Short-Pulse Laser Dimpling of Transparent Surfaces With Optical Clarity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing dimples on transparent materials, such as laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), often require multiple laser pulses and can lead to unwanted heating and optical clarity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using short-pulse laser pulses to produce dimples on transparent materials, where at least one dimple is created by a single laser pulse or a single laser burst, allowing for efficient production of dimples and LIPSS without significantly reducing optical clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple laser pulses are used to produce dimples (LIPSS method), then surface functionalization is achieved, but unwanted heating occurs and optical clarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed laser action where multiple laser pulses are applied in sequence to the same material region. This periodic action enables the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) while controlling the timing and intensity of each pulse to achieve surface functionalization without excessive heat accumulation that would occur with continuous laser exposure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser pulses are used to produce dimples, then surface structures are formed, but production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-setting the laser pulse parameters (duration, intensity, wavelength) before processing begins. The first pulse creates the initial dimple structure, and subsequent pulses are pre-programmed to refine and periodicize the surface structures, eliminating the need for real-time parameter adjustments and improving overall production efficiency while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If intensive pulsed laser beam is used, then sub-micrometer surface structures are produced, but optical clarity of transparent material is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by carefully selecting and adjusting laser pulse parameters including wavelength, duration, and intensity. By using ultrashort pulse durations (fs to ps range) and appropriate wavelengths, the patent achieves sub-micrometer surface structure formation while minimizing thermal diffusion and material damage that would compromise optical clarity, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and optical quality.
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 efficient and precise production of dimples and LIPSS on transparent materials, effectively functionalizing the surface while maintaining optical clarity, and allowing for adjustment of optical and tribological properties.
Implementation Method 1
material can be removed from a component during laser machining by vaporizing the material within the focus zone of a laser beam through a strong light-matter interaction
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing the material within the focus zone of a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
by means of a successive interaction of the same material region with at least two laser pulses, so-called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) can also be produced
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing dimples on a surface of a transparent material using laser pulses of a short-pulse laser is provided. The method includes producing at least one dimple of the dimples on the surface of the transparent material by using a single laser pulse or a single laser burst.