The application of laser radiation to industrial processes depends on its interaction with and reflection from matter. Gas lasers provide the highest mean power generators of coherent radiation in the visible and near infrared; their high coherence beams can be utilized in interference-based measurements of distance and velocity. Ion and, more particularly, molecular gas laser development promises focused power densities of tens of megawatts per square centimetre. Experimental results of cutting and welding metallic and non-metallic materials show that the economic and technical advantages of high-power c.w. lasers can be realized in a range of industrial processes.
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