Carbon dioxide laser equipment

Introduction

Carbon dioxide laser is a molecular laser, with the primary substance being carbon dioxide molecules. It can exhibit various energy states, depending on its vibrational and rotational modes.

The carbon dioxide laser, often referred to as the "invisible man," emits laser light with a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers, but there are other radiation lines in the 9-11 micrometer range (especially at 9.6 micrometers). In most cases, the radiation power ranges from tens of watts to several kilowatts. The power conversion efficiency can exceed 10%, which is higher than most solid-state lasers but lower than diode-pumped lasers.

The carbon dioxide laser operates in the infrared region, making it invisible to the naked eye. It functions in both continuous and pulsed modes and is used for laser cutting, welding, drilling, and surface treatment.

In continuous mode, the laser power can exceed 20 kilowatts. In pulsed mode, the laser produces a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers, making it one of the most powerful lasers available.

Applications

As a commercial application, carbon dioxide lasers can reach power levels of several kilowatts, making them the strongest material processing lasers and one of the most diverse types of lasers. They are widely used in the automotive industry, steel industry, shipbuilding, aerospace, electrical engineering, machinery, metallurgy, metal processing, and other fields. They account for approximately 40% of global industrial laser sales, with North America reaching as high as 70%.

Features and Advantages of Carbon Dioxide Lasers

1. Wide output power range; internationally, 100KW laser welders have been used for welding. Sealed-tube carbon dioxide lasers can achieve continuous output power of tens of watts, far exceeding other gas lasers. Transverse flow electrically excited carbon dioxide lasers can achieve continuous output of hundreds of kilowatts. Additionally, transverse atmospheric pressure carbon dioxide lasers have reached high levels in terms of pulse output energy and power, comparable to solid-state lasers.

2. High energy conversion efficiency; carbon dioxide lasers can achieve 30-40% energy conversion efficiency, surpassing most gas lasers.

3. Utilizing transitions between vibrational-rotational energy levels of CO2 molecules, they offer a rich spectrum, with dozens of laser output lines around 10 micrometers. Recent developments in high-pressure carbon dioxide lasers even allow continuous tunable output between 9-10 micrometers.

4. Their output wavelength falls within the atmospheric window, meaning the atmosphere has high transmittance at this wavelength. They also feature high optical quality, good coherence, narrow linewidth, and stable operation.

5. Excellent directionality, monochromaticity, and frequency stability. However, due to low gas density, achieving high excited particle concentration is challenging, so the output energy density of CO2 gas lasers is generally lower than that of solid-state lasers.

6. Capable of operating in both pulsed and continuous modes, with a wide range of welding applications, from micro-components to thicker workpieces.

7. The output wavelength is 10.6 micrometers, falling within the 8-14 micrometer atmospheric window, offering unique advantages in long-distance transmission.

8. Low gas purity requirements; industrial-grade carbon dioxide gas is generally sufficient.

9. The laser and power supply can be integrated into a single system, offering a compact structure and simple design.

10. Long service life.

Main Technical Parameters of the Equipment

Item	Specification
Laser Model	F1000/F2000
Excitation Method	RF Excitation
RF Frequency	100MHz
Wavelength	10.6µm
Average Power	1000W/2000W
Output Power Stability	±5%
Beam Ellipticity	＜1.2
Polarization	Linearly Polarized Light
Cooling Method	Water Cooling
Beam Diameter	2.0±0.3mm
Beam Divergence Angle	＜7.0mrad
Wavelength Range	10.6µm±0.2µm
Modulation Frequency	1-100MHz