Multi-Wavelength Laser Beam Intensity Distribution for Thick Plate Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing technologies, such as those using fiber lasers, fail to effectively manage light intensity distribution and absorptance variations when processing thick plates with multiple-wavelength laser beams, leading to inefficiencies in cutting thick sheet metal.
Innovation Solution
A direct diode laser processing apparatus that emits a multiple-wavelength laser beam, utilizing chromatic aberrations and wavelength-dependent emissivity to form a light intensity distribution with multiple peaks in the thickness direction of the workpiece, optimizing the beam's focus and intensity for efficient cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-wavelength laser beam is used for processing thick plates, then the beam can be focused to a single point, but the light intensity cannot be maintained throughout the thickness direction, resulting in poor cutting quality and dross production
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple wavelengths, each focusing at different positions along the thickness direction of the workpiece. This creates multiple focal points that distribute light intensity throughout the plate thickness, solving the problem of maintaining cutting quality across thick sections without requiring a single complex focusing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the wavelength parameter of the laser beam to create chromatic aberration effects. By using multiple wavelengths instead of a single wavelength, the system exploits the different focal positions of each wavelength to achieve distributed light intensity distribution through the workpiece thickness.
2Productivity
If the focal point is positioned within the workpiece thickness, then cutting can be performed, but absorptance variations at different wavelengths are not addressed, leading to inefficient energy utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits wavelength-dependent absorptance by using multiple wavelengths. Different wavelengths are absorbed differently by the workpiece material at various depths, and by carefully selecting and controlling the intensity ratio of each wavelength, the system optimizes energy utilization across the entire thickness, minimizing energy loss and maximizing cutting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple-wavelength approach allows the laser energy to 'skip' through different absorption zones in the workpiece thickness direction. Each wavelength penetrates to a certain depth before being absorbed, creating a cascading energy deposition pattern that efficiently processes the entire thickness without energy waste.
3Manufacturing precision
If a multiple-wavelength laser beam is used, then light intensity distribution can be optimized in the thickness direction, but the system complexity increases compared to single-wavelength systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the inherent chromatic aberration property of optical systems to automatically create the desired multiple focal points. Instead of requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or additional optical components to position multiple focal points, the system simply uses the natural wavelength-dependent focusing behavior of lenses, allowing the optical system to serve itself in creating the intensity distribution pattern.
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 precise control of light intensity distribution, enhancing cutting speed and preventing dross production by maintaining high intensity throughout the thickness of the workpiece, particularly effective for cutting thick plates.
Implementation Method 1
According to chromatic aberrations of the multiple-wavelength laser beam and the wavelength dependence of emissivity of the workpiece, a light intensity distribution of the multiple-wavelength laser beam in a thickness direction of the workpiece is formed to have a plurality of peaks
Implementation Method 2
a transmission fiber that transmits the multiple-wavelength laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator
Implementation Method 3
The laser beam emitted from an end face of the transmission fiber is concentrated through and irradiated from collimating and condensing lenses onto a workpiece
Implementation Method 4
the wavelength dependence of emissivity of the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A direct diode laser processing apparatus includes a laser oscillator that emits a multiple-wavelength laser beam, a transmission fiber that transmits the multiple-wavelength laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator, and a laser processing machine that condenses the multiple-wavelength laser beam transmitted through the transmission fiber and processes a workpiece. According to chromatic aberrations of the multiple-wavelength laser beam and the wavelength dependence of emissivity of the workpiece, a light intensity distribution of the multiple-wavelength laser beam in a thickness direction of the workpiece is provided with a plurality of peaks.