Pulse-Dividing Apparatus for Laser Drilling Productivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for operating pulsed carbon monoxide gas-discharge lasers are limited in productivity as they primarily allow for processing one workpiece at a time, hindering efficient via-hole drilling in printed circuit boards, despite advancements in lasers with average output power exceeding 250 Watts.
Innovation Solution
The use of two acousto-optic modulators spatially separates the temporal central portions of laser radiation pulses from the leading and trailing edge portions, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces by controlling the operation of the modulators to direct specific portions of the pulse to different targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single acousto-optic modulator is used to temporally shape laser pulses, then pulse shaping capability is achieved, but productivity remains limited to one workpiece at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single laser pulse into multiple temporal segments using two acousto-optic modulators. The first AOM creates temporal gates that separate the pulse into distinct time portions, while the second AOM further segments these portions. This segmentation allows different temporal portions of the same pulse to be directed to different workpieces simultaneously, thereby increasing throughput without requiring multiple lasers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from processing workpieces sequentially in time to processing them simultaneously by introducing temporal dimensionality. By using acousto-optic modulators to create temporal gates, the system assigns different temporal portions of a single pulse to different workpieces, effectively adding a time-based dimension to the processing architecture that enables parallel operation.
2Power
If laser pulse energy is concentrated for high power output, then machining capability is improved, but pulse duration becomes limited affecting processing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a high-power laser pulse into multiple lower-power temporal portions using acousto-optic modulators. Each temporal gate allows a specific portion of the original pulse to pass through to different workpieces, effectively distributing the total pulse energy across multiple targets. This maintains the high average output power capability while providing flexible duration control for each individual workpiece exposure.
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 enhances operational productivity by allowing for the simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces, improving the efficiency of laser-machining operations like via-hole drilling in printed circuit boards.
Implementation Method 1
first and second acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) are arranged and operated to spatially separate the first and second temporal central portions of the pulses from the leading-edge and trailing-edge portions of the pulses
Implementation Method 2
a gas-discharge laser for emitting laser-radiation pulses
Data Source
AI summary
Laser-drilling apparatus includes a gas-discharge for laser emitting laser-radiation pulses, and two acousto-optic modulators (AOMs). The laser radiation pulses are characterized as having two temporal central portions between temporal leading and trailing edge portions. The AOMs are arranged to spatially separate the central temporal portions of the pulses from each other and from the leading and trailing edge portions of the pulses.