Laser Applications Laboratory (LAL)
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The Laser Applications Laboratory (LAL) houses two high-power laser systems, complete with diagnostics for materials-processing functions – a 6 kW CO2 laser and a 1.6 kW pulsed Nd:YAG laser. |
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The Laser Applications Laboratory (LAL) in Argonne's Nuclear Engineering Division carries out research and development on laser-based applications for materials processing and aerosol or spray characterization. Collaborative research and development activities with industrial partners are a key activity. The LAL's integrated approach maximizes the synergy between laser/beam-delivery manufacturers and developers/users of the technology.
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The 6kW CO2 laser (see
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The LAL facility houses two high-power industrial laser systems, complete with diagnostics for materials-processing functions: a 6 kW CO2 laser and a 1.6 kW pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The equipment was provided by a $1.7 million grant from the State of Illinois for Argonne and its industrial partners to develop advanced materials-processing methods. Capabilities include cladding, cutting, drilling, surface modification (heat treating, glazing, surface alloying), welding, process monitoring, and laser thermal simulation studies. The general goal of the laser processing effort is to optimize laser processing parameters for materials-processing functions on the factory floor. More specialized goals include development and optimization of industrially robust beam-delivery systems for specific processing needs.
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Argonne's Nd:YAG laser in action -Laser Well Drilling | |
Several low-power lasers--including visible to
near-infrared diode lasers, nitrogen and dye lasers,
and helium-neon lasers--are used for diagnostics,
characterization (and control) of
aerosols and sprays
relevant to environmental control and fuel injection
optimization.
Projects with industrial partners:
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The Argonne on-line Weld Monitor | |
LAL projects are structured
to be synergistic and complementary. Improvements in
laser beam delivery, power measurement, and sensors
for on-line process monitoring will positively affect
the viability and cost-effectiveness of high-power
laser processing technology that is currently used in
automotive and other manufacturing sectors. The
ongoing LAL projects with industrial partners are:
LASER OIL & GAS WELL DRILLING
Using high-power lasers to drill and complete gas & oil
wells
LASER HEAT TREATMENT
Optimization of laser beam heat treatment (Caterpillar and
USCAR)
LASER WELDING OF
METALS
High-speed laser welding of stainless steels for
automobile exhaust systems (Delphi Energy and Engine
Management Systems)
ON-LINE MONITORING
On-line process monitoring for laser-beam welding (USCAR)
LASER BEAM DELIVERY
Fiber-optic beam delivery for high-power Nd:YAG lasers
(U.S. Laser)
LASER GLAZING OF
RAILROAD RAILS
Laser glazing of railroad rails (American Association of Railroads)
Other projects:
In addition to its collaborative activities, LAL carries out internal research and development on high power laser processing:
HIGH POWER LASER BEAM DELIVERY
High-power laser-beam delivery with conventional and fiber
optics
DECONTAMINATION &
DECOMMISSIONING
Laser processing technology for decontamination of
surfaces
REFRACTORY ALLOY
WELDING
Welding of refractory metals such as vanadium alloys
Fact Sheets
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- Technology Initiatives - Fact Sheet
[
PDF (83KB)]
Contact:
Systems Technologies and Diagnostics Dept.
Laser Applications & Robotics Initiatives Section
Sect. Manager: Dr. Claude B. Reed
Fax: +1 630-252-5287
