Laser System Optical Cell Inert Gas Ionization Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser systems using articulated arms face issues with beam profile deterioration and optical component damage due to high power densities, leading to ionization and plasma generation, which affects transmission quality and component longevity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical cell with a gas fill having an increased energy threshold for ionization within the optical path, where a focal point of the laser beam is positioned, preventing ionization and plasma generation by maintaining a constant beam profile and reducing thermal loading on optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high power density laser beam is transmitted through air in the optical path, then laser transmission efficiency is improved, but ionization and plasma generation occur causing beam profile deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air with an inert gas (such as nitrogen or argon) in the optical path within the articulated arm. This inert gas environment prevents ionization and plasma generation of the laser beam while maintaining optical transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and beam profile quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the gas in the optical path from air to inert gas with different ionization characteristics. This parameter change increases the breakdown threshold and prevents plasma formation, allowing high power density transmission without beam profile deterioration.
2Measurement precision
If beam diameter is reduced to improve imaging quality, then imaging precision is improved, but power density increases causing ionization and plasma generation
Solution Approach 1:
By filling the optical path with inert gas, the patent enables the use of smaller beam diameters for improved imaging quality without the harmful side effect of ionization and plasma generation, which would normally occur at high power densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of high power density (which causes ionization in air) into a beneficial situation by using inert gas, where the same high power density can be maintained without ionization, thus achieving both good imaging quality and avoiding harmful effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If laser pumping power is increased to improve beam quality, then beam uniformity is improved, but thermal load on optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inert gas acts as an intermediary medium in the optical path that allows high power laser transmission without energy loss to ionization. This enables the system to maintain high pumping power for beam uniformity while the inert gas prevents energy dissipation, actually reducing the net thermal load on optical components compared to air transmission.
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 configuration ensures reliable high-power laser transmission with improved imaging quality and reduced divergence, maintaining a top hat beam profile at the target location without ionization or plasma generation, thus enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the laser system.
Implementation Method 1
the optical cell comprises a gas fill with an energy threshold for ionization that is increased in comparison to that of ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to laser system with a laser source and an articulated arm. The articulated arm has an optical arrangement for guiding a laser beam from the laser source along an optical path in the articulated arm to a target location. Within the optical path at least one crossing area (focus or focal point) of the laser beam is provided. The optical arrangement has at least one optical cell with an input window and an output window for passing the laser beam therethrough, wherein the crossing area is positioned within the optical cell. The optical cell has a gas fill with an energy threshold for ionization that is increased in comparison to that of ambient air.