Pulsed kilowatt Nd:YAG laser with fiber optic beam delivery

Peter Verboven

doi:10.1117/12.184606

16 August 1994 Pulsed kilowatt Nd:YAG laser with fiber optic beam delivery

Peter Verboven

Proceedings Volume 2206, High-Power Gas and Solid State Lasers; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184606
Event: Europto High Power Lasers and Laser Applications V, 1994, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

An Nd:YAG laser with 1 kW average power, 180 J pulse energy, 60 kW pulse power and with 600 micrometers diameter fiber optic beam delivery has been developed. Applications include 4.8 mm deep seam welding at 50 mm/min and 5 mm thick metal cutting at 400 mm/min. Using pulse superposition of unequal and or delayed pulses provides a simple and effective way of shaping the time profile of the pulse, which can be of advantage for special welding applications. Energy is measured on line by means of a wedged beam sampler, an integrating sphere, an optical fiber and a photodiode. Regarding the beam delivery optics, special care must be taken to minimize reflection losses. Anti-reflection coating of fiber end faces was investigated. Though the peak power density 30 MW/cm² is lower than what has been reported as a routinely achievable damage threshold, the tremendous energy density 90 kJ/cm² poses problems. In view of the relatively small area of the fiber, end face cleaning and surface adhesion are critical. Two high power processing head objectives were developed to image the fiber end face onto the work piece.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Verboven "Pulsed kilowatt Nd:YAG laser with fiber optic beam delivery", Proc. SPIE 2206, High-Power Gas and Solid State Lasers, (16 August 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184606

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