Synrad Firestar f series User Manual

technical reference
32
Synrad Firestar f-Series operator’s manual
Technical overview
The Technical overview section includes subsections:
■ Laser tube
■ Optical resonator
■ Internal RF power supply
■ Optical setup
Laser tube
Firestar
®
f-Series lasers were developed using new technology patented by SYNRAD, Inc. Firestar’s pat-
ented “f” technology, based on an unstable free-space resonator design, enables SYNRAD to economically
produce a symmetrical laser beam from a small but powerful laser capable of operating for many years with
virtually no maintenance. Firestar’s unique extruded aluminum envelope oers excellent heat transfer,
long gas life, and low operating costs in contrast to other laser tube technologies. Besides being the vessel
that maintains the lasing environment, the aluminum tube is also the structural platform that integrates
the laser’s optical, electrical, and cooling components.
Duo-Lase
®
operation
Firestar f200 and f400 lasers consist of two standard, sealed tubes (f100/f201 tubes respectively) that are
combined using SYNRAD’s Duo-Lase
®
technology to provide a single diraction-limited beam at twice
the output power. All power and control functions between the two laser sections are totally independent,
essentially achieving fail-safe operation for applications that can be served with the power of a single laser
tube. Any one electronic or laser tube failure will aect only that section, leaving the second section unaf-
fected and available for temporary use.
The Duo-Lase optical combining technique is based on the fact that each tube is linearly polarized, which
allows the use of a polarization-sensitive beam combiner to achieve a 98 percent eciency in combining
the two beams. Both components of the resulting output beam are spatially parallel and collinear. The
normal temporal and spatial variations inherent in a single tube laser are reduced by combining the output
of two lasers. Output polarization of the combined f200/f400 beam is random and therefore superior for
many cutting applications.
Cooling
Heat generated by excited CO
2
molecules is transferred to the bore walls by diusion. Collected heat is
transferred to the water in the cooling tubes by conduction of the electrodes and aluminum envelope. The
coolant path is directed through corrosion-resistant copper alloy tubing to regulate laser temperature for
maximum stability.
Optical resonator
The optical resonator, in conjunction with the electrodes and the gas mixture, generates the laser beam.
Firestar f-Series optical resonators are comprised of three optical elements: a front mirror, a rear mirror, and
an output window. These optical elements are fastened to the tube’s exterior and are exposed to its interior
through holes in the end caps. O-rings are sandwiched between optical elements and the end cap to form
a gas seal and to provide a exible cushion that allows the slight movement necessary for alignment. All
optical elements are aligned and locked into place by factory technicians before the laser is shipped.

Synrad Firestar f series Specifications

General

Brand	Synrad
Model	Firestar f series
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English