Wavelength and laser basics (ND:YAG)

2 replies · 2K views · last reply
joslaz90
Hey guys!
I hope my English skills are enough to describe my problems sufficiently.(Homework Statement )
Line graph of absorption A (0 to 0.30) against wavelength λ in µm (0.1 to 20, log scale) for Ag, Au, Cu, Al, Fe, Stahl and Mo, with vertical markers for Nd:YAG laser near 1 µm and CO2 laser near 10 µm.


I. Following the following picture, what wavelength should a laser be used to process aluminum?

II. What metal surface can be cleaned with a frequency-doubled NDYAG laser?

To I:
The literature says that both ND: YAG and CO2 lasers can be used for this. The high reflection rate can be operated by both laser types

To II:
Such a laser has a wavelength of 532 nm and is particularly suitable for reflecting surfaces, corresponding to a significant advantage over a Co2 laser. Which metals are primarily to be mentioned here? Silver? Or is my approach wrong?I am glad about every contribution and every help (:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Doubling the frequency is half the wavelength. You are correct there. From the graph, all metals except silver will be absorbing a significant portion of energy at this wavelength.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: joslaz90
Many thanks for your response!

However, I do not quite understand how the diagram is to be read. Is the value with the least absoption at 532nm to be read (ie Ag)?