Potential applications of a 50 W CO₂ laser

Authors

Michelle M. Tiamzon ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman
Marlon Rosendo H. Daza ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman
Joshua Benito F. M. Natividad ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman

Abstract

Characterization of a CW CO₂ laser having an oscillator-amplifier configuration is performed. The block diagram of the experimental setup is shown. The oscillator used is a slow-axial-flow CW CO₂ laser capable of generating stable output power up to 50 Watts at a current of 40 mA and total gas pressure of 27 torr. The amplifier tube used is 1.2 m long and 0.8 cm in diameter fitted with two zinc selenide flat windows. The potential application of the CW CO₂ laser to materials processing is investigated. Important parameters in materials processing is also studied. The output beam is focused to a small spot size and is able to drill and cut nonmetallic materials such as paper, cardboard, wood, textile, leather and plexiglass. Moreover, it was able to melt lead solder. The cuts produced have narrow kerfs and have charred and rough edges.

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Issue

1994: Proceedings of the 12th National Physics Congress of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas

Article ID

SPP-1994-LP-05

Section

Laser Physics and Spectroscopy

Published

1994-10-15

How to Cite

[1]

MM Tiamzon, MRH Daza, and JBFM Natividad, Potential applications of a 50 W CO2 laser, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 12, SPP-1994-LP-05 (1994). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-1994-LP-05.