Gases that absorb IR radiation

[Eric Markiewicz]

Hello,

I'm looking for a gas (hopefully one that is readily available) that will absorb Nd:YAG laser radiation at 1064 nm. The purpose is to heat the gas to transmit heat into a glass fiber composite which normally does not absorb IR light.

 

[MarkJW]

For atmospheric gases, water may be the best bet.

http://thermal-imaging-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/snellblog08-03-1.bmp

 

[mfb]

Does it have to be a gas? Water vapour is not a bad approach if it does have to be a gas.

 

[Eric Markiewicz]

Yes, it needs to be a gas. Our laser is 2kW, and we've tried other absorbents. We currently use a superheated nitrogen torch.

 

[Eric Markiewicz]

Water vapor doesn't seem to absorb much IR at 1064nm

 

[mfb]

Still more than (most?) other common gases. A solid or liquid would give more absorption...