High Light of Co2 Laser The first molecular CO2, gas laser was
developed by Indian born American Scientist Prof. C.K.N. Patel.
Molecular Gas Laser In a molecular gas laser, laser action takes place by
transitions between vibrational and rotational energy levels of gas molecules.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO ) LASER 2
The first molecular CO , gas laser was developed by Indian born American
2
Scientist Prof. C.K.N. Patel.
It is a four-level molecular gas laser. In this laser, transition takes place between
vibrational energy states of carbon dioxide molecules. It is a very efficient laser.
Energy states of CO molecules
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A carbon dioxide molecule has a carbon atom at the centre with two oxygen atoms
attached, one at each side. Such a molecule vibrates in three independent modes.
They are
(a) Symmetric stretching mode
(b) Bending mode
(c) Asymmetric stretching mode
(a) Symmetric stretching
In this mode of vibration, carbon atom is at rest. Both oxygen atoms vibrate such
that they are moving away or approaching the fixed carbon simultaneously along
the axis of the molecule (Fig. 5.19).
(b) Bending
In this mode of vibration, both oxygen atoms
and carbon atom vibrate perpendicular to
molecular axis (Fig. 5.20).
(c) Asymmetric stretching
In this mode of vibration, both oxygen atoms and carbon atom vibrate
asymmetrically, i.e., oxygen atoms move in one direction while carbon atom
moves in the opposite direction (Fig. 5.21).
Principle
The laser transition takes place between the vibrational energy states of CO , 2
molecules.
Construction
It consists of a quartz discharge tube 5 m long and 2.5 cm in diameter (Fig. 5.22).
This discharge tube is filled with the gas mixture of CO , nitrogen and helium
2
with suitable partial pressures.
The terminals of the discharge tube are connected to D.C. power supply. The ends
of this tube are fitted with NaCl Brewster windows so that the laser light
generated is plane polarised.
The optical resonator is formed with two concave mirrors one fully reflecting M 1
with the other partially reflecting M .
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Working
The energy level diagram of nitrogen and carbon dioxide molecules is shown in
fig 5.23.
When the electrical discharge occurs in gas mixture, the electrons collide with
nitrogen molecules and they are raised to excited energy states.
This process is represented by the equation
N → Nitrogen molecule in ground state
2
e* →Electron with high energy
N → Nitrogen molecule in excited state
2
*
e → Same electron with lesser energy
Since excited energy level of nitrogen is very close to E energy level of CO
5 2
molecules, CO molecules are excited by energy transfer and population inversion
2
is achieved.
This process is represented by the equation
N → Nitrogen molecule in excited state
2
*
CO → Carbon dioxide molecule in ground state
2
CO → Carbon dioxide molecule in excited state
2
*
N → Nitrogen molecule in ground state
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Any of the spontaneously emitted photon triggers laser action in the tube.
There are two possible types of laser transition.
(i) Transition E -E
5 4
This transition produces a laser beam of wavelength 10.6 μm.
(ii) Transition E – E 5 3
This transition produces a laser beam of wavelength 9.6 μm.
Normally 10.6 μm transition is more intense than 9.6 um transition. The power
output from this laser is 10 kW.
Note: The helium gas is used to conduct heat generated in the central region of
the discharge tube to the walls of the discharge tube.
Characteristics
• Type : Molecular gas and four level laser.
• Active medium : A gas mixture of CO , N and helium.
2 2
• Pumping method : Electrical discharge method,
• Optical resonator: It is formed with two concave mirrors.
• Power output: 10 kW.
• Nature of output: Continuous wave or pulsed wave.
• Wavelength of output: 9.6 μm and 10.6 μm
(96000 Å and 106000 Å infra red).
Advantages
• The construction of CO laser is simple.
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• The output from this laser is continuous.
• It has high efficiency.
• It has very high output power.
• The output power can be increased by increasing the length, of discharge tube.
Disadvantages
• The contamination of oxygen by carbon monoxide has some effect on laser
action.
• The operating temperature plays an important role in determining the output
power of the laser.
• Corrosion may occur at the surfaces of the discharger tube.
• Due to high power laser light, accidental exposure may damage eyes, since it is
invisible (infra red region) to our eyes.
Applications
• High-power CO laser finds application in material processing, welding, drilling,
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cutting, soldering, etc.
• The low atmospheric attenuation (10.6 μm) makes CO , laser suitable for open
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air communication.
• It is used in remote sensing.
• It is used in the treatment of liver and lung diseases.
• It is mostly used in neurosurgery and general surgery.
• It is used to perform microsurgery and bloodless operations.