As the weather gets hotter, many places in central and southern China have entered the rainy season. Such high temperature and high humidity environment poses a severe challenge to the normal operation of lasers. This article will analyze in detail the impact of summer environmental control on lasers, the principle of condensation, and how to effectively prevent and deal with these challenges.
How does condensation occur on lasers?
Condensation is the phenomenon that when water vapor in the air encounters a cold surface, the temperature drops below the dew point and the water vapor condenses into liquid water. In lasers, lasers are usually equipped with a cooling system to maintain their internal temperature stable. The cooling system removes the heat generated by the laser by circulating coolant
However, when the ambient temperature and humidity are too high, the cooling system may cause the surface temperature of the laser to be lower than the dew point temperature of the surrounding air. The surface will condense the moisture in the air and attach it to the laser, and condensation will occur.
What are the effects of condensation in a hot and humid environment on the laser?
Aging of laser internal components
High temperature will accelerate the aging process of laser internal components, especially electronic components. The performance degradation of aging components may cause the laser to work unstably or even fail.
Condensation can cause a short circuit in the laser circuit
Once condensation occurs on the surface of the circuit board and electrical module inside the laser to form condensed water, these water droplets may cause short circuits in circuit board devices, damage sensitive electronic components, and even cause failure and scrapping of the entire laser.
Optical performance degradation, power, and spot problems
After condensation occurs on optical devices, water droplets formed on the surface will affect the reflection and refraction of light, causing changes in the output power and spot pattern of the laser. In addition, water droplets may also corrode the optical lens, further reducing the performance of the laser.
How to prevent condensation in lasers?
Environmental temperature and humidity control
By controlling the temperature and humidity of the laser environment, condensation can be effectively prevented. This includes using an air conditioning system to lower the ambient temperature and using a dehumidifier to control the ambient humidity.
Cooling system setting
According to changes in ambient temperature and humidity, adjust the set temperature of the laser cooling system reasonably. Ensure that the temperature of the cooling water is higher than the dew point temperature of the environment to avoid condensation due to excessive temperature differences.
Application of temperature and humidity dew point comparison table
Using the temperature and humidity dew point comparison table, you can intuitively understand the dew point temperature under different environmental conditions, so as to set the temperature of the cooling system more accurately and avoid condensation.
In addition to the ambient temperature and humidity, what other things should be paid attention to?
Environmental cleanliness
The optical devices of the laser have extremely high requirements for the cleanliness of the environment. Dust and contaminants may adhere to the surface of the optical device, affecting the transmission of light and reducing the performance of the laser.
The use of protective gas
In some types of lasers, the use of protective gas is essential to maintain the performance of the optical device. The protective gas can prevent the surface of the device from oxidation and extend the service life of the laser.
Through the above measures, we can ensure that the laser operates stably in the high temperature and high humidity environment in summer, extend its service life, and maintain the best working performance. As engineers, we should pay close attention to environmental changes and adjust equipment parameters in time to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the laser.
