The development history of laser equipment

The development of laser equipment has undergone a transformation from a laboratory technology to a core industrial tool, from theoretical proposal to widespread application. It has profoundly affected manufacturing, medical treatment, communications, and defense.

The development history of laser equipment

1.1950s-1960s: Theoretical Foundations and Early Inventions

1951: American physicist Charles Townes proposed the principle of stimulated emission, laying the theoretical foundation for lasers.

1960: Theodore Maiman invented the first ruby laser, marking the birth of laser technology.

1960s: Early lasers (such as He-Ne lasers) were used in laboratory research, with applications limited to measurements and basic experiments. In 1962, Leon Goldman first used lasers in medical treatment (dermatological and ophthalmic treatments).

Characteristics: Large equipment and low efficiency limited applications to scientific research.

2. 1970s-1980s: Technology Maturity and Initial Applications

1970s: The successful development of CO2 lasers and Nd:YAG lasers, coupled with increased power, ushered in industrial applications. Lasers began to be used for metal cutting and welding. 1980s: Laser rangefinders and target designators entered the military field, and laser communications and fiber optic technology emerged. Laser cutting machines entered the manufacturing industry, replacing traditional cutting tools.

Medical Breakthroughs: Lasers were used in ophthalmic surgery (such as vision correction) and skin treatments, and CO2 lasers became surgical cutting tools.

Features: Equipment miniaturization expanded applications to industry and medicine, but high costs limited adoption.

3. 1990s-2000s: Industrialization and Diversification

1990s: Fiber lasers and semiconductor lasers emerged, significantly improving efficiency and lifespan. Laser cutting, welding, and marking became widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.

2000s: Ultrafast laser (femtosecond and picosecond) technology developed for precision micromachining. Laser cleaning and 3D printing technologies began to emerge.

Medical and Communications: Lasers were used in minimally invasive surgery (such as laser angioplasty) and optical communications (such as fiber optic networks).

Features: Technology diversification, cost reduction, penetration into small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanded application scenarios.

4. 2010s-2020s: Intelligentization and Widespread Popularization

2010s: Fiber lasers dominated the market, with miniaturization and increased automation of laser equipment. Laser cleaning was used in cultural relic restoration and industrial maintenance, while lidar was widely used in autonomous driving and mapping.

2020s: The integration of AI and machine vision improved laser processing precision and efficiency. Laser applications surged in new energy (such as battery manufacturing and hydrogen production) and military (laser weapons).

Status in 2025: Laser equipment, combined with intelligent manufacturing, supports high-speed production (such as electric vehicle battery welding) and green manufacturing (such as laser cleaning). Portable laser equipment became widespread, finding applications in small businesses and on-site repairs.

Features: High efficiency, low cost, and intelligence, with applications across nearly all industries.

Future Prospects of Laser Equipment

Technological innovation - intelligence and automation - sustainable and green manufacturing - market penetration