Laser Oscillator Electrode Cooling and Mirror Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser oscillators with complex pan-tilt motion mechanisms for adjusting reflection mirrors require specialized cooling systems, complicating the attachment structure and stability of laser output and beam position.

Innovation Solution

A simplified attachment structure for reflection mirrors in a laser oscillator, where a mirror holder is attached to the end of an electrode, allowing for direct cooling through water passages within the electrodes and adjustable mirror angles using a cross-shaped mirror adjustment member, eliminating the need for complex cooling devises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pan-tilt motion mechanism is used to adjust the reflection mirror, then the direction of the reflection mirror can be adjusted, but the attachment structure becomes complicated and specialized cooling devices are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of reflection mirror directionVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment function and cooling function into a single integrated electrode structure. The electrode serves both as the mounting base for the reflection mirror and as the cooling pathway carrier, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and cooling devices. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining adjustability through direct manipulation of the mirror's angular position relative to the electrode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a pan-tilt motion mechanism is used to adjust the reflection mirror, then the direction of the reflection mirror can be adjusted, but the attachment structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of reflection mirror directionVSAvoidsimplicity of attachment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the electrical discharge component, the structural support for the reflection mirror, and the cooling pathway. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be fabricated and assembled, while still allowing for manual adjustment of the mirror's angular orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the reflection mirror is attached with a complex attachment structure, then the mirror can be adjusted, but specialized cooling devices are required to cool the reflection mirror

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of reflection mirrorVSAvoidcomplexity of cooling system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical discharge, structural support for the reflection mirror, and thermal cooling pathways. By making the electrode universal in its functions, the patent eliminates the need for specialized cooling devices attached to the mirror, as the cooling is achieved through the electrode's integrated pathways that directly cool the mirror at its mounting location.

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

4Device complexity

If the attachment structure of the reflection mirror is simplified, then the cooling system can be simplified, but the stability of laser output and beam position may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of attachment structureVSAvoidstability of laser output and beam position
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the mirror mounting directly onto the electrode, the patent creates a rigid and stable attachment structure. The electrode's solid structure provides a stable base that maintains precise angular positioning of the reflection mirror, ensuring stable laser output and beam position. The simplification does not compromise stability because the electrode itself provides sufficient structural rigidity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the attachment and cooling of reflection mirrors, stabilizing laser output and beam position without the need for specialized cooling systems, enhancing the overall efficiency and ease of adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a passage through which a cooling medium is passed is formed inside each of the pair of electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a reflection mirror attached to the mirror holder and reflecting a laser beam generated in the waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

plasma discharge is generated between the electrodes. In the laser oscillator with this structure, the plasma discharge causes an electronic state of an atom in gas to be excited

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma discharge: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS10116112B2Laser oscillator
Publication Date: 2018.10.30 VIA MECHANICS LTD
  • US10116112B2 patent drawing
  • US10116112B2 patent drawing
  • US10116112B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a laser oscillator, a pair of electrodes is disposed in a housing into which a gas is sealed, a waveguide is formed by the pair of electrodes, and a laser beam is configured to be extracted from an end of the housing. The laser oscillator includes a mirror holder attached to an end of the electrode, the end serving as an end of the waveguide, and a reflection mirror attached to the mirror holder and reflecting a laser beam generated in the waveguide. In the laser oscillator, a passage through which a cooling medium is passed is formed inside each of the pair of electrodes.