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.
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.
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:
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