Laser Cutting Optics for Real-Time Line Focus Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for modifying optically transmissive substrates, such as glass, using laser cutting processes are inefficient due to the fixed nature of the line focus, requiring manual adjustments of optical components, which is time-consuming and leads to operational downtime.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical components, including beam deflectors and multiple optics, positioned between a laser source and a laser cutting optic, allows for real-time modification of the line focus intensity distribution by quickly switching between different beam profiles and line focus configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of optical components is used to change line focus, then the line focus can be modified, but the processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic line focus modification by replacing manual optical component adjustments with an automated control system that can rapidly change beam parameters. The system uses a controller to dynamically adjust optical components during substrate processing, enabling real-time adaptation of line focus characteristics without manual intervention, thus maintaining versatility while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of optical components with an automated control system. The controller electronically manages the optical components to modify line focus characteristics, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated system that achieves the same functional outcome much faster, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of optical components is performed to change line focus configuration, then the desired line focus can be achieved, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of line focus parameters during substrate processing through automated control. The controller can rapidly adjust optical components to change line focus characteristics without requiring manual intervention or stopping the processing operation, thus achieving configuration flexibility while minimizing operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is pre-configured with the ability to rapidly adjust optical parameters in anticipation of different processing requirements. By having the automated control system ready to make adjustments without manual intervention, the system performs the necessary reconfiguration actions preliminarily and continuously, eliminating downtime between different line focus configurations.
3Productivity
If fixed line focus is used for substrate processing, then processing is simpler, but the ability to dynamically modify substrate characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of line focus parameters while maintaining simple automated operation. The controller automatically adjusts optical components to modify line focus characteristics during substrate processing, enabling the system to adapt to different processing requirements dynamically without complex manual procedures, thus achieving both productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual mechanical adjustments with automated electronic control. The controller manages the optical components to dynamically modify line focus characteristics, substituting manual operations with an automated system that maintains processing simplicity while dramatically improving the ability to dynamically modify substrate characteristics.
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 approach enables rapid and efficient modification of substrates by allowing for dynamic changes to the line focus during a single processing pass, reducing material defects and enabling customizable modifications in real-time, while avoiding the inefficiencies of manual optical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a beam deflector configured to deflect a laser beam generated by a pulsed laser
Implementation Method 2
a first optic configured to receive the laser beam and to output a first laser beam with a first beam width, and a second optic configured to receive the laser beam and to output a second laser beam with a second beam width
Implementation Method 3
A laser cutting processes may be used to modify an optically transmissive substrate, where the substrate may be perforated by a pulsed laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices, and substrates are described. In some examples, an apparatus may include optical components configured to adjust an input to a laser cutting optic for modifying a substrate (e.g., an optically transmissive substrate). In some examples, the optical components may include a beam deflector, a first optic configured to output a first laser beam with a first beam width, and a second optic configured to output a second laser beam with a second beam width. In some examples, the beam deflector may modify an optical path of a pulsed laser (e.g., through the first optic or through the second optic), which may result in an input to the laser cutting optic having a beam width corresponding to the first optic or the second optic. The different input beam widths may modify a line focus intensity of an output of the laser cutting optic when modifying the substrate.