Laser Trigger Synchronization for Precise Stage-Based Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser processing systems face challenges in achieving precise and accurate triggering due to communication delays and synchronization errors between the trigger signal generation and input, particularly in pumped lasers requiring continuous signal generation outside processing periods.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision laser trigger system and method that includes a stage, a trigger generator, a motion controller, and a control device, which switch between time-based and position-based modes to generate trigger signals accurately, correct for communication delays, and synchronize the stage's movement to ensure precise laser emission at the correct position and cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trigger signal is generated continuously outside processing periods, then laser energy emission is maintained, but errors occur during mode switching between processing and non-processing periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between time-based mode (for continuous operation outside processing periods) and position-based mode (for precise triggering during processing periods). The motion controller adapts the trigger generation strategy based on the operational phase, allowing the stage to move at variable speeds while maintaining triggering accuracy through coordinate correction calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the trigger generator by switching between two distinct modes: time-based mode for continuous laser operation and position-based mode for precise positioning. This parameter change allows the system to optimize performance for different operational requirements without compromising either continuous energy emission or positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If trigger signal generation and input are synchronized with laser system cycle, then processing accuracy is improved, but communication delays cause triggering cycle or position errors
Solution Approach 1:
The motion controller performs preliminary coordinate correction calculations based on known communication delay characteristics. Before actual triggering occurs, the system pre-calculates the corrected coordinates that account for the anticipated communication delay, ensuring that the laser is triggered at the correct position despite the time lag in signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the motion controller continuously monitors the stage position and trigger signal timing. By comparing actual performance with expected performance, the system can detect and compensate for communication delays, maintaining synchronization between trigger signal generation and laser emission.
3Measurement precision
If stage movement is controlled to reach target speed at starting coordinate, then positioning precision is improved, but acceleration and deceleration time must be synchronized with trigger signal cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the motion control function and trigger signal generation control into a single motion controller. This integration allows the controller to simultaneously manage stage acceleration/deceleration profiles and trigger signal timing, simplifying the synchronization process by eliminating the need for separate coordination between independent control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-precision laser trigger system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stage on which an object is mounted, a trigger generator configured to generate a trigger signal according to a time-based mode and a position-based mode, a laser configured to emit laser light when the trigger signal is input, a motion controller configured to control the stage and the trigger generator, and a control device configured to identify coordinates of the stage, which places the object in a light-emitting position of the laser in the position-based mode, and transmit coordinate information including the coordinates and a mode change signal for changing a mode between the time-based mode and the position-based mode to the motion controller.