Argon Laser
Argon lasers were not the first lasers invented but they remain the most popular in use today. Invented by William Bridges in 1964, argon lasers use a noble gas (high purity argon gas, as the name indicates) as the lasing medium. They emit at several wavelengths through the visible and ultraviolet spectrum and can be configured either to produce a single laser line or multiple laser lines concurrently. Furthermore, argon lasers can be developed to produce optical power levels ranging from a few milliwatts to more than 20 watts.
Argon ion lasers are manufactured commercially for a wide variety of applications which include (but are not limited to) microscopy, forensics, ophthalmic surgery, lithography, and retinal phototherapy for diabetes.
Cutting-edge advances in laser technology have lead to the development and commercialization of several supplementary laser sources; however, the argon laser is and will continue to be a conventional and practical laser light source for many functions.
Argon Laser Basics
Plasma Tube - The key component of any argon laser is the plasma tube which is equipped with the bore. These two parts must be designed so they can maintain extremely high temperatures while preserving a tight vacuum seal, all without incurring any damage.
Resonator Assembly - The bore must function as an optically resonant cavity component in order for the plasma tube to properly produce laser energy. To achieve this, mirrors are placed perpendicular to the length of the bore at each end of the bore. One mirror is highly reflective while the other is only partial. The angle of the mirrors is slightly adjusted until optimal alignment is attained.
Sealed Mirror Technology - Most new argon lasers are not equipped with the oversized resonator assembly. These days, the mirrors are permanently bonded on special mounts placed on either end of the plasma tube which are lightweight and provide better long-term alignment stability.
The Power Supply- The plasma tube will only function when energy is provided to start and sustain a plasma discharge within the bore. Specifically designed to operate a plasma tube, the power supply first delivers an initial triggering pulse to initiate a plasma discharge, then maintains the plasma discharge.