Electronegative Gas Suppression of Laser Beam Photoionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
High energy density laser beam pulses can ionize air at focal points, impairing their intended use in industrial and military applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronegative gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride, at atmospheric pressure at the focal point to suppress air ionization, using a lens system to converge the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high energy density laser beam pulses are focused at a focal point, then the laser beam can be used for distance measurement and industrial applications, but air ionization occurs at the focal point which impairs the laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sulfur hexafluoride gas, an electronegative gas with high ionization potential, to displace air at the focal point. This creates an inert environment that prevents photoionization while allowing the laser beam to pass through for distance measurement and industrial applications without impairment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the atmospheric composition parameter by introducing electronegative gas with higher ionization potential than air. This parameter change increases the threshold for photoionization, allowing high energy density laser beams to be focused without causing air ionization that would impair beam quality.
2Reliability
If electronegative gas is introduced to suppress air ionization, then laser beam integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to gas containment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-film window made of electronegative gas that is transparent to laser radiation. This flexible membrane allows laser beams to pass through while containing the electronegative gas, preventing air ionization without requiring complex rigid containment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pneumatic system to introduce and maintain electronegative gas at controlled pressure within the containment chamber. This allows the gas to displace air at the focal point and suppress ionization while maintaining a manageable device structure through pressure control.
3Reliability
If high pressure is used to prevent air ionization, then laser beam integrity is maintained, but device portability is reduced due to need for high-pressure equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by using electronegative gas with higher ionization potential, which allows prevention of air ionization at atmospheric pressure rather than requiring high pressure. This parameter change eliminates the need for heavy high-pressure equipment, enabling portable laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere using electronegative gas that prevents photoionization at normal atmospheric pressure. This approach replaces the need for high-pressure systems with a chemically inert environment, significantly reducing device weight and improving portability while maintaining laser beam integrity.
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
Prevents air ionization, maintaining the integrity of the laser beam for distance measurement and other applications by utilizing a gas with higher ionization potential than air, allowing for lightweight and portable devices without the need for high-pressure equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the energy density of the laser beam pulse can become high enough to ionize air at the focal point
Implementation Method 2
an electronegative gas located at the focal point to suppress a photoionization effect at the focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for propagating a laser beam. The laser beam pulse is passed through a first lens which focuses the laser beam pulse at a focal point of the first lens. An electronegative gas at substantially atmospheric pressure is configured to surround the focal point in order to suppress an ionization effect by the laser beam pulse at the focal point.