LASER CUTTER AND ITS METHOD

摘要

An apparatus and method for cutting material from a workpiece uses a laser resonator emitting an essentially coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation having at least partial linear polarization and a converting means converting the linearly polarized laser 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. The use of a circularly polarized beam is said to reduce key angulation and improve cut surface smoothness.