Semiconductor Laser Pulse Shaping for Time-Delayed Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing methods require large apparatus scales and low energy efficiency due to optical path differences for time-delayed light pulses, and multiple laser light sources for varied pulse widths, hindering size reduction and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing apparatus using a single semiconductor laser element with a driver circuit and waveform output unit to generate light pulses with arbitrary time waveforms, allowing multiple light pulse groups with time differences on a single optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If optical path difference is used to create time difference between light pulses, then time difference between pulses is achieved, but apparatus scale becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical path difference method with an electrical control method. A single laser light source emits light pulses, and a control system varies the pulse width electrically to create different time waveforms. This substitution eliminates the need for long optical paths while achieving the desired time differences between pulses.
2Loss of time
If optical path difference is used to create time difference between light pulses, then time difference between pulses is achieved, but energy efficiency becomes low due to large loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical path difference method with an electrical control method. A single laser light source emits light pulses, and a control system varies the pulse width electrically to create different time waveforms. This substitution eliminates the need for long optical paths while achieving the desired time differences between pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single system. One laser light source performs multiple functions by generating light pulses with different time waveforms through electrical control. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate optical paths and reduces energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser light sources are used to generate light pulses with different pulse widths, then varied pulse widths are achieved, but number of laser light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single laser light source universal by enabling it to generate light pulses with different time waveforms. A control system adjusts the pulse width electrically, allowing one light source to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple separate sources. This reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser light sources are used to generate light pulses with different pulse widths, then varied pulse widths are achieved, but apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single laser light source universal by enabling it to generate light pulses with different time waveforms. A control system adjusts the pulse width electrically, allowing one light source to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple separate sources. This reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single system. One laser light source performs multiple functions by generating light pulses with different time waveforms through electrical control. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate optical paths and reduces energy loss.
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 solution reduces the apparatus size and improves energy efficiency by generating multiple light pulses with different time waveforms from a single semiconductor laser element, addressing the limitations of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor laser element; a driver circuit for supplying a drive current having a time waveform according to input waveform data to the semiconductor laser element
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser processing apparatus 1A includes a semiconductor laser element 2, a waveform output unit 6 for outputting input waveform data Da, a driver circuit 4 for supplying a drive current id having a time waveform according to the input waveform data Da to the semiconductor laser element 2, and a processing optical system 5 for irradiating a processing object B with laser light output from the semiconductor laser element 2. The semiconductor laser element 2 outputs the laser light in which two or more light pulse groups each including one or a plurality of light pulses are provided with a time interval therebetween. Time waveforms of at least two light pulse groups out of the two or more light pulse groups are different from each other. The time waveform includes at least one of a time waveform of each of the one or plurality of light pulses, a time width of each of the one or plurality of light pulses, and a time interval of the plurality of light pulses. Thus, it is possible to realize a laser processing apparatus and a laser processing method capable of reducing a size of a configuration in which a processing object is irradiated with a plurality of light pulses having different time waveforms with a time difference.