Automated laser technological complex for cutting with irradiation power of 8 kWt

An automated laser technological complex (ALTC) based on a self-sustained transverse-flow discharge pumped CW CO2 laser been developed. In the laser, a self-filtering optical resonator is used. The using of this type of resonator allowed to generate the high-quality beam with 8 kW power. The results of the beam characteristics measurements are presented. Power characteristics of the laser, filled with gas mixtures with or without helium, are presented. The maximum irradiation power amounts to 8.3 with extraction efficiency of 11.3, helium-free operation characterizes by the 5 kW power and 8,9% efficiency.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.