Lasers and especially workstations are complex systems and malfunctions cannot be excluded. Furthermore, a laser system has to be maintained since some parts of it have a limited life time as for example the discharge lamps for the Nd:YAG laser, oil of the vacuum pump for the CO2 laser etc.
The goal of this workshop is the training for maintenance and trouble shooting performed with a modified CO2 experimental laser workstation. The workstation is prepared in such a way that the trainer is enabled to prepare several malfunctions. The entire laser system can be structured in the following sub systems:

1. Laser tube
2. Laser resonator
3. Gas flow system
4. High voltage supply
5. X-Y translation stage
6. Computer control
7. Safety interlock System

The laser head is designed as an open frame resonator where all components can be seen through a translucent cover. The laser mirror of the optical resonator can be aligned by means of fine pitch screws for best performance.
The top and the door of the laser workstation are made out of a translucent cover which absorbs the generated laser radiation. Therefore, the material processing can be observed without danger to the human eye or skin. The laser can only be activated when a variety of safety interlocks are closed. Opening the door of the work station shuts down the operation immediately, so that the entire laser system is classified as class 1 laser. The electronics cabinet contains the high voltage supply for the CO2 laser and a closed loop water cooling system. A vacuum pump is used to control the proper pressure and gas flow inside the discharge tube and a suction pump removes fumes and residue of the material processing. As part of the system, faulty parts are provided to generate the desired malfunction, for instance, if the connection of an safety interlock switch is removed, the laser system cannot be started. All these and a lot more malfunctions can be simulated within the system making the students experts also for other laser systems a method of analysing a malfunction will be the same for all.