6/ Laser damage threshold
Code 6/ states the laser damage threshold a surface must withstand. Units are mandatory, and the wavelength and pulse duration are part of the callout.
Standard: ISO 10110-17:2004
Syntax
| 6/Hth; λ; τeff | Pulsed lasers, energy density in J/cm². |
| 6/Eth; λ; τeff | Pulsed lasers, power density in W/cm². |
| 6/Fth; λ; t | Long pulse or cw: linear power density in W/cm, with the irradiation time for cw. |
Worked examples
| 6/ 25 J/cm2; 1064 nm; 20 ns | ≥ 25 J/cm² at 1064 nm with 20 ns pulses. |
| 6/ 10 kW/cm; 10.6 µm; 1 s | cw CO₂ laser: 10 kW/cm linear power density, 1 s irradiation. |
Click an example to open it in the decoder.
Common values and typical grades
| Parameters | threshold with unit; wavelength; effective pulse duration or irradiation time |
| Test method | other test parameters follow ISO 11254 / ISO 21254; extra requirements go in notes |
Typical thresholds depend strongly on coating, wavelength and pulse length; there is no general “grade” scale. Agree on test conditions with your coating supplier.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the unit, the wavelength or the pulse duration. A threshold without them means nothing.
- Mixing energy density (J/cm²) and power density (W/cm²).
- Specifying 6/ on a surface that never sees the laser beam.
Questions
What does 6/ 25 J/cm2; 1064 nm; 20 ns mean?
The surface must withstand a laser energy density of 25 J/cm² at 1064 nm with an effective pulse duration of 20 ns (ISO 10110-17).
How do I specify laser damage for a cw laser?
Use linear power density in W/cm with the wavelength and irradiation time, e.g. 6/ 10 kW/cm; 10.6 µm; 1 s.
Sources
ISO 10110-17:2004. Full list and edition status: Sources & editions.
An unofficial summary written from public previews of the standards and reputable secondary sources. It does not reproduce the ISO text. Items marked verify could not be fully confirmed. Check against the current edition; see Sources & editions.