High power laser fluid jets and beam paths using deuterium oxide

摘要

There are provided using deuterium oxide as a media for transmitting high power lasers to perform laser operations, such as cutting, boring and drilling, a target material. High power laser beams are transmitted through a deuterium oxide beam path to a target material, including material in a pressure containment vessel.

主权项

1. A high power laser fluid jet nozzle assembly comprising:
a body comprising:
a laser fluid jet nozzle; andan optics assembly configured to deliver a high power laser beam along a laser beam path into the laser fluid jet nozzle; and a source of deuterium oxide in fluid communication with the laser fluid jet nozzle for forming a pressurized liquid deuterium oxide jet, the source having a pressure of at least 3,000 psi, wherein the laser beam path is in the pressurized liquid deuterium oxide jet and wherein the pressurized liquid deuterium oxide jet propagates from the laser fluid jet nozzle to a target material to perform a laser operation, wherein the high power laser beam has a power of at least 10 kW, and wherein the pressurized liquid deuterium oxide jet creates a volume that has a length greater than 5 inches.