1. What is Laser Irradiance?

Laser irradiance is the power per unit area of laser radiation, typically measured in watts per square centimeter (W/cm²). It quantifies the intensity of laser energy delivered to a surface.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the laser irradiance equation:

Where:

• \( Irr \) — Irradiance (W/cm²)
• \( P \) — Power (W)
• \( A \) — Area (cm²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the intensity of laser radiation by dividing the total power by the beam area.

3. Importance of Irradiance Calculation

Details: Accurate irradiance calculation is crucial for laser safety assessments, material processing applications, medical laser treatments, and optical system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and area in square centimeters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between irradiance and radiant flux?
A: Irradiance is power per unit area (W/cm²), while radiant flux is the total power (W) without regard to area.

Q2: Why is irradiance important in laser applications?
A: Irradiance determines the intensity of laser energy on a target, affecting cutting efficiency, welding quality, and safety considerations.

Q3: How does beam shape affect irradiance?
A: For Gaussian beams, irradiance is highest at the center. The calculation assumes uniform intensity distribution across the specified area.

Q4: What are typical irradiance values for common lasers?
A: Medical lasers: 1-100 W/cm², material processing: 10³-10⁶ W/cm², scientific research: up to 10¹⁸ W/cm² for ultra-high intensity systems.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: This provides a basic calculation. For precise applications, consider beam profile, intensity distribution, and measurement uncertainties.