POTENTIAL OF MODERN CO2-LASERS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

New laser systems, such as diode-pumped solid state and-in the future- diode lasers will become alternatives CO2-lasers in some fields of app lications. For this reason, it is necessary to fully exploit the poten tial of the CO2-laser. Properties like high beam quality and linear po larization, as well as techniques to handle the beam can substantially contribute to an improved processing. Those aspects together with som e problems in the development of modern high-power lasers are addresse d in this contribution. Examples of improved applications will be pres ented that demonstrate the potential of CO2-lasers.