Development and fabrication of laser head for laser cutting machine / Mohamad Bisri Shahid

This report describes the development and fabrications of high-power pulsed red ruby laser gun. This laser system is to be used as a laser cutting machine. Ruby laser belongs to solid-state lasers. This system is pumped optically by the use of xenon flash lamp. The cooling system consist of circulated air from outside provided by a fan. The system developed are intended for a laser rod with the integral mirrors coated on the ends. The fiashlamps are operated with voltages generated from a power pack. The Ignitor supplies high voltage pulse of over 10 kV. In future, with the aid of suitable lenses, the focusing or collimating of the laser beam can be done for variable applications. Testing of power pack and laser head were conducted at various critical points to ensure the required performance. The test were conducted in stages, i.e. in sequence before proceeding to the next stage. As such the final performance can be predicted and also as a reference for troubleshooting failure, if any, in future.