A fast response safety interlock system for a pulsed laser and method of use
By setting up components such as electrical pulse signal generation and amplification components, power threshold level and timing signal generation components, the frequency and power of the pulsed laser are monitored in real time, solving the problem of slow response speed in the prior art and realizing rapid protection of the pulsed laser.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LASER FUSION RES CENT CHINA ACAD OF ENG PHYSICS
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing safety interlocking system for pulsed lasers has a slow response speed and cannot respond in time to occasional pulse drops, which can lead to laser damage.
It employs components for generating and amplifying electrical pulse signals, generating power threshold levels and timing signals, waveform shaping, pulse frequency output, and interlocking signal generation to monitor the frequency and power of optical pulse signals in real time. Through threshold level comparison and anomaly detection, it achieves fast-response safety interlocking.
It enables rapid protection of pulsed lasers, preventing damage and meeting stringent safety interlocking requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN117498124B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of laser safety interlock technology, specifically relating to a fast-response safety interlock system for pulsed lasers and its usage method. Background Technology
[0002] Pulsed lasers have wide applications in micromachining, diagnostics, and ranging. Currently, pulsed lasers typically use a method of detecting the average power through a photodetector and peak hold circuit for safety interlocking. This method has the disadvantage of slow response speed and the inability to respond in case of occasional pulse drops. Pulse drops may damage the laser. Therefore, existing technology cannot meet the requirements for strict protection of lasers. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of the various shortcomings of the existing technology, a fast-response safety interlock system and its usage method for pulsed lasers are proposed to solve the technical problem that the laser is damaged due to slow response speed or occasional pulse drop failure.
[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser, comprising:
[0005] The electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component samples the optical pulse signal output by the pulsed laser, converts it into an electrical pulse signal, and amplifies the electrical pulse signal.
[0006] The power threshold level and timing signal generation components output the threshold level, the power timing arrival signal, and the frequency timing arrival signal, respectively.
[0007] The waveform shaping module is connected to the electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. It is used to receive the amplified electrical pulse signal and the threshold level, and output two identical shaped pulse signals.
[0008] A pulse frequency output component is connected to a waveform shaping module and a power threshold level and timing signal generation component. One shaped pulse signal enters the pulse frequency output component. When the frequency timing signal arrives, the pulse frequency output component outputs the current frequency value.
[0009] And an interlocking signal generation component, which is connected to the waveform shaping module and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. Another shaping pulse signal enters the interlocking signal generation component. When the power timing arrives, the interlocking signal generation component outputs the current power value and the interlocking signal.
[0010] The technical solution is further configured such that the electrical pulse signal generating and amplifying component includes a sampling mirror, a photodetector, and a signal amplifier. The sampling mirror is located on the transmission optical path of the optical pulse signal output by the pulsed laser. The optical pulse signal is formed into a sampled optical pulse signal by the sampling mirror. The photodetector is located on the transmission optical path of the sampled optical pulse signal. The input terminal of the signal amplifier is connected to the output terminal of the photodetector.
[0011] The technical solution is further configured such that the power threshold level and timing signal generation component includes a power threshold and timing setting module, a power threshold level generation module, a power timing module, and a frequency timing module. The output terminal of the power threshold and timing setting module is connected to the input terminal of the power threshold level generation module, the input terminal of the power timing module, and the input terminal of the frequency timing module, respectively. The power threshold level generation module outputs a threshold level, the power timing module outputs a power timing arrival signal, and the frequency timing module outputs a frequency timing arrival signal.
[0012] The technical solution is further configured such that both the power timing module and the frequency timing module are connected to a clock source.
[0013] The technical solution is further configured such that the pulse frequency output component includes a first counter, the input terminal of which is connected to the output terminal of the waveform shaping module and the output terminal of the frequency timing module, respectively.
[0014] The technical solution is further configured such that the interlocking signal generating component includes a second counter and an interlocking signal generating module. The input terminal of the second counter is connected to the output terminal of the waveform shaping module and the output terminal of the power timing module, respectively, and the output terminal of the second counter is connected to the input terminal of the interlocking signal generating module.
[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for using a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser, comprising the following steps:
[0016] S100: The pulsed laser outputs an optical pulse signal, which is sampled and converted into an amplified electrical pulse signal by the electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component.
[0017] S200, the power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives power threshold information and outputs threshold level. The amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level input waveform shaping module, and two identical shaped pulse signals are output.
[0018] S300, the 1-channel shaping pulse signal enters the pulse frequency output component. The power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives the frequency timing information and outputs the frequency timing arrival signal. When the frequency timing arrival signal arrives, the current frequency value of the pulse frequency output component is the pulse frequency value, which is displayed on the control terminal.
[0019] S400, another shaping pulse signal enters the interlocking signal generation component. The power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives power timing information and outputs a power timing arrival signal. When the power timing arrival signal arrives, based on the preset power value, it is determined whether the current power value of the interlocking signal generation component is normal, and the interlocking signal is output according to the determination result.
[0020] Furthermore, in S200, the amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level input waveform shaping module, specifically:
[0021] If the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse signal is lower than the threshold level, a low-level signal is output as the shaping pulse signal; if the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse signal is higher than the threshold level, a shaping pulse signal with the same frequency as the electrical pulse signal is output; if some of the maximum amplitudes of the electrical pulse signal are lower than the threshold level, a shaping pulse signal with a frequency lower than the electrical pulse signal is output.
[0022] Furthermore, in S400, based on a preset power value, it determines whether the current power value of the interlocking signal generating component is normal, and outputs an interlocking signal according to the determination result, specifically:
[0023] If the current power value is not less than the preset power value, a low-level signal is output as a chaining signal; if the current power value is less than the preset power value, a high-level signal is output as a chaining signal.
[0024] Furthermore, the power threshold information is set according to the output optical power matching of the pulsed laser, the power timing information is the response time for safety interlocking when the power is not met, and the frequency timing information is the frequency measurement time of the pulsed laser.
[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0026] By setting the power threshold level, timing signal generation component, and waveform shaping module, threshold level comparison is achieved. By setting the pulse frequency output component and interlock signal generation component, power anomalies and frequency anomalies are converted into counting anomalies of pulse signals. The frequency and power of the optical pulse signal are monitored in real time, thereby generating a fast-response safety interlock signal, which can meet the requirements of strict laser protection. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the fast-response safety interlocking system for pulsed lasers used in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage method of the fast-response safety interlocking system for pulsed lasers used in embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] In the attached diagram: 1-Sampling mirror, 2-Photodetector, 3-Power threshold level generation module, 4-Signal amplifier, 5-Waveform shaping module, 6-Second counter, 7-First counter, 8-Interlock signal generation module, 9-Frequency timing module, 10-Power timing module, 11-Clock source, 12-Power threshold and timing setting module, 13-Control module. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the embodiments in this application, other similar embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as "up," "down," "left," and "right," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings; therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the invention.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser is provided. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 ,include:
[0032] The electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component samples the optical pulse signal output by the pulsed laser, converts it into an electrical pulse signal, and amplifies the electrical pulse signal.
[0033] The power threshold level and timing signal generation components output the threshold level, the power timing arrival signal, and the frequency timing arrival signal, respectively.
[0034] The waveform shaping module 5 is connected to the electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. It is used to receive the amplified electrical pulse signal and the threshold level, and outputs two identical shaped pulse signals.
[0035] A pulse frequency output component is connected to the waveform shaping module 5 and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. One shaped pulse signal enters the pulse frequency output component. When the frequency timing signal arrives, the pulse frequency output component outputs the current frequency value.
[0036] And an interlocking signal generation component, which is connected to the waveform shaping module 5 and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. Another shaping pulse signal enters the interlocking signal generation component. When the power timing signal arrives, the interlocking signal generation component outputs the current power value and the interlocking signal.
[0037] It should be noted that by setting the power threshold level and timing signal generation component and waveform shaping module 5, threshold level comparison is achieved. By setting the pulse frequency output component and interlock signal generation component, power anomalies and frequency anomalies are converted into counting anomalies of pulse signals. The frequency and power of the optical pulse signal are monitored in real time, thereby generating a fast-response safety interlock signal, which can meet the requirements of strict laser protection.
[0038] For the fast-response safety interlock system of the pulsed laser in this embodiment, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 The electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component includes a sampling mirror 1, a photodetector 2, and a signal amplifier 4. The sampling mirror 1 is located on the transmission optical path of the optical pulse signal output by the pulsed laser. The optical pulse signal is formed into a sampled optical pulse signal by the sampling mirror 1. The photodetector 2 is located on the transmission optical path of the sampled optical pulse signal. The input terminal of the signal amplifier 4 is connected to the output terminal of the photodetector 2.
[0039] It should be noted that the sampling mirror 1 is placed in the optical path of the optical pulse signal transmission to sample the optical pulse signal; then the sampled optical pulse signal is sent to the photodetector 2, which converts it into an electrical pulse signal; since the signal amplitude output by the photodetector 2 is generally low and cannot be used by the subsequent processing module, the electrical pulse signal is amplified by the signal amplifier 4.
[0040] For the fast-response safety interlock system of the pulsed laser in this embodiment, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 The power threshold level and timing signal generation component includes a power threshold and timing setting module 12, a power threshold level generation module 3, a power timing module 10, and a frequency timing module 9. The output terminal of the power threshold and timing setting module 12 is connected to the input terminal of the power threshold level generation module 3, the input terminal of the power timing module 10, and the input terminal of the frequency timing module 9, respectively. The power threshold level generation module 3 outputs a threshold level, the power timing module 10 outputs a power timing arrival signal, and the frequency timing module 9 outputs a frequency timing arrival signal.
[0041] Specifically, both the power timing module 10 and the frequency timing module 9 are connected to the clock source 11 to achieve synchronized timing.
[0042] It should be noted that the control module 13 sends the power threshold information to the power threshold and timing setting module 13 via the communication interface. The power threshold and timing setting module 13 outputs the power threshold information to the power threshold level generation module 3. The power threshold level generation module 3 outputs the threshold level, which is used to determine whether the power of the optical pulse signal is normal. The power threshold and timing setting module 12 outputs power timing information to the power timing module 10, and the power timing module 10 outputs a power timing arrival signal. The power threshold and timing setting module 12 also outputs frequency timing information to the frequency timing module 9, and the frequency timing module 9 outputs a frequency timing arrival signal.
[0043] For the fast-response safety interlock system of the pulsed laser in this embodiment, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 The pulse frequency output component includes a first counter 7, the input terminal of which is connected to the output terminal of the waveform shaping module 5 and the output terminal of the frequency timing module 9, respectively.
[0044] For the fast-response safety interlock system of the pulsed laser in this embodiment, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 The interlocking signal generating component includes a second counter 6 and an interlocking signal generating module 8. The input terminal of the second counter 6 is connected to the output terminal of the waveform shaping module 5 and the output terminal of the power timing module 10, respectively. The output terminal of the second counter 6 is connected to the input terminal of the interlocking signal generating module 8.
[0045] In use, the sampling mirror 1 is placed in the optical path of the optical pulse signal transmission to sample the optical pulse signal; then the sampled optical pulse signal is sent to the photodetector 2, which converts it into an electrical pulse signal, and then the electrical pulse signal is amplified by the signal amplifier 4. The control module 13 sends the power threshold information to the power threshold and timing setting module 12 through the communication interface. The power threshold and timing setting module 12 outputs the power threshold information to the power threshold level generation module 3 to generate the threshold level. The threshold level and the electrical pulse signal output by the signal amplifier 4 are sent to the waveform shaping module 5. The waveform shaping module 5 compares the electrical pulse signal with the threshold level to obtain two shaped pulse signals. The power threshold and timing setting module 12 outputs power timing information to the power timing module 10, and the power timing module 10 outputs a power timing arrival signal; the power threshold and timing setting module outputs frequency timing information to the frequency timing module 9, and the frequency timing module 9 outputs a frequency timing arrival signal. One shaping pulse signal is sent to the first counter 7 for counting. When the frequency timing signal arrives, the current value of the first counter 7 is read as the pulse frequency value, and the counter is reset. The pulse frequency value is sent to the control module 13 via the communication interface for display. Another shaping pulse signal is sent to the second counter 6 for counting. When the power timing signal arrives, the current value of the second counter 6 is read and the counter is reset. The recorded current value of the second counter 6 is sent to the interlock signal generation module 8. The interlock signal generation module 8 determines whether the current value of the second counter 6 is normal and outputs an interlock signal based on the determination result. If the current value is normal, a low level is output; if the current value is abnormal, a high level is output. The interlock signal controls the enable of the laser pump source, thereby achieving interlock protection for the laser.
[0046] The optical pulse signal is sampled by sampling mirror 1, and converted into an amplified electrical pulse signal by photodetector 2 and signal amplifier 4. Control module 13 sets the power threshold level, power timing information, and frequency timing information. The amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level to output a shaped pulse signal, which is then counted by a counter. The interlock signal is generated by judging the value of the counter. By converting the abnormal optical pulse power and frequency of the pulse laser into abnormal pulse counting, rapid detection and timely response to pulse power and frequency abnormalities are achieved, thereby ensuring the fast response characteristics of the pulse laser's safety interlock.
[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for using a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser is provided. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 2 It includes the following steps:
[0048] S100: The pulsed laser outputs an optical pulse signal, which is sampled and converted into an amplified electrical pulse signal by the electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component.
[0049] S200, the power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives power threshold information and outputs threshold level. The amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level input waveform shaping module 5, and two identical shaped pulse signals are output.
[0050] S300, the 1-channel shaping pulse signal enters the pulse frequency output component. The power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives the frequency timing information and outputs the frequency timing arrival signal. When the frequency timing arrival signal arrives, the current frequency value of the pulse frequency output component is the pulse frequency value, which is displayed on the control terminal.
[0051] S400, another shaping pulse signal enters the interlocking signal generation component. The power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives power timing information and outputs a power timing arrival signal. When the power timing arrival signal arrives, based on the preset power value, it is determined whether the current power value of the interlocking signal generation component is normal, and the interlocking signal is output according to the determination result.
[0052] Specifically, in S200, the amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level input waveform shaping module, specifically:
[0053] If the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse signal is lower than the threshold level, a low-level signal is output as the shaping pulse signal, indicating that the laser power is low. If the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse signal is higher than the threshold level, a shaping pulse signal with the same frequency as the electrical pulse signal is output, indicating that the laser power is normal. If some of the maximum amplitude values of the electrical pulse signal are lower than the threshold level, a shaping pulse signal with a frequency lower than the electrical pulse signal is output, indicating that the laser power is abnormal.
[0054] Specifically, in S400, based on a preset power value, it determines whether the current power value of the interlocking signal generating component is normal, and outputs an interlocking signal according to the determination result, specifically:
[0055] If the current power value is not less than the preset power value, a low-level signal is output as an interlock signal; if the current power value is less than the preset power value, a high-level signal is output as an interlock signal. The interlock signal controls the enabling of the laser pump source, thereby realizing the interlock protection of the laser.
[0056] For the usage method of the fast-response safety interlock system for the pulsed laser in this embodiment, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2The power threshold information is set based on the output optical power matching of the pulsed laser, the power timing information is the response time for safety interlocking when the power requirement is not met, and the frequency timing information is the frequency measurement time of the pulsed laser. In other words, the power timing information, frequency timing information, and power threshold information can all be customized by the user according to the actual needs of the pulsed laser, possessing flexible and universal characteristics.
[0057] The present invention has been described in detail above. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of this application should still fall within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser, characterized in that, include: The electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component samples the optical pulse signal output by the pulsed laser, converts it into an electrical pulse signal, and amplifies the electrical pulse signal. The power threshold level and timing signal generation components output the threshold level, the power timing arrival signal, and the frequency timing arrival signal, respectively. The waveform shaping module is connected to the electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. It is used to receive the amplified electrical pulse signal and the threshold level, and output two identical shaped pulse signals. A pulse frequency output component is connected to a waveform shaping module and a power threshold level and timing signal generation component. One shaped pulse signal enters the pulse frequency output component. When the frequency timing signal arrives, the pulse frequency output component outputs the current frequency value. And an interlocking signal generation component, which is connected to the waveform shaping module and the power threshold level and timing signal generation component. Another shaping pulse signal enters the interlocking signal generation component. When the power timing arrives, the interlocking signal generation component outputs the current power value and the interlocking signal.
2. The fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component includes a sampling mirror, a photodetector, and a signal amplifier. The sampling mirror is located on the transmission optical path of the optical pulse signal output by the pulsed laser. The optical pulse signal is converted into a sampled optical pulse signal by the sampling mirror. The photodetector is located on the transmission optical path of the sampled optical pulse signal. The input terminal of the signal amplifier is connected to the output terminal of the photodetector.
3. The fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power threshold level and timing signal generation component includes a power threshold and timing setting module, a power threshold level generation module, a power timing module, and a frequency timing module. The output terminal of the power threshold and timing setting module is connected to the input terminals of the power threshold level generation module, the power timing module, and the frequency timing module, respectively. The power threshold level generation module outputs a threshold level, the power timing module outputs a power timing arrival signal, and the frequency timing module outputs a frequency timing arrival signal.
4. The fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the power timing module and the frequency timing module are connected to a clock source.
5. A fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The pulse frequency output component includes a first counter, the input of which is connected to the output of the waveform shaping module and the output of the frequency timing module.
6. A fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The interlocking signal generation component includes a second counter and an interlocking signal generation module. The input terminal of the second counter is connected to the output terminal of the waveform shaping module and the output terminal of the power timing module, respectively. The output terminal of the second counter is connected to the input terminal of the interlocking signal generation module.
7. A method of using a fast-response safety interlocking system employing a pulsed laser as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S100: The pulsed laser outputs an optical pulse signal, which is sampled and converted into an amplified electrical pulse signal by the electrical pulse signal generation and amplification component. S200, the power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives power threshold information and outputs threshold level. The amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level input waveform shaping module, and two identical shaped pulse signals are output. S300, the 1-channel shaping pulse signal enters the pulse frequency output component. The power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives the frequency timing information and outputs the frequency timing arrival signal. When the frequency timing arrival signal arrives, the current frequency value of the pulse frequency output component is the pulse frequency value, which is displayed on the control terminal. S400, another shaping pulse signal enters the interlocking signal generation component. The power threshold level and timing signal generation component receives power timing information and outputs a power timing arrival signal. When the power timing arrival signal arrives, based on the preset power value, it is determined whether the current power value of the interlocking signal generation component is normal, and the interlocking signal is output according to the determination result.
8. The method of using a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 7, characterized in that, In S200, the amplified electrical pulse signal is compared with the threshold level input waveform shaping module, specifically: If the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse signal is lower than the threshold level, a low-level signal is output as the shaping pulse signal; if the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse signal is higher than the threshold level, a shaping pulse signal with the same frequency as the electrical pulse signal is output. If the maximum amplitude of a portion of the electrical pulse signal is lower than the threshold level, a shaped pulse signal with a frequency lower than that of the electrical pulse signal will be output.
9. The method of using a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 7, characterized in that, In S400, based on a preset power value, it determines whether the current power value of the interlocking signal generating component is normal, and outputs an interlocking signal according to the determination result, specifically: If the current power value is not less than the preset power value, a low-level signal is output as a chaining signal; if the current power value is less than the preset power value, a high-level signal is output as a chaining signal.
10. The method of using a fast-response safety interlocking system for a pulsed laser according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power threshold information is set according to the output optical power matching of the pulsed laser, the power timing information is the response time for safety interlocking when the power is not met, and the frequency timing information is the frequency measurement time of the pulsed laser.