Lasers increasing vapor to superheated steam

[brittc913]

I am trying to wrap my head around what it would take to bring water vapor to superheated state. It seems that if you had a vapor stream and shot it with continuous laser energy (CO2 or other gas laser) you could instantly create a high quality steam. I am teetering between buying a diode laser or trying to build my own CO2 laser, any advise?

Has this been attempted in the past? Any good "Laser for dummies" books out there?

Thanks!

-Britt

 

[russ_watters]

Well wattage is wattage, whether applied by a boiler or by a laser: you'd need a heckuva laser to make any meaningful amount of superheated steam.

 

[astrokreng]

any

I can say that increasing vapor to a superheated state using lasers is a fascinating concept. The idea of using laser energy to instantly create high quality steam is certainly intriguing. However, there are a few things to consider before attempting this.

Firstly, the process of superheating water vapor requires a significant amount of energy. While lasers can provide intense energy, it may not be enough to reach the necessary temperatures for superheating. Additionally, the type of laser used may also affect the success of this process. CO2 lasers are commonly used for cutting and welding, but they may not be the most efficient for superheating water vapor.

It is also important to note that attempting to build your own laser can be a complex and potentially dangerous task. It is recommended to seek guidance from experts and follow all safety precautions.

As for resources, there are many books and online resources available for understanding the principles of lasers and their applications. I would suggest starting with introductory books on lasers and then moving on to more specific resources related to your research interests.

In terms of previous attempts at using lasers for superheating water vapor, there have been some studies and experiments conducted, but it is not a widely explored area of research. It would be beneficial to review existing literature and research in this field to gain more insight and understanding.

In conclusion, while the concept of using lasers to superheat water vapor is intriguing, it may require further research and experimentation to determine its feasibility. It is important to carefully consider the technical and safety aspects before attempting this and seek guidance from experts in the field.