Chemical oxygen iodine laser of extremely high efficiency

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Abstract
We have developed a highly efficient chemical oxygen iodine laser with industrial uses in mind. A maximum overall efficiency of 40% has been achieved at a power level of 200 W. This efficiency makes the running cost of the iodine laser comparable to that of typical yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet lasers. The key issues for achieving high efficiency are discussed. Using the present system, we were successful in drilling a 1‐mm‐thick steel plate at a power level of 60 W, which we believe is the first demonstration of material processing by a chemical oxygen iodine laser.