Advances in CO2 laser technology for industrial applications

Peter Loosen

doi:10.1117/12.144620

4 May 1993 Advances in CO2 laser technology for industrial applications

Peter Loosen

Proceedings Volume 1810, 9th International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.144620
Event: Ninth International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers, 1992, Heraklion, Greece

Abstract

CO₂-lasers are widely used in industrial applications. The increasing number of demanding applications as well as market needs are defining several trends in laser development. For welding and cutting of heavy steel sections as well as high-speed surface treatment, lasers with high output power are needed, well above 5 kW, which is the maximum for most applications now. Increasing the beam quality is a second trend which can be observed. High beam-quality systems are essential for sophisticated applications in the field of quality controlled and precision processing such as fine cutting, high speed cutting, and high speed welding. Along with these technical considerations the market development is demanding CO₂-lasers, which can be produced at much lower prices compared to conventional systems in order to be competitive worldwide and to open new applications and markets for CO₂-lasers. In order to meet the physical and technical requirements of these trends, a couple of basic investigations in the field of excitation and resonator physics as well as new technical designs are necessary. An overview on the respective activities of the ILT along with examples of technical designs are given in this paper.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Loosen "Advances in CO2 laser technology for industrial applications", Proc. SPIE 1810, 9th International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers, (4 May 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.144620

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