What Is a High Power Laser?
High power lasers are industrial lasers known for their significant output power. They perform a range of processes like cutting and bending on materials such as metals, glass, and resins.
Uses of High Power Lasers
These lasers vary in application depending on their power output. Lower power 20-100 watt lasers handle materials like alumina, stainless steel, steel, magnesium, fluoropolymers, acrylic resins, and polyimide films, performing drilling, cutting, scribing, and marking.
Mid-range 100~1000 watt lasers are used for surface modifications like annealing and lithography. Lasers above 1000W, often mounted on industrial robots, are used for large-scale 3D metal processing.
Waveforms of High Power Lasers for Processing
High power lasers for processing are either pulsed lasers or continuous wave (CW) lasers. Pulsed lemit output intermittently, with their output expressed in peak output [W], pulse energy [J], and repetition frequency [Hz]. CW lasers, on the other hand, continuously oscillate at a constant power, measured in watts [W].
Types and Applications of Processing Lasers
Processing lasers fall into two broad categories: solid-state lasers and gas lasers. Solid-state lasers include YAG lasers, fiber lasers, and semiconductor lasers. YAG lasers process a range of materials, but not transparent ones like glass. Fiber lasers, using optical fibers doped with elements like ytterbium (Yb), are common for marking. Semiconductor lasers, though challenged by high output, are expected to be used for thermal processing.