Transparent fluid or gel

[sbkenn]

Does anyone know if there is a fluid or gel that is relatively transparent to IR/cutting laser light ?
Obviously, water isn't ! I am only thinking of a few cm, but want it to be as energy efficient as possible.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Perhaps if you told us what you're trying to accomplish we can be more helpful... not many (inexpensive) fluids that pass near-IR that come to the top of my mind.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[sbkenn]

I want to shine the laser through a short column of fluid before focusing for cutting. I doubt that cost will be relevant in the quantity that I have in mind. Water will probably work, but I want to lose as little and minimise heating as much as possible.

 

[IRstuff]

Water is most likely to be your most transmissive fluid.

Additionally, I question the notion of trying to ablate something under a fluid. The cooling effect of the fluid will force you to apply a much higher power level to being with. Additionally, since the temperature in the kerf will most likely exceed the boiling point of the fluid, you will get boiling at the kerf, further reducing the incident power into the kerf, and spoiling the beam, making kerf quality extremely poor.

TTFN
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[sbkenn]

There is a good, albeit experimental reason, and the power loss/heating of the fluid, is the reason for my question. I understand that quartz is used for lenses ... I want to find a similarly low opacity material.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

But quartz is a solid, not a liquid... which brings me back to the original question of what are you trying to accomplish?

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[IRstuff]

Not only is quartz a solid, and substantially more transmissive, given that it's most likely anti-reflection coated, the quartz does not ever contact, or come close to, the workpiece, nor is it desirable to do so. The vaporized metal getting deposited onto the lens would be an awful idea, followed by crying and tearing of one's clothes for ruining a perfectly good lens.

TTFN
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There is a homework forum hosted by engineering.com:

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[MacGyverS2000]

I should also mention... quartz is NOT a material used for CO2 laser windows. A quartz window would get etched immediately... you want Zinc Selenide, at a minimum.

So far, this post is not making sense...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com