How do CO2 lasers transmit their beams?

CO2 lasers transmit their beams primarily through articulated arms or hollow waveguides. This method is effective because CO2 lasers produce a beam that is not well-suited for transmission through fiber optics due to its longer wavelength. Articulated arms allow for flexible movement and precise targeting of the laser beam, making them valuable in surgical and industrial applications. Hollow waveguides are also effective in guiding the beam with minimal loss, ensuring that energy is delivered where it is needed without significant divergence or attenuation.

Utilizing these methods enables efficient delivery of the focused laser energy, which is crucial for applications such as cutting, ablating tissue, or welding materials. This method of transmission is particularly advantageous in settings where precision and control over the laser application are necessary.

In contrast, fiber optics are generally used for lasers with shorter wavelengths. Direct contact with tissue is not a transmission method but rather an application technique. The use of mirrors alone does not provide the necessary flexibility or precision required for effective beam delivery in many practical scenarios.