Optically active plate assembly, and laser device comprising such optically active plate assemblies

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate assembly (3) for an optically active plate, having a mount (5) and a holder (17), wherein the holder (17) is designed to hold an optically active plate (7) on the mount (5), wherein the mount (5) has an overflow surface (11) which surrounds the optically active plate (7) when the optically active plate (7) is held on the mount (5), and wherein the mount (5) and the holder (17) are designed to hold the optically active plate (7) such that an active surface (9) of the optically active plate (7) is flush with the overflow surface (11) and exposed, wherein the holder (17) is designed to act on a radially outer edge region (19) of the optically active plate (7), and / or wherein the holder (17) comprises a holder surface (21) which is free of interference contours and is flush with the overflow surface (11).

Description

[0001] August 22, 2025

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Optically active plate arrangement and laser device with such optically active plate arrangements

[0004] The invention relates to an optically active plate arrangement and a laser device with such optically active plate arrangements.

[0005] In such an optically active plate arrangement for a laser device, for example, for a plate amplifier for optical amplification of a laser beam or a frequency converter for frequency conversion, a particular challenge lies in holding the optically active plate in a mount with minimal play and without stress, even under thermal stress. Mounting fixtures designed accordingly often exhibit interfering contours that disrupt the flow of cooling media across the optically active plate during operation of a laser device containing a laser. This disruption can occur, for example, by inducing unwanted turbulence or creating dead spaces, thereby reducing cooling efficiency. Thermal and / or mechanical stresses can negatively affect the optical properties of the optically active plate and, in particular, lead to inhomogeneities in its optical characteristics.This, in turn, negatively impacts the quality of the laser beam interacting with the laser device. A backlash-free and stress-free mount becomes increasingly difficult to achieve the thinner the plate being held.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating an optically active plate arrangement and a laser device with such optically active plate arrangements, whereby the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably avoided.

[0007] The problem is solved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims as well as the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] The problem is solved in particular by creating an optically active plate arrangement – ​​hereinafter referred to simply as the plate arrangement – ​​which has a socket and a holder, wherein the holder is configured to hold an optically active plate – hereinafter referred to simply as the plate – on the socket, wherein the socket has a flow surface that surrounds the plate when the plate is held on the socket, and wherein the socket and the holder are configured to hold the plate such that an active surface of the plate is flush with the flow surface and exposed. The holder is configured to act on a radially outer edge region of the plate. Alternatively or additionally, the holder has a support surface free of interference contours and arranged flush with the flow surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the holder is thus configured to act on the radially outer edge region surrounding the active surface. Specifically, the holder is configured to retain the plate in the socket by introducing holding forces into the radially outer edge region, particularly in the axial direction. In particular, the holder is configured to retain the plate in the socket without introducing forces into the active surface of the plate. Advantageously, this avoids interfering contours and / or stresses in the plate, especially if the forces introduced axially into the radially outer edge region are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the bracket has a mounting surface free of interference contours and flush with the overflow surface. In particular, when mounted on the socket, i.e., when both the bracket and the plate are mounted on the socket, the mounting surface has this interference-free surface, flush with the overflow surface. Advantageously, this provides a continuous, flat, and interference-free surface for the flow of the cooling medium.

[0011] In one embodiment, the holder is designed to act on a radially outer edge region of the plate, and the holder has a support surface free of interference contours, arranged flush with the overflow surface.

[0012] In the context of this technical teaching, a flush arrangement is understood to mean, in particular, an aligned arrangement in which two surfaces described as flush with each other are aligned, i.e., the two surfaces are arranged in a common imaginary plane. In one embodiment, the mounting surface has no holes. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting surface has no screws, in particular no screw heads. In particular, the mounting surface has neither holes nor screws, in particular no screw heads. Preferably, the overflow surface also has no screws, in particular no screw heads; more preferably, neither holes nor screws, in particular no screw heads. Preferably, the mounting surface is completely smooth.

[0013] In one embodiment, the active surface of the plate is arranged to be completely exposed. Advantageously, no area of ​​the active surface is obscured by the holder or parts of the holder, so that, firstly, the entire active surface is available for interaction with a laser beam, and secondly, no forces are introduced into the active surface that could otherwise lead to mechanical or thermomechanical stresses and thus to a deterioration of the optical properties of the plate.

[0014] In the context of this technical teaching, an optically active plate – or simply plate – is understood to be a plate-shaped, optically active material designed to interact with the laser beam, in particular to amplify the laser beam and / or to convert, especially to multiply, an optical frequency of the laser beam. The optically active plate can, for example, be a laser plate or a frequency conversion plate. Frequency conversion can, in particular, mean frequency doubling or frequency tripling.

[0015] The optically active plate arrangement can only have identical optically active plates, for example only laser plates or only frequency conversion plates; however, it is also possible that the optically active plate arrangement has different types of optically active plates, for example at least one laser plate and at least one frequency conversion plate.

[0016] In the context of this technical teaching, a laser plate is understood to be a plate-shaped laser medium.

[0017] The optically active plate arrangement, designed as a laser plate array, is particularly suited for use in a laser device configured as an optical plate amplifier. In the context of this technical teaching, an optical plate amplifier is defined in particular as an amplifier device for preferably pulsed, especially diode-pumped, lasers, especially solid-state lasers, with which high pulse energies can be achieved due to the large volume of the laser medium, along with high repetition rates and / or medium power. Such a plate amplifier preferably incorporates several parallel laser plates. During operation, heat is dissipated by forced convection through the flow of cooling medium via the spaces between the individual laser plates.The laser plate arrangements, which are directly adjacent to each other, define the cross-sections for the cooling medium flow in such a way that it has a sufficiently high velocity in the area of ​​the laser plates for heat dissipation.

[0018] The optically active plate arrangement, designed as a frequency conversion device, is particularly suited for use in a laser device configured as a frequency converter. In the context of this technical teaching, a frequency converter is defined in particular as a device for frequency conversion, especially frequency multiplication, of preferably pulsed, especially diode-pumped, laser radiation, particularly from a solid-state laser. Such a frequency converter preferably incorporates several frequency conversion plates arranged in parallel. During operation, heat is dissipated by forced convection through the flow of cooling medium, which flows through the spaces between the individual frequency conversion plates.The frequency conversion arrangements, which are directly adjacent to each other, define the cross-sections for the cooling medium flow in such a way that it has a sufficiently high velocity in the area of ​​the frequency conversion plates for heat dissipation.

[0019] In particular, the plates are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the laser beam, with the active surfaces of the plates each being oriented obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of the beam; that is, a normal vector of an active surface of one of the plates is oriented parallel to the direction of the beam or encloses an angle of, in particular, less than 15°, in particular less than 10°, with the direction of the beam.

[0020] In the context of this technical teaching, a flow surface of the holder is understood to be a surface of the holder over which the cooling medium flows during operation of the laser device. In particular, the cooling medium flows over the flow surface and over the active surface of the plate held in the holder, wherein the active surface and the flow surface are advantageously arranged flush with each other, in particular without steps and free of interfering contours.

[0021] In the context of this technical teaching, an active surface is understood to be, in particular, an end face of the plate that limits the volume of the plate and, during operation of the laser device, can interact, or does interact, directly with the laser beam, at least in a limited range. In particular, each plate has two active surfaces, i.e., two end faces, which are arranged, in particular, parallel or wedge-shaped, especially at an angle of at most 20 arcminutes, and in particular at an angle of 10 to 14 arcminutes, to each other and which limit the volume of the plate in the beam direction.

[0022] In the context of this technical teaching, an axial direction is understood to mean, in particular, the direction of a surface normal of the active surface of the plate as intended in the holder. Specifically, the axial direction coincides with the beam direction of the laser beam during operation of the laser device. A radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, and a circumferential direction surrounds the axial direction concentrically.

[0023] Referring to the radial direction, in particular to the radially outer edge region of the optically active plate, does not imply any restriction regarding the shape or geometry of the optically active plate; in particular, the optically active plate can have a circular geometry, but it can also have a different shape or geometry, for example, an oval or polygonal, especially rectangular, or particularly square shape. Even in this case, the optically active plate has a radially outer edge region, whereby it is, for example, generally possible to describe an arbitrarily shaped boundary of a plate in polar coordinates, for example, starting from its center or centroid.

[0024] The socket is made of stainless steel or titanium in one design, or it is made of stainless steel or titanium, or it consists of stainless steel or titanium.

[0025] According to a further development of the invention, the plate arrangement additionally comprises the plate. In one embodiment, the radially outer edge region is a retaining rib of the plate, recessed perpendicular to the active surface. Advantageously, axial retaining forces can be introduced into the retaining rib in this way, thereby creating a particularly stable hold – especially compared to the possible introduction of radial retaining forces into an outer circumferential surface of the plate.

[0026] The retaining ridge can, for example, be ground into the material of the plate or worked out of the material of the plate by grinding.

[0027] In particular, the retaining rib is axially recessed perpendicular to the active surface, especially by a specific axial offset. In one embodiment, the retaining rib is recessed on both sides relative to the two active surfaces of the plate – especially axially – specifically by a first axial offset to the first active surface and by a second axial offset to the second active surface. In one embodiment, the first and second axial offsets are the same, so that the retaining rib is arranged symmetrically in the axial direction; in another embodiment, the first and second axial offsets differ, so that the retaining rib has different axial distances to the two active surfaces.

[0028] In another embodiment, the radially outer edge region is a circumferential surface of the plate. In this case, the mounting is preferably designed to introduce radial holding forces into the circumferential surface, which is an outer circumferential surface of the plate. Advantageously, the plate can have a geometry that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture – especially compared to the possible introduction of axial holding forces into a recessed retaining rib – precisely because the retaining rib can be omitted. The plate can therefore be designed, in particular, as a substantially cylindrical disk.

[0029] According to a further development of the invention, the socket has a retaining recess recessed into the overflow surface on a first side of the socket for arranging the plate in the retaining recess. Advantageously, this design allows for a particularly simple arrangement of the plate on the socket, whereby the plate can simply be inserted or placed into the retaining recess from the first side of the socket. In one embodiment, the socket has a radially projecting support ridge on a second side of the socket opposite the first side of the socket – perpendicular to the overflow surface, i.e., in the axial direction. Advantageously, the plate can thus be placed against or onto the support ridge when inserted into the retaining recess, being held in the axial direction by the support ridge when it is arranged in the socket.The plate can therefore be held in a mechanically simple and at the same time very securely.

[0030] The mounting rib is designed in one configuration as a rib that runs completely around the circumference. However, it is also possible for the mounting rib to have at least two partial ribs spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, for example, two partial ribs offset by 180° to each other, or three partial ribs offset by 120° to each other, or four partial ribs offset by 90° to each other.

[0031] In one embodiment, the contact rib projects only slightly radially into the retaining recess, in particular with a contact rib width measured in the radial direction that corresponds approximately to the radial width of the retaining rib of the plate. In one embodiment, the contact rib width is the same as the retaining rib width; in another embodiment, the contact rib width is larger, in particular somewhat larger, for example by 1% to 10% larger than the retaining rib width. In yet another embodiment, the contact rib width can be larger, in particular to accommodate additional elements of the holder radially outside the retaining rib.

[0032] In one embodiment, the axially measured thickness or strength of the mounting rib, also referred to as the mounting rib thickness, is identical to at least one axial offset, selected from the first axial offset and the second axial offset. This ensures a flush, interference-free, and step-free arrangement of at least one active surface of the plate with the second mounting side, in particular a second overflow surface on the second mounting side.In one embodiment, the step depth of the retaining recess, extending from the overflow surface (also referred to as the first overflow surface) on the first side of the housing to a contact surface of the mounting rib facing the first side of the housing, is identical to the sum of the retaining rib thickness measured in the axial direction and at least one axial offset, selected from the first axial offset and the second axial offset, in particular the other axial offset selected from the second axial offset and the first axial offset. This ensures a flush, contour-free, and step-free arrangement of an active surface of the plate with the first side of the housing, in particular the first overflow surface.In one embodiment, the thickness of the mounting rib is equal to the first axial offset, and the step depth is equal to the sum of the mounting rib thickness and the second axial offset, so that both active surfaces of the plate can be arranged flush with their respective overflow surfaces, free of interference contours and steps. It is particularly advantageous if the first and second axial offsets are the same, as in this case it is unnecessary to consider the orientation in which the plate is inserted into the mounting recess.

[0033] In one embodiment, the axially measured distance between the first overflow surface and the second overflow surface, also referred to as the capacity, is equal to the axially measured plate thickness, i.e., the axial distance between the two active surfaces of the plate.

[0034] In one embodiment, the thickness of the mounting plate is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular from 1 mm to 4 mm, and in particular from 1.5 mm to 3 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the plate thickness is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular from 1 mm to 4 mm, and in particular from 1.5 mm to 3 mm. Advantageously, very thin plates can be held securely, stably, and without stress in the plate arrangement described here.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the retaining recess has a diameter of 30 mm to 70 mm, in particular 40 mm to 60 mm. The diameter of the retaining recess is preferably equal to the diameter of the plate that is arranged in the retaining recess, or is slightly larger, in particular by 1% to 10%.

[0036] Radially within the mounting rib, the retaining recess is formed axially continuously, thus extending completely through the socket in the axial direction, in particular in such a way that both active surfaces of the plate are completely uncovered and usable.

[0037] In another embodiment, the retaining recess is axially continuous, so that it extends completely and continuously through the socket in the axial direction, with the retaining recess being designed, in particular, as a cylindrical bore. This is especially advantageous if the radially outer edge region of the plate is designed as a circumferential surface without a retaining rib. In this case, too, the socket thickness is, in particular, equal to the plate thickness.

[0038] In one embodiment, the holder has a spring plate which is arranged to radially encompass the plate in the mounted state and to be attached to the socket in such a way that it is arranged with a sheet end face flush with the overflow surface, wherein the spring plate has an elastic retaining area encompassing the plate in the circumferential direction - radially inner - which, in the mounted state, acts on the radially outer edge region of the plate, in particular on the retaining web, in order to introduce axial retaining forces into the radially outer edge region.

[0039] The housing features, in particular, a sheet metal receptacle that surrounds the retaining recess, specifically arranged radially outside the retaining recess, and in which the spring plate can be positioned within the sheet metal receptacle. The sheet metal receptacle is designed such that the sheet metal end face is flush with the overflow surface when the spring plate is positioned within the sheet metal receptacle. The sheet metal receptacle has a shallower depth than the retaining recess.

[0040] In one embodiment, the spring plate has, in addition to the radially inner retaining area, a radially outer mounting area designed to fasten the spring plate to the socket. In particular, when mounted, the spring plate rests with its mounting area against a mounting surface of the plate holder, with the retaining area bearing against the radially outer edge of the plate and exerting an axial holding force on it.

[0041] In one embodiment, the mounting area is thicker or stronger – in the axial direction – than the holding area. Advantageously, the holding area can thus exhibit a predetermined elasticity to introduce spring-like holding forces into the radially outer edge region of the plate. The sheet metal end face is continuously flush with the overflow surface – preferably in a plane to which the axial direction is perpendicular – in both the mounting area and the holding area. The mounting area can be designed to screw the spring plate to the socket, in particular by having countersunk screw holes distributed around the circumference. It is therefore particularly possible for the spring plate to be fastened to the socket with countersunk screws.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the spring plate can be bonded to the socket, particularly with an adhesive that optionally retains elastic properties even after curing, in order to compensate for differences in thermal expansion between the plate and the socket. Alternatively, the spring plate can be welded to the socket.

[0043] To enhance or define its spring-elastic properties, the retaining area in one embodiment has extended elongated holes along a circumferential line, which are distributed and spaced apart from each other, preferably uniformly, at least on one radius. It is possible for such elongated holes to be arranged on two different radii, i.e., on two different circumferential lines, each with a different radius, distributed and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Optionally, the elongated holes of the two circumferential lines are offset from each other in the circumferential direction, in particular by a gap. In one embodiment, the socket in the sheet metal receptacle has axial projections designed to complement the elongated holes, which, in the assembled state, engage in or extend through the elongated holes.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the holding area has, in particular, uniformly distributed, radially extending incisions along its circumference, forming spring tongues within the holding area that are separated from one another by the incisions. When assembled, these spring tongues act primarily on the radially outer edge of the plate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the spring plate is annular in shape with an inner recess bounded by a radially inner edge. However, the spring plate can also have any other suitable geometry, in particular a rectangular or square geometry, with a corresponding inner recess. Advantageously, the spring plate has the same geometry or shape as the plate so that it can uniformly encompass and hold it along its entire circumference. The holding area is located, in particular, in the region of the radially inner edge of the spring plate, while the fastening area is located in the region of a radially outer edge of the spring plate.

[0046] According to a further development of the invention, the holder comprises a spring element, a retaining ring, and a locking ring. In this way, the holder can be very stable and secure, yet mechanically simple. The spring element is advantageously designed—and positioned in the assembled state—to introduce elastic holding forces into the plate, particularly into the retaining rib, so that the plate can be held in a predetermined position without play, compensating for tolerances and, in particular, compensating for differences in thermal expansion between the plate and the socket.The retaining ring is advantageously designed – and arranged in the assembled state – to hold the plate and the spring element to the socket, in particular to transmit holding forces directly into the spring element and indirectly, via the spring element, into the plate, especially into the retaining lug, or directly into the plate, especially into the retaining lug, and indirectly, via the plate, into the spring element. Finally, the locking ring is advantageously designed – and arranged in the assembled state – to fix the retaining ring to the socket.

[0047] In one embodiment, the retaining ring has the mounting surface.

[0048] The spring element is designed to be elastic, particularly in the axial direction. In one embodiment, the spring element is designed as a circumferentially rotating spring ring, in particular as a wave spring – preferably with three maxima or three wave periods for a particularly stable three-point support on both sides. In this way, the spring element can advantageously bear against the retaining web on one side and the retaining ring on the other.

[0049] According to a further development of the invention, the retaining recess has a first radial groove on an inner circumferential surface, particularly one extending circumferentially, and the retaining ring has a second radial groove on an outer circumferential surface, particularly one extending circumferentially, and the retaining ring is designed to engage simultaneously in the first radial groove and the second radial groove when assembled. In this way, the retaining ring can advantageously and securely fix the retaining ring to the socket. According to a further development of the invention, the plate is arranged with the retaining rib in the retaining recess when assembled.

[0050] In one embodiment, the retaining web rests against the mounting web, in particular against the mounting surface of the mounting web, and the spring element is arranged between the retaining web and the retaining ring.

[0051] In another embodiment, the spring element is arranged between the contact web, in particular the contact surface of the contact web, and the retaining web, wherein the retaining ring rests - in particular directly - against the retaining web.

[0052] In one embodiment, the retaining ring is fastened in the retaining recess by the retaining ring engaging in the first radial groove and the second radial groove.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mounting surface is flush with the overflow surface.

[0054] According to a further development of the invention, the socket has a threading recess laterally to the retaining recess, which is designed and arranged such that the retaining ring can be threaded into both the first radial groove and the second radial groove simultaneously when the retaining ring is positioned in the retaining recess. This advantageously allows for simple and secure assembly, whereby the plate, the spring element, and the retaining ring are first inserted into the retaining recess, and then the retaining ring is threaded into the radial grooves via the threading recess, thereby fixing the retaining ring in the retaining recess and simultaneously securing the spring element and the plate in the socket.

[0055] In one embodiment, the retaining ring has a stop element located at its end in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, this allows the retaining ring to be inserted into the radial grooves up to a stop position predetermined by the stop element, which is specifically designed such that it cannot itself be inserted into the radial grooves. Thus, the retaining ring cannot be lost and can also be easily and precisely removed to take the plate out of its socket, for example, to replace it. In one embodiment, the insertion recess is designed to receive the stop element. This advantageously allows for a defined arrangement of the stop element in the retaining recess, particularly one that is recessed relative to the overflow surface and therefore concealed.

[0056] According to a further development of the invention, the plate arrangement includes a cover element designed to close the threading recess. Advantageously, neither the threading recess nor the stop element forms an obstruction in the area of ​​the overflow surface, since these are protected and concealed by the cover element and separated from the cooling medium flow.

[0057] In particular, the cover element is designed to close the threading recess flush with the overflow surface – specifically, without any disruptive contours or steps. By arranging the cover element flush with the overflow surface, a completely step-free and disruptive design is provided, ensuring optimal cooling media flow.

[0058] According to a further development of the invention, the holder comprises at least one elastically deformable holding element designed to introduce a radial holding force into the circumferential surface of the plate. In this way, the plate can be held in a defined and stable manner by radially acting forces without the need for axial force application, thus avoiding disruptive contours and steps in the area of ​​the overflow surface.

[0059] According to a further development of the invention, the elastically deformable retaining element is formed integrally with the socket, in particular of a single material. This represents a particularly simple design of the socket with very few parts, which is cost-effective to manufacture and easy to use.

[0060] In one embodiment, the elastically deformable retaining element is designed as a solid-body hinge.

[0061] The retaining element, which is integrally formed with the housing, particularly as a solid-body hinge, can preferably be configured in a retaining plane offset axially from the overflow surface. The resulting recess in the overflow surface can be closed with a cover when installed, the end face of which is then preferably flush with the overflow surface.

[0062] Alternatively, the elastically deformable retaining element is designed as a leaf spring. The leaf spring is optionally recessed within a leaf spring receptacle in the housing to avoid interfering contours. The leaf spring can be screwed to the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the leaf spring can be held in place by a retaining plate. Furthermore, the leaf spring receptacle can be closed by a cover, which in turn can be flush with the overflow surface.

[0063] According to a further development of the invention, the holder comprises a plurality of elastically deformable retaining elements which are arranged circumferentially – and in particular uniformly – distributed around the retaining recess. In this way, the plate can be held particularly stably on the socket.

[0064] In one embodiment, to mount the plate to the socket, the elastically deformable retaining elements are radially expanded using a suitable insertion tool, the plate is inserted, and the insertion tool is removed, so that the retaining elements spring back radially and apply radial holding forces to the plate.

[0065] The problem is also solved by creating a laser device, in particular an optical plate amplifier for amplifying a laser beam or a frequency converter for frequency conversion, wherein the laser device comprises a plurality of plate arrangements according to the invention or plate arrangements according to one or more of the embodiments described above, arranged perpendicular to the flow surfaces and spaced apart from one another. In connection with the laser device, the advantages are particularly those already explained in connection with the plate arrangement.

[0066] The mutually facing overflow surfaces of immediately adjacent sockets and the corresponding mutually facing active surfaces of the plates associated with the respective sockets each define flow channels for a cooling medium, which preferably flows through these flow channels at high pressure and high velocity during operation of the laser device. In particular, a gas or gas mixture, especially a noble gas, particularly helium, is used as the cooling medium in the laser device. The cooling medium flow optionally has a temperature of -150°C to 30°C, more specifically -20°C to 25°C.

[0067] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0068] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a laser device with a plurality of plate arrangements;

[0069] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a

[0070] Plate arrangement;

[0071] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a

[0072] Plate arrangement;

[0073] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a

[0074] Plate arrangement;

[0075] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a

[0076] Plate arrangement, and

[0077] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a

[0078] PI attenordnung .

[0079] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a laser device 1 with a plurality of optically active plate arrangements 3, in particular in the form of a plate stack 4. For the sake of clarity, only one element is designated with the corresponding reference numeral in the following. The laser device 1 is configured here as a plate amplifier by way of example, and the invention will also be explained below by way of example with reference to this plate amplifier. The laser device 1 could, however, also be configured as a frequency converter or in another way. In the laser device 1 configured here as a plate amplifier, the plate arrangement 3 is a laser plate arrangement.

[0080] As shown in a), the plate arrangements 3 each have a socket 5 and an optically active plate 7 held therein – hereinafter referred to simply as a plate – here a laser plate. The plates 7 each have two opposing active surfaces 9, and the sockets 5 each have two opposing overflow surfaces 11, wherein the plates 7 are held in the sockets 5 such that the active surfaces 9 are flush – that is, in particular aligned – with the respective associated overflow surfaces 11 and are exposed.

[0081] A first, dashed arrow PI schematically indicates a laser beam to be amplified, with the first arrow PI also defining the beam direction, also referred to as the axial direction. The holders 5 and the plates 7 held therein are arranged one behind the other in the beam direction, so that the laser beam to be amplified can pass through an amplifier medium formed by the plates 7. A second, dashed arrow P2 schematically indicates a pump beam, which can also be a laser beam, and which preferably passes the plates 7 obliquely to the beam direction and optically excites the amplifier medium, so that the laser beam to be amplified can be amplified by stimulated emission when it passes through the plates 7.

[0082] The mutually facing overflow surfaces 11 of immediately adjacent sockets 5 and the correspondingly facing active surfaces 9 of the plates 7 assigned to the sockets 5 each define flow channels 13 for a cooling medium which, in the operation of the laser device 1, preferably flows through these flow channels 13 under high pressure and at high speed, which is indicated schematically here by third arrows P3.

[0083] A gas or gas mixture, in particular a noble gas, especially helium, is preferably used as the cooling medium. The cooling medium flow optionally has a temperature of -150°C to 30°C, in particular -18°C to 25°C.

[0084] In b), the plate stack 4 is shown from above, from a viewing direction indicated in a) by the third arrows P3, i.e., in the direction of the cooling medium flow. The plate arrangements 3 are preferably arranged in a frame 15.

[0085] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a plate arrangement 3; in particular, Fig. 2 shows one of the preferably identically designed plate arrangements 3 of the laser device 1 according to Fig. 1.

[0086] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are designated with the same reference numerals in all figures, so that reference is always made to the preceding description. In a), an exploded view of the plate arrangement 3 is shown. This clearly shows that the overflow surface 11 surrounds the plate 7 when the plate 7 is held against the socket 5.

[0087] The plate arrangement 3 has a holder 17 configured to hold the plate 7 on the socket 5. The holder 17 is configured to act on a radially outer edge region 19 of the plate 7. Alternatively or additionally – here additionally – the holder 17 has a support surface 21 free of interference contours, arranged flush with the overflow surface 11.

[0088] The mounting surface 21 is preferably free of holes. In particular, the mounting surface 21 has no screws, especially no screw heads. Specifically, the mounting surface 21 has neither holes nor screws, especially no screw heads. Rather, the mounting surface 21 is completely smooth.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, no area of ​​the active surface 9 of the plate 7 is covered by the holder 17 or parts of the holder 17, so that on the one hand the entire active surface 9 is available for amplifying the laser beam to be amplified, and on the other hand no forces are introduced into the active surface 9.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the radially outer edge region 19 is a retaining web 23 of the plate 7, set back perpendicular to both active surfaces 9 of the plate 7 - each in the axial direction - by the same specific axial offset. Advantageously, axial retaining forces can be introduced into the retaining web 23 in this way.

[0091] The socket 5 preferably has, on a first side of the socket facing the viewer, a retaining recess 25 recessed into the overflow surface 11 for arranging the plate 7 in the retaining recess 25. Furthermore, on a second side of the socket opposite the first side – perpendicular to the overflow surface 11, i.e., in the axial direction – the socket 5 has a contact rib 27 projecting radially into the retaining recess 25, wherein, in the assembled state, the plate 7 rests with the contact rib 23 against a contact surface 28 of the contact rib 27. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the holder 17 has a spring element 29, a retaining ring 31, and a locking ring 33.

[0092] Figure b) shows a detailed sectional view along line BB of the view in figure a). This clearly shows that the spring element 29 is configured – and arranged in the assembled state – to introduce elastic holding forces into the plate 7, in particular into the retaining web 23, so that the plate 7 can be held in its predetermined position without play, compensating for tolerances. The retaining ring 31 is configured – and arranged in the assembled state – to hold the plate 7 and the spring element 29 on the socket 5, in particular to introduce holding forces directly into the spring element 29 and, indirectly via the spring element 29, into the retaining web 23. Finally, the retaining ring 33 is configured – and arranged in the assembled state – to fix the retaining ring 31 to the socket 5. In particular, the retaining ring 31 has the mounting surface 21. The spring element 29 is positioned here between the retaining web 23 and the retaining ring 31.The spring element 29 is designed to be elastic in the axial direction. Preferably, the spring element 29 is designed as a circumferentially rotating spring ring, in particular as a wave spring. In particular, the design of the spring element 29 as a wave spring, especially due to the period of the wave spring with preferably three waves offset from each other by 120°, results in a three-point support on the one hand between the retaining ring 31 and the spring element 29 and on the other hand between the spring element 29 and the retaining web 23.

[0093] The retaining recess 25 preferably has a first circumferential radial groove 37 on an inner circumferential surface 35, and the retaining ring 31 has a second circumferential radial groove 41 on an outer circumferential surface 39. In its assembled state, the retaining ring 33 engages simultaneously in the first radial groove 37 and in the second radial groove 41, thus fixing the retaining ring 31 stably and securely to the socket 5.

[0094] The mounting surface 21 is flush with the overflow surface 11.

[0095] The socket 5 preferably has a threading recess 43 – shown in a) – laterally to the retaining recess 25, which is designed such that the retaining ring 33 can be threaded simultaneously into the first radial groove 37 and the second radial groove 41 via the threading recess 43 when the retaining ring 31 is arranged in the retaining recess 25. In particular, during assembly, the plate 7, the spring element 29 and the retaining ring 31 are first inserted into the retaining recess 25, and then the retaining ring 33 is threaded into the radial grooves 37, 41 via the threading recess 43.

[0096] Preferably, the retaining ring 33 has an end stop element 45, also shown in a). This allows the retaining ring 33 to be inserted into the radial grooves 37, 41 up to a stop position predetermined by the stop element 45. The stop element 45 is designed such that it cannot itself be inserted into the radial grooves 37, 41.

[0097] In particular, the threading recess 43 is designed to receive the stop element 45. The plate arrangement 3 can have a cover element (not shown) designed to close the threading recess 43. Advantageously, neither the threading recess 43 nor the stop element 45 then forms an obstruction in the area of ​​the overflow surface 11, since they are protected and concealed by the cover element. The cover element is preferably designed to close the threading recess 43 flush with the overflow surface 11 – in particular, without any obstruction or step.

[0098] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the plate arrangement 3.

[0099] In a) a top view of one of the overflow surfaces 11 of the housing 5 is shown, and in b) a detailed sectional view along line CC according to the representation in a).

[0100] In the second embodiment, the holder 17 has a spring plate 47 which is designed to radially surround the plate 7 in the assembled state and to be attached to the socket 5 such that its end face 49 is flush with the overflow surface 11. The spring plate 47 preferably has a radially inner elastic retaining area 51 that surrounds the plate 7 in the circumferential direction and, in the assembled state, acts on the retaining web 23 to introduce axial retaining forces into it.

[0101] In particular, the housing 5 has a sheet metal receptacle 53 which encompasses the retaining recess 25, and the spring plate 47 is arranged in the sheet metal receptacle 53. The sheet metal receptacle 53 is designed such that the sheet metal end face 49 is flush with the overflow surface 11 when the spring plate 47 is arranged in the sheet metal receptacle 53. Preferably, the spring plate 47 also has a radially outer mounting area 55, which is designed to fasten the spring plate 47 to the housing 5. In particular, when mounted, the spring plate 47 rests with the mounting area 55 against a mounting surface 57 of the sheet metal receptacle 53, with the retaining area 51 resting against the retaining rib 23 of the plate 7 and exerting an axial holding force on it. The mounting area 55 is preferably thicker – in the axial direction – than the retaining area 51.The sheet metal end face 49 is preferably arranged flush with the overflow surface 11 in both the fastening area 55 and the holding area 51.

[0102] The mounting area 55 can be configured to screw the spring plate 47 to the socket. In the second embodiment, the spring plate 47 is fastened to the socket 5 with countersunk screws 59, which pass through countersunk bores 61 distributed circumferentially in the mounting area 55 and are screwed into threaded bores 63 in the socket 5.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the spring plate 47 can be glued or welded to the socket 5.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the retaining area 51 has extended elongated holes 65 along a circumferential line to increase or define its spring-elastic properties. These holes are distributed and spaced apart from one another, preferably uniformly, at least on one radius. Here, the elongated holes 65 are distributed and spaced apart from one another on two different radii in the circumferential direction, with the elongated holes 65 of the two radii being offset from each other in the circumferential direction, in particular by a gap. Preferably, the socket 5 in the sheet metal receptacle 53 has axial projections 67 designed to complement the elongated holes 65, which engage in or extend through the elongated holes 65 when assembled.

[0105] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the plate arrangement 3.

[0106] Figure a) shows a top view of one of the overflow surfaces 11 of the housing 5, and figure b) shows a detailed sectional view along line DD as shown in figure a). The third embodiment, analogous to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3, has a spring plate 47 and is essentially as described for Figure 3, except for the following difference:

[0107] In the third embodiment, the retaining area 51 has radially extending notches 69 evenly distributed along its circumference, so that spring tongues 71 are formed in the retaining area 51, which are separated from each other circumferentially by the notches 69. In the assembled state, these spring tongues 71 act in particular on the retaining web 23 of the plate 7.

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the plate arrangement 3.

[0109] In this fourth embodiment, the retaining recess 25 – see a) – is designed as a continuous, in particular cylindrical bore, so that it extends completely through the socket in the axial direction without any step. Accordingly, the radially outer edge region 19 of the plate 7 is designed as a circumferential surface 72 – see b) – without a retaining rib 23.

[0110] In the fourth embodiment, the holder 17 has a plurality of elastically deformable retaining elements 73 – see a) – which are arranged and configured to be uniformly distributed circumferentially on the socket 7 in order to introduce radial holding forces into the circumferential surface of the plate 7. The plate 7 is thus held by radially acting forces, in particular without axial force application.

[0111] In the fourth embodiment, the elastically deformable retaining elements 73 are formed integrally with the socket 5, particularly of a single material. Specifically, the elastically deformable retaining elements 73 are designed as solid hinges 75. They are also preferably formed in a retaining plane 77 that is recessed axially from the overflow surface 11. The resulting recess in the overflow surface 11 can be closed with a cover 79 when assembled – see b) – the end face 81 of which is then preferably flush with the overflow surface 11. The retaining elements 73, designed as solid hinges 75, can be manufactured on or machined from the socket 5, for example, by laser processing, in particular laser cutting.To mount the plate 7 to the socket 5, the elastically deformable retaining elements 73 are preferably expanded radially using a suitable insertion tool, then the plate 7 is inserted, and finally the insertion tool is removed again, so that the retaining elements 73 spring in radially and exert radial holding forces on the plate 7 and thus hold it on the socket 5.

[0112] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the plate arrangement 3.

[0113] In this fifth embodiment, the retaining recess 25 is also formed completely throughout - see a) -, in particular as a cylindrical bore, so that it extends completely and continuously through the socket 5 in the axial direction.

[0114] In the fifth embodiment, the holder 17 has a plurality of elastically deformable retaining elements 73, which are arranged and configured to be uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction on the socket 7 in order to introduce radial retaining forces into the circumferential surface of the plate 7.

[0115] Specifically, two elastic retaining elements 73, each designed as a leaf spring 83, are provided. The leaf springs 83 are each recessed in a leaf spring receptacle 85 of the socket 5. The leaf springs 83 can be screwed to the socket 5. Alternatively or additionally, the leaf springs 83 can be held by a retaining plate (not shown). It is also possible that the leaf spring receptacles 85 are each closed by a receptacle cover 87 – see b).

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Plate arrangement (3) for an optically active plate, comprising a socket (5) and a holder (17), wherein the holder (17) is configured to hold an optically active plate (7) on the socket (5), wherein the socket (5) has a flow surface (11) which surrounds the optically active plate (7) when the optically active plate (7) is held on the socket (5), and wherein the socket (5) and the holder (17) are configured to hold the optically active plate (7) such that an active surface (9) of the optically active plate (7) is arranged flush with the flow surface (11) and exposed, wherein the holder (17) is configured to act on a radially outer edge region (19) of the optically active plate (7), and / or wherein the holder (17) has a support surface (21) free of interference contours and arranged flush with the flow surface (11).

2. Plate arrangement (3) according to claim 1, wherein the plate arrangement (3) additionally comprises the optically active plate (7), wherein preferably the radially outer edge region (19) is a retaining web (23) recessed perpendicular to the active surface (9) or a circumferential surface (72) of the optically active plate (7).

3. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the socket (5) has a retaining recess (25) recessed into the overflow surface (11) on a first socket side for arranging the optically active plate (7) in the retaining recess (25), wherein optionally the socket (5) has a support rib (27) projecting radially into the retaining recess (25) on a second socket side opposite the first socket side.

4. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (17) comprises a spring element (29), a retaining ring (31) - in particular having the holder surface (21) - and a retaining ring (33).

5. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining recess (25) has a first radial groove (37) on an inner circumferential surface (35), wherein the retaining ring (31) has a second radial groove (41) on an outer circumferential surface (39), and wherein the retaining ring (33) is designed to engage simultaneously in the first radial groove (37) and the second radial groove (41).

6. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optically active plate (7) is arranged with the retaining web (23) in the retaining recess (25), wherein o the retaining web (23) abuts the contact web (27) and the spring element (29) is arranged between the retaining web (23) and the retaining ring (31), or o the spring element (29) is arranged between the contact web (27) and the retaining web (23), wherein the retaining ring (31) abuts the retaining web (23), wherein the retaining ring (31) is fastened in the retaining recess (25) by the retaining ring (33) engaging in the first radial groove (37) and the second radial groove (41), and wherein preferably the retaining surface (21) is arranged flush with the flow surface (11).

7. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the socket (5) has a threading recess (43) laterally to the retaining recess (25), which is configured such that the retaining ring (33) can be threaded through the threading recess (43) simultaneously into the first radial groove (37) and the second radial groove (41) when the retaining ring (31) is arranged in the retaining recess (25), wherein preferably the retaining ring (33) has a terminal stop element (45), and wherein the threading recess (43) is preferably configured to receive the stop element (45).

8. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, with a cover element which is arranged to close the threading recess (43) - in particular flush with the overflow surface (11).

9. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (17) has at least one elastically deformable retaining element (73) which is configured to introduce a radial retaining force into the circumferential surface (72) of the optically active plate (7).

10. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastically deformable retaining element (73) is formed in one piece, in particular of a single material, with the socket (5) or as a leaf spring (83).

11. Plate arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (17) has a plurality of elastically deformable retaining elements (73) which are arranged in a circumferentially distributed manner around the retaining recess (25).

12. Laser device (1), comprising a plurality of plate arrangements (3) arranged perpendicular to the overflow surface (11) spaced apart from one another according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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