.5−14 μm), high transmittance (91.1%), wide-angle transmission, wear-resistant, and self-cleaning, making it suitable for environments with multiple interference factors. Dual-band imaging applications demonstrate the significant advantages of DBAR windows in target recognition, multi-scenario robustness, and information acquisition.

The ultrafast laser-matter interaction is explored to induce new pioneering principles and technologies into the realms of fundamental science and industrial production. The local thermal melting and connection properties of the ultrafast laser welding technology offer a novel method for welding of diverse transparent materials, thus having wide range of potential applications in aerospace, opto-mechanical systems, sensors, microfluidic, optics, etc. In this comprehensive review, tuning the transient electron activation processes, high-rate laser energy deposition, and dynamic evolution of plasma morphology by the temporal/spatial shaping methods have been demonstrated to facilitate the transition from conventional homogeneous transparent material welding to the more intricate realm of transparent/metal heterogeneous material welding. The welding strength and stability are also improvable through the implementation of real-time, in-situ monitoring techniques and the prompt diagnosis of welding defects. The principles of ultrafast laser welding, bottleneck problems in the welding, novel welding methods, advances in welding performance, in-situ monitoring and diagnosis, and various applications are reviewed. Finally, we offer a forward-looking perspective on the fundamental challenges within the field of ultrafast laser welding and identify key areas for future research, underscoring the imperative need for ongoing innovation and exploration.