Barium tungsten electrodes are widely used in lasers, particularly excelling in gas-discharge lasers. Their core advantages lie in high electron emission performance, high-temperature resistance, and long operational lifespan.
I. Key Application Scenarios in Lasers
1. CO? Lasers
Barium tungsten electrodes serve as discharge cathodes to sustain gas discharge and excite CO? molecules for laser generation. Key features include:
(1) High-temperature resistance: Prevents thermal deformation.
(2) Enhanced electron emission efficiency: Reduces energy consumption.
(3) Resistance to ion sputtering and chemical corrosion: Extends service life.
2. Ion Lasers (Argon/Krypton Ion Lasers)
Barium tungsten electrodes operate stably in high-pressure, high-current-density environments, supporting continuous wave or pulsed output. Their high thermal conductivity enables rapid heat dissipation, preventing performance degradation due to electrode overheating.
3. Metal Vapor Lasers (e.g., Copper Vapor Lasers)
These electrodes withstand chemical erosion from metal vapors (e.g., Cu, Au) and maintain stable discharge characteristics in repetitive frequency pulse modes, prolonging device lifespan.
4. Medical Laser Equipment
In devices like electrosurgical microtomes, barium tungsten electrodes enable precise tissue cutting, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and promote healing. They are widely used in neurosurgery, cosmetic surgery, and other medical fields.
II. Performance Advantages of Barium Tungsten Electrodes
1. Enhanced Electron Emission
Barium doping significantly lowers the cathode work function and increases current density, meeting the stable discharge requirements of high-power lasers.
2. Structural Stability
The rigid tungsten framework resists thermal stress, preventing deformation or cracking, thereby ensuring long-term stable laser operation.
3. Sputtering Resistance
A dense surface layer minimizes material loss under high-energy ion bombardment, further extending electrode lifespan.
