Laser Power Controller with Capacitor Pulse Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable, compact Mid Infrared (MIR) laser sources lack sufficient power output and have limited operational times when operating on battery power, particularly due to high peak power requirements and series resistance in battery stacks.
Innovation Solution
A system controller that includes a capacitor assembly and current source to manage power delivery to the laser assembly, utilizing a pulsed power scheme with adjustable duty cycles and independent current regulation for multiple laser sources, allowing for efficient power management and extended operational times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If portable MIR laser sources operate on battery power, then portability is achieved, but operational time is limited and power output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pulsed operation mode where the laser diode is activated in periodic pulses rather than continuous operation. The control circuit delivers current in controlled pulses with adjustable duty cycles (e.g., 10% duty cycle meaning laser operates 10% of the time), allowing the battery to recharge between pulses and sustain higher peak power outputs during active periods while extending overall operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-charges capacitor banks before laser activation. The control circuit charges capacitors during idle periods between laser pulses, storing electrical energy in advance. When the laser needs to operate, the pre-charged capacitors provide immediate high current without drawing excessive power from the battery during the pulse, thus enabling high peak power while preserving battery life.
2Power
If higher power is delivered to the laser assembly, then sufficient power output is achieved, but battery life decreases due to high peak power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitor banks are introduced as intermediary energy storage devices between the battery and laser diode. The capacitors absorb power during charging phases and deliver high peak power during laser operation, acting as a buffer that decouples the average power consumption from peak power delivery. This allows the battery to operate at lower average power levels while the laser receives sufficient peak power during pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between charging phases (where capacitors store energy from the battery) and discharging phases (where capacitors supply power to the laser). This periodic energy transfer allows the battery to replenish its output between high-power demands, effectively extending battery life while maintaining sufficient peak power output for laser operation.
3Power
If multiple laser sources are used in the assembly, then power output is increased, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed as a universal power management system that can simultaneously manage multiple laser diodes and capacitor banks through a single integrated controller. The same control architecture handles current regulation, pulse timing, and capacitor charging/discharging for all laser sources, eliminating the need for separate control circuits for each laser and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple laser diodes are electrically connected in parallel to the same capacitor banks and controlled by a single current source. This merging approach allows all laser sources to share common energy storage and control infrastructure, simplifying the power management architecture while maintaining the ability to independently control each laser's output through the unified control system.
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 system achieves sufficient power output for MIR laser sources while extending battery life by averaging power draw and reducing peak power consumption, enabling continuous operation for several hours with minimal heat generation and efficient optical power production.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitor assembly can include one or more capacitors. The capacitor assembly provides pulses of power to the laser assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The current source charges the capacitor assembly in between the pulses of power.
Implementation Method 3
The laser assembly includes a mid-infrared laser source.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (10) for providing an assembly output beam comprises a laser assembly (12), a power source (14), and a system controller (16). The power source (14) is electrically coupled to the laser assembly (12). The system controller (16) directs power from the power source (14) to the laser assembly (12). Additionally, the system controller (16) includes a capacitor assembly (22) that is electrically connected to the laser assembly (12), and a current source (20) that directs power from the power source (14) to the capacitor assembly (22) and the laser assembly (12). The power source (14) and the capacitor assembly (22) cooperate to provide power to the laser assembly (12). Further, the capacitor assembly (22) provides pulses of power and the current source (20) directs the pulses of power to the laser assembly (12). Moreover, the current source (20) charges the capacitor assembly (22) in between the pulses of power.