Laser Beam Profiler Using IR-Imaged Pins for Accurate Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring high power laser beam characteristics, such as power density and beam profiles, lack resolution and accuracy due to issues like lateral conductive heat flow, the need for numerous thermocouples, and the emission of noxious gases, which can introduce test artifacts and distort heating profiles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plate with protrusions, such as pins, and a radiance imaging device like a long-wave infrared camera to measure temperature changes and calculate power density without conductive pathways, allowing for spatially and temporally resolved beam profiling without the need for wires or harmful materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods using thermocouples and conductive materials are used, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but lateral conductive heat flow distorts the heating profile and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into multiple isolated protrusions (pins) arranged in a grid pattern. Each protrusion is thermally isolated from its neighbors by air gaps, preventing lateral conductive heat flow between measurement points. This segmentation allows independent temperature measurement at each location, accurately capturing the true beam heating profile without distortion from thermal conduction between adjacent measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
A radiance imaging device (infrared camera) is introduced as an intermediary non-contact measurement tool. The camera detects thermal radiation emitted by the protrusions to infer temperature distribution, eliminating the need for physical thermocouple contacts that would conduct heat laterally. This intermediary approach enables accurate temperature mapping without the harmful side effect of conductive heat distortion.
2Measurement precision
If multiple thermocouples are used to achieve spatial resolution, then temperature measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and measurement system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A radiance imaging device (infrared camera) is introduced as an intermediary non-contact measurement tool. The camera detects thermal radiation emitted by the protrusions to infer temperature distribution, eliminating the need for physical thermocouple contacts that would conduct heat laterally. This intermediary approach enables accurate temperature mapping without the harmful side effect of conductive heat distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses optical copying of thermal information rather than direct physical contact. The infrared camera captures a two-dimensional map of thermal radiation from all protrusions simultaneously, creating an optical copy of the temperature distribution. This eliminates the need for numerous individual thermocouple measurements and complex wiring, reducing device complexity while maintaining spatial resolution.
3Power
If high power laser is used to provide sufficient power density measurement, then measurement capability for high power beams is achieved, but localized hot spots and test artifacts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into multiple isolated protrusions (pins) arranged in a grid pattern. Each protrusion is thermally isolated from its neighbors by air gaps, preventing lateral conductive heat flow between measurement points. This segmentation allows independent temperature measurement at each location, accurately capturing the true beam heating profile without distortion from thermal conduction between adjacent measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each protrusion is designed with specific local properties: high emissivity coating for accurate thermal radiation detection, sufficient thermal mass to avoid excessive temperature rise, and optimal dimensions for the expected power density range. The protrusions have localized thermal characteristics optimized for their measurement function, allowing accurate power density measurement without creating harmful hot spots that would distort the beam profile.
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 provides precise, non-contact measurement of laser beam profiles and power density, preventing localized hot spots and ensuring a smooth energy distribution, while maintaining high spatial and temporal resolution and avoiding harmful emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a radiance imaging device like a long-wave infrared camera to measure temperature changes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a system and a method thereof which allows for calibrating a laser or getting characteristics of the laser by measuring the temporally and spatially resolved beam profile and power density cross-section using non-contact radiometry. An example method includes receiving a radiation beam from a light source by protrusions that protrude from a plate. The example method further includes imaging the protrusions, measuring a respective temperature of each of the protrusions based on the imaging, and profiling the radiation beam based on the measuring.