Hollow grass waveguides and silver halide fibers as scanning elements for CO2 laser marking systems

We have designed and constructed a CO2 laser marking system based on a scan ned flexible waveguide (silver halide infrared optical fiber or a hollow gl ass waveguide). CO2 laser power was introduced into the proximal end of the waveguide and the distal tip was placed near the surface of a sample. A pe rmanent magnet was attached to the distal tip, which was displaced in the X and Y directions, using a varying electro magnetic field. An on-line compu terized system was used to control the laser power, the position of the dis tal tip and the scanning speed. The system is capable of cutting, heating o r marking on various surfaces. The output profile distribution, spot size a nd resolution of hollow waveguides and silver halide fibers were investigat ed and compared. (C) 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineer s.