Laser Beam Passage Shield With Fluid Barrier for Optics Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser beam delivery systems face inefficiencies due to by-products such as debris and evaporated material contaminating or damaging optical components, leading to reduced laser treatment efficiency and frequent replacement of protective windows, which is cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A beam delivery system comprising a shield with a beam passage for laser beam transmission, an optics assembly that focuses the laser beam onto the passage, and a fluid flow mechanism to prevent by-products from reaching the optics assembly, using a fluid pressure gradient to direct by-products away from the optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid flow is directed across the optical element surface, then some protection against by-products is achieved, but the protection effectiveness is limited and large flow rates are required
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid barrier is introduced as an intermediary substance between the optical element and the by-products generated during laser treatment. This fluid barrier actively intercepts and removes debris particles before they can contaminate the optical element, resolving the contradiction by providing effective protection without requiring excessively high flow rates when properly positioned and directed through the beam path.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful by-products are extracted from the treatment zone by directing fluid flow through the beam path. The fluid carries away debris and evaporated material before they can reach the optical element, effectively removing the harmful factors from the vicinity of the optical component while maintaining manageable fluid flow rates.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective windows are frequently replaced, then optical component contamination is addressed, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid barrier is established in advance during laser treatment to prevent by-products from reaching the optical element in the first place. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for frequent replacement of protective windows, as contamination is prevented rather than remedied after occurrence, thereby saving time and reducing operational disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful interaction between by-products and optical elements into a beneficial protective mechanism. By introducing a fluid barrier that selectively removes debris while allowing laser beam transmission, the system transforms what would be a harmful contamination process into a beneficial protection mechanism that extends optical component life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid barrier is used to protect optics, then by-product exposure is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates a protective barrier against by-products, cools the optical elements during high-power laser operation, and can be integrated with existing laser beam delivery infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving effective protection.
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 configuration significantly reduces the exposure of optics to harmful by-products, increasing the functional lifetime of optical components and maintaining laser beam efficiency by effectively preventing contamination and damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optics assembly configured to at least partly focus the at least one laser beam on the at least one beam passage
Implementation Method 2
means for providing a fluid flow through the at least one beam passage
Data Source
AI summary
A beam delivery system including a shield which includes at least one beam passage for transmission of at least one laser beam; an optics assembly configured to at least partly focus the at least one laser beam on the at least one beam passage; and means for providing a fluid flow through the at least one beam passage. Also provided is a train and a transport system, as well as a beam delivery method that includes: transmitting at least one laser beam through a respective at least one beam passage of a shield; at least partly focusing the at least one laser beam on the at least one beam passage; and providing a fluid flow through the at least one beam passage.