The diameter of a fiber laser beam depends on whether it's a single-mode or multi-mode laser. Here's a breakdown:
Fiber lasers come in two main types, each with distinct beam diameter characteristics:
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Single-Mode Fiber Lasers: These lasers have a smaller core diameter, typically between 8 and 9 micrometers.
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Multi-Mode Fiber Lasers: These lasers have a larger core diameter, usually between 50 and 100 micrometers.
This difference in core diameter directly impacts the size and characteristics of the laser beam produced.
Here's a table summarizing the typical beam diameters:
Laser Type | Typical Core Diameter (micrometers) |
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Single-Mode Fiber Laser | 8-9 |
Multi-Mode Fiber Laser | 50-100 |
The smaller core diameter of single-mode lasers results in a more focused and precise beam, making them suitable for applications requiring high accuracy. In contrast, multi-mode lasers offer higher power output but less beam precision.
The information provided comes from Fiber Lasers: Everything You Need to Know | Laserax, which details these core diameter differences between single-mode and multi-mode fiber lasers.