Nd-YAG laser welding of the fiber optic connector to the header shell on the 2SL actuator

摘要

An investigation was completed to determine the feasibility of laser welding a fiber optic connector at a right angle to the header shell of the 2SL actuator. The work was completed at the request of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). These studies showed a minimal temperature rise at the fiber-to-connector shell seal area and essentially no loss in light transmission after welding. Both metallographic sections and tensile pull-test failure values were obtained. This study proves feasibility and with minimal change in parameters the penetration can be easily increased, which will yield higher tensile pull-test failure values.