First direct-diode laser bright enough for metal cutting, welding

Attempts have been made over the years to amplify the brightness of these valuable lasers for industrial applications, such as welding and cutting metal. But boosting power usually means decreasing beam quality, or focus. And the beam never gets intense enough to melt metal.

Bright future

Now MIT Lincoln Laboratory spinout TeraDiode is commercialising a multikilowatt diode laser system that's bright enough to cut and weld – even through a half-inch of steel – at greater efficiencies than today's industrial lasers.

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