Optical Window Laser Processing Apparatus Liquid Refraction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing apparatuses face issues when operating in a gaseous atmosphere, as the focal length of laser light changes when transitioning from water to gas, potentially causing damage to the processing target due to high energy density if liquid supply is interrupted.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a laser processing method and system where pulsed laser light is irradiated through a liquid supply, utilizing an optical window with a flow path that changes the laser's optical path based on refractive index differences between the liquid and gas, incorporating a beam dump to absorb stray laser light when liquid supply is stopped, preventing unwanted irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laser processing is performed in a gaseous atmosphere without liquid supply, then the apparatus can operate in gas environment, but the focal length changes causing high energy density that may damage the processing target
Solution Approach 1:
An optical window is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser source and the processing target. The optical window includes a flow path that allows liquid to be supplied, and the liquid layer on the optical window surface acts as a mediator to maintain proper focal length and prevent direct high-energy laser irradiation to the target when liquid supply is active
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting liquid supply status before laser irradiation occurs. When liquid supply is detected as stopped, the control unit preemptively adjusts or stops laser irradiation to prevent the harmful effect of high energy density reaching the target due to focal length changes
2Quantity of substance
If liquid supply is stopped during laser processing, then the apparatus can operate without liquid consumption, but the laser light propagates in gas causing focal length change and potential target damage
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid supply detection unit provides real-time feedback on the liquid supply status to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor whether liquid is being supplied to the optical window and automatically adjust laser irradiation accordingly, ensuring processing safety while managing liquid consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser irradiation based on real-time liquid supply conditions. When liquid supply is detected as stopped, the control unit dynamically changes the laser irradiation state (reducing or stopping it) to prevent target damage, creating a responsive and adaptive processing system
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 configuration ensures safe and effective processing by preventing laser light from being directed at the target when liquid supply is interrupted, maintaining focus and energy control, and reducing the risk of damage to the processing target.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an optical window with a flow path that changes the laser's optical path based on refractive index differences between the liquid and gas
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a beam dump to absorb stray laser light when liquid supply is stopped, preventing unwanted irradiation
Implementation Method 3
When the liquid is in contact with a laser light emission surface of the optical window, the laser light emission surface transmits the laser light. When the liquid is not in contact with the laser light emission surface, the laser light emission surface reflects the laser light.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the laser processing apparatus is for surface treatment by supplying liquid to a surface of the target member and irradiating pulsed laser light to the surface of the target member via the liquid. The apparatus includes a laser oscillator and a liquid supply. The laser oscillator irradiates the laser light to the surface through the liquid via an optical window. The liquid supply is configured to supply the liquid to the surface of the target member via a flow path passing on an outer surface of the optical window. When the liquid is in contact with a laser light emission surface of the optical window, the laser light emission surface transmits the laser light. When the liquid is not in contact with the laser light emission surface, the laser light emission surface reflects the laser light.