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Key Parameters of a Laser System

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Key Parameters of a Laser System

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There is a vast range of common laser systems from applications as diverse as materials processing, laser surgery, and remote sensing, but many laser systems share common key parameters. Establishing common terminology for these parameters prevents miscommunication, and understanding them allows for properly specifying laser systems and components to meet your application needs. A laser’s wavelength describes the spatial frequency of the emitted light wave. The optimal wavelength for a given use case is highly application-dependent. The power of a laser is measured in watts (W) and is used to describe either the optical power output of a continuous wave (CW) laser or the average power of a pulsed laser. The laser pulse duration, or pulse width, is commonly defined as the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the laser’s optical power vs. time.

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