Difference between Pulsed Laser and Continuous Laser

I. Working Principle and Application Areas of Pulsed Laser

A pulsed laser is a type of laser that emits light in pulses. Its output waveform is pulsed, and it has a high energy density and a very short pulse width. This allows materials to be heated rapidly without sintering or melting. Due to its high energy density, it can instantly vaporize materials, making it widely used in industrial sectors such as laser marking, laser cutting, and laser welding.  

II. Working Principle and Application Areas of Continuous Laser

A continuous laser is a laser that oscillates continuously. Its output waveform is a continuous wave. Compared to pulsed lasers, it has a more uniform and stable energy and can be used for longer heating times. It is widely used in medical and scientific fields, such as laser therapy, measurement, detection, and optical imaging.  

III. Advantages, Disadvantages, and Differences between Pulsed Laser and Continuous Laser

  1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Pulsed Laser
    1. Advantages: Pulsed lasers can release a huge amount of energy in a very short time, allowing objects to undergo special chemical or physical reactions in a short time.  
    2. Disadvantages: Due to the extremely high energy density of pulsed lasers, the impact on materials is very strong, and it may sinter or damage materials.
  2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Continuous Laser
    1. Advantages: Continuous lasers can provide a continuous and stable laser beam, making it widely used in medical and scientific fields.  
    2. Disadvantages: Compared to pulsed lasers, its energy output in a short time is relatively low, making it unsuitable for applications that require rapid heating.
  3. Differences: The biggest difference between pulsed lasers and continuous lasers lies in the difference in output waveforms. The former outputs pulsed light, while the latter outputs continuous wave light. Summary:Pulsed lasers and continuous lasers have their own advantages and disadvantages. Different application fields require the selection of different lasers, and the parameters of the laser should be selected according to the actual situation.