Laser systems, their control methods and control devices

Abstract

This invention provides a laser system and its control method and device. The laser system includes a laser, a laser modulator for modulating the initial laser output from the laser, a cooling device for cooling the laser modulator using a cooling fluid, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cooling fluid. In the control method, by acquiring the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, determining the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, and adjusting the excitation energy input to the laser based on the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the power of the laser output after modulation by the laser modulator can reach the target power. The solution of this invention ensures the timeliness and accuracy of the adjustment of the excitation energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a laser system and its control method and device, belonging to the field of laser technology. Background Technology

[0002] Lasers are widely used in processes such as cutting due to their advantage of concentrated energy. For example, in the production of display panels, lasers are often used to cut large panels into smaller ones.

[0003] A laser is a device that generates laser light. By adjusting the parameters (such as power) of the laser, it is possible to produce laser light with specific parameters for cutting. However, with increased usage time and frequency, the energy of the laser light produced by the laser will attenuate, resulting in a decrease in cutting efficiency. To ensure that the laser energy meets the cutting requirements, the excitation energy input to the laser needs to be adjusted. Currently, this is usually done manually, which cannot guarantee the timeliness and accuracy of the adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a laser system and its control method and device to solve the problem that manual adjustment cannot guarantee the timeliness and accuracy of adjustment.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for a laser system, the laser system comprising a laser, a laser modulator, and a cooling device;

[0006] The laser is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy;

[0007] The laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser output from the laser and output the modulated laser.

[0008] The cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using a cooling fluid; the method includes:

[0009] Obtain the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and the temperature before flowing through the laser modulator;

[0010] Based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is determined; wherein, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment.

[0011] Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the excitation energy input to the laser is adjusted so that the power of the laser output after modulation by the laser modulator reaches the target power.

[0012] Optionally, the laser modulator includes a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet;

[0013] The step of obtaining the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes:

[0014] The first fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid inlet, detected by the temperature sensor, and the second fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid outlet, detected by the temperature sensor, are obtained.

[0015] Based on the first fluid temperature and the second fluid temperature, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is calculated.

[0016] Optionally, determining the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes:

[0017] Obtain the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at a reference time; the reference time is the time before the current time.

[0018] The change in temperature of the cooling fluid is calculated based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current time and the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the reference time.

[0019] Optionally, the step of adjusting the power of the laser output by the modulated laser to the target power based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes:

[0020] Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment is determined;

[0021] The excitation energy input to the laser is adjusted based on the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment and the target power.

[0022] Optionally, determining the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes:

[0023] Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, determine the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment;

[0024] Based on the energy change and the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference time, the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current time is determined.

[0025] Optionally, determining the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment, based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, includes:

[0026] Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the flow rate, density, and specific heat capacity of the cooling fluid, the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment is calculated.

[0027] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0028] The power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment is sent to the display device for display.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a control device for a laser system, the laser system including a laser, a laser modulator, and a cooling device;

[0030] The laser is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy;

[0031] The laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser output from the laser and output the modulated laser.

[0032] The cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using cooling fluid;

[0033] The control device includes:

[0034] The acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and the temperature before flowing through the laser modulator.

[0035] The determining module is used to determine the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the change in the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment.

[0036] An adjustment module is used to adjust the excitation energy input to the laser based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, so that the power of the laser output after modulation by the laser modulator reaches the target power.

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a laser system, which includes: a laser, a laser modulator, a cooling device, a temperature sensor, and a controller;

[0038] The laser is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy;

[0039] The laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser output from the laser and output the modulated laser.

[0040] The cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using cooling fluid;

[0041] The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the cooling fluid;

[0042] The controller is used to execute the control method of the laser system as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0043] Optionally, the laser system further includes a display device;

[0044] The display device is used to display the power of the laser output by the laser modulator.

[0045] The laser system, control method, apparatus, and storage medium provided by this invention include a laser, a laser modulator for modulating the initial laser output from the laser, and a cooling device for cooling the laser modulator using a cooling fluid. By acquiring the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, determining the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, and adjusting the excitation energy input to the laser based on the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the power of the laser output after modulation by the laser modulator can reach the target power. The temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and the temperature before flowing through the laser modulator, and the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment. In other words, by acquiring the temperature difference of the cooling fluid in the cooling device of the laser modulator and determining the amount of temperature difference change, the attenuation of the laser output from the laser modulator can be characterized. Combined with the target laser power, the excitation energy input to the laser can be automatically adjusted to ensure that the power of the laser output from the modulator meets the requirements. Furthermore, automatic adjustment ensures timeliness compared to manual adjustment, and quantitative adjustment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid ensures accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Furthermore, these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the laser's structure;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a laser system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a laser system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the specific implementation process of step S103 of the control method for the laser system shown.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control device for a laser system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 1-Laser; 11-Resonant cavity; 12-Gain medium; 13-Excitation energy source; 2-Laser modulator; 3-Cooling device; 4-Temperature sensor; 5-Controller; 6-Display device. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0055] Application Overview

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, the laser mainly includes an (optical) resonant cavity 11, a gain medium 12 (or working medium, working substance), and an excitation energy source 13. The resonant cavity mainly includes a total reflection mirror R1 and a half reflection mirror R2 (beam splitter). Its working principle is as follows: by inputting a specific excitation energy source 13, the gain medium 12 is excited, so that the gain medium 12 is excited and emits photons. The emitted photons form a photon beam with a specific direction within the resonant cavity 11, which is the laser beam.

[0057] Lasers derived from the above principles possess the advantage of concentrated energy, thus they are widely used in processes such as cutting. For example, in the production of display panels, lasers are typically used to cut large panels into smaller ones. To ensure cutting quality and avoid incomplete cutting, the laser emitted needs to have sufficient energy (power). However, in practical applications, with increased usage time and frequency, the gain medium and reflectors (total and partial reflection mirrors) experience losses, leading to energy attenuation in the laser. The attenuated laser energy may not meet actual requirements. One solution is to increase the excitation energy to compensate for the energy attenuation caused by losses in the gain medium and reflectors.

[0058] Taking the cutting process of display panels as an example, currently, the process typically involves periodically stopping the machine during cutting to manually test the laser attenuation and then manually adjusting the excitation energy based on the test results. However, in reality, laser attenuation is unstable and unpredictable. Therefore, users cannot know when the actual laser power will attenuate beyond the required power range, making timely manual testing and adjustment impossible and potentially leading to cutting abnormalities. Furthermore, manual testing and adjustment cannot guarantee the accuracy of the final result, meaning the adjustment results may deviate, thus affecting subsequent cutting processes.

[0059] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a scheme for automatically detecting laser attenuation and automatically adjusting the excitation energy, thereby ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of the adjustment. The following examples and embodiments illustrate the specific implementation scheme in a non-limiting manner.

[0060] Exemplary laser system

[0061] First, an embodiment of the present invention provides a laser system. (Refer to...) Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of a laser system provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the laser system in this embodiment includes a laser 1, a laser modulator 2, a cooling device 3, a temperature sensor 4, and a controller 5.

[0062] Laser 1 is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy; and the power of the output initial laser is proportional to the power of the input excitation energy, that is, when the power of the input excitation energy increases, the power of the output initial laser also increases.

[0063] The initial laser output from laser 1 passes through laser modulator 2. Laser modulator 2 modulates the initial laser output from laser 1 to increase its power and outputs the modulated laser. Specifically, laser modulator 2 may incorporate an acousto-optic medium to deflect the initial laser beam. At this point, the Q value of the resonant cavity is very low, thus laser modulator 2 rapidly increases the number of particles in the upper energy level, thereby increasing the peak power of the laser.

[0064] The cooling device 3 includes a cooling fluid, meaning it is water-cooled, and is used to cool the laser modulator 2. It should be noted that during the modulation of the laser by the laser modulator 2 (i.e., as the laser passes through the laser modulator 2), a portion of the laser energy is converted into heat in the laser modulator 2, causing its temperature to rise. This increased temperature affects the laser modulator 2's performance; therefore, cooling is necessary in some applications. Furthermore, the cooling fluid can be water or other fluids, such as liquid metal. The cooling fluid circulates in a pipeline, carrying away heat from the laser modulator 2 as it passes through it, thus cooling the laser modulator 2.

[0065] Temperature sensor 4 is used to detect the temperature of the cooling fluid. Temperature sensor 4 can be a probe-type temperature sensor 4 or other types of temperature sensors 4, and there is no specific limitation.

[0066] The controller 5 is used at least to control the operation of the laser system, including detecting the attenuation of the laser over time and automatically adjusting the excitation energy according to the attenuation of the laser so that the laser modulated by the laser modulator 2 can meet the usage requirements.

[0067] In other words, the laser system described above can automatically adjust the laser power output, avoiding the problems of low timeliness and accuracy associated with manual adjustment. The specific control method of the controller will be detailed in subsequent embodiments.

[0068] Exemplary control method

[0069] Based on the laser system of the above embodiments, this invention also provides a control method thereon. (Refer to...) Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a laser system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the control method of the laser system in this embodiment includes at least the following steps:

[0071] Step S101: Obtain the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment. The temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and its temperature before flowing through the laser modulator.

[0072] Specifically, in practical applications, the temperature sensor 4 can periodically detect the temperature of the cooling fluid before and after it flows through the laser modulator at set time intervals Δt. Then, using the corresponding temperature data at the current moment, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at that moment can be calculated. Through periodic detection, the temperature difference data of the cooling fluid at various times can be obtained.

[0073] For example, in some embodiments, the laser modulator includes a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet. Accordingly, temperature sensors are respectively installed at the cooling fluid inlet and outlet. The temperature sensor at the cooling fluid inlet detects the temperature of the cooling fluid at the inlet to obtain a first fluid temperature; the temperature sensor at the cooling fluid outlet detects the temperature of the cooling fluid at the outlet to obtain a second fluid temperature. Accordingly, step S101 may specifically include: acquiring the first fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid inlet detected by the temperature sensor, and the second fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid outlet detected by the temperature sensor; and calculating the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the first and second fluid temperatures. That is, calculating the difference between the second and first fluid temperatures at the current moment is the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment.

[0074] By placing temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet of the cooling fluid, the detected temperature data can avoid the influence of temperature changes caused by the cooling fluid flowing in the circulation pipeline, thus making the detection results more accurate.

[0075] In other embodiments, the cooling device can be configured such that the cooling fluid at the inlet has a fixed temperature. That is, during the circulation of the cooling fluid in the circulation pipe, after reaching the cooling fluid outlet (i.e., absorbing heat from the laser modulator), the cooling fluid first dissipates heat through a heat dissipation component, ensuring that the temperature of the cooled fluid returning to the cooling fluid inlet after heat dissipation is the same as the temperature reached during the previous cycle. In this case, a temperature sensor can be installed only at the cooling fluid outlet. In practical applications, the temperature data collected by the temperature sensor can be obtained before the cooling device starts operating, serving as the temperature of the cooling fluid before it flows through the laser modulator. Then, after the cooling device starts operating, the temperature data collected by the temperature sensor is periodically obtained, serving as the temperature of the cooling fluid after it flows through the laser modulator at each time point. Finally, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at each time point can be obtained by subtracting the temperature of the cooling fluid after it flows through the laser modulator from its temperature before it flows through the laser modulator. Although this embodiment places higher demands on the precise heat exchange capability of the cooling device, it requires relatively less data collection, facilitating subsequent calculations.

[0076] Step S102: Based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, determine the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment. Wherein, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment.

[0077] First, it's important to clarify that the temperature rise of the laser modulator is due to a portion of the laser energy being converted into heat. Therefore, if the laser energy doesn't attenuate, the portion converted into heat remains constant, and the temperature rise of the laser modulator will not change. However, in reality, due to the aforementioned reasons, laser energy does attenuate. Therefore, when the laser energy attenuates at a certain moment, the portion converted into heat will decrease accordingly, resulting in a smaller temperature rise in the laser modulator. Consequently, the temperature rise of the cooling fluid after heat exchange with the laser modulator (i.e., the temperature difference of the cooling fluid) will also decrease, and there is a corresponding relationship between the decrease in the cooling fluid's temperature rise (i.e., the change in the cooling fluid's temperature difference) and the attenuation of the laser energy. Based on this principle, after determining the change in the cooling fluid's temperature difference at the current moment in this step, compensation for the laser energy attenuation can be made in subsequent steps to maintain the output laser power above the required target power to meet process requirements.

[0078] In some embodiments, step S102 is specifically implemented by: obtaining the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at a reference time; the reference time is the time before the current time; and calculating the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current time and the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the reference time. The reference time is the time before the current time.

[0079] Specifically, in practical applications, the method described in the aforementioned embodiments can be used to periodically detect the temperature of the cooling fluid at preset time intervals Δt, calculate the temperature difference of the cooling fluid, and store it. Thus, when the temperature difference at a reference time is needed, it can be directly retrieved from the pre-stored data. By calculating the difference between the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current time and the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the reference time, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid after the aforementioned preset time interval Δt is obtained. This change in temperature difference can characterize the attenuation of the laser energy at the current time relative to the laser energy at the reference time (or the change in laser energy).

[0080] It is understood that in other embodiments, the reference time may also be the initial time, that is, the time before the cooling device starts operating. In this embodiment, by calculating the difference between the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current time and the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the reference time, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current time relative to the cooling fluid at the initial time is obtained. This change in temperature difference can characterize the attenuation of the laser energy at the current time relative to the laser energy at the initial time (the change in laser energy).

[0081] Step S103: Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, make the power of the laser output after modulation by the laser modulator reach the target power.

[0082] Specifically, after obtaining the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid through the above steps, since it can characterize the attenuation of laser energy, the excitation energy input to the laser can be adjusted accordingly, thereby ensuring that the final output laser power reaches the target power. Furthermore, periodically adjusting the excitation energy input to the laser based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid ensures timely adjustment, preventing the laser modulator output power from failing to meet actual power requirements, and thus avoiding abnormalities in processes such as cutting.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the specific implementation scheme of step S103 may include:

[0084] Step S1031: Determine the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment.

[0085] Specifically, the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment is also the real-time power of the laser that is ultimately applied to specific processes such as cutting. By calculating the real-time power of the laser and comparing it with the target power, the real-time power can be adjusted when it cannot reach the target power so that the real-time power reaches the target power.

[0086] In some embodiments, step S1031 may specifically include: determining the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at a reference moment, based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment; and determining the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the energy change and the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment. The reference moment is the moment preceding the current moment.

[0087] Specifically, as mentioned above, the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid can characterize the attenuation of laser energy (the change in laser energy), so the attenuation of laser energy (the change in laser energy) can be calculated based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid.

[0088] More specifically, the energy change of the laser output from the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output from the laser modulator at the reference moment can be calculated based on the temperature difference change, flow rate, density, and specific heat capacity of the cooling fluid at the current moment. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0089] Q=cρνΔT

[0090] In the formula, Q is the change in laser energy; c is the specific heat capacity of the cooling fluid; ρ is the density of the cooling fluid; ν is the flow rate of the cooling fluid. In practical applications, the flow rate ν of the cooling fluid needs to be kept constant; ΔT is the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid.

[0091] After obtaining the change in laser energy, the laser power at the current moment can be determined by combining it with the laser power at the reference time.

[0092] Step S1032: Adjust the excitation energy input to the laser based on the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment and the target power.

[0093] Specifically, when the excitation energy is increased, the (real-time) power of the laser output from the laser modulator also increases. Therefore, by increasing the excitation energy, the (real-time) power of the laser output from the laser modulator can reach the target power. More specifically, in practical applications, the excitation energy can be adjusted using algorithms such as PID (Proportion-Integral-Differential) algorithms, without limitation. Automatic adjustment of the excitation energy through algorithms, compared to manual adjustment, ensures greater precision and ensures that the adjusted laser power better meets the actual power requirements.

[0094] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the laser system also includes a display device 6. After calculating the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment, the control method of the laser system may further include sending the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment to the display device for display. The display device can be connected to the controller via a data cable. This allows users to conveniently view the real-time power of the laser to better understand its attenuation.

[0095] Exemplary control device

[0096] Reference Figure 2 The laser system includes a laser 1, a laser modulator 2, a cooling device 3, and a temperature sensor 4. The laser is used to output an initial laser beam using the input excitation energy; the laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser beam output from the laser and output the modulated laser beam; the cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using cooling fluid; and the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the cooling fluid. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a laser system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a control device for a laser system, including: an acquisition module 200, a determination module 210, and an adjustment module 220; wherein,

[0097] The acquisition module 200 is used to acquire the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and the temperature before flowing through the laser modulator at each moment.

[0098] The determining module 210 is used to determine the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid is the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at each moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment.

[0099] The adjustment module 220 is used to adjust the power of the laser output by the laser modulator to the target power based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment.

[0100] The control device for a laser system provided by this invention can characterize the attenuation of the laser output from the laser modulator by acquiring the temperature difference of the cooling fluid in the cooling device of the laser modulator and determining the amount of temperature difference change. Combined with the target power of the laser, the device automatically adjusts the excitation energy input to the laser, ensuring that the power of the laser output from the modulator meets the requirements after adjustment. Furthermore, automatic adjustment ensures timeliness compared to manual adjustment, and quantitative adjustment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid ensures accuracy.

[0101] In some embodiments, the laser modulator includes a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet; when the acquisition module 200 acquires the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, it is specifically used to: acquire the first fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid inlet detected by the temperature sensor, and the second fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid outlet detected by the temperature sensor; and calculate the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the first fluid temperature and the second fluid temperature.

[0102] In some embodiments, when determining the amount of temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the determining module 210 is specifically used to: obtain the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at a reference moment; the reference moment is the moment before the current moment; and calculate the amount of temperature difference change of the cooling fluid based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment and the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the reference moment.

[0103] In some embodiments, when the adjustment module 220 adjusts the power of the laser output by the modulated laser to reach the target power based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, it is specifically used to: determine the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment; and adjust the excitation energy input to the laser according to the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment and the target power.

[0104] In some embodiments, when the adjustment module 220 determines the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, it is specifically used to: determine the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at a reference moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment; and determine the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the energy change and the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the adjustment module 220 determines the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, it is specifically used to: calculate the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the flow rate, density and specific heat capacity of the cooling fluid.

[0106] In some embodiments, the adjustment module 220 is also used to: send the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment to the display device for display.

[0107] Specific limitations regarding the control device for the laser system can be found in the limitations on the control method for the laser system described above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the control device of the aforementioned laser system can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in hardware or independently of the processor in the computer device, or stored in software in the memory of the computer device, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0108] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this invention should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the embodiments of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to avoid confusion of the constituent elements.

[0109] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout this specification, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A control method for a laser system, characterized in that, The laser system includes a laser, a laser modulator, and a cooling device; The laser is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy; The laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser output from the laser and output the modulated laser; the laser modulator includes a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet; The cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using a cooling fluid; the method includes: Obtain the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and the temperature before flowing through the laser modulator; Based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is determined; wherein, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment. Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the power of the laser output by the modulated laser reaches the target power.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes: The first fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid inlet, detected by the temperature sensor, and the second fluid temperature of the cooling fluid at the cooling fluid outlet, detected by the temperature sensor, are obtained. Based on the first fluid temperature and the second fluid temperature, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is calculated.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes: Obtain the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at a reference time; the reference time is the time before the current time. The change in temperature of the cooling fluid is calculated based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current time and the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the reference time.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of ensuring that the power of the laser output by the modulated laser reaches the target power based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes: Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment is determined; The excitation energy input to the laser is adjusted based on the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment and the target power.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment includes: Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, determine the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment; Based on the energy change and the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference time, the power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current time is determined.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Determining the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment, based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, includes: Based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment, the flow rate, density, and specific heat capacity of the cooling fluid, the energy change of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment relative to the laser output by the laser modulator at the reference moment is calculated.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The power of the laser output by the laser modulator at the current moment is sent to the display device for display.

8. A control device for a laser system, characterized in that, The laser system includes a laser, a laser modulator, and a cooling device; The laser is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy; The laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser output from the laser and output the modulated laser; the laser modulator includes a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet; The cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using cooling fluid; The control device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the difference between the temperature of the cooling fluid after flowing through the laser modulator and the temperature before flowing through the laser modulator. The determining module is used to determine the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment based on the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment; wherein, the change in temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment is the change in the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the current moment relative to the temperature difference of the cooling fluid at the previous moment. The adjustment module is used to adjust the power of the laser output by the laser modulator to the target power based on the temperature difference change of the cooling fluid at the current moment.

9. A laser system, characterized in that, include: Lasers, laser modulators, cooling devices, temperature sensors, and controllers; The laser is used to output an initial laser using the input excitation energy; The laser modulator is used to modulate the initial laser output from the laser and output the modulated laser. The cooling device is used to cool the laser modulator using cooling fluid; The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the cooling fluid; The controller is used to execute the control method of the laser system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The laser system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The laser system also includes a display device; The display device is used to display the power of the laser output by the laser modulator.

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