Peak power refers to the maximum optical power attained during a single laser pulse. Unlike average power, which measures total energy output over time, peak power is determined by dividing the pulse energy by the pulse duration.
By concentrating energy into extremely short intervals, pulsed lasers achieve instantaneous power levels significantly higher than their average output. This capability is essential for precision non-thermal processing, such as micromachining and engraving. High peak power enables material removal (ablation) with minimal thermal diffusion, significantly reducing the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) and preventing damage to the surrounding material.
Technical Terms