Fiber Laser Pulse Shaping for Flexible Peening and Bond Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser systems for laser shock peening and bond inspection are inflexible, requiring shutdown to change pulse shapes or widths, and lack the capability to deliver sufficient pulse energy for both applications efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fiber laser front-end system with a multi-stage amplifier and optical filter configuration, allowing for the generation of arbitrary pulsed laser beams with customizable pulse widths and shapes, enabling flexible operation for both laser shock peening and bond inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional laser systems are used for laser shock peening and bond inspection, then the system can deliver high pulse energy, but the system requires shutdown to change pulse shapes or widths and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of laser pulse parameters by using a programmable pulse generator that can adjust pulse width and shape in real-time without requiring system shutdown. The control system allows operators to program different pulse configurations (e.g., Gaussian, flat-top, double-pulse shapes) and widths (from nanoseconds to microseconds) dynamically, enabling the laser system to adapt between different applications like laser shock peening and bond inspection while maintaining continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single laser system is used for both laser shock peening and bond inspection, then the system becomes more versatile, but the system must efficiently deliver sufficient pulse energy for both applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal laser system that can perform both laser shock peening (requiring high energy pulses of several joules) and bond inspection (requiring lower energy pulses). The system uses a programmable pulse generator coupled with a laser source that can be configured to deliver appropriate pulse energies for different applications. The control system allows dynamic adjustment of pulse parameters including energy level, width, and shape, enabling the single system to efficiently serve multiple functions without compromising performance in either application.
3Stress or pressure
If laser pulse width is reduced to achieve sharper rise time, then the shocking pressure increases, but the pulse energy delivery becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a programmable pulse generator that can precisely control pulse width and shape parameters. The system generates pulses with widths ranging from nanoseconds to microseconds and can configure various pulse shapes (Gaussian, flat-top, double-pulse). By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between rise time sharpness (affecting shocking pressure) and total pulse energy delivery, allowing operators to select optimal parameters for specific material processing requirements.
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
The system provides a compact, lightweight solution capable of delivering high pulse energy with precise beam control, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of both laser shock peening and bond inspection processes.
Implementation Method 1
LSP uses high energy laser pulses to generate a plasma plume and cause a rapid rise of pressure on the surface of a part
Implementation Method 2
This pressure creates and sustains a high-intensity shockwave, which propagates into the surface of the part
Implementation Method 3
an optical filter configured to modify the second beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes an integrated fiber laser front-end, configured to generate and output a pre-amplified first pulsed laser beam having predefined beam characteristics corresponding to a user defined pulse shape and a user defined pulse width setting selection of a controller. The first pulsed laser beam is generated from a master oscillator which outputs a CW laser beam to a temporal pulse shaper, which modulates the CW laser beam to output the first pulsed laser beam in response to an electrical pulse from an arbitrary wave generator and a DC bias voltage from an automatic modulator bias control circuitry. The first pulsed laser beam is pre-amplified to an output pulsed laser beam for laser peening or laser bond inspection. A beam detector is used to monitor beam characteristics, and to generate an error signal to be sent back as a feedback signal to the controller for adjustments and corrections.