Product Code: ICAL08_M201

Influence of High-Power CW Fibre Laser Radiation (Single-mode) on Plasma Formation
Authors:
Marc Baumeister, Laser Centre, Muenster University of Applied Sciences; Steinfurt Germany
Tobias Scholz, Laser Centre, Muenster University of Applied Sciences; Steinfurt Germany
Klaus Dickmann, Laser Centre, Muenster University of Applied Sciences; Steinfurt Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2008

Recent advances in the field of highly brilliant continuous wave fibre laser sources lead to an increase of intensity. These intensities were formerly reserved to short pulse laser sources with pulse durations of several nanoseconds. As a result of this combination of wavelength, intensity and cw operation, plasma formation becomes critical due to increased laser-material-interaction temperatures. Especially in contrast to cw Nd:YAG-laser sources, as a weakly ionized metal vapour is known to be present in this case. Results of analytical modelling and experimental work represent the basis for discussion of evidence for plasma formation and its influence on laser materials processing with these brilliant laser sources.