Distribution of the intensity absorbed by evaporative front in laser cutting nonmetallic material

The distribution of the intensity absorbed by the evaporative cutting front is investigated using ray-tracing method after the laser beam undergoes multiple reflections in an actual kerf photographed experimentally. The laser beam is characterized by focused Gauss beam. Fresnel absorption on the kerf is taken into account, while inverse bremsstrahlung absorption is negligible, The influences of the times of multiple reflections and laser beam's position on the absorbed intensity are also discussed. Results indicate front intensity absorption is mainly determined by the first three incident beams. The laser axis moves toward the front, which is affected by the cutting speed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.