Silent discharge carbon dioxide gas laser machining facility

The characteristics of a silent discharge (SD) carbon dioxide laser are summarized as follows: (1) fast response; (2) high-frequency pulsed lasing; (3) high efficiency; (4) long-life electrodes; (5) nitrogen-rich laser gas; (6) long-term sealed-gas operation; and (7) stable output power. The research and development, commercial production, and machining characteristics of a SD carbon dioxide laser machining facility were reported. Although a 1 kW laser of this type (ml-1000p) was produced, it is predicted that the output power and performance maybe improved by utilizing the excellent characteristics, such as the high efficiency and high-frequency pulsed lasing properties.