High Power Laser Characterization Using Beam Diagnostics

The increasing use of high power laser systems for welding and cladding in various industries will require higher performance from the optics systems that collimate and focus the laser light. To ensure that optics systems are functioning in the expected manner, laser characterization with beam diagnostics is necessary. If the laser beam is changing with processing parameters or during continuous operation, defective welds and clads will result and increased costs will be incurred. This paper presents the findings from several laser characterization experiments, where a beam diagnostic tool measured the power density distribution of the beam to determine the propagation parameters (focus position and beam diameter at focus) and the stability of the beam at the workpiece during continuous operation. Multiple laser systems were investigated with output powers in the range of 100 W to 10,000 W.