How To Understand Damage Thresholds

Gentec-EO’s guide on damage thresholds explains how to ensure that laser power and energy densities stay within the safe operating range of laser detectors, preventing potential damage. Phil from Gentec-EO highlights the importance of managing average power and energy densities, especially regarding power density (W/cm²) and energy density (J/cm²), which depend on factors like beam profile, wavelength, and detector type.

For continuous wave (CW) lasers, users should calculate average power density by dividing the power by the area of the laser spot. For flat-top beam profiles, this calculation is straightforward. However, with Gaussian beams, where intensity peaks at the center, users should double the central intensity for an accurate comparison against the detector’s damage threshold. Using Gentec-EO’s online product finder can simplify these calculations.

In pulsed lasers, both average power density and energy density (energy per pulse divided by the laser spot area) need consideration. This density depends on parameters like wavelength and pulse width, with guidance provided in Gentec-EO specifications.

Learn more in the video below: