The meaning of "single-mode" and "multi-mode" in cleaning lasers

Views: 194 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: Origin: Site

In industrial production, cleaning is a crucial link. Although traditional cleaning methods, such as mechanical cleaning and chemical cleaning can meet production needs to a certain extent, they often have problems such as low flexibility and environmental pollution,etc. With the advancement of science and technology, laser cleaning technology emerged, and with its high efficiency, environmental protection, and non-contact characteristics, it has gradually become a new favorite in the cleaning field. Among them, single-mode and multi-mode in fiber pulse lasers are the two most commonly used types of lasers. So, what are the differences between them? What are their advantages and disadvantages? What application scenarios are suitable for? We will reveal them to you one by one.

 

What are single-mode and multi-mode

 

The mode of the laser usually refers to the energy distribution state of the laser in the plane perpendicular to the propagation direction, which can be divided into single-mode and multi-mode. Single-mode means that when the laser is working, only one mode of laser output is generated. The energy intensity of the single-mode gradually decreases from the center to the outer edge, and the energy distribution form is a Gaussian curve. Its beam is called a fundamental mode Gaussian beam. The laser beam output by a single-mode has the characteristics of high beam quality, small beam diameter, small divergence angle, and energy distribution close to the ideal Gaussian curve. In addition, the single-mode has good focusing characteristics, a small focused spot and strong mode stability, which is suitable for cleaning scenarios that require strong removal, such as rust.

 

single-mode energy distribution

 

The light spot output by a multi-mode laser is often composed of a combination of multiple modes. The energy distribution in the spot is relatively uniform, and the more modes, the more uniform the energy distribution. Its beam is also called a flat-top beam. Compared with single-mode, the beam quality of multi-mode lasers is poorer, the divergence angle is larger, and it requires an optical system with a larger aperture for transmission, and the focused spot is larger than that of single-mode. However, multi-mode is easier to achieve large single pulse energy, high peak power and high average power output, and the energy distribution is uniform, which is more advantageous for cleaning scenarios that require small damage and high efficiency, such as molds.

 

multi-mode energy distribution

 

The advantages and disadvantages of single-mode and multi-mode laser cleaning

 

Due to the characteristics of good beam quality, small focused spot and high energy density, single-mode lasers are suitable for removing strongly adherent contaminants such as rust, and are also suitable for cleaning thin materials and precision parts that are sensitive to heat input. However, due to the excessive concentration of single-mode energy, it may cause certain damage to the substrate material during cleaning.

 

For scenarios such as molds that require no damage to the substrate after cleaning, multi-mode lasers must be used. Multi-mode beams have uniform energy distribution and high peak power, and can control the peak power density to be higher than the damage threshold of the contaminants but lower than the substrate. Therefore, during cleaning, contaminants can be effectively removed without destroying the structure of the material surface. In addition, the multi-mode focused spot is larger. For scenarios where single-mode and multi-mode can achieve the same cleaning effect, the cleaning efficiency of multi-mode is usually higher. However, for strongly adherent contaminants, multi-mode laser cleaning may not be able to do it.

 

 

Comparison of single-mode and multi-mode cleaning

 

Application scenarios of single-mode and multi-mode lasers

 

Based on the advantages and disadvantages of single-mode and multi-mode cleaning lasers, the application scenarios applicable to the two are also different.

 

Main application scenarios of single-mode:

 

● Metal rust removal: the high energy density of single-mode laser makes it an ideal choice for metal rust removal. It can efficiently remove the rust layer on the metal surface. The higher the laser power, the stronger the rust removal ability and the higher the efficiency. GZTECH launched 1000W high-power single-mode pulsed laser with QBH output, which is easy to integrate and has the advantages of strong cleaning ability and high efficiency.

 

 

● Weld oxide cleaning: during the welding process, due to the high temperature of the processing process, oxides and material precipitation impurities are easily formed in the weld and the surrounding area, affecting the welding quality and appearance. GZTECH launched 200-500W single-mode lasers, which can accurately remove oxides and ensure the appearance and quality after welding.

 

 

● Precision parts cleaning: GZTECH launched 100~200W single-mode lasers with QCS output, which have strong cleaning ability and small heat output. The material has small deformation and small thermal impact after cleaning.

 

 

Main application scenarios of multi-mode:

 

● Mold cleaning: during the use of the mold, residues such as plastic, metal fragments, dust, etc. may accumulate. These residues will affect the surface quality of the product and cause product defects. Regular cleaning of the mold can prevent corrosion and wear, thereby extending the service life of the mold. Due to the large difference in the characteristics of the mold substrate and the contaminants, the use of a flat-top beam can effectively remove the contaminants without damaging the mold. GZTECH launched 500~1000W square spot multi-mode lasers, which have high efficiency in cleaning the mold and does not damage the substrate.

 

 

● Perovskite cell edge cleaning: refers to cleaning the film layer at the edge of the thin-film solar cell to create an insulating area, which is conducive to subsequent packaging work. GZTECHi launched the YFPN-1000-GMC-H50-F laser, which has a square spot output, uniform energy distribution, high peak power, and can clean the film layer at one time, without damaging the glass, and with high efficiency.

 

 

● Laser texturing: using laser to texturing the material surface can significantly improve the adhesion of the material surface. According to different texturing roughness requirements, GZTECH can provide multi-mode lasers with different single pulse energies of 5mJ, 15mJ, and 50mJ to ensure the texturing efficiency while achieving different roughness requirements.

 

 

GMC series cleaning lasers from GZTECH

 

As an advanced light source supplier dedicated to serving precision manufacturing, GZTECH has developed and launched 100~1000W single-mode and 200~2000W multi-mode GMC series cleaning lasers. The single-mode series has the characteristics of high beam quality and strong cleaning ability, while the multi-mode series has the characteristics of flat-top beam, large energy, long focal depth, small or even no damage to the substrate. The GMC series cleaning lasers are suitable for a variety of scenarios such as metal surface paint removal, rust removal, mold cleaning, cultural relics protection, and track maintenance. They can meet the cleaning requirements of different substrates and have been used in many industries.

 

When choosing a single-mode or multi-mode cleaning laser, customers can make comprehensive considerations based on their actual needs and application scenarios. For the cleaning of delicate parts or strongly attached contaminants, such as metal oxide layers and coatings, the high beam quality and small spot of the single-mode series lasers will provide more precise and powerful cleaning effects. For cleaning areas with large areas or strict requirements on substrate damage, such as molds, rust spots, grease stains and thin coatings, the high energy and flat top light of the multi-mode series lasers will ensure higher cleaning efficiency and non-destructive cleaning.

 

GZTECH has the leading laser R&D capabilities in China and an experienced and professional technical support team. We welcome customers to come for proofing tests and technical exchanges, and look forward to working with you to explore the infinite possibilities of laser cleaning technology.

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