The high-power rotational flow carbon dioxide (CO2) laser unit was successfully developed by laser expert Li Zaiguang in the "Optics Valley of China" in Wuhan and passed the appraisal on June 6 According to experts, this new laser unit with independent intellectual property right is the first of its kind in China and the world and has reached internationally advanced level in terms of technical-economic index.

At the evaluation meeting organized by Hubei Provincial Department of Science and Technology, laser experts from Beijing, Wuhan and other areas made appraisal for the 500-watt rotational flow CO2 laser unit developed by the Wuhan Bolight Sci-tech Development Co., Ltd. This new laser unit takes the initiative to adopt five core technologies, including round metal cavity, rotational flow inside the cavity, interlaced runners, discharge insufflating and cathode gas cooling, and integrates the advantages of axial flow CO2 lasers and transverse flow ones.

The success draws a full stop to the country's lack of independent intellectual property right in high-precision, high-power gas lasers and dependence on imports in this field. It will play a significant role in boosting the development of China's laser industry.

(chinanews June 8, 2005)