High-Voltage Laser Current Source With Integrated Safety Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-powered laser systems face safety hazards due to the use of high-energy light sources, require complex and costly voltage conversion systems, and have inefficient cooling mechanisms, making them dangerous and costly to operate.
Innovation Solution
Implementing high-voltage switches, such as Gallium Nitride or silicon carbide transistors, to simplify the power supply system, integrate redundant safety measures into the constant current source, and utilize liquid cooling with ceramic pads and metal heat exchangers to enhance safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-powered laser systems use traditional voltage conversion systems (AC to DC with voltage step down), then the laser can operate at required power levels, but the system complexity and cost increase due to multiple conversion stages and additional switching circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the DC-to-DC voltage step-down conversion stage from the traditional power supply system. By using high-voltage switches (Gallium Nitride or silicon carbide transistors) directly controlled by a microcontroller, the system achieves the required laser power output without the intermediate voltage conversion stages, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the necessary power delivery capability.
2Reliability
If high-powered laser systems use traditional safety measures (mechanical shutters, opaque covers), then light exposure can be blocked, but the materials are damaged by the high-energy laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety measures (shutters and opaque covers) with an electronic control system. A microcontroller monitors safety conditions and electronically controls the high-voltage switches to disable the laser output when safety violations are detected. This electronic approach maintains safety effectiveness while avoiding the material damage issues associated with physical barriers.
3Reliability
If high-powered laser systems use redundant safety switches and discharge circuits, then safety is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the high-voltage switches and microcontroller system. The same electronic components used for normal laser operation control also serve as the safety shutdown mechanism. The microcontroller monitors multiple safety conditions and controls the switches for both operational and safety functions, eliminating the need for separate redundant safety circuitry while maintaining safety redundancy through software-controlled monitoring and shutdown capabilities.
4Temperature
If high-powered laser systems use conventional cooling mechanisms, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the system volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-voltage switches made from advanced semiconductor materials (Gallium Nitride or silicon carbide) that have superior thermal and electrical properties compared to traditional semiconductors. These materials enable more efficient power conversion and reduced heat generation at the source, allowing for a more compact and lighter cooling system while maintaining adequate heat dissipation capability for the high-powered laser operation.
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
Reduces the complexity and cost of safety components while maintaining redundant safety systems, improves cooling efficiency, and decreases the volume and weight of laser systems, enabling safer and more efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
utilize liquid cooling with ceramic pads and metal heat exchangers to enhance safety and efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more current sources configured to couple to an AC to DC power converter without a DC-to-DC converter between the current sources and the power converter. Each of the current sources includes a high voltage switch and one or more independent safety shutoffs. The one or more safety shutoffs are configured to disable emission of electromagnetic radiation from a laser module when triggered. A current source controller coupled to the safety shutoff(s) is configured to generate enabling signals that enable normal current source operation. The controller includes circuitry configured to measure power across the high voltage switch when the controller instructs the high voltage switch to turn off to determine proper operation of the safety shutoff(s).