Gold-Containing Joining Material for Laser Light Source Window

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing laser excitation light sources face a reduction in lifespan due to foreign matter accumulation on the window member, which interferes with light transmission and increases the risk of opacity, especially when using silver brazing as the joining material.

Innovation Solution

The use of a gold-containing joining material for the window member, which reduces foreign matter generation and extends the lifespan by suppressing the formation of impurities, and the application of a protective layer made of ALD layers on the window member to prevent opacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If silver brazing is used as the joining material for the window member, then the window member can be joined to the housing, but foreign matter accumulates on the window member causing reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining strengthVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the joining material from silver brazing to gold-containing material. This parameter change eliminates foreign matter accumulation on the window member while maintaining the joining function, thereby extending the lifespan of the light source device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material approach by selecting a joining material that contains gold as a key component. This composite material provides both the necessary joining strength and the beneficial property of suppressing foreign matter generation, resolving the contradiction between strength and lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the window member is continuously operated, then light transmission function is maintained, but foreign matter accumulates interfering with light transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidlight transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the joining material parameter to gold-containing material, the patent eliminates foreign matter accumulation that would otherwise interfere with light transmission during continuous operation, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If gold-containing joining material is used, then foreign matter generation is suppressed, but the joining material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelifespanVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accepts the material cost increase as a necessary parameter change to achieve the primary goal of extending lifespan by suppressing foreign matter generation. The gold-containing joining material provides superior long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent avoids using disposable or low-cost materials that would require frequent replacement. Instead, it invests in a higher initial cost gold-containing material that provides lasting performance, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 gold-containing joining material effectively minimizes foreign matter formation and the protective layer prevents opacity, thereby extending the lifespan of the light emitting sealed body and maintaining light transmission efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The window member is joined to the housing by a joining material including a material containing gold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Implementation Method 2

the application of a protective layer made of ALD layers on the window member to prevent opacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic Layer Deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

the first light is laser light for maintaining a plasma generated in the light-emitting gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

the second light is light from the plasma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS11676809B2Light emitting sealed body and light source device

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

A light emitting sealed body includes: a housing containing light-emitting gas in an internal space and formed with an opening on which first light is incident and/or from which second light is emitted, wherein the first light is laser light for maintaining a plasma generated in the light-emitting gas and the second light is light from the plasma; and a window member that transmits the first light and/or the second light at the opening. The window member is joined to the housing by a joining material consisting of a material containing gold.