Laser Protection Material with Thermal Foaming Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser protection materials, such as polycarbonate-based filters, often fail to provide sufficient protection against high-level laser radiation, particularly in laser material processing, as they only achieve a maximum laser protection level of D LB6, which is not adequate.
Innovation Solution
A laser protection material comprising a transparent plastic matrix with an embedded absorber material that absorbs laser radiation and undergoes thermal decomposition above a limit temperature, leading to foaming and increased scattering of radiation, thereby enhancing protection levels to at least D LB7 or D LB8.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polycarbonate-based protective filters are used, then laser protection level up to D LB6 is achieved, but sufficient protection against high-level laser radiation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of a transparent plastic matrix material and embedded absorber material particles. This composite structure combines the transparency and mechanical properties of the plastic with the laser absorption capabilities of the absorber material, achieving laser protection levels up to D LB7 and D LB8, which exceeds the D LB6 limit of conventional polycarbonate filters.
2Reliability
If absorber material is embedded in transparent matrix material, then laser protection level is improved to D LB7 or D LB8, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the matrix material and absorber material into a single integrated component through embedding the absorber material particles directly into the plastic matrix during manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for separate absorption layers or complex multi-layer structures, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving superior laser protection levels.
3Reliability
If absorber material is used to absorb laser radiation, then protection level increases, but power density increases leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous or particulate structure of the embedded absorber material to scatter and distribute incident laser radiation throughout the material volume. This distribution effect reduces the concentration of power density at any single point, preventing thermal runaway and material damage while maintaining high overall laser protection levels.
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 material achieves a significantly higher laser protection level by absorbing and scattering incident radiation, reducing power density and preventing further damage, with the added benefit of visible transparency and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber material which is embedded essentially homogeneously in the matrix material and which absorbs laser radiation in the effective wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
the Plastic of the matrix material foams when heated above the limit temperature
Implementation Method 3
the structure of the foamed plastic of the matrix material, which increases the area on which the laser radiation acts, so that the power density decreases
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The laser protection material is intended for use in a laser protection filter (1) with an effective wavelength range. The laser protection material has a matrix material (2) made of a plastic that is transparent in the effective wavelength range and an absorber material (3) embedded substantially homogeneously in the matrix material (2), which absorbs laser radiation (4) in the effective wavelength range and loses its absorption effect in the effective wavelength range when heated above a limiting temperature, wherein the plastic of the matrix material (2) foams up when heated above the limiting temperature.