1. What is Laser Fluence?

Fluence is a measurement of energy delivered per unit area, typically expressed in joules per square centimeter (J/cm²). It's a critical parameter in laser applications, determining the intensity of energy delivered to a target surface.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fluence equation:

Where:

• \( Energy \) — Laser pulse energy in joules (J)
• \( Area \) — Beam spot area in square centimeters (cm²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the energy density by dividing the total energy by the area over which it's distributed.

3. Importance of Fluence Calculation

Details: Fluence is crucial for determining laser treatment parameters, comparing laser systems, and ensuring safety in medical, industrial, and research applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter energy in joules and area in cm². Both values must be positive numbers. For circular beams, area = πr² where r is the beam radius.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical fluence range for laser applications?
A: Medical lasers typically use 1-100 J/cm², while industrial applications may range from 10-10,000 J/cm² depending on the material and process.

Q2: How does fluence differ from irradiance?
A: Fluence is energy per unit area (J/cm²), while irradiance is power per unit area (W/cm²). Fluence is used for pulsed lasers, irradiance for continuous-wave lasers.

Q3: Why is fluence important in laser safety?
A: Fluence determines the potential for tissue damage or material modification, helping establish safe exposure limits.

Q4: How do I measure beam area accurately?
A: Use beam profiling equipment or calculate from beam diameter measurements taken at the 1/e² intensity points.

Q5: Does wavelength affect fluence calculations?
A: While wavelength doesn't appear in the fluence equation, it affects how materials absorb energy, making effective fluence wavelength-dependent.