UNIT III – LASER TECHNOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION
The Science of photonics includes the generation, emission, transmission, modulation,
signal processing, switching, amplification and detection/sensing of light .i.e. it is all about light.
The word “LASER” is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation”. An atom consists of electron cloud revolving around the central nucleus having
protons and neutrons. The atoms are constantly in motion; they vibrate, move and rotate. Also
they are in different states of excitation and hence have different energies. If some external
energy in the form of light, heat, or electricity is supplied to an atom, the electrons from low
energy level called ground state may jump to higher energy level called excited state. The
electrons in the higher energy orbit cannot stay there for a long time. Therefore they return to the
ground state spontaneously releasing the absorbed energy in the form of radiations (LASER).
Laser is being most important in photonic field due to the fact that lasers have well-defined
properties. Laser is an artificial light source which exhibits superior features than the
conventional light sources. In general three different processes occur when the light interacts
within the medium. They are absorption, Spontaneous emission, and Stimulated emission.

Difference between Ordinary Light Source and Laser

Ordinary Light Source is not monochromatic, Light emitted does not have high degree of
coherence, Emits light in all directions (not directional) and Less intense and less bright but
Laser is highly monochromatic, has high degree of coherence, Emits light only in one
direction(directional) and more intense, bright.
Difference between LED and Laser
LED Requires low current density, Junction of diode need not to be polished, Minority carrier
injection should take place and Less intense and less bright but Laser requires high current
density, It should be highly polished, Stimulated emission will take place and more intense,
bright.

3.2 PRINCIPLE OF LASER

Through artificial means the number of atoms in the excited state (usually referred to as the
metastable state) of an element is made to be much higher than that in the ground state, resulting
in emission of a coherent , monochromatic light as these atoms excite together as shown in fig
3.1. Hence the Light is Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, termed as LASER

Fig 3.1 Production of coherent photons

SPONTANEOUS EMISSION AND STIMULATED EMISSION

When atom is exposed to light radiation it undergo three different process
 Absorption
 Spontaneous emission
 Stimulated emission

3.2.1 Absorption
When the atom in the lower energy state E 1 absorbs the incident photon of energy hν, it will goes
to higher energy state E2 as shown in fig 3.3. This process is called absorption. Photon
absorption takes place when hν = E 2 - E1

Fig 3.2 Absorption

3.2.2 Spontaneous Emission
When the atom in the higher energy state E2 return to the lower energy state E1 it will
spontaneously emit radiation without any external agency as shown in fig 3.3. The excited atom
does not stay in a long time in the excited state. The excited atom gets de-excitation after its life
time by emitting a photon of energy E 1 − E2 = hυ. This process is called Spontaneous Emission.
It is completely random process.

Fig 3.3 Spontaneous Emission

3.2.3 Stimulated Emission
When the atom in the higher energy state E2 is stimulated by the photon of energy E1 − E2 = hυ,
it will return to the lower energy state E1 by emitting radiation as shown in fig 3.4. This process
is called Stimulated Emission. The stimulated photons have unique properties such as in phase as
incident photons, same wavelength as incident photons and travel in same direction as incident
photons.

Fig 3.4 Stimulated Emission

Problem
3.1 A laser at 3.0m distance from the laser output beam spot diameter is 6.0mm and Beam
divergence is 1.2mrad. Calculate the beam spot diameter at 5.0m distance from the laser output.
Given data
Laser output from the distance (D1) =2m
Laser output from the distance (D2) = 5m
Diameter of beam = 6m
Radius of beam spot (R1) = 3mm
Angle of divergence (  ) =1.2m rad
Diameter of beam spot =? Radius of beam spot (R2) =?
Solution
R 2 -R1
 
D2 -D1
R 2 -R1 =   D 2 -D1 

R2 =   D 2 -D1  + R1


1.2 5 2  + 3x103 
= 3.6 + 3 x 10-3
R2 = 3.603 m
Diameter of beam spot = 2 x 3.603
= 7.206 m

3.3 EINSTEIN RELATION

Consider an assembly of atoms exposed to light radiation. In general three different processes
occur when the light interacts with in the medium. They are Rate of stimulated absorption, Rate
of spontaneous emission and Rate of stimulated emission which are shown in fig 3.5.

Fig 3.5 Einstein Coefficient

Rate of stimulated absorption

The number of atoms per unit volume that undergo absorption transitions per second is called
Rate of stimulated absorption. It is directly proportional to number of atoms N1 in lower energy
state E1 and the energy density Q of incident radiation
Nab α N1Q
Nab= B12QN1 (3.1)
Rate of spontaneous emission
The number of atoms per unit volume that undergo spontaneous emission transitions per second
is called Rate of spontaneous emission. It is directly proportional to number of atoms N2 in
excited energy state E3.
Nab α N2
Nsp= A21N2 (3.2)
Rate of stimulated emission
The number of atoms per unit volume that undergo stimulated emission transitions per second is
called Rate of stimulated emission. It is directly proportional to number of atoms in the excited
energy state N2 and the energy density Q of incident radiation.
Nab α N2Q
Nst= B21QN2 (3.3)
Where, B12, A21 and B21 are proportionality constant
Equilibrium condition
When the steady state is reached, the balance will be achieved between absorption and emission
process. Under thermal equilibrium,
Rate of absorption = Rate of emission
Nab = Nsp + Nst (3.4)
B12QN1 = A21N2 + B21QN2
(B12N1 - B21N2 )Q = A21N
A21 N2
Q=B
12 N1 −B21 N2

A21 N2
Q= N (3.5)
B12 1 −B21
N2

−E1
⁄K T
From Boltzmann distribution law, N1 = N0 e B

−E2
⁄K T
N2 = N0 e B

Where, KB is the Boltzmann constant

T is the absolute temperature
N0 is the number of atoms at absolute zero
At equilibrium the ratio of population will be
(E2− E1 )
N1 ⁄K T
= e B , (E2-E1) =hν
N2

At thermal equilibrium, N1>N2, spontaneous emission is more predominant than the stimulated
emission.
𝑁1 hν⁄
= 𝑒 𝐾𝐵 𝑇 (3.6)
𝑁2

Substituting equation (3.6) in (3.5)

A21 N2
Q= hν⁄
B12 (𝑒 𝐾𝐵 𝑇 )−B21

A 1
Q = B21 hν⁄ (3.7)
21 B
( 12⁄B )(𝑒 𝐾𝐵 𝑇 )−1
21

This equation has good agreement with Planck’s law of radiation

8πhϑ3 1
Q= hν⁄ (3.8)
𝐶3
𝑒 𝐾𝐵 𝑇 −1
Comparing equation (3.7) & (3.8)
B12 = B21 = B
A21 8πhϑ3
and =
B21 𝐶3

above equation indicates that at a given frequency an atom in a given energy state can undergo
either spontaneous or stimulated emission.
B12=B21 means that an atom in a given energy state can have the mechanism of
spontaneous and stimulated emission with equal probability. Though the coefficients of upward
and downward transition are equal, the rate of upward or downward transition differs. This is
because there rates depend on the population densities N 1& N3.
The constants A and B are called as Einstein’s Coefficients, which deals with spontaneous
and stimulated emission.

3.4 POPULATION INVERSION

The phenomenon of making N2 >N1 i.e., the number of atoms in the higher energy state (N2) is
more than the number of atoms in lower in energy state (N1) is known as population inversion as
shown in fig 3.6 & 3.7.
An atom or molecule in an excited state remains there for a certain time called the lifetime
of that state, before making a transition to a lower state. The lifetime of a state is characteristic of
the energy level and varies over a wide range. Most of the states have a short lifetime, of the
order of 10-8 s. However, some energy states have very long lifetime of the order of 10 -3 s or
higher. Energy states with such long life times are called meta-stable states. Laser action takes
place either by stimulated or spontaneous emission of atoms from the excited states. For this
action the number of atoms in the exited state should be more than lower energy state. So
achieving population inversion is necessary for lasing action.

Fig 3.6 Before population inversion Fig 3.7 After population inversion

N2 and N1 is the no of atoms in the higher energy state and lower energy state respectively
In a two level laser system, only the ground state and the higher energy state are involved
to excite the atoms by pumping mechanism. This pumping mechanism not only excites the
ground level atoms to excited state but also depopulate the atoms in the higher energy state by
inducing stimulated emission. This makes it impossible to achieve population inversion. Hence
two level systems are not used.
In case of three level laser system the population inversion lasing action and takes place
between the metastable state and the ground state. In case of four level system the population
inversion and lasing action takes place between the metastable state and lower laser energy level
but not the ground level.
In case of four level system giving minimum energy to the incident photon one can create
population inversion because most of the excited atom are already existing in the higher energy
state in four level system.
3.5 COMPONENTS OF LASER SYSTEM
Laser systems have three important components. They are Active medium, Active center and
Optical resonator
Active medium
Medium in which population inversion takes place is called Active medium. Examples are solid,
liquid, gas, dye or semiconductor.
Active center
Material in which atoms are raised to higher energy states to achieve population inversion is
called active center.
Optical resonator
An optical resonator (or resonant optical cavity) is an arrangement of optical components which
allows a beam of light to circulate in a closed path.

Fig 3.8 Optical Resonator

A laser requires a laser resonator (or laser cavity), in which the laser radiation can circulate
and pass a gain medium which compensates the optical losses. Optical resonator acts as a
feedback system in amplifying the light emitted from the active medium, by making it to
undergo multiple reflections between the 100% reflecting mirror and the partial reflecting mirror.
Here the light bounces back and forth between two mirrors and hence the intensity of the light is
increased enormously. Finally an intense beam of light LASER is allowed to come out through
the partial mirror is shown in fig 3.8.
The phenomenon of light amplifications means that when a single photon interacts with an
excited atom, two photons will emerge, which in turn will create two photons and so on, thus
creating a chain reaction of photons is shown in fig 3.9. Optical amplification of the incident
radiation is a important characteristic to the design a laser, which occurs due to population
inversion in an active medium.

Fig 3.9 Light Amplification

Condition for laser action
• Stimulated emission should be predominant over spontaneous emission.
• The higher energy state should have a longer mean life i.e., it should be a metastable state.
• The number of atoms in the higher energy state E 2 must be greater than the number of
atoms in the ground state energy E1.
 i.e., E1 < E2 and N2>N1.

3.6 PUMPING METHODS

Methods of Achieving Population Inversion
In order to achieve population inversion, we need to supply energy to the laser medium by
external means. The process of supplying energy to the laser medium is called pumping. The
source that supplies energy to the laser medium is called pump source. The type of pump source
used is depends on the laser medium. Some of the most commonly used pumping methods are as
follows
Optical pumping, Electrical discharge or excitation by electrons, Inelastic atom-atom
collisions, Thermal pumping and Chemical reactions.

a)Optical Pumping
As the name suggests, in this method, light is used to supply energy to the laser medium. An
external light source like xenon flash lamp is used to produce more electrons (a high population)
in the higher energy level of the laser medium. When light source provides enough energy to the
lower energy state electrons in the laser medium, they jump into the higher energy state E 3. The
electrons in the higher energy state do not stay for long period. After a very short period, they
fall back to the next lower energy state or metastable state E2 by releasing radiation less energy is
shown in fig 3.10.

Fig 3.10 Optical Pumping

The metastable state E2 has greater lifetime than the lower energy state or ground state E1.
Hence, more electrons are accumulated in the energy state E 2 than the lower energy state E1.
Thus, population inversion is achieved. Optical pumping is used in solid-state lasers such as ruby
lasers.

b)Electric Discharge or Excitation by Electrons

Electric discharge refers to flow of electrons or electric current through a gas, liquid or solid. In
this method of pumping, electric discharge acts as the pump source or energy source. A high
voltage electric discharge (flow of electrons, electric charge, or electric current) is passed
through the laser medium or gas. The intense electric field accelerates the electrons to high
speeds and they collide with neutral atoms in the gas. As a result, the electrons in the lower
energy state gains sufficient energy from external electrons and jumps into the higher energy
state is shown in fig 3.11. This method of pumping is used in gas lasers such as argon lasers.
 Fig 3.11 Electric Discharge Pumping

The process of achieving population inversion in the gas laser is almost similar to the solid
laser. The only difference is the pump source used for supplying energy and the type of material
or medium (solid or gas) used as a laser medium. In solid lasers, an external light source like
xenon flash lamp is used as pump source whereas, in gas lasers, a high voltage electric discharge
is used as a pump source.

c)Inelastic Atom-Atom Collisions

Like the electric discharge method, here also a high voltage electric discharge acts as a pump
source. However, in this method, a combination of two types of gases, say X and Y are used. The
excited state of gas X is represented as X+ whereas gas Y is represented as Y+. Both X and Y
gases have the same excited states (X+ and Y+).
When high voltage electric discharge passes through a laser medium having two types of
gases X and Y, the lower energy state electrons in gas X will move to the excited state
X+ similarly the lower energy state electrons in gas Y moves to the excited state Y +.
Initially, during electric discharge, the lower energy state electrons in gas X or atom X gets
excited to X+ due to continuous collision with electrons. The excited state electrons in gas
X+ now collide with the lower energy state electrons in gas Y. As a result, the lower energy state
electrons in gas Y gains sufficient energy and jump into the excited state Y +. This method is used
in the Helium–Neon (He-Ne) laser.

d)Thermal Pumping
In thermal pumping, heat acts as the pump source or energy source. In this method, population
inversion is achieved by supplying heat into the laser medium.
When heat energy is supplied to the laser medium, the lower energy state electrons gains
sufficient energy and jumps into the higher energy level is shown in fig 3.13.

Fig 3.12 Thermal Pumping

 The process of achieving population inversion in thermal pumping is almost similar to the
optical pumping or electric discharge method, except that in this method heat is used as pump
source instead of light or electric discharge.

e)Chemical Reactions
If a hydrogen atom produced through some chemical reaction will remains in an excited state,
then it can be used for pumping. In the chemical reaction, hydrogen (H2) and fluorine (F2)
molecules are chemically combined to produce hydrogen fluoride molecule (2HF) in an excited
state.
The number of produced excited atoms or molecules is greater than the number of normal state
atoms or molecules. Thus, population inversion is achieved.

3.7 TYPES OF LASER

Based on the type of active medium, laser system is broadly classified into the following
categories.
Solid state lasers, gas lasers, Liquid lasers, Dye lasers and Semiconductor lasers.

3.7.1 Nd- YAG Laser:

It is Neodymium based laser. Nd= Neodymium (rare earth element), YAG= Yttrium Aluminium
Garnet (Y3 Al5 O12). It is a Four Level laser.
Principle:
Active Medium Nd-YAG rod is pumped by Krypton flash tubes. Neodymium ions are raised to
excited levels. During the transitions from metastable state to ground state, a laser beam of
wavelength 1.064 m is emitted.
Construction:
A small amount of Yttrium ions (Y3+) are replaced by neodymium ions (Nd3+) in the active
medium of Nd –YAG rod. This active medium is cut into a cylindrical rod. The ends of the rod
are highly polished and they are optically flat and parallel. The cylindrical rod and the pumping
source are placed inside an elliptical reflector cavity in order to focus most of the light in Nd –
YAG rod. The optical resonator is formed by using two external reflecting mirrors. One mirror is
100 % reflecting while the other mirror is partially reflecting.

Fig 3.13 Nd-YAG laser

Working:
When the Krypton flash lamp switched on neodymium ions are raised from the ground state E0 to
upper levels E3 and E4 due to absorption of light radiation of wavelength 0.73m and 0.80 m.
The Nd ions from these excited energy levels make a transition to energy level E2 by non-
radiative transition where E2 is metastable state. Now, the neodymium ions are collected in this
energy level E2. Thus population inversion is achieved between E 2 and E1. A neodymium ion
makes a spontaneous transition from E2 to E1 by emitting a photon of energy hν. This emitted
photon triggers a chain of stimulated photons between E 2 and E1.
The photons thus generated travel back and forth between two mirrors and grow in strength due
to induced emission. Hence, the photon number multiplies more rapidly.
After enough strength is attained, an intense laser light of wavelength 1.06μm is emitted flow the
partially reflecting mirror M2. This corresponds to transition of ions from E 2 to E1.

Fig 3.14 Energy level diagram

Characteristics:
Type of laser: Four level laser.
Active Medium: Nd-YAG crystal (rod)
Pumping method: Optical Pumping
Pumping source: Xenon or krypton flash tube.
Optical Resonator: Two ends of Nd-YAG rod polished with silver.
Power Output: 70 watt.
Nature of Output: Pulsed or continuous beam of light.
Wavelength of output: 1.06µm
Advantages:
 This laser has high energy output.
 It is much easier to achieve population inversion.
Disadvantages:
 The electron energy level structure of Nd3+ in Nd-YAG is complicated.
Applications:
 It finds many applications in range finders and illuminators.
 Used in welding, drilling.
 Used in medical applications using endoscopy and neurosurgery.

3.7.2 CO2 LASER:

Introduction:
It was the first molecular laser developed by Prof. C.K.N. Patel. It is a four level laser molecular
gas laser. The transition is takes place between the vibrational states of carbon-di oxide
molecules.
Principle:
The laser transition takes place between the vibrational energy states of CO2 laser.
Construction:
It consists of Quartz tube 5 m length and 2.5 cm diameter. This discharge tube is filled with gas
mixture of CO2 (active medium), helium & nitrogen with suitable partial pressures.
Terminals of discharge tube are connected with D.C power supply. The ends are fitted
with NaCl Brewster windows, so that the laser light generated will be polarized. On both side of
the discharge tube optical resonator is fitted. The optical resonator is formed with two concave
mirrors one fully reflecting M1 while other partially reflecting mirror M2.
 Fig 3.15 CO2 Laser

Fig 3.16 Energy level diagram

Working:
When Electrical discharge occurs in the gas mixtures, electrons are collide with nitrogen
molecules and they raised to excited states.
N2+e* N2*+e
Since excited energy level of nitrogen is very close to E 5 energy level of CO2 molecules,
CO2 molecules are excited by energy transfer.
N2*+ CO2 CO2* + N2
N2 – Nitrogen molecule in ground state
CO2 – Carbon dioxide molecule in ground state
e – Electron with less energy
N2*- Nitrogen molecule in excited state
CO2* - Carbon dioxide molecule in excited state
e* - Electron with high energy
Once the population inversion has reached, the spontaneously emitted photon will trigger
laser action. Two possible transitions occurs in this type of laser action.
(i) Transition E5-E4
This transition produces laser Beam of wavelength 10.6 m
(ii) Transition E5-E3
This transition produce laser beam of wavelength 9.6 m. Normally 10.6 m transition is
more intense than 9.6 m transition. Output power from this laser action is about 10KW.

Modes of vibration of CO2 molecules:

Three independent modes of vibrations are,
1. Symmetric Stretching mode 3. Bending Mode and 3. Asymmetric Stretching mode.
Symmetric Stretching mode:
In this mode of vibration carbon atom is at rest. Both oxygen atoms vibrate such that they are
moving away or approaching the fixed carbon simultaneously along the axis of the molecule.

Fig 3.17 Symmetric Stretching mode

Asymmetric Stretching mode:

In this mode of vibration both oxygen atom and carbon atom vibrate asymmetrically. The
oxygen atoms move in one direction while carbon atom moves in the opposite direction.

Fig 3.18 Asymmetric Stretching mode

Bending Mode:
In this mode of vibration both oxygen and carbon atoms vibrate perpendicular to molecular axis.

Fig 3.19 Bending Mode

Advantages:
 The construction of this type of laser is simple.
 The construction of CO2 laser is simple.
 It has high output power.
 It gives continuous output power
 It has high efficiency
 The output power can be increased by increasing the length of discharge tube.
Disadvantages:
 Contamination of oxygen by carbon monoxide have effect on laser action
 Output power depends on operating temperature.
 The corrosion may occur at the surface of the discharge tube.
 Due to high power laser light, damage occurs to eyes since it is invisible to eyes.
Applications:
 Material processing, welding, drilling, cutting and soldering.
 Open Air Communication.
 Remote sensing, Neurosurgery, Microsurgery and bloodless operations.
 Cure Liver and Lung diseases.

Problems
3.3. Determine the wavelength of radiation given out by a laser with an energy of 3 eV, given out
by a laser with an energy of 3eV, given that h = 6.63 x10 -34Js and c = 3 x 108 m/s.
Given data
Energy (E) =3eV=3Χ1.6 Χ10-19J
h = 6.26 Χ 10-34Js
c = 3 Χ108m/s
Solution
hc
λ =
E
Substituting the given values, we have
hc 6.626×10-34 ×3×108
λ = =
E 3×1.6×10-19
λ = 4.14×10-7 m
λ = 414×10 -9 m  λ = 414 nm

3.3. For a semiconductor laser the bandgap is 0.9eV. What is the wavelength of light emitted
from it.
Given data
Eg =0.9 ev = 0.9×1.6×106×10-19
Solution
hc 6.625×10−34 ×3×108
Wavelength λ = =
Eg 0.9×1.6×10−19

= 1.3802X10-6 = 1.3802 µm

3.4. A heterojunction semiconductor laser, the band gap of the semiconductor used is 1.44eV. By
doping, the band gap of the semiconductor is increased by 0.2eV. Calculate the change in the
wavelength of the laser.
Given data
Band gap before doping Eg1 =1.44eV =1.44x1.6x10-19J
= 3.304 x 10-19
Band gap after doping Eg2 = (1.44+0.2) eV = 1.64 eV
= 1.64 x 1.6 x 10-19 J
= 3.624 x 10-19
Solution
hc hc
E g1 = or λ 1=
λ1 E g1

hc hc
E g2 = or λ 2=
λ2 E g2

hc hc  1 1   1 1 
λ 1-λ 2 = - = hc  -   -19 
 E g1 E g2   2.304x10 2.624x10 
-19
E g1 E g2

= 6.62x10-34 x3x108  4.34x1018 -3.811x1018 

=105.06x10-9 m
Δλ=1050x10-10 m

3.8 HOLOGRAPHY-3D IMAGES

 Holograp-hy is same as photography technique. Construction of 3D image of an object using
laser beam is known as hologram. Holography records both amplitude and phase of light waves
to produce a three dimensional effect.

Steps in holography
1. Transformation of the object into hologram. i.e an object illuminated by coherent light is
made to produce interference fringes in a photographic plate.
2. Retransformation or reconstruction of hologram into an image of the object. i.e
reillumination of the developed interference pattern by light of same wavelength to produce a
three dimensional image of the original object.
Types of holographic techniques are
 Optical holography
 Acoustical holography
 X-Ray holography
 Microwave holography
 Double expanded holography
 Real time holography
 Time average holography

3.8.1 CONSTRUCTION OF HOLOGRAM

Principle
Two beams, one from the object (object beam) and the other from the laser source (reference
beam) are super imposed on a holographic plate to form an image called hologram.
Working
A monochromatic source of laser is made to fall on a beam splitter (B) with the help of a
condensing lens(C). The beam splitter splits the incident beam into two beams (i) reference beam
(R) (ii) object beam (O). The reference beam will directly fall on a holographic plate and the
object beam, after this it will gets scattered by the object will fall on the holographic plate. The
two beams i.e the reference and object beam interfere with each other and the interference
pattern is recorded on the holographic plate. While developing and processing this plate we will
get a hologram is shown in fig 3.18.

Fig 3.18 Construction of Hologram

Precautions
During the construction of a hologram, the following precautionary measure has to be taken.
 The distance travelled by the reference beam and the object beam should be almost equal.
 Ratio of light intensity between the reference beam and object beam should be 31.
 Total darkness should be maintained, while loading the holographic plate.
 The total setup has to be kept in a vibration less table, to avoid vibrations due to the natural
seismic vibrations of the earth.

3.8.2 RECONSTRUCTION OF HOLOGRAM

Principle
A beam of light having the same wavelength as that of the reference Beam used for construction
the hologram, is made to fall over the hologram. This beam will be difrated by the hologram,
which in turn gives rise to 3-D image in the field of view.
Working
During the reconstruction process, the object is first removed and the laser beam is switched ON.
The laser light (reference beam) will now act as a reading beam (RB). This reading beam is
made to fall on the hologram. Now, due to diffraction the observer can clearly see a 3D image
through the hologram. Here, the image appears as if the object really present. Therefore, the
observer can move his head side wise or an just change the position of the eye ball, so that he can
enjoy the full view of the image. Hence the hologram is reconstructed is shown in fig 3.19.

3.19 Reconstruction of Hologram

Precautions
The following precautionary measures are followed during the construction of hologram.
 The object should be removed carefully.
 The reading beam should have same wavelength as that of the reference beam.
 Hologram should not be disturbed.

Applications of Hologram
 They are used in the production of photographic masks.
 Holography can be used in non-destructive testing.
 It is used in the identification of finger prints.
 It is also used in data processing, optical signal processing.

3.9 INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF LASER:

Laser Instrumentation for Material Processing:
Principle:
The technique of laser heat treatment is used in engineering applications like surface hardening,
coating, glazing, alloying, cutting, welding, drilling and perforating holes in the materials and
hence this process is called material processing. In general ruby laser, Nd-YAG Laser and CO2
laser are used for this purpose.
Instrumentation:
The instrumentation for material processing consists of a laser source to produce laser beam,
shutter to control the intensity of the laser beam and an assembly of lenses to effectively focus
the laser onto the specimen as shown in fig 3.20.

Fig 3.20 Laser Instrumentation for material processing

Apart from this instrumentation, separate control arrangements are made for removing the
molten materials, smokes, fumes etc., with the help of a shielding gas jet, which consist of the
assisting gases such as air, N2, O2, Ar etc. The powder feeder is used to feed the metal powder,
wherever necessary.
Processing:
Laser source is switched ON. The light reflected by the plane mirror is made to pass through the
shutter. The intensity of the laser beam is controlled by the shutter and the controlled laser beam
is allowed to fall on the focusing lens assembly. This lens assembly focuses the light effectively
onto the window and is made to incident on the specimen.
Now the specimen gets heated, giving rises to smokes, fumes and molten materials.
These smokes, fumes and the molten materials are removes immediately by blowing the
assisting gas from the shielding gas jet and this in turn makes the laser beam to continuously fall
on the specimen, thereby increasing the cutting rate. Thus the materials can be drilled, cut, put
holes etc. using this technique, effectively and easily.
In case of alloying, cladding, molding, welding etc. The power feeder will be used to
spray the metal power over the specimen, during the focussing of laser beam onto the specimen.

3.9.2 Heat Treatment:

Process of involving heating and cooling under the controlled conditions of a material to obtain
certain desirable properties is known as Heat Treatment.
a) Laser Surface Alloying:
It involves controlled melting of a work piece surface to a desired depth using laser beam with
addition of powdered alloying elements in small intervals of time (0.1 to 10 seconds)
 Fig 3.21 Surface Alloying
b) Laser Cladding :
In this process, a laser beam melts a very thin layer of work piece. The thin layer mixes with the
liquid cladding alloy and form metallurgical bonding between the cladding and subtracts by
freeze.

Fig 3.22 Surface Cladding

Advantages:
• Very fast heat treatment of metals.
• Localize Thermal treatment even to spots inaccessible by other methods.
c) Welding:
Welding is joining of two or more metal pieces into single unit.
For welding of two metal plates, metal plates are held contact at their edges. Laser beam
is allowed to move along the line of contact of the plates. Laser beam heats the edges of the two
plates to their melting points and make them to fuse.
Advantages:
• Contact Less Process
• No possibilities of Impurities into joint.
• Rapid cooling.
• Can do in very small place.
• Dissimilar metals can be welded.

Fig 3.23 Laser Welding

d) Cutting :
The principle of laser cutting is the vaporization of the material at point of focus of the laser
beam.
Energy supplied for cutting is done by exo thermal reactions between metals and gas.
When light incident on the material, due to heating effect the material is melted and vaporised at
the point of incidence. The vaporized material is removed with the help of a gas.
The gas jet is used to cool the adjacent edges of the cut metal. The gas blow reduces laser
power, increases depth and speed of cutting.

Fig 3.24 Laser Cutting or Drilling

Advantages:
• Laser cutting can be done at room temperature and pressure without pre heating and
vacuum pressure.
• Micro structures of surrounding layers are not affected.
• Higher cutting speed
• Due to rapid heating and cooling strength increases.
• Improved edge quality

3.10 GENERAL APPLICATIONS OF LASER

Lasers have wide applications in different branches of science and engineering because of the
following Very narrow band width, High directionality and Extreme brightness.
Communication
In case of optical communication semiconductors laser diodes are used as optical sources and its
band width is (1014 Hz) is very high compared to the radio and microwave communications.
 More channels can be sent simultaneously.
 Signal cannot be tapped.
 As the band width is large, more data can be sent.
 A laser is highly directional and less divergence, hence it has greater potential use in space
crafts and submarines.
Computers
 In LAN (local area network), data can be transferred from memory storage of one
computer to other computer using laser for short time.
 Lasers are used in CD-ROMS during recording and reading the data.
Chemistry
 Lasers are used in molecular structure identification
 Lasers are also used to accelerate some chemical reactions.
 Using lasers, new chemical compounds can be created by breaking bonds between atoms
are molecules.
Medicine
 Pulsed neodymium laser is employed in the treatment of liver cancer.
 Argon and carbon dioxide lasers are used in the treat men of liver and lungs. Lasers used in
the treatment of Glaucoma
 Lasers used in endoscopy to scan the inner parts of the stomach.
 Lasers used in the elimination of moles and tumors which are developing in the skin tissue.
Military
 Lasers can be used as a war weapon.
 High energy lasers are used to destroy the enemy air-crofts and missiles. Lasers can be
used in the detection and ranging likes RADAR.
 Scientific research
 Lasers are used in the field of 3D-photography
 Lasers used in Recording and reconstruction of hologram.
 Lasers are employed to create plasma.
 Lasers used to produce certain chemical reactions.
 Lasers are used in Raman spectroscopy to identify the structure of the molecule.
 Lasers are used in the Michelson- Morley experiment.
 A laser beam is used to conform Doppler shifts in frequency for moving objects.