Abstract: The invention relates to a laser spot welding process for executing a spot weld in two successive steps, namely a first step of preparing the surface state of the material to be welded and a second step of welding as such. The luminous energy (BR) reflected by the weld region of the material is measured in real time during the first step and then processed by a controller circuit (37) connected to a control circuit (30) of the laser source (31). In this way, the characteristics (LM) of the laser beam are adjusted in real time as a function of the measurements effected to allow effective control of the quality of the weld obtained, and in particular of its dimensions. The invention also relates to a welding device for implementing this process.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for generating a rotating laser beam (5) which may used for various applications including welding, cutting, drilling or ablation of materials. More particularly, the apparatus is able to produce a fast rotating and accurate laser beam, because the main optical device (100) that is rotated consists of a reflecting surface (102) rotating about an axis (X1) that it intersects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for generating a rotating laser beam (5) which may used for various applications including welding, cutting, drilling or ablation of materials. More particularly, the apparatus (1) according to the present invention is able to produce a fast rotating and accurate laser beam, because the main optical device (100) that is rotated consists of a first reflecting surface (102) rotating about an axis (X1), a second reflecting surface (26) having an annular shape, wherein the first reflecting surface (102) redirects said laser beam in to the direction of the second reflecting surface (26), which reflects said laser beam towards said axis (X1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser spot welding process for executing a spot weld in two successive steps, namely a first step of preparing the surface state of the material to be welded and a second step of welding as such. The luminous energy (BR) reflected by the weld region of the material is measured in real time during the first step and then processed by a controller circuit (37) connected to a control circuit (30) of the laser source (31). In this way, the characteristics (LM) of the laser beam are adjusted in real time as a function of the measurements effected to allow effective control of the quality of the weld obtained, and in particular of its dimensions.

Abstract: A solid crystal laser emission device with an emission crystal and a gas discharge tube in a pumping cavity provided with a cooling circuit for cooling both emission crystal and discharge tube. The crystal and discharge cooling circuit is provided at least with a thermal conductor in contact with the crystal and with the discharge tube, each thermal conductor being further in contact with at least a dissipating wall of the pumping cavity. The crystal cooling circuit is provided with a set of three metal clamps having a longitudinal axis of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crystal, the metal clamps encompassing the crystal approximately at its median zone and at each of its extremities.

Abstract: A technique for ablating a metal workpiece by the use of laser beam radiation at an efficiency higher than heretofore possible and an improved regulation of the ablation process. Undesired side effects of the ablation process are eliminated by the entire and complete ejection of the molten metal at the point of beam impingement so that no material remains on the workpiece in the areas between contiguous points of ablation. The appropriate selection of beam intensity and the selection of pulse shape provide the inventive technique.