"Calibrating, focusing, switching on, moving the laser focal point..." Recently, in the courtyard of the Suining Bridge and Road Maintenance Depot, staff used a portable laser obstacle remover to test clearing trees, utilizing technology to ensure stable railway operation.

After setting up the equipment, connecting and debugging, zooming the focus, and completing calibration... once preparations were ready, the operator controlled the panel. A beam of light suddenly shot towards a branch 20 meters away and 5 meters high. A red dot immediately positioned and focused on the spot, steadily fixed on the middle section of the branch; as the power was gradually increased, a dazzling bright spot burst forth at the focal point, accompanied by a "crackling" sound. The branch melted and broke under the high-temperature laser, quickly falling to the ground, successfully completing the tree obstacle clearance.

According to the technical manufacturer, this "laser obstacle remover" has a maximum working distance of 100 meters. Utilizing high-energy laser remote projection, it forms an instantaneous high-temperature field on the target's surface, achieving clearance through melting or vaporization. Compared to traditional live-line work or power-off defect elimination, this technology is safer and more efficient, achieving a dual leap in both clearance quality and efficiency.

Ning Kun, a technician at the Suining Bridge and Road Maintenance Depot, stated: "The Dacheng Line is a vital artery and a key railway gateway out of Sichuan, built along mountains. Some branches of the trees along the line are quite long. If these high branches touch the catenary or return current lines, it can easily cause discharge short circuits, potentially triggering fires and leading to trips, affecting normal train operations. The application of the laser obstacle remover not only improves work efficiency but also significantly enhances operational safety."

Facing hazards like beehives or overhead dangling objects along the railway, it can also handle them precisely. In the past, dealing with such dangling objects required applying for a power outage and manual high-altitude work, involving high risks, long time consumption, and significant costs. Now, with laser "remote operation," foreign object removal can be completed safely and quickly without affecting power supply.

From drone line patrol inspections to the precise strikes of the laser obstacle remover, the railway's "technology corps" is expanding. When technological prowess meets a steadfast commitment to safety, the smooth operation of railway lines and ecological protection are gaining more solid guarantees.