CO2 as a Versatile Laser Gas

CO2 lasers were one of the earliest gas lasers to be developed. The development occurred in 1964 by Bell Labs and remains one of today’s most useful lasers; some claim to be one of the most powerful continuous lasers available as of late. The active laser medium is a gas discharge, which is either air or water cooled, in part dependent upon the power being applied. Applications range from a diverse number of uses in medicine and dentistry. Then in the industrial sector, from laser marking of various materials, to processing of glass, ceramics, plastics, and wood. Then, the metallurgical sector cuts and marks metals from copper to stainless, to aluminum. In the defense industry, for anti-missile weapons. There is a wide range of laser types, and modes of operation. This industry is both highly diverse and very interesting…