Laser Processing of Transparent Materials With a Shielding Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser material processing methods for transparent materials often require post-processing steps to achieve clean separating edges, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially when trying to coordinate the start and end points of modifications accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential modification of adjoining sections of transparent materials using pulsed laser beams, where a first focus zone forms a shielding surface and a second focus zone, formed by constructive interference of laser radiation at an angle, is moved relative to the material to create precise modifications, including elongated focus zones with controlled intensity profiles to avoid interference and achieve clean cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional laser processing methods are used on transparent materials, then the material can be processed, but post-processing steps are required to achieve clean separating edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a shielding surface modification before the final cutting modification. The first laser beam modifies a first section of the material to form a shielding surface that prevents unwanted laser radiation interaction in subsequent processing steps, thereby pre-preventing edge defects that would otherwise require post-processing removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the laser processing into two distinct sequential steps: first creating a shielding surface modification in a first section, then creating the final cutting modification in a second section. This segmentation allows each step to serve a specific function, with the first step preparing the material to prevent defects in the second step, eliminating the need for post-processing
2Manufacturing precision
If post-processing steps are added to achieve clean separating edges, then edge quality improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the first laser-induced modification automatically serve as a shielding surface for the second laser processing step. The material modification itself creates the protective function, eliminating the need for separate post-processing operations to achieve clean edges. The processing steps are self-sufficient, with each step preparing conditions for the next without requiring external intervention
3Productivity
If laser radiation passes through transparent material without shielding, then processing speed is high, but unwanted interactions occur requiring post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a shielding surface modification that actively prevents unwanted laser radiation interactions in subsequent processing. The first laser beam creates modifications that serve as a barrier, preemptively counteracting potential defects that would arise from uncontrolled laser-material interactions during the second processing step
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 enables efficient laser processing without the need for post-processing steps, allowing for high-speed and high-quality separation of transparent, hard brittle materials with precise edge quality, reducing the complexity of coordinating start and end points of modifications.
Implementation Method 1
processing the material with the first pulsed laser beam in order to produce first modifications, wherein the first focus zone is moved relative to the material in order to modify a first section of the material in such a way that the first modifications form a shielding surface
Implementation Method 2
generating a second pulsed laser beam, which when radiated into the material forms a second focus zone, which is formed in elongated fashion along a second focus zone axis and is formed by constructive interference of laser radiation that passes at an angle toward the second focus zone axis
Implementation Method 3
If laser radiation is absorbed in the volume of the material (so-called volume absorption), localized modifications can be introduced into the material of the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A method for laser material processing includes generating a first pulsed laser beam that forms a first focus zone, and processing the material with the first pulsed laser beam in order to produce first modifications. The first modifications form a shielding surface. The method further includes generating a second pulsed laser beam that forms a second focus zone, which is formed in elongated fashion along a second focus zone axis and is formed by constructive interference of laser radiation that passes at an angle toward the second focus zone axis. The method further includes processing the material with the second pulsed laser beam to produce second modifications in a second section of the material. At least one part of the laser radiation passes at the angle toward the second focus zone axis impinges on the shielding surface.