Optodynamic studies of Er:YAG laser interaction with wood

Measurements of laser drilling rate of different woods were performed. Using an Er:YAG laser, very long and narrow holes with depth-to-diameter ratio above 100 were achieved. This indicates the occurrence of laser beam trapping. The process has been investigated as a typical optodynamic process. Optoacoustic waves were detected by microphone and analysed to monitor the hole depth produced by consecutive laser pulse exposure of the same spot. The results may have relevance to Er:YAG laser applications in the wood industry. q1998 Elsevier Science B.V.