Title :
Maximizing the output power of a CO2 laser using the Taguchi technique
Author :
Tam, S.C. ; Noor, Yusoff M. ; Yang, L.J.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Mech. & Production Eng., Nanyang Technol. Univ., Singapore
fDate :
1/1/1993 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The results of an experiment aimed at optimizing the output beam power of an industrial fast-axial-flow CO2 laser machine using the Taguchi method are reported. Four control factors (design variables) were explored: blower speed, laser gas pressure, cooling fans, and output mirror transmittance. The various parameters were assigned to a modified L18 orthogonal array. The experiment was conducted with two repetitions and complete randomization within block was practiced. It was found that higher laser power could be obtained with a blower speed of 2526 r.p.m., laser gas pressure of 62 torr, cooling fans, and output mirror transmittance of 40%. The laser gas composition was kept constant at 5% CO2, 14% N2, and 81% He. Twenty confirmatory tests were performed and the results fell within the predicted 95% confidence interval
Keywords :
carbon compounds; gas lasers; 62 torr; Taguchi technique; blower speed; control factors; cooling fans; design variables; industrial fast axial flow CO2 laser machine; laser gas composition; laser gas pressure; orthogonal array; output beam power; output mirror transmittance; Cooling; Fans; Gas lasers; Laser beams; Mirrors; Optical control; Optimization methods; Power generation; Power lasers; Pressure control;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
