Development of laser ice-curring apparatus

During the 1990-1991 field season at Windless Bight near Ross Island, our team introduced the use of a 25-watt continuous infrared carbon-dioxide laser as a field device to cut individual firn cores for sample preparation. The test was successful and permitted this device to be employed on a routine basis in field operations. The advantage of carbon-dioxide, laser cutting systems is that the beam is emitted at an infrared wave-length, which is absorbed in a very short distance in ice. We were able to demonstrate conclusively that the laser beam can cut cleanly and rapidly through both firn and ice and that it can be manipulated efficiently with standard optical systems.