Optical Element Mount With Pyrometer Sensing Behind the Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power lasers cause heat buildup in optical elements due to energy absorption, leading to potential damage and unreliable operation of fragile device components, as existing temperature management systems are hindered by interference from incident light beams and lack of space for direct temperature sensing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a contactless temperature sensor positioned behind the optical element, using a pyrometer for reliable temperature measurement, and through-holes in the positionable part to detect thermal radiation, ensuring accurate temperature management without interference from high-power light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contactless temperature sensor is positioned to measure the optical element temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the sensor is interfered with by incident light beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the positionable part with opening) that allows thermal radiation to pass through to the sensor while blocking direct light beam access. This mediator enables temperature measurement without exposing the sensor to harmful light interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned in a different spatial dimension (behind the positionable part) rather than directly in the light path. By changing the measurement dimension and using the opening for thermal radiation access, the system achieves temperature monitoring while avoiding light beam interference.
2Reliability
If direct temperature sensing is implemented at the optical element, then temperature management is improved, but space constraints prevent sensor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The positionable part acts as an intermediary that provides a pathway for thermal radiation detection. Instead of placing the sensor directly at the optical element where space is constrained, the opening in the positionable part serves as a mediator to transmit thermal information to the sensor positioned in the available space behind it.
3Productivity
If high-power lasers are used for processing, then productivity is improved, but heat buildup damages optical elements and device components
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous temperature monitoring of the optical element using the contactless sensor. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to detect temperature increases caused by high-power laser operation and take corrective actions to prevent damage, enabling sustained high-productivity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring system provides early warning of heat buildup before it reaches damaging levels. This allows preventive cooling or power reduction measures to be taken beforehand, cushioning against potential damage to optical elements and fragile device components.
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
Effective temperature management extends the service life of the device by preventing damage from heat buildup and ensuring reliable operation, while avoiding interference from incident light beams and allowing for precise temperature monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the optical element, wherein said sensor is positioned behind the positionable part with respect to the optical element, and is oriented towards the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device for positioning an optical element, having improved temperature management. The device aims to address, in particular, the adverse effects of prologued exposure of an optical element to high-power illumination devices, more in particular high-power laser beam incidence.