To reduce the total energy of an ND:YAG 532nm wavelength laser by 90-95%, you can employ a combination of the following methods:
Use an Optical Attenuator: An optical attenuator is a device that reduces the intensity of a laser beam by absorbing or scattering the light. By adjusting the attenuation level, you can decrease the laser's energy output. Optical attenuators are available in various forms, such as neutral density filters or variable attenuators, which allow for precise control over the attenuation level.
Beam Expander: By using a beam expander, you can spread out the laser beam, effectively reducing its energy density. This method does not decrease the total energy, but it distributes it over a larger area, resulting in lower energy per unit area.
Pulse Width Control: If the laser operates in pulsed mode, adjusting the pulse width can decrease the total energy. By reducing the duration of each pulse, the energy delivered per pulse is decreased, thus reducing the overall energy output.
Beam Dumping: A beam dump is a device designed to safely absorb and dissipate laser energy. By placing a beam dump in the laser path, a significant portion of the laser's energy can be absorbed and dissipated as heat, effectively reducing the total energy output.
Aperture Adjustment: By reducing the aperture size of the laser output, you can limit the beam diameter, which in turn reduces the total energy. This method requires careful adjustment to ensure the beam remains well-collimated and does not result in unwanted side effects.
It is important to note that laser safety precautions should be followed when working with lasers, and any modifications or adjustments should be performed by trained professionals to ensure safe and proper operation.