The present invention is directed to systems and methods for irradiating
regions of a thin film sample(s) with laser beam pulses having different
energy beam characteristics that are generated and delivered via
different optical paths. Exemplary methods include the steps of
generating a plurality of laser beam pulses having energy beam
characteristics, directing a generated laser beam pulse onto a first
optical path, modulating the energy beam characteristics of the first
optical path-directed laser beam pulse, irradiating at least a portion of
a first region of the thin film with the first optical path-directed
laser beam pulse to induce crystallization of the portion of the first
region, directing a generated laser beam pulse onto a second optical
path, modulating the energy beam characteristics of the second optical
path-directed laser beam pulse, wherein the energy beam characteristics
of the second optical path-directed laser beam pulse is different from
the energy beam characteristics of the first optical path-directed laser
beam pulse, and irradiating at least a portion of a second region of the
thin film with the second optical path-directed laser beam pulse to
induce crystallization of the portion of the second region. An exemplary
system includes a first optical path, a second optical path, a beam
steering element for directing laser beam pulses onto the first optical
path and the second optical path; and a handling stage for controlling
the position of a thin film relative to the laser beam pulses being
directed via the first and second optical paths.