Igniting engines
The laser (see lightning spot in the video) can be used for engine ignition systems in the automotive and aerospace industries. In the process light is compressed to create a laser pulse, which because of the high energy density generates a plasma. This ignites the fuel.
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[ Laser ]
CTR Laser technology revolutionises industry
The technology specially developed at CTR helps to make lasers smaller, more robust and more powerful. Now in its fourth generation, the diode laser developed features high reliability and energy efficiency.
Setting new milestones
When CTR developed a highly specialised laser for ignition systems in jet and internal combustion engines, we took the technology to a new level globally. To achieve this, we had to redesign all the laser components from the pump diodes to the resonator and laser rod, integrating them in a compact housing. The resultant opportunities for using the laser in very confined spaces and environments subject to vibrations is so unique and innovative that even projects with the ESA for applications in the aerospace industry are being implemented. Technical facts on lasers:
- Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser: made by pumping a solid gain medium such as a crystal with a laser diode
- Monolithic resonator: all the optical components (laser crystal, Q-switch and output mirror) are integrated in a single component and are not therefore sensitive to temperature changes and vibrations
- Passive Q-switch: optical switch for generating a short, highly intense light pulse with pulse widths in the nanosecond range
Opening up new applications
Countless new applications mean that laser is becoming a more widespread technology. In addition to the automotive and aerospace industries, medicine is also increasingly making use of the technology in beauty treatments and surgical procedures. Another application is for example laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which uses light emissions generated by laser pulses to accurately determine material compositions. Apart from the common applications, such as identifying bar codes or in CD readers, there are still many more opportunities that could be developed for everyday use.
CTR expertise
CTR offers to develop lasers specially tailored to customers’ needs and provide support for all application projects requiring laser technology. The newly developed lasers are also based on the principle of diode-pumped solid-state laser, but designed specifically for the customer’s application. Here the development process consists of simulating the resonator, calculating cooling and heat flow, designing the laser in in-house optical laboratories, characterising prototypes and providing support up to production readiness.
