On-line beam performance monitoring to improve laser reliability and performance

Industrial Lasers must have high reliability and repeatability so that the process for which they are to be used is profitable and successful. Current methodology for measuring the performance of high power industrial lasers is incapable of real time data. We describe two new instruments; a new on-line, in-line laser beam performance monitoring system that not only calculates M-2 and divergence angle, but also provides real time beam profiling, and an at-line beam profiling system that can calculate beam widths and many other critical parameters in real time. The information obtained from these measurements allows the operator to monitor beam performance in real time, speed tuning and adjustment. more accurately predict maintenance intervals and aid in troubleshooting malfunctions. Actual examples of different lasers will show the value of these systems.