Interference Laser Machining with Phase-Controlled Beam Convergence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser machining technologies lack flexibility and versatility in controlling the properties of interference patterns for precise material modification on workpieces, particularly in glass, plastic, and metallic materials.

Innovation Solution

A laser system comprising a laser beam source, amplification device, phase adjustment device, and beam convergence region to form an interference pattern using coherent laser beams, allowing for precise control of phase differences and convergence angles to create desired surface modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional laser machining methods are used, then material processing can be performed, but control over interference pattern properties is limited and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibility over interference patternsVSAvoidprecision of material modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of laser beam parameters by introducing adjustable phase shifters and beam steering mechanisms that allow real-time modification of interference pattern properties during machining, enabling flexible adaptation to different material modification requirements while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of the laser beams including phase, amplitude, and convergence angle through dedicated control devices, allowing precise control over the interference pattern characteristics such as fringe spacing, intensity distribution, and pattern geometry to achieve desired material modification precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple laser beams are converged to form interference patterns, then material modification precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of surface modificationVSAvoidcomplexity of laser system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the laser system into multiple independent but coordinated beam paths, each with its own phase and amplitude control, allowing precise interference pattern formation while managing complexity through modular design where each segment can be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal optical components such as beam splitters, phase modulators, and focusing lenses that serve multiple functions across different beam paths, reducing overall system complexity while enabling precise control of multiple laser beams for high-precision material modification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables high-degree control over interference patterns for efficient material removal or structure creation on workpieces, facilitating flexible and versatile laser machining of glass, plastic, and metallic materials.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser beam source (106) for providing a plurality of coherent laser beams (112)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoherent light: Coherent Light

Implementation Method 2

an amplification device (118) for forming amplified coherent laser beams (113) by amplifying the plurality of coherent laser beams (112)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical amplification:

Implementation Method 3

a phase adjustment device (114) for adjusting a phase difference between the plurality of coherent laser beams (112) and/or the amplified coherent laser beams (113)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 4

output laser beams (102) based on the amplified coherent laser beams (113) or corresponding to the amplified coherent laser beams (113) converge to form the interference pattern (124)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 5

at least a machining zone (105) on the workpiece (104) is exposed to the interference pattern (124) in order to carry out laser machining

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20250235951A1Laser system and method for laser machining a workpiece
Publication Date: 2025.07.24 TRUMPF LASER GMBH CO KG
  • US20250235951A1 patent drawing
  • US20250235951A1 patent drawing
  • US20250235951A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser system for laser machining a workpiece using an interference pattern includes at least one laser beam source for providing a plurality of coherent laser beams, an amplification device for forming amplified coherent laser beams by amplifying the plurality of coherent laser beams, a phase adjustment device for adjusting a phase difference between the plurality of coherent laser beams and/or the amplified coherent laser beams, and a beam convergence region in which output laser beams based on the amplified coherent laser beams or corresponding to the amplified coherent laser beams converge to form the interference pattern. At least beam portions of the different output laser beams converge in the beam convergence region.