Laser Applications Laboratory

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.

Figure 1. The 6kW CO2 laser. Click on image to view larger image.

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.

Figure 2. Argonne's Nd:YAG laser in action -Laser Well Drilling. Click on image to view larger image.

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.

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:

Figure 3. The Argonne on-line Weld Monitor. Click on image to view larger image.

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

Last Modified: Tue, September 7, 2010 5:48 PM