CO2 Laser beam propagation with ZnSe optics

Abstract

Beam propagation characteristics of ZnSe optics used in kilo Watt power CO2 laser aided material processing applications are determined using the Prometec Laser Beam Analyzer. The laser used was a Rofin Sinar RS6000 CO2 laser with mode aperturing. Beam power varied from 500W to 6300W and beam modes used were TEM00, TEM01*, TEM10, and TEM20. Both transmissive and reflective optics were examined. The ZnSe lenses tested included meniscus, diffractive and cylindrical lenses of 5in focal length and a 10in focal length integrating lens. Reflective optics included an integrator and a 5in focal length parabolic mirror for welding. Parameters obtained included beam propagation profiles, intensity profiles, depth of focus, spot size and back focal length. A subset of the data obtained is presented here. Details of the work will appear in a full length paper.Beam propagation characteristics of ZnSe optics used in kilo Watt power CO2 laser aided material processing applications are determined using the Prometec Laser Beam Analyzer. The laser used was a Rofin Sinar RS6000 CO2 laser with mode aperturing. Beam power varied from 500W to 6300W and beam modes used were TEM00, TEM01*, TEM10, and TEM20. Both transmissive and reflective optics were examined. The ZnSe lenses tested included meniscus, diffractive and cylindrical lenses of 5in focal length and a 10in focal length integrating lens. Reflective optics included an integrator and a 5in focal length parabolic mirror for welding. Parameters obtained included beam propagation profiles, intensity profiles, depth of focus, spot size and back focal length. A subset of the data obtained is presented here. Details of the work will appear in a full length paper.