Debris Shields for Fiber Laser Cutting

A line of sapphire cover glass windows from Laser Research Optics (Providence, RI) reduce focus shift and are ideal for use as debris shields on 1064 nm cutting and welding lasers. These Sapphire Fiber Laser Windows are ideal for use as debris shields on high power lasers from 4 kW up and have lower bulk absorption with about 30X higher thermal conductivity than fused silica protection glasses. Featuring Mohs 9 hardness that is second only to diamond, they have A/R coatings on both sides to provide transmission of greater than 99.5 percent @ 1.06 microns with greater than 80 percent @ 650 nm to 670 nm. Reducing focus shift and the deterioration of beam quality, these sapphire cover glass windows can withstand steel splatter, flash and debris better than fused silica, which extends their service life and the required lens changes. Available in 0.5 in and 2.0 in sizes, they have a 10-5 scratch-dig finish, 1/4 wave transmitted wavefront, and are priced according to size and quantity. Price quotations are available upon request.

Laser Research Optics Division of Meller Optics, Inc., 120 Corliss Street, Providence, RI 02904, 888-239-5545, Fax: 401-331-4004, scott@laserresearch.net, www.laserresearchoptics.net.