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Up Topic Welding Industry / Technical Discussions / How to set laser beam fluence?
- - By OBEWAN (***) Date 06-27-2012 12:02
I do not have my AWS Laser Welding Standard handy so I need to use the next best option.

What is the short answer on laser beam fluence and what is the best way to adjust it?

We have just set up our focal length and done our spot size tests but someone has suggested checking into the fluence.

Would that be in the advanced beam optics settings for the laser control?  I really hesitate to go there if it is.

We are launching a new process on a second laser that in theory should be identical to the first laser.  But, as Murphey would have it, it is not!
Parent - - By ssbn727 (*****) Date 06-28-2012 09:39 Edited 06-28-2012 09:59
There is no short answer... look into the laser equipment manual and YES! look into the advanced beam optics settings section.....
C'mon Steve! You can do this!!!

Steve, is this what you're referring to?

"Fluence (J/cms2) = energy density. Note: This information is posted so that mostly anyone reading this could understand what the term "fluence" means with respect to lasers.

Fluence refers to the amount of energy (J) delivered to the treated area (in square centimeters). It is called the dose of energy or energy density. Fluence = Energy/Area."

Laser Properties and Parameters
When working with lasers, there are a few definitions that need to be clearly understood. For continuous-wave lasers, time, power, and spot size are essential. For pulsed lasers, energy per pulse, pulse duration, fluence, and spot size are the most important parameters.

The energy of laser light refers to the number of photons delivered in a single pulse and is measured in joules. Joules are thus suitable to describe the energy of pulsed lasers. The energy per area is the fluence or energy density, which is expressed in joules per cm2.

The power of a laser is measured in watts and expresses the amount of energy the laser releases per unit time, i.e. how many joules are delivered per second (W = J/s). Watts are mainly used for continuous- wave lasers.

Irradiance describes the power density, i.e. watts per square centimeter. It describes the intensity of a continuous- wave
laser beam.

The time over which energy is delivered – i.e. the time of actual lasing, which is especially important in pulsed lasers – is the pulse duration or the pulse width. It can reach anywhere from nanoseconds to seconds.

The frequency (pulse repetition rate) at which the single pulses are delivered is measured in hertz and 1 Hz equals 1 pulse per
second.

The wavelength characterizes the type of laser light and is measured in nanometers. It refers to the distance between two peaks of the light waves.

Finally, the spot size is the diameter of the laser beam, and is measured in millimeters.

Energy joules = watts × seconds
Fluence energy density = joules/cm2 = watts × seconds/cm2
Power watts = joules/second
Irradiance power density = watts/cm2
Pulse duration: seconds, milliseconds, nanoseconds
Frequency hertz = pulses per second
Wavelength: nanometers
Spot size: millimeters

Fluence describes the energy density of a pulsed laser beam: Fluence = intensity × time = watts × seconds = joules area cm2 cm2

Irradiance describes the power density of a continuous wave laser beam: Irradiance = intensity = watts

Now here's something I found online that could be of some use for you:

http://www.ophiropt.com/laser-measurement-instruments/laser-power-energy-meters/services/sensor-finder

Here's something else to chew on when reminiscing of the "Star Wars" days back when power was KING!

http://cobweb.seas.gwu.edu/~mpnl/papers/2009/MK3.pdf

This one is pretty interesting:

http://www.lasers.org.uk/paperstore/micro13.pdf

Finally, these links are always informative and may just be helpful in diagnosing some problems one may encounter with CO2 lasers as well as many other types of lasers:

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserco2.htm#co2opt0

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserfaq.htm#faqtoc

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserlir.htm#lirtoc

That's all for now Steve. P.S. Here's a brochure you might be interested in:

http://www.rli.com/pubs/Industrial_Training_Brochure.pdf

Respectfully,
Henry
Parent - By OBEWAN (***) Date 06-28-2012 10:51
Thanks for all the great info.  I have two very detailed books on laser welding but they were at home when I posted this.

I had a general idea that fluence was energy density. I think we have that covered because we set our spot diameter and focal length.  Our power and speed are determined by macro size.

I have mainly been having issues with rough welds but discovered last night that we had an obstruction in our shielding gas.   Even though our control said we had 1.7 liters of flow we did NOT!
Parent - - By OBEWAN (***) Date 06-28-2012 15:43
Just what I need to ruin a good vacation - a little light reading.

The plant is closed all next week for the annual shutdown.

I will be at home resting.

I get a "stay of execution" on this project I suppose.
Parent - By welderbrent (*****) Date 06-28-2012 18:28
Isn't it so good to have Henry back to help you fill in all your slack time??!!

Have a Great Day,  Brent
Parent - - By Dualie (***) Date 06-29-2012 04:25
again henry swings for the rafters.   

I really appreciate someone that answers a questions with an answer, and will also tell you the WHY and to boot will even cite references!

Its great to have you back Henry.
Parent - By OBEWAN (***) Date 06-29-2012 12:18
The best thing about Henry is his special search engines.

All I have is Google and it finds a lot of junk even with the advanced features used.  It puts out thousands of hits that are mostly N/A.

When I worked for GE I had some accounts with the government think tanks and could get a lot of great research papers.

But, we do have a membership here with the Edison Welding Institute that I could use. They will do a complete search and even mail copies of the papers.  But, there is some delay involved and I am under the gun.
Up Topic Welding Industry / Technical Discussions / How to set laser beam fluence?

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