A new diode pumped cw-multi-kW-solid state laser source - System performance and first applications in materials processing Available to Purchase

In 1996 Rofin Sinar and the Fraunhofer Institut für Lasertechnik started a project with the aim to develop a modular, industrial diode pumped solid state laser series providing powers from 500 W to 5 kW. Several module designs with transversal pump configuration have been tested. The maximum output power of a laboratory design single rod laser is measured to 1.15 kW. The maximum output power of a single rod laser with high beam quality is measured to 820 W at 12,5 mm × mrad. Power scaling has been demonstrated by coupling two modules by conventional lens guide technique. First results of welding and cutting different metals with the two rod laser which delivers 1.2 kW by 300 μm core diameter fibre are presented.