Abstract: The penetration depth of a machining laser beam into workpiece is continuously monitored in that a measuring laser beam is directed onto the vapor capillary that is generated in the workpiece by the machining laser beam.

Abstract: In order to improve a semiconductor laser system with a plurality of semiconductor laser units comprising a laser oscillator, laser radiation exiting from each of these units, a light-conducting fiber associated with each semiconductor laser unit, a coupling element for coupling the laser radiation exiting from the respective semiconductor laser unit into the respective light-conducting fiber, and a fiber bundle comprising the fibers as light conductor system, a total laser radiation formed by the sum of the coherent laser radiation generated by the respective semiconductor laser units exiting from one end of the fiber bundle, this total laser radiation illuminating a target surface on an object to be irradiated during laser activity of all the semiconductor laser units, such that complex irradiation tasks can be performed with this system in a simple and as effective a manner as possible it is suggested that a control be provided for controlling the power of each individual semiconductor laser unit in a defi

Abstract: To apply hard cutting particles, for example of tungsten carbide, on the surface of the cutting edge of a cutting tool, such as a saw blade, a drill, or the like, the cutting edge is partially melted by an energy beam, for example a laser beam, or an electron beam. A laser beam is preferred since, then, the process can be carried out in air, or in a protective gas atmosphere, rather than in a vacuum. The beam partially melts the cutting edge and the granules of the hard metal particles, preferably in a random grain size of between 0.3 to 1.5 mm is permitted to run down, over the partially melted surface, excess being collected for reuse; alternatively, the partially melted surface can be dipped into the granules, and permitted to solidify.

Abstract: Directing a laser beam at a surface to be treated, such as a metallic surface which is likely to reflect much of the energy, results in a high proportion of absorbed energy if the laser beam has an oblique incidence, particularly if the laser beam is polarized in a direction parallel to the plane of incidence (defined as the plane which contains the axis of the laser beam and the perpendicular to the surface at the center of the spot of incidence). In the case of iron and steel surfaces the absorbtion is markedly increased at angles of incidence greater than 45.degree. and just short of glancing incidence, with a maximum near 80.degree..