The “Slab” laser: Productivity and processing advantages in industrial applications

Now that a “Slab” YAG laser is available as a choice for a laser source in the industrial laser market place, an understanding of this new generation of solid state laser is appropriate if its full potential in materials processing is to be realized. In this presentation, basic “Slab” laser design will be discussed along with the intrinsic advantages of “Slab” over “Rod” crystal geometry. It will be shown how these advantages result in high power/high brightness beams, consistent in quality over the laser’s entire power range, and how lower operation and maintenance costs qualify the “Slab” laser as a true industrial tool. The simplicity and flexibility of the resonator will be discussed and material processing data will be presented. Information on some possibilities for future developments with “Slab” lasers will conclude the presentation.