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The Nd:YAG laser is a solid state laser where the medium is a rod of Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet doped with Neodymium. This glass like rod is excited by flash-lamps or diodes. The resulting laser light has a wavelength of 1.06um (infrared range); the beam can be transferred to the point of use through an optical fiber, making it very flexible.
As they are commercially available at continuous wave (CW) power levels up to 5kW, Nd:YAG lasers are increasingly applied in the industry, especially in applications requiring flexibility like:
- Robotic laser cutting
- Automotive laser welding
- Small component welding
While the mode profile of Nd:YAG lasers can prove to be an advantage for applications like butt welding of sheet metal, it is less than optimum for cutting processes.
The solid state nature of this laser eliminates the need for resonator gases; however, for assist gases the requirements are very similar to those of CO2 lasers.
The transmission through glass, Nd:YAG laser's strategic advantage in terms of flexibility, is also its main disadvantage. For safety reasons, Nd:YAG lasers are required to be operated in fully enclosed work cells and need special protective equipment to be used by the operator. |
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