Long-pulse high-repetition-rate transversely excited CO2 laser for material processing

Yuji Okita; Koichi Yasuoka; Akira Ishii; Tohru Tamagawa

doi:10.1117/12.176674

25 May 1994 Long-pulse high-repetition-rate transversely excited CO₂ laser for material processing

Yuji Okita, Koichi Yasuoka, Akira Ishii, Tohru Tamagawa

Proceedings Volume 2118, Gas, Metal Vapor, and Free-Electron Lasers and Applications; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176674
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Using a TE-CO2 laser, we could obtain a long-pulsed laser beam of low initial spike by controlling the discharge current by a pulse forming network and optimizing the gas composition, discharge length to resonator length ratio, and output mirror reflectivity. The maximum laser output was 1.1 J; the initial spike energy, 100 kW; the tail output, 56 kW; and the 16 (mu) sec (FWHM). The maximum repetition rate was 500 Hz. A new type of circuit with small pre-ionization current made it possible to operate the laser at a high repetition rate so as to prolong the laser life. When a 5-inch lens was used, the laser power density at the focal point was 1*10⁸ W/cm², making it possible to use the laser with an unusually high energy density without causing the breakdown of air insulation. In fact, we succeeded in fine- cutting a 0.5 mm thick alumina ceramic with the laser. It was found that unlike other working methods, the newly developed laser does not cause cracks in ceramic work pieces.

Citation Download Citation

Yuji Okita, Koichi Yasuoka, Akira Ishii, and Tohru Tamagawa "Long-pulse high-repetition-rate transversely excited CO₂ laser for material processing", Proc. SPIE 2118, Gas, Metal Vapor, and Free-Electron Lasers and Applications, (25 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176674

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