Electronic mode and power control of a high-power CO/sub 2/ laser

An electronic supervisory system has been developed which allows long-term mode and power stability to be obtained from a high-power CO/sub 2/ laser, without any form of mechanical compensation. The system is shown to be capable of stabilizing the total output power of the laser to within 3% of the desired level. Mode stability is evaluated by measuring the power level in each quadrant of the laser output. Individual quadrant power is shown to vary by no more than 2%, with the system in operation. The relatively simple and inexpensive controller appears suitable for retrofitting to any medium- or high-powered laser, whether repetitively pulsed or CW.<
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