Directed Coolant Jet for Laser Solid-State Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling methods for laser-active solid-state materials, such as YAG, suffer from inadequate cooling capacity and the formation of gas bubbles in the cooling medium, which impairs the cooling process and initial stability of the laser, especially during optical pumping.
Innovation Solution
A laser arrangement with a cooling arrangement that uses a directed coolant jet applied to a partial surface of the laser-active solid-state material, where the coolant jet forms a laminar flow on the surface, reducing bubble formation and allowing for precise control of cooling capacity, with the jet directed parallel or oblique to the surface to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid coolant is applied to cool the laser-active solid-state material, then cooling capacity is improved, but gas bubbles form in the cooling medium which impairs cooling performance and laser stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coolant only to the pump surface area of the laser-active solid-state material where heat is generated during optical pumping, rather than cooling the entire surface. This localized cooling approach reduces the volume of coolant exposed to air, minimizing gas bubble formation while maintaining effective cooling where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is segmented into two distinct phases: a pre-cooling phase where the coolant surface is prepared, and a cooling phase where the laser is actively cooled. The patent introduces a waiting time between these phases to allow gas bubbles to settle or dissipate, thereby separating the cooling function from the bubble formation problem.
2Temperature
If coolant is applied to the entire surface of the laser-active solid-state material, then cooling coverage is improved, but pump radiation is impaired when pumping through the liquid coolant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively cools only the pump surface area where heat is generated during optical pumping, rather than covering the entire laser surface with coolant. This localized approach ensures that pump radiation can pass through unaffected areas without being absorbed or scattered by the liquid coolant, maintaining pumping efficiency while providing targeted cooling.
3Temperature
If cooling is applied during optical pumping, then temperature control is improved, but initial stability of the laser is impaired due to gas bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a pre-cooling step before initiating the laser pumping process. During this preliminary phase, the coolant is applied to the pump surface to establish effective thermal contact and remove air gaps. This pre-cooling action ensures that when pumping begins, the cooling system is already optimized and gas bubbles are minimized, thereby maintaining both temperature control and laser stability from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is implemented periodically with a waiting time between pre-cooling and active cooling phases. This periodic approach allows gas bubbles to dissipate or settle between cooling cycles, preventing their accumulation and negative impact on laser stability while maintaining effective temperature control during the cooling phases.
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
This method significantly improves cooling performance by reducing gas bubble formation and optimizing cooling capacity, leading to enhanced laser operation and emission while minimizing impairment to the pumping process.
Implementation Method 1
the directed coolant jet spreads in the gas atmosphere adjacent to the laser-active solid material, in particular air, as a free jet up to the surface of the laser-active solid material, then hits the laser-active solid material in an impact area and now flows along the surface to be cooled as a preferably laminar flow film
Implementation Method 2
a directed coolant jet of a liquid coolant (K) is applied to a partial area (80) of a surface (8) of the laser-active solid material
Implementation Method 3
the directed coolant jet spreads in the gas atmosphere adjacent to the laser-active solid material, in particular air, as a free jet up to the surface of the laser-active solid material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates in particular to a cooling arrangement (1) for the active liquid cooling of a laser-active solid material (2). In order to achieve an advantageous cooling effect, it is proposed to use a nozzle unit (3) which is designed and configured to apply a directed coolant jet (11) to the laser-active solid material (2).