J48-1W Novanta Carbon Dioxide Laser

The Novanta / Synrad 48 Series Carbon Dioxide Lasers features both waveguide and free space carbon dioxide laser technology. The all-metal laser tube construction features the ruggedness, stable optical support, and small size of waveguide lasers. Its larger bore (4.8 mm) eliminates the high optical power density of waveguide lasers with their predisposition to optical degradation and incorporates the mode purity and easy optical alignment of free space TEM laser. Low cost is achieved by using simple extruded and welded aluminum structures packaged together with compact, state-of-the-art RF power supplies. The laser is self-contained requiring only the application of power, cooling air or water, and a control signal. It is therefore ideally suited for overhead installation where the laser is gantry-mounted since no RF cable runs are required.

The Novanta / Synrad 48 Series Carbon Dioxide Lasers emit a laser beam with a wavelength of 10.6 microns (μm) The beam shape is square at the laser output aperture, changing to circular at distance of approximately one meter or more from the laser. The laser beam diverges due to diffraction at a full angle of 4 mrad (milliradians), with the beam waist at the output aperture of the laser.

The method of RF excitation on which the 48 series is based provides excellent discharge stability, easily controlled output power and modulation, and Convenient interfacing to automated systems. Coupling between the RF driver and the laser is based on patented switching and transmission line technology. The RF drive operates at around 45 MHz and is matched to the resonant frquency of the plasma tube.

Power control of the laser beam is achieved by pulse width modulation (PWM) of the RF drive circuit. Modulation control can be used to gate on and off at time intervals synchronized with automated processing equipment. It can also be used to control instantaneous power by adjusting the pulse width (PWM duty cycle) at a fixed modulation frequency. Both methods can be used simultaneously.