In the modern laser industry, MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier) lasers stand out with their unique structural design. Unlike traditional Q-switched lasers, MOPA lasers adopt an architecture where the seed source and multi-stage amplifiers are separated - the initial pulse signal is generated by the semiconductor laser seed source driven by electrical pulses, and then the power is amplified by the fiber amplifier.
This decoupling design becomes the root of its technological advantage, bringing about a revolution in parameter degrees of freedom in the field of high-precision processing.
1. Flexible and adjustable parameters: Breaking through the rigid limitations of traditional lasers
The core charm of MOPA lasers lies in their ability to independently adjust multi-dimensional parameters, which endows users with nearly "customized" processing flexibility
The pulse width is highly adjustable over a wide range: It can be set arbitrarily between 2ns and 500ns.
However, the pulse width of traditional Q-switched lasers is fixed in the range of 80 to 140ns and cannot be actively adjusted. Narrow pulse width (such as 2ns) can significantly reduce the heat-affected zone and achieve micron-level precision processing. Wide pulse width (such as 500ns) provides higher single-pulse energy, making it suitable for high-energy demand scenarios like deep engraving and welding.
The upper limit of repetition frequency has been significantly increased: It supports an ultra-wide frequency range from 1Hz to 6MHz, with high-frequency bands reaching the MHz level.
Due to the physical characteristics of the Q-switch, the high frequency of Q-switched lasers usually only reaches 100kHz. High repetition rate significantly improves processing efficiency.
Peak power and waveform are precisely controllable: The combination of narrow pulse width and high energy enables the peak power to exceed the ten-thousand-watt level. For high-reflectivity materials such as copper and aluminum, intelligent waveform modes like "power increment" can be designed. First, high-energy pulses break through the reflective layer, and then high-frequency pulses maintain stable processing.
2. Outstanding performance: It combines high stability with strong adaptability
Beyond parameter freedom, the physical properties of MOPA lasers are equally remarkable:
Excellent beam quality: The M² factor of most products is ≤1.510, and the single-mode model of kilowatt-level still maintains M²<1.87, ensuring a fine and uniform focused spot, which is suitable for scenarios such as precise marking and micro-hole processing.
Outstanding energy stability: Pulse energy drift <±3% (8 hours), energy stability between pulses <5% RMS18, ensuring consistency during long-term continuous processing.
Upgraded anti-high reflection capability: Through circuit optimization and optical isolation design, it can withstand high reflection materials such as copper (with a reflectivity of 97%) and brass. At full power, it has passed 1000 red copper marking tests without any abnormalities
Extremely fast response speed: Supports the first-pulse availability feature, with a switch response time as short as the nanosecond level, reducing the waiting time between marking intervals and enhancing overall production capacity
3. Wide range of application scenarios: Comprehensive coverage from surface treatment to deep processing
The parameter flexibility makes MOPA lasers the preferred tool for precision machining in multiple fields:
Fine surface treatment
Anodized aluminum blackening: By combining narrow pulse width (2-40ns) with high repetition rate, pure black or grayscale marking is achieved on the oxide layer of mobile phone/computer shells, opening up a new path for the appearance design of consumer electronics.
Stainless steel color marking: By utilizing the thermal accumulation effect to regulate the thickness of the surface oxide film, it generates long-lasting color patterns and enhances the added value of the product
Precision micro-machining
Film and sheet processing: Cutting of aluminum/copper foil ≤100μm (for new energy battery electrodes), and stripping of ITO coating (for touch screens).
Semiconductor fine scribing: Narrow pulse width achieves a heat-affected zone of less than 50μm, avoiding chipping of brittle materials
High-power deep engraving and cutting
Kilowatt-level single-mode models break through the efficiency bottleneck of deep engraving:
The engraving efficiency of 2mm stainless steel is 51.09mm³/min, which is 3.4 times higher than that of the 60W model
The processing efficiency of 3mm brass is 54.09mm³/min, an increase of over 40%.
Processing of non-metallic sensitive materials
The combination of low repetition rate (1kHz) and moderate pulse width enables clear marking on plastics and resins without ablation, making it suitable for light-transmitting keys, medical catheters, etc.
The combination of parameter liberalization and high performance stability has enabled MOPA lasers to evolve from tools into enabler of precision manufacturing - they are not only pens that leave their marks, but also knives that shape the future.