Because of the heavy flow of topics in this section, (and we lack a "Science of Lasers" forum 
) I thought I would start one based on a thought that occurred to me. (I don't doubt that there are multiple threads about this topic, so I apologize if this is "peat and repeat".)
I was thinking that Continuous Wave lasers are better then pulsed because 2 things mainly. 1. The crystals are of better quality and can handle continuous photon energy and emit semi-powerful laser beam for a constant, continuous flow with the aid of heat dissipation (for the more powerful lasers). 2. The diode is of better quality and of higher power rating since it is expected to undergo more stress although typically run ~95% to extend life. Most pulsed diodes emit rapid burst of photon energy equal or greater then the diodes max rating to get maximum power utilization. The crystals do not need to be as efficient since the chance of over saturating and load is lighter. I would imagine the only positive things about pulsed lasers would be less time/power consumption and heat.
) I thought I would start one based on a thought that occurred to me. (I don't doubt that there are multiple threads about this topic, so I apologize if this is "peat and repeat".) I was thinking that Continuous Wave lasers are better then pulsed because 2 things mainly. 1. The crystals are of better quality and can handle continuous photon energy and emit semi-powerful laser beam for a constant, continuous flow with the aid of heat dissipation (for the more powerful lasers). 2. The diode is of better quality and of higher power rating since it is expected to undergo more stress although typically run ~95% to extend life. Most pulsed diodes emit rapid burst of photon energy equal or greater then the diodes max rating to get maximum power utilization. The crystals do not need to be as efficient since the chance of over saturating and load is lighter. I would imagine the only positive things about pulsed lasers would be less time/power consumption and heat.
