Abstract: A nozzle assembly for performing material processing operations with a handheld laser system on a surface of a workpiece. The handheld laser system comprises a laser source configured to generate laser radiation, a handheld device that guides the laser radiation, and an optical fiber coupling the handheld device to the laser source, and the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle configured to deliver the laser radiation to the surface, and a coupling mechanism that includes a retaining portion formed on an output end of the handheld device, and an engagement portion configured to be releasably attachable to the nozzle and engage with the retaining portion. A rearward ring provides a first initial coupling with the handheld device and an intermediate ring is rotated to provide a final coupling where the nozzle is non movably secured to the handheld device.

Abstract: Systems for passivating a surface using laser radiation are provided. In one example, a system includes a housing configured as a handheld apparatus that directs laser radiation to the surface to be passivated, an optical fiber that couples the handheld apparatus to a laser source, and a laser source that is configured to emit laser radiation in either a continuous wave (CW) mode having a maximum power of 1500 watts (W) inclusive, or a modulated CW mode having a duty cycle less than 100%, a pulse repetition frequency in a range of 30-55 kilohertz (kHz) inclusive, and a FWHM pulse duration of nanosecond order or longer.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for performing material processing operations with a handheld laser system on a surface of a workpiece. The handheld laser system comprises a laser source configured to generate laser radiation, a handheld device that guides the laser radiation, and an optical fiber coupling the handheld device to the laser source, and the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle configured to deliver the laser radiation to the surface, and a coupling mechanism that includes a retaining portion formed on an output end of the handheld device, and an engagement portion configured to be releasably attachable to the nozzle and engage with the retaining portion.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a surface using laser radiation is provided. In one example, a system for cleaning a surface using laser radiation includes a laser source configured to generate laser radiation, the laser source configured to emit laser radiation in a cleaning mode, the cleaning mode characterized as a modulated continuous wave (CW) mode having a duty cycle less than 110%, pulse-repetition frequency greater of at least 10 kilohertz (kHz), and a FWHM pulse duration in a range of 1 microsecond (?s) to 10 (milliseconds) ms inclusive, a housing configured as a handheld apparatus that directs the later radiation to the surface, and an optical fiber coupling the handheld apparatus to the laser source.

Abstract: A handheld laser system. In certain examples the handheld laser system includes a laser source emitting laser light at a wavelength for performing a material processing operation on a workpiece material with a laser beam of the emitted laser light, a plasma sensor configured to detect plasma emitted from the workpiece material during a material processing operation, and a controller coupled to the plasma sensor and configured to: compare an optical intensity value obtained by the plasma sensor to a threshold value at a time when a predetermined time period has elapsed after the material processing operation has commenced, and produce a control command based on the comparison.