Carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) lasers are among the earliest developed and most mature types of high-power continuous lasers. They have been widely applied in various fields, including material processing, medical treatments, military applications, and environmental monitoring. Since the late 1970s, COâ‚‚ lasers were imported from abroad for industrial and medical use. By the late 1980s, they became more commonly used in material processing, marking a significant step in their commercialization.
Despite their growing popularity, the adoption of COâ‚‚ laser technology has not been without challenges. As a relatively new tool compared to traditional methods, it brought about unique difficulties for manufacturers. This paper explores the current status and evolution of COâ‚‚ lasers across different industries, highlighting common issues faced during their operation. It also discusses the application trends based on laser power levels and provides insights into future developments.
COâ‚‚ lasers are considered important gas lasers due to several key advantages. First, they offer high power and energy efficiency. A typical closed COâ‚‚ laser can produce tens of watts continuously, while lateral flow models can reach hundreds of kilowatts. Their energy conversion efficiency can be as high as 30-40%, which is superior to many other gas lasers.
Second, COâ‚‚ lasers operate at wavelengths near 10 microns, corresponding to vibrational and rotational transitions of COâ‚‚ molecules. These lasers have multiple spectral lines, with some high-pressure models even offering tunable output between 9 and 10 microns.
Third, the 10-micron wavelength aligns with the atmospheric window, allowing for efficient transmission through the air. Additionally, COâ‚‚ lasers provide high beam quality, good coherence, narrow line width, and stable operation, making them suitable for a wide range of applications such as cutting, welding, communication, radar, chemical analysis, and surgery.
Looking ahead, COâ‚‚ lasers are expected to evolve in several directions. High-power cross-flow models are being developed for industrial applications like surface hardening and cladding. Acousto-optic Q-switched COâ‚‚ lasers are designed for specialized uses such as ranging and environmental monitoring. Compact RF-excited waveguide lasers aim to improve portability and durability for both industrial and military use.
Portable TEA (Transversely Excited Atmospheric) COâ‚‚ lasers have also emerged, offering compact and lightweight designs ideal for field operations. High-power continuous COâ‚‚ lasers are being optimized for applications like helicopter blade repair, where precise control and reduced thermal damage are essential.
In China, efforts have focused on improving the cost-effectiveness and performance of COâ‚‚ lasers. While cross-flow models are cost-effective and powerful, their beam quality limits their use to remanufacturing and heat treatment. German axial COâ‚‚ lasers, known for superior beam quality, are still too expensive and complex for widespread adoption by small and medium enterprises. As a result, future development in China may focus on more affordable and practical alternatives.
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