Laser Resonator Gas Release System for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power laser systems face challenges in maintaining a clean and dry environment for their components, leading to potential photochemical degradation, dust contamination, and hydrogen embrittlement, which affects the reliability and quality of the laser output.
Innovation Solution
A laser resonator with a container and gas release system that introduces a gas mixture of inert and oxidative gases, including ozone, to create a controlled environment within the resonator, preventing external contaminants and reducing hydrocarbon film formation on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hermetically sealed container is used to protect components, then contamination is prevented, but photochemical degradation and hydrogen embrittlement occur due to trapped hydrocarbons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) into the hermetically sealed container to displace reactive hydrocarbon molecules. This inert atmosphere prevents photochemical reactions between hydrocarbons and laser components while maintaining the sealed environment that blocks dust contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing contamination and avoiding photochemical degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ozone (O3) into the container to oxidize and remove hydrocarbon films from optical components. The strong oxidizing action of ozone breaks down hydrocarbon molecules that cause photochemical degradation, while the hermetic seal continues to prevent external dust contamination, thereby resolving the contradiction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hermetically sealed container is used to protect components, then external contaminants are blocked, but hydrocarbon film formation occurs on optical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ozone (O3) into the hermetically sealed container to oxidize and remove hydrocarbon films from optical components. The strong oxidizing action of ozone breaks down hydrocarbon molecules that form films on surfaces, while the hermetic seal continues to prevent external dust and contaminant ingress, thereby resolving the contradiction between blocking external contaminants and preventing hydrocarbon film formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) to displace reactive hydrocarbon molecules and create an environment where hydrocarbon film formation is suppressed. This inert atmosphere works within the hermetically sealed container to prevent both external contamination and internal hydrocarbon deposition
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 controlled environment effectively maintains the cleanliness and dryness of the resonator components, enhancing the reliability and quality of high power laser output by reducing photochemical degradation and hydrocarbon film formation, thereby extending the lifespan of the components.
Implementation Method 1
The resonator is filled with a gas mixture containing an oxidizing gas, such as ozone, to reduce the concentration of hydrocarbon molecules
Implementation Method 2
The gas mixture includes an inert gas to reduce the concentration of hydrocarbon molecules
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a laser resonator (106) comprises one or more laser resonator components (115), a container (140) and a gas release system (142). The laser resonator components include a non-linear crystal (116), a beam polarization combiner (124), an optical lens (122), a mirror (118) and/or an optical grating (126). The container encloses the one or more laser resonator components. The gas release system is configured to release a gas mixture (144) into the container. The gas mixture includes an inert gas and/or an oxidative gas.