Can a CO2 laser be cabled with optical fiber?

In summary, CO2 lasers can be cabled with optical fiber, typically with a wavelength of 10 microns. This is how most industrial CO2 lasers work, with the laser itself being in a safe and stable location with a lot of cooling, while the fiber carries the laser power to the cutting head. Fibers are also used to bring the power from several laser heads to one point, although this is more common with diode lasers. However, fibres are not typically used for fusion experiments as there is no need for them in the large, fixed optical setups used for these experiments. Instead, lenses and mirrors are used to focus the laser energy.
  • #1
Nivanio
2
0
Hi, i have a question about optical fiber and CO2 laser

Can a CO2 laser be cabled with optical fiber?
Wavelength of 10 micron
 
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  • #2
yes, that's how most industria lCO2 lasers work. The laser itself is somewhere safe, mecahnically stable and with lots of cooling. A fibre carries the laser power to the cutting head. Often they even have a separate small visible laser fibre wrapped around the main bundle - if there is any fault in the power bundle and the beam leaks out it quickly burns through the optical fibre which is detected and the laser shuts down.

Fibres are also used to bring the power from several lasers heads to one point, although this is more common with diode lasers.
 
  • #3
Fibres are also used to bring the power from several lasers heads to one point...
I believe that this is how they are trying to focus enough energy to get fussion?
 
  • #4
Probably not with fibres. They wouldn;t handle the power level sfor interially confined fusion and effects like dispersion would be a problem for the crititcal timing needed.
In a fusion experiment you have lots of space to build miles of lasers and beam lines on fixed optical tables so there is no need to use fibres.
 
  • #5
Hmm, i think they use lenses and mirrors, and not optical fibers, or maybe a different kind of fiber...
 
  • #6
mgb_phys said:
In a fusion experiment you have lots of space to build miles of lasers and beam lines on fixed optical tables so there is no need to use fibres.
Or, in the case of the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Ignition_Facility" :bugeye:
 
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FAQ: Can a CO2 laser be cabled with optical fiber?

Can a CO2 laser be connected to an optical fiber?

Yes, a CO2 laser can be connected to an optical fiber. This allows for the delivery of the laser's beam to a remote location, making it more versatile and flexible in its applications.

What is the purpose of cabling a CO2 laser with optical fiber?

The purpose of cabling a CO2 laser with optical fiber is to transmit the laser's beam over a longer distance, allowing for more precise and controlled delivery of the laser's energy. This is particularly useful in medical and industrial applications.

How is a CO2 laser connected to an optical fiber?

A CO2 laser can be connected to an optical fiber through the use of a beam combiner, which combines the laser's beam with the fiber's beam. The combined beam is then transmitted through the fiber's core to the desired location.

What are the advantages of using optical fiber with a CO2 laser?

Using optical fiber with a CO2 laser has several advantages. It allows for more precise and controlled delivery of the laser's energy, reduces the risk of damage to surrounding tissues, and enables the laser to be used in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Are there any limitations to cabling a CO2 laser with optical fiber?

Yes, there are some limitations to cabling a CO2 laser with optical fiber. The fiber must be able to withstand the high power and heat of the laser, and the laser's wavelength must match the fiber's transmission capabilities. Additionally, the cost of the equipment and maintenance may be higher compared to using a traditional delivery system.

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