Interaction between Electrical Arc and Nd: YAG Laser Radiation

This paper describes the stabilization and guidance of plasma plumes through the interaction with low power laser radiation. The stabilization and guidance have been found to be governed by several physical effects. One effect is the localized rise of electrical conductivity. As the laser provides a channel of increased conductivity an alignment and a stabilisation of the electrical arc can be obtained. This feature can be exploited to achieve more efficient and flexible plasma processes. Investigations on plasma guidance with respect to different laser wavelengths and interaction modes will be presented by means of example in welding and EDM.