About the vacuum pump in CO2 lasers

[Pelitor]

Hi, I was hoping that someone could help me with a question that I have regarding vacuum pumps in CO2 lasers.

I have been looking at various CO2 laser project on the web and I see that some of the smaller CO2 laser projects don’t use a vacuum pump. Is there a reason for that? Does all CO2 lasers have to have vacuum pump? Or is it just more beneficial for the power outcome?


Thanks!

 

[pschlosser]

Copypasta: Sam's Laser FAQ - Home-Built Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser

It is possible for an amateur to construct a working axial flow CO2 laser in the 10 to 50 W range without too much difficulty - at least compared to some of the other types of lasers described in this chapter. A vacuum system is needed but the range of operating vacuum is modest - 10 to 100 Torr.

It has been a loooong time since I played around with a CO2 laser, but if memory serves, I swapped a tube in a working system, piped in the gas and water and turned it on.

Edit: A common household vacuum cleaner can only suck to 600 Torr.

 

[Cyparagon]

Many people have gotten a working tube with atmospheric pressure. Power isn't ideal though, as you say.