CO2 Laser Beam Folding for 10kw Power Output

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and construction of a 10 kW CO2 laser, focusing on the importance of equivalent length for power output, the necessity of folding the laser beam, and the challenges associated with achieving such high power levels. Participants explore various design considerations, including the use of concave mirrors and the implications of gas pressure within the laser tube.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of folding the beam multiple times to achieve high power output, suggesting that having more lasing medium may be more critical.
  • Another participant proposes the idea of using a concave mirror with a focusing lens to potentially boost beam strength.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility and safety of building a 10 kW laser, with one participant emphasizing the dangers associated with such powerful lasers and the need for specialized environments and safety measures.
  • There is a mention of the limited applications for a 10 kW continuous laser, primarily in research contexts, and a reference to the typical power levels of CO2 lasers used in industrial applications.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the ability of an amateur to construct a laser of this power, highlighting the risks involved.
  • One participant inquires about laser societies for mentorship in laser cavity design, indicating a desire for more detailed guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the design considerations for a 10 kW CO2 laser, with no consensus on the best approach. There is a general agreement on the dangers of high-power lasers, but differing opinions on the technical aspects of achieving the desired power output.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of designing a high-power laser and the potential limitations of amateur construction. The discussion reflects varying levels of expertise and understanding of laser technology.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in laser technology, particularly those exploring high-power laser design, safety considerations, and mentorship opportunities in the field.

rppearso
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Why is it that equivalent length is so important for laser beam power output (Length = Power/60) - http://www.laserk.com/newsletters/whiteCO.html. I was reading that in order to get multiple kilowatts of power out of a CO2 laser beam you have to fold the beam a great number of times. Why is this the case? Can you instead make the rear reflector a concave mirror and then put a focusing lense in the apex of the concave mirror in order to boost the beam strength?

I am trying to build a 10kw CO2 laser and want to make sure I am taking everything into account and that I understand why I am doing what I am doing.

In order to get 10kw of power based on the equation above the total equivalent length would be 166 meters and I have a 1 meter long glass tube about 3" in diameter. I suppose I could try to design a single piece multi reflector inside the cavity but 166 times bouncing around would be tough. Is this how they are making 10kw lasers for DOD, etc?

I have gone through the following books -
Svelto O. Principles of Lasers (5ed., Springer, 2009)(ISBN 1441913017)
Milonni P.W., Eberly J.H. Laser Physics (Wiley, 2010)(ISBN 9780470387719)
I am looking for a copy of the following to review soon -
Lasers - Anthony E. Siegman

It seems these texts like to cover a bunch of material but kind of dance around the details required to actually build a high power laser (minimum of 10kw IR beam power).
 
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rppearso said:
I was reading that in order to get multiple kilowatts of power out of a CO2 laser beam you have to fold the beam a great number of times. Why is this the case? Can you instead make the rear reflector a concave mirror and then put a focusing lense in the apex of the concave mirror in order to boost the beam strength?
I'm not an experimentalist, so I may be wrong, but the point is not concentrating the light, it's having more lasing medium.
 
So folding the beam is not so much the issue as is having more pressure (more gas molecules) inside the tube? As well as more voltage?

Do you know if there are any laser societies so that I can seek out a mentor for very very detailed work on laser cavity design so that I can achieve a 10kw laser.
 
Last edited:
rppearso said:
Do you know if there are any laser societies so that I can seek out a mentor for very very detailed work on laser cavity design so that I can achieve a 10kw laser.

It would -fortunately- be impossible for an amateur to build a 10 kW laser, so the answer is most definitely no.
I suspect part of the problem here is that you might not realize just how powerful such a laser is. We have plenty of lasers where I work but any work that requires a class IV laser can only be used in special labs that can only be accessed by trained users, and only then using special safety equipment (interlocks, goggles etc) .
Class IV is the highest classification of lasers and encompasses any laser with an output power or more than 500 mW. This is already enough to burn your skin and even a reflected beam will make you go blind. You are talking about a laser that would be 20 000 more powerful than this:))
Note that CO2 lasers used to cut sheets of steel usually have an output power of around 200W or so and 3-4 kW CO2 lasers can cut 1/4" sheets of steel at a fast rate. There are very few applications that would require a 10 kW continuous laser (mostly research)
 
rppearso said:
Do you know if there are any laser societies so that I can seek out a mentor for very very detailed work on laser cavity design so that I can achieve a 10kw laser.
I thought you were doing a PhD in the field or something like that.

What you are trying to achieve is too dangerous for us to help you out.

Thread closed.
 

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