Glass-Ceramic Laser Bleaching for Local Transmittance Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optically separating transparent apertures using precision machining of different materials are complex and expensive, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for creating highly-transparent apertures with high optical absorbance in glass ceramics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laser irradiation of glass-ceramic articles to form apertures with selective transmittance and absorbance properties, utilizing laser wavelength bands to create bleached regions with residual absorption and crystalline phases like MxWO3, achieving high transmittance contrast through controlled heating and annealing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precision machining of different materials is used to achieve optical separation, then high transmittance contrast can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the opaque material and transparent material into a single glass-ceramic monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate components and precision machining operations. The glass-ceramic body is formed as one piece with embedded opaque and transparent regions, reducing device complexity while maintaining optical separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes laser bleaching to change the optical parameters of the glass-ceramic material locally. By controlling laser irradiation, the material's transmittance is modified in specific regions, transforming it from a uniform material to one with spatially varying optical properties without requiring multiple materials or complex machining.
2Manufacturing precision
If precision machining and setting of different materials is used, then optical separation can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials into a single glass-ceramic composition that is processed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate machining and assembly operations. This monolithic approach reduces manufacturing steps and costs while achieving the same optical isolation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical machining operations with laser-based optical/thermal processing. Instead of mechanically cutting and assembling different materials, the invention uses laser irradiation to create the desired optical properties directly in the glass-ceramic material, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If laser bleaching is used to form transparent apertures, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but control of residual absorption becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control in the laser bleaching process by monitoring and adjusting irradiation parameters to achieve desired transmittance levels. The process controls the balance between complete bleaching (high transmittance) and preservation of residual absorption (for optical isolation), enabling precise control of optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies laser irradiation parameters (wavelength, intensity, duration) to control the degree of bleaching and residual absorption. By adjusting these parameters, the transmittance can be precisely controlled to achieve the desired optical isolation performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 method enables precise and cost-effective formation of transparent apertures with high optical isolation, providing selectable transmittance ratios and residual absorption within desired wavelength ranges, reducing complexity and cost compared to traditional machining methods.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a first portion of a bulk of the glass-ceramic article by directing a beam from a laser into a thickness of the bulk to heat the first portion
Implementation Method 2
heat the first portion to a dissolution temperature in which the crystalline phase dissolves into the bulk
Implementation Method 3
a method of bleaching a glass-ceramic article... directing a beam from a laser into a thickness of the bulk to heat the first portion and form a first aperture
Implementation Method 4
the bulk having an amorphous silicate glass phase, a crystalline phase, and a bulk transmittance... the first aperture having a first transmittance that is greater than the bulk transmittance
Implementation Method 5
the beam comprising a bleaching wavelength selected from a laser wavelength band within which residual absorption persists in the aperture after the irradiating
Implementation Method 6
residual absorption persists in the aperture after the irradiating at the bleaching wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method of bleaching a glass-ceramic article is disclosed. The method includes irradiating a first portion of a bulk of the glass-ceramic article by directing a beam from a laser into a thickness of the bulk to heat the first portion and form a first aperture therein. The bulk is configured to have an amorphous silicate glass phase. a crystalline phase. and a bulk transmittance. The first aperture is configured to have a first transmittance that is greater than the bulk transmittance at first wavelengths from about 350 nm to about 2500 nm. The beam from the laser is configured to include a bleaching wavelength selected from a laser wavelength band within which residual absorption persists in the aperture after the irradiating at the bleaching wavelength.