The role of femtosecond lasers has expanded as consumer electronics manufacturers tackle durability challenges in flexible hardware. Apple is expected to present its first foldable iPhone on September 9, bringing renewed attention to whether folding screens can endure hundreds of thousands of bends without cracking. According to Lithuanian laser manufacturer LITILIT, component durability represents a major technical hurdle across the electronics sector as hardware becomes more compact.
Precision Demands in Next-Generation Hardware
Foldable smartphones combine multiple delicate materials, including ultra-thin glass, flexible display layers, compact printed circuit boards, ceramics, and semiconductor parts. Specifically, past patents filed by Apple describe glass thinned locally to between 10 and 50 microns along the folding crease. Manufacturing such thin glass requires cutting methods that prevent micro-cracks and thermal damage.
Furthermore, flexible plastic layers situated underneath displays must be cut cleanly. Rough or heat-damaged edges can deteriorate over time, eventually leading to structural tears after repeated folding cycles during daily use.
Benefits of Femtosecond Lasers in Electronics
Modern electronic components operate near strict physical limits where microscopic defects can render an entire part unusable. Nikolajus Gavrilinas, chief executive officer and co-founder of LITILIT, stated that short-pulse laser technology provides an effective method for processing sensitive materials adjacent to active circuitry.
“Femtosecond lasers solve these problems by using pulses so short that material evaporates before heat can spread, allowing them to process delicate components close to active circuitry without leaving heat damage or debris that could cause short circuits.”
Nikolajus Gavrilinas, CEO of LITILIT
In addition, these smart devices utilize advanced OLED displays that consist of layered organic light-emitting materials, circuitry, and protective coatings. Because even minor thermal exposure can harm these layers, femtosecond lasers are used to maintain precision and reliability throughout panel production.
Scaling Industrial Laser Manufacturing
Producing ultrashort-pulse lasers traditionally requires significant time and specialized personnel. However, growing industrial requirements in electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, and data center hardware have placed pressure on global equipment supply.
To address output constraints, LITILIT developed an architecture based on modular design, simplified component structures, and automation. The company developed its core technology alongside co-founders Kęstutis Regelskis and Nerijus Rusteika, in collaboration with the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology in Vilnius. The resulting laser design delivers approximately 20% electrical-to-optical femtosecond efficiency.
Expansion Plans and Production Targets
In June, LITILIT began construction on a high-capacity manufacturing facility in Vilnius that is scheduled to start operations within months. The company intends to produce roughly 1,000 units during its initial operational year, with plans to reach an annual run rate of 3,000 systems. LITILIT also plans to expand its production presence into additional international markets alongside partner organizations.
