Dual-Wavelength Laser Processing for Phase-Dependent Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser processing systems face inefficiencies due to varying energy absorption rates of materials in different phases, limiting processing accuracy and speed, as the energy absorption efficiency declines when objects transition from solid to liquid states.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing system incorporating an optical splitting unit, frequency conversion unit, and light intensity adjustment units to divide and adjust laser beams into different wavelength ranges, optimizing energy absorption by switching between short and long wavelength light based on the material's phase state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional laser processing system uses a single wavelength laser source to process materials, then the system structure is simple, but the energy absorption efficiency declines when materials transition from solid to liquid states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser processing system structureVSAvoidenergy absorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single laser beam into two separate light paths with different wavelengths. The optical splitting unit separates the original laser beam into a first light path (maintaining original wavelength) and a second light path (converted to different wavelength). This segmentation allows independent control of wavelength characteristics to match different material phases, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy absorption efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different wavelength configurations based on material phase state. The system can dynamically adjust which light path (first or second) is directed to the processing area, transitioning from a static single-wavelength system to a dynamic multi-wavelength system that adapts to changing material properties during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the laser beam wavelength is fixed, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot adapt to different material phases (solid or liquid states)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to material phases
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal laser processing system that can handle both solid and liquid material phases using a single integrated setup. By incorporating the optical splitting unit and frequency conversion unit, the system gains multi-functionality, automatically providing appropriate wavelength characteristics for different material phases without requiring separate processing systems, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components (optical splitting unit and frequency conversion unit) that mediate between the fixed laser source and the variable material properties. These intermediaries transform the fixed wavelength output into adaptable multi-wavelength beams, allowing the system to bridge the gap between operational simplicity and phase adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a single wavelength laser is used, then the processing system has high energy efficiency initially, but processing speed and accuracy deteriorate after materials melt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial energy absorption efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing speed and accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser beam based on material phase state. The frequency conversion unit converts the second light path to a different wavelength that is optimized for liquid material absorption. This parameter change ensures that energy absorption efficiency is maintained throughout the entire processing cycle, preventing the deterioration of processing speed and accuracy that occurs when materials transition to liquid state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous effective energy absorption throughout the processing operation by providing appropriate wavelength characteristics for both solid and liquid phases. The dual light path configuration maintains useful action continuity, preventing the efficiency drop that would otherwise occur during phase transition, thereby sustaining high processing speed and accuracy throughout the entire operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system maintains efficient energy absorption across different material phases, enhancing processing accuracy and speed by adapting the laser beam's wavelength and intensity to match the object's state, making it applicable to various types of objects.

Implementation Method 1

an optical splitting unit, a frequency conversion unit and at least one optical mixer. The optical splitting unit is provided to divide light emitted by the laser source into a first light and a second light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical splitting:

Implementation Method 2

The frequency conversion unit is provided to convert the second light into a working light. The working light includes a frequency converted light, and the frequency converted light and the second light have different wavelength ranges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The optical mixer is provided to mix the first light with the frequency converted light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical mixing:

Implementation Method 4

a first light intensity adjustment unit and a second light intensity adjustment unit. The first light intensity adjustment unit is provided to adjust light intensity of the first light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight intensity adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS11914269B2Laser processing system
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 IND TECH RES INST
  • US11914269B2 patent drawing
  • US11914269B2 patent drawing
  • US11914269B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser processing system includes a laser source, an optical splitting unit, a frequency conversion unit and at least one optical mixer. The optical splitting unit is provided to divide light emitted by the laser source into a first light and a second light, and the first light and the second light have the same wavelength range. The frequency conversion unit is provided to convert the second light into a working light. The working light includes a frequency converted light, and the frequency converted light and the second light have different wavelength ranges. The optical mixer is provided to mix the first light with the frequency converted light.