LASER CUTTING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An apparatus and method for cutting material from a workpiece by means of a laser beam. A laser resonator emits an essentially coherentbeam of electromagnetic radiation having at least partial linear polarization. A converting means receives the linearly polarized laser beam and converts the beam into an essentially coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation having at least partial circular polarization. A directing means ensures that the circularly polarized beam is directed against the workpiece at the point of the desired cut. A conventional focusing means and axially directed gas jet may be added to enhance the cutting of the laser beam.