RF Slab Laser Electrode Feedthrough Cooling Without Union Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF slab lasers face challenges in heat management and coolant delivery, particularly for high-powered designs, with known solutions involving insulating union connectors that increase cost and risk of water leaks or RF discharge, and inefficient RF coupling that generates excessive heat.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a vacuum flange with hollow conductors that supply RF drive signal and coolant fluid to the electrode outside the vacuum space, using electrically insulating connectors to form vacuum-tight seals, and distributes coolant channels symmetrically around the electrode to reduce heat generation and eliminate the need for insulating union connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulating union connectors are used to isolate coolant pipes from the live electrode, then electrical insulation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases due to water leak risks and RF discharge generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulating union connectors from the system entirely. Instead of using connectors to isolate the coolant pipe from the live electrode, the design allows the metal coolant pipe to make direct electrical contact with the live electrode, eliminating the component that causes water leaks and RF discharge issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electrical connection and coolant delivery functions into a single integrated metal coolant pipe structure. The pipe serves dual purposes: delivering coolant to the electrode while also providing the RF electrical connection, thereby eliminating the need for separate insulating components
2Device complexity
If a single RF supply line is used to deliver RF power to the live electrode, then device complexity is reduced, but excessive heat is generated in the RF feed-through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single RF supply line into multiple parallel hollow conductors (typically four). Each hollow conductor carries a portion of the total RF current, which reduces the current density and consequently the heat generation in each individual conductor and at the feed-through point
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow conductors serve as intermediaries that distribute the RF power and coolant flow more effectively. By using multiple conductors instead of one, the system reduces thermal load while the coolant flowing through these conductors further assists in heat removal
3Temperature
If coolant channels are integrated into the electrode structure, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow conductors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they deliver coolant fluid to the electrode, provide RF electrical connection to the live electrode, and act as structural support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling channels machined into the electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the fluid flow through hollow conductors to achieve cooling. The coolant is pumped through the hollow conductors that are in thermal contact with the electrode, using hydraulic flow to remove heat from the electrode structure
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 reduces heat generation and eliminates the need for insulating union connectors, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and minimizing the risk of water leaks and RF discharge, while ensuring efficient coolant distribution and RF power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode and a second electrode having respective inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces, wherein their respective inwardly facing surfaces face each other and are spaced apart by a gap forming a slab waveguide of a thickness dimensioned to allow a plasma discharge to be formed by driving at least the first electrode with an RF drive signal
Implementation Method 2
there is inevitably a heat management issue with the electrodes, in particular for the live electrode
Implementation Method 3
the electrodes typically need to be cooled by circulating a coolant fluid, typically water, around the electrode
Implementation Method 4
a plasma discharge of a gas, such as carbon dioxide, is formed in the gap. The plasma provides a gain medium capable of supporting stimulated emission
Implementation Method 5
The plasma provides a gain medium capable of supporting stimulated emission within a resonator cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency, RF, slab laser comprising a live electrode (102) and a ground electrode (108) whose inwardly facing surfaces face each other to form a gap for forming a plasma discharge when the live electrode is supplied with a suitable RF drive signal. The electrodes are enclosed in a vacuum space by a vacuum housing (114) with an access aperture (116). The access aperture is sealed with a vacuum flange (70) that comprises an electrically insulating connector. A plurality of hollow conductors (62) are arranged to extend through the vacuum flange into the vacuum space and connect with the live electrode. The hollow conductors connect to the live electrode to supply it with its RF drive signal and also coolant fluid which is distributed through fluid circulation channels (80a, 80b). Coolant fluid is supplied to the live electrode through certain ones of the hollow conductors and taken out by others.