Making CO_2 Lasers More Efficient

摘要

Careful selection of resonator gases can boost CO_2 laser production. As high-powered CO_2 laser technology has expanded the past 15 years, so has the demand for higher-purity resonator gases. Of the gases introduced into the laser resonator, the CO_2 component has the most difficulty meeting the increasing purity requirements. In the early 1990s, major laser suppliers recommended a minimum CO_2 purity level of 99.9 percent. This specification was tightened to 99.99 percent in 1995, and further to 99.995 percent in 2000. As new, high-powered lasers hit the market, these purity requirements will continue to tighten. Gas purity in the resonator chamber is critical to laser operation. When the resonator or beam-purge gases introduce impurities, they collect on mirrors, absorbing beam energy, and degrading the cutting, welding, or drilling operations. Dirty laser components (mirrors and optics) are detrimental to efficiency and service life.