Hollow glass waveguides and silver halide fibers as scanning elements for CO₂ laser marking systems

We have designed and constructed a CO₂ laser marking system based on a scanned flexible waveguide (silver halide infrared optical fiber or a hollow glass waveguide). CO₂ laser power was introduced into the proximal end of the waveguide and the distal tip was placed near the surface of a sample. A permanent magnet was attached to the distal tip, which was displaced in the X and Y directions, using a varying electro magnetic field. An on-line computerized system was used to control the laser power, the position of the distal tip and the scanning speed. The system is capable of cutting, heating or marking on various surfaces. The output profile distribution, spot size and resolution of hollow waveguides and silver halide fibers were investigated and compared.