Beam delivery systems and processing heads for 1μm high brightness laser cutting systems

One critical component of a high brightness Multi-Kilowatt near infrared 2D laser cutting system is the beam delivery fiber and the connected processing head. Within this chain several optical free-space components contribute to a laser power induced thermal focus shift on the work piece resulting in a slower or even unstable cutting process. We present a novel processing head that allows for precise control of the focus diameter and position on the work piece by means of a simple, novel optical system. Further, we will report on the reduction of the laser power induced focus shift in diverse optical elements.