Transparent Material Laser Processing with Carrier Beam Disruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser processing of materials can damage components due to high-intensity laser beams, posing a challenge in precision cutting for applications like flat panel displays where size, weight, and material cost reduction are critical.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer stack comprising a carrier with a support base and a laser disruption element, where the transparent material is positioned on top, and the laser disruption element, such as frosted glass, optically disrupts the laser beam to prevent it from reaching sufficient intensity to damage the support base, thereby protecting it during processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a high-intensity laser beam is used for precise cutting of transparent materials, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the support base and carrier components are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidlaser-induced damage to support base
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A laser disruption element (frosted glass or diffuser) is introduced as an intermediary component between the transparent material and the support base. This mediator optically disrupts the transmitted laser beam, scattering it to prevent concentrated high-intensity radiation from damaging the support base while allowing the laser to effectively process the transparent material above it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the laser beam's energy path by separating the processing zone (above the transparent material) from the support zone (below the disruption element). The laser disruption element creates a distinct optical boundary that segments the energy distribution, concentrating it where needed for cutting while dispersing it where it would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the laser beam intensity is increased to improve cutting efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damaging carrier components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidintegrity of carrier components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The laser disruption element serves as a protective intermediary that allows high-intensity laser processing to proceed without compromising carrier integrity. It selectively disrupts the beam only in the region where it would harm the support base, enabling sustained high-power operation with improved productivity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harmful effect of laser beam transmission through the transparent material is converted into a beneficial protective mechanism. The laser disruption element transforms what would be damaging transmitted energy into a controlled scattering effect that protects the support base, turning a liability into an asset for enabling higher power processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a laser disruption element is introduced to protect the support base, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of support baseVSAvoidnumber of components in multilayer stack
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser disruption element is implemented as a simple, inexpensive component (such as a frosted glass sheet or diffuser) that can be easily replaced if needed. This low-cost element provides reliable protection without requiring complex integrated solutions, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired reliability improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a composite multilayer structure combining the transparent material, laser disruption element, and support base. Each layer has a specific function: the transparent material allows laser transmission for processing, the disruption element scatters transmitted energy to protect the support, and the support base provides mechanical stability. This functional composite approach achieves reliable protection through material composition rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This method allows for precise laser processing of transparent materials without damaging the support base, enabling efficient cutting and perforation while maintaining the integrity of the underlying components, thus addressing the issue of component damage in high-intensity laser applications.

Implementation Method 1

The laser disruption element optically disrupts the laser beam transmitted through the transparent material such that the laser beam does not have sufficient intensity below the laser disruption element to damage the support base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical disruption: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3166895B1Methods and apparatuses for laser processing materials
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 CORNING INC
  • EP3166895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3166895B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of laser processing a transparent material are disclosed. The method may include positioning the transparent material on a carrier and transmitting a laser beam through the transparent material, where the laser beam may be incident on a side of the transparent material opposite the carrier. The transparent material may be substantially transparent to the laser beam and the carrier may include a support base and a laser disruption element. The laser disruption element may disrupt the laser beam transmitted through the transparent material such that the laser beam may not have sufficient intensity below the laser disruption element to damage the support base.