Relays are electromagnetic switches. They were essential components of the first electric computer and are found even today in modems and analogous telephones.

The small leaf-springs of the relay contacts have to be properly bended. Subsequent to their mechanical bias tension, these contact springs are therefore locally heated by a laser until they have reached the correct bending. Each laser pulse distorts the spring by a definite amount.

This technique of relay adjustment replaces expensive precursor technologies and is a prerequisite for miniaturized products of high switching power.