European Activities And Approaches To High Power Laser Technology

Abstract

By the end of 85 the Eureka EU6 Project was started with a definition phase aimed at the generation of specific proposals in the field of High Power Lasers for materials processing. A number of industrial initiatives followed, leading to the definition of specific Eureka Projects in the areas of High Power CO2 Lasers (10 ÷ 100 kW), High Power Solid State Lasers (1 ÷ 5 kW) and High Power Excimers Lasers (up to 10 kW). A review will be given of the Eurolaser Projects originated in two years in the above areas and of possible additional projects considering other approaches to high power lasers. Other precompetitive European or national initiatives will be reviewed. The Eureka projects on laser processing at power levels lower than the Eurolaser ones will be also mentioned. Proposals for an additional coordination, possibly leading to Common European Standards on laser beams characterisation and quality assessment procedures, on mechanical and optical components for high power lasers and laser systems and on laser safety regulations, will also be outlined.