Ruby laser rod Al₂O₃:Cr Size dia4*90mm or customize for laser system

Ruby laser rod Al₂O₃:Cr Size dia4*90mm or customize for laser system

Ruby laser rod Overview:

This ruby laser rod is fabricated from high-quality synthetic corundum (Al₂O₃) crystal doped with trivalent chromium ions (Cr³⁺), which are responsible for the characteristic deep red fluorescence and the laser emission at 694.3 nm. As the world’s first laser medium, ruby crystal remains a historically significant and technically valuable material for modern laser applications. The standard dimension is diameter 4 mm × length 90 mm, and we offer full customization to meet diverse system requirements. Ruby laser rods are known for their excellent durability, long fluorescence lifetime, and strong performance in pulsed laser systems.

Ruby laser rod Crystal and Optical Properties:

• Material Composition: Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) doped with Cr³⁺ ions (~0.05% optimal)

• Crystal Structure: Trigonal system, with high symmetry and stability

• Optical Emission: Peak at 694.3 nm (R1 line), with a secondary R2 line at 692.8 nm

• Fluorescence Lifetime: Approximately 3.5 milliseconds, excellent for energy storage

• Thermal Conductivity: High, supports efficient cooling and high-power operation

• Transparency Window: High transmittance around the emission wavelength

• Surface Quality: Precision-polished with λ/8 flatness and parallelism within 10 arc minutes

• Pump Source Compatibility: Flashlamp and diode-pumped systems (especially 405 nm)

Ruby laser rod Key Features and Benefits:

✓ Long-lived excited states enable energy-efficient pulse storage

✓ High optical gain and narrow spectral linewidth for stable beam quality

✓ Extreme mechanical strength (Mohs hardness 9), scratch- and wear-resistant

✓ Chemically stable under harsh industrial or research conditions

✓ Tunable emission when used in diode-pumped or cavity-stabilized setups

✓ Classic material for Q-switched pulsed lasers, with modern CW potential

✓ Legacy-proven material with rich historical and experimental documentation

✓ Custom sizes and doping levels available on request

Ruby laser rod Application Areas:

1. Medical & Aesthetic Treatments

Ruby lasers are extensively used in dermatology and cosmetic medicine. The 694 nm wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin, making it ideal for treating pigmented skin lesions such as freckles, age spots, and melasma. They are particularly effective in tattoo removal, including difficult-to-treat blue-black and green pigments. In addition, ruby lasers are used for vascular lesion treatments like spider veins and telangiectasias, with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. They also aid in skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen and improving overall skin tone. Some advanced ruby laser systems are even used in acne treatment and scar revision.

2. Scientific Research and Laboratory Use

With their long fluorescence lifetime and narrow emission lines, ruby lasers are ideal for precise time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, non-linear optics, and pump-probe experiments. Their monochromatic and coherent output makes them valuable in interferometry, laser-induced plasma research, and high-energy particle beam diagnostics. Ruby lasers are also used in the calibration of optical wavelength standards and in high-resolution frequency metrology. In educational settings, they remain an excellent medium for demonstrating the fundamental principles of laser action.

3. Industrial Laser Processing

Ruby lasers have been used in micromachining, engraving, and surface hardening of metals and ceramics. Their ability to deliver short, high-energy pulses makes them suitable for precision drilling and cutting of difficult materials like sapphire, diamond, and optical glass. In aerospace and automotive industries, ruby lasers are used for selective surface hardening and wear resistance enhancement. Their mechanical stability and thermal tolerance enable consistent performance in demanding industrial environments.

Advantages of Ruby Laser Rods:

✔ Exceptional Fluorescence Lifetime (~3.5 ms), ideal for energy build-up

✔ High Optical Quality with minimal defects or inclusions

✔ Thermally Robust and Chemically Stable for extreme environments

✔ Narrow Emission Bandwidth ideal for spectroscopy and calibration

✔ Legacy-proven Performance, reliable in both classical and modern systems

Q&A

What are ruby lasers used for?

Ruby lasers emit a strong red light at 694.3 nm and are mainly used in scientific research, medical treatment, and industrial applications. In medicine, they are effective for tattoo removal and treating pigmented skin conditions due to their selective absorption by melanin. In science, their long fluorescence lifetime makes them ideal for spectroscopy and wavelength calibration. They were also historically used in military rangefinders and optical experiments. Although newer lasers have replaced them in many areas, ruby lasers remain valuable for their precision and stable pulsed output.

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