Oscillating Heat Pipe Beam Profiler for Fast High-Energy Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-energy laser beam measurement systems are large, power-intensive, have low damage thresholds, and require longer measurement times, limiting their application in modern field tests.

Innovation Solution

An energy beam profiler and calorimeter (EPC) utilizing oscillating heat pipes to transfer heat away from the target surface, allowing for high spatial resolution, high measurement frequency, and low latency in measuring beam profiles and calorimetry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing commercially available systems are used to measure high-energy beam profiles, then measurement capability is provided, but the systems are large, power intensive, have low damage thresholds, and require longer measurement times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam profile measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem size and power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a thermal-based measurement approach using oscillating heat pipes. Instead of using large mechanical scanners and detectors, the invention uses thermal diffusion patterns in OHPs to encode beam profile information, which is then read by simple temperature sensors. This substitution dramatically reduces system size, power consumption, and mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct optical detection to thermal parameter measurement. By converting beam energy into thermal patterns that diffuse through the OHP structure, the system measures beam profiles through temperature distribution rather than direct optical interaction. This parameter change enables higher damage thresholds and simpler system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If existing systems are used for beam measurement, then measurement is possible, but damage threshold is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam profile measurementVSAvoiddamage threshold

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct optical measurement components that are susceptible to damage with thermal measurement components. The oscillating heat pipe structure distributes and dissipates beam energy through thermal diffusion, preventing localized overheating and damage. Temperature sensors positioned away from the direct beam path further protect the measurement system while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating heat pipe acts as an intermediary between the energy beam and the measurement system. Instead of sensors directly exposing the beam, the OHP structure mediates the energy transfer, converting beam energy into thermal patterns that can be safely measured. This intermediary protects the measurement system from direct beam exposure while preserving measurement information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If existing systems are used for beam measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement time is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam profile measurementVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillating heat pipe utilizes periodic thermal oscillations to rapidly distribute and measure beam energy. The oscillatory motion of the working fluid within the OHP creates periodic heat transfer patterns that quickly equilibrate, enabling fast measurement response times compared to static thermal or mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous thermal measurement capability through the ongoing oscillation of the heat pipe working fluid. This continuous dynamic operation allows for rapid successive measurements without the need for mechanical repositioning or system reset, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables accurate, near-instantaneous measurement of high-energy beam profiles with high spatial resolution and low latency, overcoming the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

one or more first oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) arranged to transfer the heat away from a location at which the impinging energy beam strikes the target surface of the EPC

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 2

a target surface configured to receive an impinging energy beam to be profiled by the EPC and generate heat in response to the energy beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12618710B2Oscillating heat pipe based energy beam profiler and calorimeter

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An energy beam profiler and calorimeter (EPC) includes a target surface configured to receive an impinging energy beam to be profiled by the EPC and generate heat in response to the energy beam. The EPC also includes one or more first oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) arranged to transfer the heat away from a location at which the impinging energy beam strikes the target surface of the EPC. Other features are also provided.