hello,
i've been using a spectra-physics Nd-YAG laser for the past 2 years working with the fundamental 1064 nm with each run about 2 hours. the power starts at 2.5 w and ends with about 1.3 watts. during the last week run, the laser spot died suddenly so i turned off the device and tried to run it again after 15 minutes. the laser spot starts well but it dies again after about 10 minutes. since then, the problem exists. can you please suggests any advice?
Ahmad
The time constants involved in the power decay suggest something like a thermal problem. Perhaps an optic mount is heating up abnormally and the laser is going out of alignment? Have you noticed that the beam pointing has been changing over time and over a run? (The beam starts moving laterally or vertically). Has the beam profile changed (burn paper or camera)?
Have you checked the cooling water flow, temperature, conductivity, color, etc.? How long since the flashlamps were replaced?
Alternatively it's possible a component on a PCBA has been getting hot to the point where it is no-longer properly soldered to the board, so the board isn't functioning any more?
Dear John
Thanks alot for your concern and advice, I've been through your sugestions and found nothing wrong for sure. It seems to be a soldering issue since the device started working again.
The decay in power persists till know, do you suggest buying new flashlamps? since the ones we have came with the device 21 years ago.
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