A useful laser specification starts with the application. Identify the material, the intended process and the acceptable result before comparing source technologies.
Record wavelength, average output power, operating mode and beam quality. For pulsed sources, also record pulse duration, pulse energy and repetition rate. Values must refer to the same operating point. A maximum pulse energy quoted at one repetition rate cannot automatically be combined with the highest available repetition rate.
Check the delivery interface, cooling requirements, control connections, operating environment and service arrangements. A source that meets optical requirements may still require significant integration work.
Ask the manufacturer for a dated model-specific datasheet and the conditions behind each performance claim. For a production process, use application testing on representative material to establish suitability. A category match is a starting point for evaluation, rather than proof of process compatibility.