Adhesive tapes consist of an acrylic-based adhesive on a paper or polymer carrier. Adhesive tapes are also known as PSA tapes, sticky tapes, and masking tapes. Laser processing of adhesive tapes can be done with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO₂ laser with no difference in processing quality. Laser processing adhesive tapes is usually not possible with a 1.06 micron fiber laser, as the wavelength is not absorbed by the organic material. When laser cutting of adhesive tapes, the laser efficiently ablates the acrylic-based adhesives to produce a clean, damage-free cut edge with minimal heat affected zone, and free of discoloration. The laser can also be modulated to cut to specific liners in the tape without penetrating the liner for controlled layer cutting. When laser marking adhesive tapes with a CO₂ laser, the beam modifies the surface of the paper or polymer carrier to change its appearance, which can be lighter or darker depending upon the substrate.