How to Use a Co2 Laser

Carbon dioxide lasers are powerful systems that emit invisible infrared radiation.

Carbon dioxide lasers are used for etching, teeth whitening, welding, surgical cutting, marking and more. CO2 lasers emit light in the infrared wavelengths between approximately 9.5 to 10.5 µm (millionths of a meter). Other characteristics of the CO2 laser depend upon the specific design and the intended use. Most CO2 lasers are pulsed -- lasers that turn on and off very rapidly -- but some are CW, continuous-wave systems that emit their light continuously. Some are sealed tube systems, and others require an external gas supply. However, there are some general operational rules that apply across systems.

Things You'll Need

• CO2 laser
• Water supply
• Electrical or mechanical interlocks
• IR Viewer or thermally sensitive paper

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the operating manual for the laser.

2. 

   CO2 lasers have enough energy to cut metal, so safety is particularly important.

   Ensure the interlock system is enabled and connected. Interlocks make certain that the laser is disabled if conditions are unsafe.

3. Connect the water supply to the input and output ports of the laser. Most CO2 lasers require external cooling. If chilled water is necessary, make certain the chiller can handle the heat load.

4. 

   External tanks are needed to supply CO2 to some laser systems.

   Hook up the CO2 gas supply. For a sealed tube laser, the system needs only infrequent resupply. For an external gas laser, the gas tank needs to be hooked up to the laser's gas input port.

5. Tune the laser output line, if that option is available for your laser system. The tuning mechanism is described in the operating manual.

6. Use an IR viewer or thermally sensitive paper to align and direct the beam.

7. Identify stray beams and block them from entering spaces where people could be injured.

8. Monitor the optical power output frequently and adjust the laser tuning, if necessary, to put the system back into a high-power operating mode.

9. Check the optical surface for dirt or other contamination. The CO2 laser beam energy can be absorbed by the contaminants and burn, damaging the optics. Some systems have provisions to put clean purge gas in the laser cavity to maintain the internal cleanliness.

Tips & Warnings

• CO2 lasers emit invisible energetic beams. These beams can burn skin and inflict serious damage to the tissues of the eye. Laser goggles are highly recommended.

References

• PubMed.gov: Effect of light energy on peroxide tooth bleaching
• GSI Lumonics: HPLK User Manual
• Rofin: OEM CO2 Slab Laser Operating Manual