CO2 Vs. UV Laser: What’s The Difference?

For most people, it may not always be possible to tell the difference between UV lasers vs. CO2 lasers. Both have several applications in industry, research, and other spheres of the modern world. They however serve very different functions and understanding the difference between them can help you figure out where you could apply them for the best results. Modern technology relies on laser energy for a variety of applications. They are used in material processing where they help in precision cutting, measurements, and many other areas. Lasers may also be used in research where they are used to track chemical and physical changes in research projects.

In this article, we are going to discuss the differences between these two kinds of lasers and explain to you where they are applied.

What Laser Technology Consists of

Laser energy is, at a fundamental level, based on the excitement of atoms, causing their electrons to jump to a higher energy level. This process is often referred to as having electrons in an excited stage. When these excited electrons return to their lower energy state, the energy released is given off in the form of light. This process is known as spontaneous emission. For laser beams to work, you need to have atoms at a higher energy level than those in the lower energy state. This imbalance stage is often called population inversion. As stimulation emission continues to occur within this imbalanced state, the intensity of the light emitted continues to increase.

This light emission can then be directed for a variety of purposes due to its unique properties. These applications are what we typically refer to as laser applications, and they include all the ones that we mentioned at the beginning of this article.

How do Lasers Interact with Other Materials

The simplest way to understand how lasers interact with other materials is to think of lasers as energy. If you direct a beam of energy at various materials, the reaction will vary depending on the material in question. One of the ways lasers interact with materials is absorption where the energy is absorbed into the material, causing chemical reactions, burning, or melting. When lasers are used for cutting purposes, they typically rely on this process. In other materials, this energy may be directed away or concentrated on another surface. This is typical in materials such as mirrors which reflect the laser beams away. This is the principle behind laser shutters which are used in laser tools to manage the direction of the laser energy. Another type of interaction is transmission where the laser energy goes through the material and finally, we have ablation where the intense energy chips away at bits of the material on the surface.

How do CO2 Lasers Work?

Now that we have an idea of how laser technology works, let us look at the two types of laser energies that we are discussing in this article. CO2 lasers are a special type of laser energy that operates on a specific wavelength. This characteristic gives them unique properties that make them particularly useful for several applications. CO2 lasers operate on an infrared wavelength which involves heat emission. The fact that they produce a certain amount of heat means that they work very well for cutting applications among other uses. Co2 Lasers also produce a very focused kind of beam that is precise and powerful. Another characteristic of CO2 lasers is that compared with other kinds of lasers, they are relatively cost-effective to produce, making them handy for low-cost applications.

Where CO2 Lasers Are Used

Based on the properties of CO2 lasers, you will find them being used in applications that involve precision cutting or engraving. They are especially useful in industries that work with plastic, wood, fabrics, and many non-metal materials, Here, they may be used to cut very intricate patterns, engravings, and other patterns into materials that would otherwise be too difficult or too expensive to engrave in any other way. CO2 lasers can also be used to engrave industrial parts, making it easy for such parts to be identified, especially if they intend to be used as components of larger products.

CO2 lasers are also used in other areas outside industrial production. For example, they are used in hospitals for operations such as eye surgery or tumor removal. The fact that they can cut through flesh precisely and effectively makes them vital in such operations.

UV Lasers – What Are They?

UV Lasers operate on a different wavelength and this means they produce energy beams that behave slightly different from those produced by CO2 lasers. UV stands for Ultra Violet and their main characteristic is that they have a very short wavelength, making these lasers invisible to our eyes. However, these pack a lot of energy and this means they can interact with materials in a way that makes them useful for a variety of applications. For example, due to their precise nature, they cause very little damage around their target area and this makes it possible to use them for applications that hinge on very precise application of energy.

Unlike CO2 lasers, UV Lasers work very well with metals and this makes them invaluable in industries such as semiconductor production that hinge on precision.

Where Are UV Lasers Used?

As you may have guessed from the features of UV lasers, you are likely going to find them in use in industries that are based on micro-machining. These are applications that are based on cutting tiny things such as small parts, sculpting miniature components with precision, or creating tiny circuits on chips such as those in use in modern electronics and computers. Just like CO2 lasers, these lasers are also found in the field of medicine. Here they are used in the treatment of diseases such as cancers and some types of skin diseases.

Which One Should You Use?

The choice of which type of laser primarily depends on the application that you have in mind. As we have seen, these lasers offer different properties, making them useful for varying types of applications. There are also factors to consider such as cost and suitability for the process that you have in mind.

When you come to experts such as NM Laser Products Inc., we can help you understand what kind of laser tools you need for your applications. You see, we have years of experience and expertise in developing customized solutions for our clients. Our experts will work with you to develop solutions that are perfect for your needs. Contact us today and let us help you tap into the power of laser technology for your business.