In this paper we present results on improved paint stripping performance with an intra-cavity generated Flattened
Gaussian Beam (FGB). A resonator with suitable diffractive optical elements was designed in order to produce a single
mode flat-top like laser beam as the output. The design was implemented in a TEA CO2 laser outputting more than 5 J
per pulse in the desired mode. The FGB showed improved performance in a paint stripping application due to its
uniformity of intensity, and high energy extraction from the cavity.
In this paper we present the design of a CO2 laser resonator that produces as the stable transverse mode a super-Gaussian
laser beam. The resonator makes use of an intra-cavity diffractive mirror and a flat output coupler, generating the
desired intensity profile at the output coupler with a flat wavefront. We consider the modal build-up in such a resonator
and show that such a resonator mode has the ability to extract more energy from the cavity that a standard cavity single
mode beam (e.g., Gaussian mode cavity). We demonstrate the design experimentally on a high average power TEA CO2
laser for paint stripping applications.
Laser ultrasonics is currently the optimal method for non-destructive testing of composite materials in the aerospace industry. The process is based on a laser-generated ultrasound wave which propagates inside the composite. The response at the material surface is detected and converted into a defect map across the aircraft. The design and optimisation of a laser system for this application is reviewed in this paper, together with the basic science involved. This includes the optimisation of laser parameters, such as output couplers and gas mixture, and the impact these choices have on the laser chemistry. We present a theory for the catalytic recombination of the gas which shows excellent agreement with experiment. Finally, an operating laser system for this application, yielding a six-fold improvement in performance over conventional laser systems, is described.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.