Phase-Modified Laser Beams for Angled Glass Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cutting and separating glass substrates are inefficient, generating square edges prone to breakage, and require mechanical processes that produce dust and particles, necessitating a cleaner, faster, and more reliable method.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a laser beam combination with multiple beams, each forming a quasi-non-diffracting focal line with distinct chamfer angles, applied simultaneously to a transparent workpiece to create defects that facilitate clean separation with angled edges, using phase altering optical elements to minimize divergence and enhance processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional laser cutting methods are used on transparent workpieces, then the workpiece can be separated, but the edges are square and prone to breakage requiring additional mechanical finishing
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple beams (at least two beams) with different orientations, where each beam creates a specific defect segment with a controlled chamfer angle. By segmenting the beam and creating multiple defect segments that connect to form a complete contour, the method achieves both high-quality angled edges and efficient processing without requiring additional mechanical finishing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-beam cutting to multi-beam processing with beams oriented at different angles. This dimensional change in beam configuration allows simultaneous creation of multiple defect segments with different chamfer angles, enabling the formation of angled edges directly during laser processing and eliminating the need for subsequent mechanical beveling or rounding
2Shape
If mechanical grinding and polishing are used to create non-square edges, then angled edges are achieved, but glass dust and particles are generated requiring additional cleaning steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical grinding and polishing processes with a purely optical laser-based approach. By using multiple laser beams to create defect segments with controlled chamfer angles, the method achieves angled edges through optical-induced material modification rather than mechanical contact, thereby eliminating glass dust generation and the need for subsequent washing or chemical treatment steps
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser beams with different orientations are used simultaneously, then angled edges with chamfer angles are formed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing system is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks simultaneously: creating defect segments, controlling chamfer angles, and forming complete contours all in a single processing pass. The system can process different transparent workpieces (glass, sapphire, fused silica) and create various edge geometries using the same multi-beam configuration, reducing the need for specialized equipment for different processing requirements
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
The method enables the formation of C-chamfered edges with reduced processing time and eliminates dust generation, providing a cleaner and more reliable separation of glass substrates with angled edges.
Implementation Method 1
The first beam of the laser beam combination forms a first laser beam focal line in the transparent workpiece and generates a first induced absorption to produce a first defect segment
Implementation Method 2
The first beam of the laser beam combination forms a first laser beam focal line in the transparent workpiece and generates a first induced absorption to produce a first defect segment within the transparent workpiece
Implementation Method 3
Phase modified quasi-non-diffracting laser beams for simultaneous high angle laser processing of transparent workpieces
Implementation Method 4
the first beam passing through an impingement surface of the transparent workpiece at a first impingement location
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A method of processing a transparent workpiece that includes directing a laser beam combination comprising a first beam and a second beam into the transparent workpiece simultaneously, the first beam passing through an impingement surface of the transparent workpiece at a first impingement location and the second beam passing through the impingement surface at a second impingement location. The first beam forms a first laser beam focal line in the transparent workpiece and generates a first induced absorption to produce a first defect segment within the transparent workpiece, the first defect segment having a first chamfer angle and the second beam forms a second laser beam focal line in the transparent workpiece and generates a second induced absorption to produce a second defect segment within the transparent workpiece, the second defect segment having a second chamfer angle, the second chamfer angle differing from the first chamfer angle.