With the arrival of high temperature and high humidity weather, lasers have encountered severe challenges in their daily operation. This article will analyze in detail the impact of 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 stability. The cooling system takes away 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 lasers?

1. Aging of internal components of the laser

High temperature will accelerate the aging process of internal components of the laser, especially electronic components. The performance degradation of aging components may cause the laser to work unstably or even fail.

2. 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, condensed water may cause a short circuit in the circuit board device, damage sensitive electronic components, and even cause the entire laser to fail and be scrapped.

3. Optical performance degradation, power, and spot problems

After condensation occurs on the optical device, the 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 laser condensation?

1. Ambient temperature and humidity control

By controlling the temperature and humidity of the environment where the laser is located, 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.

2. Cooling system setting

According to the changes in ambient temperature and humidity, reasonably adjust the set temperature of the laser cooling system to 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 difference.

3. 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.

(As shown in the temperature and humidity condensation comparison table above: the numbers that cross the corresponding humidity in the ambient temperature indicate the dew point temperature. The cooling system setting temperature of the laser needs to be higher than the dew point temperature, which can effectively avoid condensation inside the laser)

In addition to the ambient temperature and humidity, what other things should be paid attention to?

1. Environmental cleanliness

The optical devices of the laser have extremely high requirements for the cleanliness of the environment. Dust and pollutants may adhere to the surface of the optical device, affecting the transmission of light and reducing the performance of the laser.

2. The use of protective gas

In some types of lasers, the use of protective gas is essential to maintain the performance of optical devices. Protective gas can prevent oxidation of the device surface and extend the service life of the laser.

Through the above measures, we can ensure the stable operation of the laser in the high temperature and high humidity environment in summer, extend the basic service life, and maintain the best working performance. We should pay close attention to environmental changes and adjust equipment parameters in time to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the laser.