Ceramic Data Recording Using DMD Laser Pixel Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording data in ceramic materials are cumbersome and time-consuming, making it difficult to record a large amount of data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a digital micromirror device (DMD) to selectively illuminate regions of a ceramic material with a laser beam, allowing simultaneous manipulation of millions of pixels, combined with an ultra-short pulse laser for ablation and data encoding through recesses or holes of varying depths, and a Bessel beam for increased focus and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed focal point laser beam with XY positioning system is used to manipulate localized areas of ceramic material, then data can be recorded on the ceramic plate, but the recording process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single laser beam into multiple independent laser beams by using a digital micromirror device (DMD) with an array of micromirrors. Each micromirror can independently direct a laser beam to a specific pixel location on the ceramic plate, allowing simultaneous manipulation of multiple pixels rather than sequential scanning with a fixed focal point beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical XY positioning system with an optical control system using a DMD. Instead of physically moving the ceramic plate or laser beam focus point through mechanical stages, the system uses electronically controllable micromirrors to direct laser beams to different pixel locations, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and recording time.
2Productivity
If multiple pixels are illuminated simultaneously using a digital micromirror device, then data recording speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital micromirror device (DMD) as an intermediary component between the laser source and the ceramic plate. The DMD acts as a spatial light modulator that can independently control the direction of multiple laser beams, enabling simultaneous illumination of multiple pixels while keeping the laser source itself simple and unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The DMD serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam splitter, a spatial modulator, and a positioning control system all in one device. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve parallel processing capability without requiring separate optical paths or complex mechanical positioning systems for each pixel.
3Manufacturing precision
If ultra-short pulse laser is used for ablation, then material manipulation precision increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultra-short pulse laser operation where the laser emits energy in discrete, periodic pulses rather than continuous beam. Each pulse duration is in the ultra-short range (picoseconds to femtoseconds), allowing precise energy delivery to the ceramic material with minimal heat diffusion to surrounding areas, thus achieving high ablation precision with controlled energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes extreme parameter changes in the laser pulse characteristics - specifically very short pulse durations (10^-12 to 10^-15 seconds) and high peak power densities. These parameter changes enable Coulomb explosions and precise material ablation by concentrating energy delivery in time and space, achieving high precision while the total energy consumption remains manageable due to the brevity of each pulse.
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 high-speed data recording at rates of up to 10 GB/s, with improved data density and durability due to the use of ceramic materials resistant to environmental degradation, and efficient debris management through transparent substrates.
Implementation Method 1
Typically, the laser light will heat the impact areas of the laser beam which, in turn, may cause ablation of the material within or close to the impact areas
Implementation Method 2
an ultra-short pulse laser such as a picosecond laser or a femtosecond laser is used. Thus, so-called Coulomb explosions lead to material ablation at higher energy densities
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for recording data on or in a layer of a ceramic material and to a device for recording data on or in a layer of a ceramic material.