Developed for high-energy pulsed Q-switching infrared laser applications, a new, high-absorption samarium oxide glaze from Morgan Advanced Materials means it is now able to offer three grades of glaze for laser systems.
The samarium glaze absorbs radiation at the Nd-YAG lasing wavelength of 1,064nm, and its further transitions near 940nm, 1120nm, 1320nm and 1440nm. A significant amount of fluorescent radiation at the lasing wavelength escapes laterally from the laser rod into the surrounding pumping cavity. Absorbing this radiation prevents it from being reflected back into the laser rod, which would in turn stimulate decay from the upper laser transition level, thereby limiting the number of excited ions which can occupy that level. By preventing this decay, the maximum output energy obtained from the laser is increased. Morgan’s high- absorption samarium oxide glaze is formulated through the controlled addition of dopant to create optimum reflectance properties.
Applying the glaze to Morgan’s Sintox AL laser pump cavity material produces the high diffuse reflectivity required to achieve uniform illumination of the laser rod surface. Providing typically 98 per cent reflectance in the desired wavelength range, the new samarium oxide glaze matches yellow (GSY) and clear (GSO) glazes between 700 nm and 900nm. The optimum reflectance capability across the range of three glazes now spans wavelengths of around 580nm up to 2,000nm.
Yannick Galais of from Morgan explains: “As diode laser technology becomes more specialised, we continually evaluate our glaze formulations, in partnership with leading laser manufacturers, to improve the reliability of new equipment. Our samarium oxide glaze improves performance in the specified wavelength range and is suitable for high-energy, niche applications such as industrial metal cutting.
“The new glaze perfectly complements our existing yellow glaze - which reduces laser cavity temperatures by absorbing extremely low wavelengths, meaning less cooling fluid needs to be used – as well as our clear glaze, which seals ceramic reflectors against the ingress of cooling fluid.”
Morgan’s laser reflectors are produced from high-performance alumina-based ceramic and boast high strength, good thermal conductivity and excellent dimensional and electrical stability at all operating temperatures. A cost-effective alternative to metal-coated reflectors, ceramic reflectors are also resistant to chemical attack and, when sealed with one of Morgan’s glazes, benefit from an increased life span and reduced total cost of ownership.
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