Low power YAG laser welding
- Unitek Miyachi Corp., Monrovia, CA (United States)
Low power Nd:YAG lasers are characterized by having 100 watts of average power or less. Pulsed and continuous wave (CW) are two types of low power industrial Nd:YAG lasers which can have similar average power rating but with entirely different output characteristics and materials processing capabilities. As a result, the average power rating of a pulsed YAG laser is not necessarily an accurate representation of the processing capability of the laser. Low power CW Nd:YAG lasers are often equipped with an acousto-optic Q-switch for use in laser marking and resistor trimming systems. With CW YAG lasers, the average power is normally linear to the processing speed and capability. Pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are also referenced by their average power rating. However, unlike CW YAG lasers, the average power of a pulsed YAG is not usually the best indicator of the welding capabilities of the laser. Peak power, pulse energy and pulse repetition rate are better indicators for determining the overall laser welding capabilities of low power pulsed YAG lasers. Additionally, low power pulsed YAG lasers offer a short pulse duration and can be focused to a small spot size to achieve power densities in excess of 1 million watts/per square centimeter.
- OSTI ID:
- 539337
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961073--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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