Abstract

The carbon monoxide laser exhibits characteristics which make it competitive with the lasers that currently dominate industrial and medical applications, mainly carbon dioxide and Nd:YAG lasers. Properties include the potential for high efficiency (theoretically up to 60%), a wavelength which gives good absorption for metals, ceramics, and organic tissue; a high power output; the availability of suitable resonators providing good beam quality; and the possibilty of fibre optic delivery. These make the CO laser a contender for development into an industrially relevant laser source.

© 1994 IEEE