Laser Beam Optics With High-Conductivity Closing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser beam-induced damage to optics in machining systems due to soiling, which reduces quality and causes machine downtime and additional costs for repairs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a laser beam optics arrangement featuring a closing optical element made of material with high thermal conductivity (kT ≥ 2 W/(m·K), such as sapphire, to efficiently dissipate heat and prevent damage, combined with active cooling options like water-cooled heat sinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optics materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but laser beam-induced damage occurs due to poor heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of thermal conductivity from conventional low values (quartz glass ~1.4 W/(m·K)) to high values (sapphire ~30 W/(m·K), diamond ~2000 W/(m·K)). This parameter change enables efficient heat dissipation at soiling locations, preventing thermal focus shift and laser-induced damage while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where high-thermal-conductivity materials (sapphire, diamond) are combined with optical coatings and cooling systems. This creates a composite optical element that simultaneously provides high thermal conductivity for damage resistance, optical transparency for beam transmission, and controlled thermal expansion for system stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If optics are cleaned frequently to prevent soiling, then optical quality is maintained, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by pre-cooling the high-thermal-conductivity optical elements through active cooling systems before soiling causes damage. This preliminary cooling creates a thermal buffer that delays the onset of thermal focus shift, extending the operational period between cleanings and reducing maintenance frequency.
3Temperature
If high thermal conductivity materials are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but thermal expansion control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by using materials with specific thermal expansion properties in different regions of the optical system. The high-thermal-conductivity optical elements are paired with compensation elements or mounting structures that have opposing thermal expansion characteristics, creating a balanced system where local expansion is compensated to maintain overall dimensional stability.
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 machine downtimes and increases productivity by preventing laser-induced damage and maintaining optical quality through efficient heat dissipation and active cooling.
Implementation Method 1
consists of a material with a thermal conductivity coefficient kT of 2 W/(m·K) or more... efficiently dissipate heat and prevent damage
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a laser machining system includes a laser beam optics for a machining laser beam with an arrangement of optical elements arranged one after the other in a beam path of the machining laser beam. With respect to a direction of propagation of the machining laser beam, a first outermost optical element of the arrangement of optical elements consists of a material with a thermal conductivity coefficient kT of 2 W/(m·K) or more.