Electro-Optical Laser Assembly With Shielded Graphite Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser processing apparatuses, the graphite sheet used in electro-optical elements can melt and adhere to the surface when irradiated with laser beams, causing temperature rises and reducing the accuracy of laser deflection due to changes in the electro-optical element's temperature characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing apparatus is designed with a cushioning material having conductivity between the electrodes and the electro-optical element, and a shield material on the incident side of the laser, which prevents laser incidence on the cushioning material, thereby stabilizing the temperature and improving deflection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a graphite sheet is used to hold the electro-optical element, then the element can be securely mounted and temperature controlled, but the graphite sheet may melt and adhere to the electro-optical element when irradiated with laser, causing temperature rise and reduced deflection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shield material as an intermediary component positioned between the laser beam and the graphite sheet. This shield material absorbs or reflects the laser energy, preventing it from reaching the graphite sheet and causing melting. The intermediary shield thus protects the electro-optical element from thermal damage while maintaining the mounting structure's stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful laser irradiation from the mounting structure by introducing a dedicated shield material that intercepts the laser beam before it reaches the graphite sheet. This separation of functions allows the graphite sheet to maintain its mounting role without bearing the thermal load of laser irradiation.
2Productivity
If the electro-optical element is irradiated with laser to enable processing, then laser deflection can be performed, but the laser irradiation causes temperature rise of the electro-optical element, changing its characteristics and reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The shield material serves as a mediator that allows the laser beam to pass through to the electro-optical element for processing while preventing stray or excessive laser energy from heating the mounting structure. This enables laser processing functionality while protecting the thermal sensitivity of the electro-optical element.
3Ease of operation
If metal electrodes are used to apply voltage to the electro-optical element, then electric field control is achieved, but the electrodes may be irradiated by laser causing temperature rise that affects the KTN crystal temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The shield material acts as a protective intermediary between the laser beam and the metal electrodes. By positioning the shield to intercept laser energy before it reaches the electrodes, the patent prevents thermal coupling between the electrodes and the electro-optical element, maintaining stable operating temperatures.
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 configuration effectively prevents temperature rises in the electro-optical element, stabilizes its temperature, and enhances the accuracy of laser irradiation positioning.
Implementation Method 1
When the graphite sheet adheres to the electro-optical element, the laser is absorbed by the graphite sheet adhering to the surface of the electro-optical element, which may cause the temperature of the electro-optical element to rise.
Implementation Method 2
a Peltier device is disposed inside two metal blocks in order to prevent the temperature rise when a voltage is applied, and the temperature of the electro-optical element is controlled to be constant with high precision.
Implementation Method 3
an electro-optical element such as a KTN crystal, in which an upper and lower surfaces are sandwiched and held by two metal blocks via a graphite sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing apparatus includes: an electro-optical element; a laser irradiation unit that irradiates the electro-optical element with laser; a pair of electrodes provided on both sides of the electro-optical element so as to sandwich the electro-optical element therebetween; a cushioning material having conductivity provided between the pair of electrodes and the electro-optical element; a shield material that is provided on an incident side of the electro-optical element, in an irradiation direction of the laser intersecting a direction in which a voltage applied by the pair of electrodes is applied, and prevents incidence of the laser onto the cushioning material; and a cooling unit that cools the shield material. The cooling unit includes a cooling block and a pipe connected to the cooling block.