Argon Laser: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page explores the pros and cons of Argon Lasers. It details the benefits and drawbacks associated with this type of laser.

What is an Argon Laser?

Introduction:

• An Argon laser is a type of gas laser that operates within the visible spectrum, typically around 0.488 µm wavelength.
• It can function in both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed modes.
• Figure 1 illustrates the schematic structure of an Argon laser.
• In this laser, pumping is achieved through a high-voltage electric discharge through the argon gas filled tube, employing either Direct Current (DC) or Radio Frequency (RF) processes.

• A cooling jacket is essential due to the significant heat generated during operation.
• Lasing occurs due to electron transitions from the 4p energy level to the 4s level within the ionized state of the argon gas.
• The average output power ranges from 0.005 to 20 Watts in CW mode, and can reach several Kilowatts in pulse mode.

Benefits or Advantages of Argon Lasers

Here are some of the key benefits and advantages of Argon Lasers:

• It produces multiple wavelengths, similar to other ion lasers.
• Argon lasers offer a higher power output compared to He-Ne lasers.
• It is a high gain system.
• Argon lasers exhibit very low beam divergence (approximately 1 milliradian), comparable to He-Ne lasers.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Argon Lasers

The following are some of the drawbacks and disadvantages of Argon Lasers:

• The overall efficiency of an argon laser is very low, typically between 0.01% and 0.1%.
• It requires a large amount of power for operation.
• The construction of an argon laser is complex.
• Its cost is higher than He-Ne lasers.
• It necessitates a high voltage power supply.