Beam-Switched Laser Pulse Amplification for Dual Frequency Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems are designed to operate either in high-frequency or low-frequency modes, making it complex and expensive to use both modes for surface processing, as they require separate systems for GHz and low-frequency laser pulse trains.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with a beam switching device that can switch between high-frequency and low-frequency modes, allowing the same system to generate either GHz or low-frequency laser pulse trains for surface processing, using a single excitation laser and high-frequency laser pulse source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate laser systems are used for GHz and low-frequency laser pulse trains, then both processing modes can be utilized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a beam switching device that can direct laser pulses from either a high-frequency laser pulse source or a low-frequency excitation laser through a common amplifier and processing optics, enabling both GHz and low-frequency processing modes within a single unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two previously separate laser systems (one for GHz pulse trains and one for low-frequency pulse trains) into a single integrated system by merging the laser sources, amplifier, and processing optics, with the beam switching device serving as the integration mechanism that combines the two pulse train pathways
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate laser systems are used for GHz and low-frequency laser pulse trains, then both processing modes can be utilized, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a beam switching device that can direct laser pulses from either a high-frequency laser pulse source or a low-frequency excitation laser through a common amplifier and processing optics, enabling both GHz and low-frequency processing modes within a single unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two previously separate laser systems (one for GHz pulse trains and one for low-frequency pulse trains) into a single integrated system by merging the laser sources, amplifier, and processing optics, with the beam switching device serving as the integration mechanism that combines the two pulse train pathways
3Device complexity
If a single laser system is used for both GHz and low-frequency modes, then complexity and cost are reduced, but switching between modes must be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The beam switching device acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the two laser sources (high-frequency and low-frequency) and the common amplifier/processing pathway, enabling simple mode switching by directing the laser beam from the appropriate source without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and cost-effective switching between processing modes, optimizing surface processing by using the same laser system for both high-frequency and low-frequency operations.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier configured to amplify laser light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser system (100) having − at least one excitation laser (10), configured for generating laser pulses (160), − an amplifier (80), configured for amplifying laser light, and having − a high frequency laser pulse source (40), configured for generating a GHz laser pulse train (140) with a single pulse repetition rate of single pulses (150) in the GHz laser pulse train (140) of at least 0.5 GHz. The laser system (100) is characterized in that a beam switching device (31, 33) is arranged in front of the amplifier (80) in the light propagation direction and can be switched between a high-frequency function setting and a low-frequency function setting and is configured a) in the high-frequency function setting, to supply the amplifier (80) with at least one GHz laser pulse train (140) from the high-frequency laser pulse source (40) for amplification, and b) in the low-frequency function setting, to supply the amplifier (80) with at least one low-frequency laser pulse train (180) with a single pulse repetition rate of single laser pulses (160) in the low-frequency laser pulse train (180) of less than 0.5 GHz from the at least one excitation laser (10) for amplification.