Laser Beam Intensity: Solve W/m², J, & mm | Help Needed

In summary, the intensity of a laser beam used to burn away cancerous tissue that, when 94.0% absorbed, puts 539 J of energy into a circular spot 2.11 mm in diameter in 4.00 s is 1360 W/m².
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CMATT
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Thread moved from the technical forums -- poster has been reminded of the PF rules
What is the intensity in W/m² of a laser beam used to burn away cancerous tissue that, when 94.0% absorbed, puts 539 J of energy into a circular spot 2.11 mm in diameter in 4.00 s??

I've tried a couple different equations and I keep getting the answer wrong. This is due tonight, I'm super stuck. Any input is greatly appreciated
 
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  • #2
First imagine the beam is 100% absorbed, find that answer, and multiply that answer by 1/.94 to get the answer for 94% absorbed. To get the 100% absorbed answer, just take that energy, per that area, per that time. You will have to convert mm to m though, and you will need to know the area of a circle.
 
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Ken G said:
First imagine the beam is 100% absorbed, find that answer, and multiply that answer by 1/.94 to get the answer for 94% absorbed. To get the 100% absorbed answer, just take that energy, per that area, per that time. You will have to convert mm to m though, and you will need to know the area of a circle.

Thank you for your help Ken G! I will try this out right now
 
  • #4
Ken G said:
First imagine the beam is 100% absorbed, find that answer, and multiply that answer by 1/.94 to get the answer for 94% absorbed. To get the 100% absorbed answer, just take that energy, per that area, per that time. You will have to convert mm to m though, and you will need to know the area of a circle.

Yay I got the correct answer, thank you! Would you happen to know how this one below is solved? I did my answer - 1360 W/m^2, and got a number, but I'm not sure if that's correct:

How many times more intense is this than the maximum intensity of direct sunlight (about 1360 W/m²)?
 
  • #5
A quick estimate says its about 10,000 times more for the laser. Is that about what you got?
 

FAQ: Laser Beam Intensity: Solve W/m², J, & mm | Help Needed

What is laser beam intensity?

Laser beam intensity refers to the amount of energy per unit area that is delivered by a laser beam. It is usually measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).

How is laser beam intensity calculated?

Laser beam intensity can be calculated by dividing the laser's power (in watts) by the cross-sectional area of the beam (in square meters).

What is the relationship between laser beam intensity and energy?

Laser beam intensity is directly proportional to the energy of the laser beam. This means that as the intensity increases, so does the energy delivered by the beam.

What are the units used to measure laser beam intensity?

The most common units used to measure laser beam intensity are watts per square meter (W/m²) and milliwatts per square millimeter (mW/mm²). These units can be converted to each other using the conversion factor of 1 W/m² = 1000 mW/mm².

How does laser beam intensity affect the material being targeted?

The intensity of a laser beam can significantly impact the material it is targeting. Higher intensity can result in the material being cut, melted, or even vaporized, while lower intensity may only cause minor changes or no effect at all. The type of material also plays a role in determining the effects of laser beam intensity.

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