Spatial Light Modulator Laser Scanning for Plate Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser beam applying apparatuses are structurally complex and inefficient due to the need for scanning mechanisms or moving processing tables, which hinder high productivity and result in inadequate laser beam power density over larger areas.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam applying apparatus with a spatial light modulator that uses phase patterns to two-dimensionally scan a plate-shaped workpiece, combined with a moving mechanism for the holding table and beam focusing assembly, allowing for precise control of laser beam application without the need for complex scanning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scanning means such as galvanoscanner or MEMS scanner is used to change the irradiated area, then the area to be irradiated can be changed, but the apparatus becomes structurally complex and increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems (galvanoscanner, MEMS scanner) with a spatial light modulator that uses phase patterns to control laser beam application. This substitutes mechanical movement with optical phase modulation, eliminating complex scanning mechanisms while maintaining the ability to change irradiated areas through digital phase pattern switching
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial light modulator acts as an intermediary between the laser beam source and the workpiece. By modulating the phase of the laser beam according to stored phase patterns, it enables area change without direct mechanical scanning, simplifying the overall apparatus structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing table is moved to change the area to be irradiated, then the irradiated area can be expanded, but it takes time to move the processing table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical table movement by using a spatial light modulator with pre-stored phase patterns. The laser beam is rapidly redirected to different areas through phase pattern switching, achieving area expansion without the time penalty of mechanical table movement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple phase patterns representing different irradiated areas are pre-stored in the phase pattern storage section. When area change is needed, the system simply switches to the predetermined phase pattern, eliminating the time required for mechanical repositioning
3Productivity
If the distance by which the processing table is moved is reduced to increase processing speed, then processing time decreases, but the required laser beam power density cannot be achieved in the increased area
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator enables rapid switching between phase patterns, achieving high processing speeds without compromising laser beam power density. The optical phase modulation occurs much faster than mechanical table movement, maintaining both speed and power requirements
4Adaptability or versatility
If scanning means is incorporated into the laser beam applying apparatus, then the area to be irradiated can be changed, but the apparatus structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator serves multiple functions: it modulates the laser beam phase, directs the beam to different areas, and eliminates the need for separate scanning mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall apparatus complexity while maintaining area adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital phase patterns as a copy or representation of the desired irradiated area configuration. By switching between stored phase patterns, the system replicates different irradiation configurations without physical reconfiguration, simplifying the apparatus
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 solution enables high productivity with a simpler apparatus structure by maintaining required laser beam power density and reducing processing time, as the spatial light modulator quickly switches between phase patterns to scan the workpiece, outperforming traditional methods in efficiency and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator for modulating the laser beam emitted from the laser beam source, according to phase patterns
Implementation Method 2
a beam focusing assembly for focusing the laser beam modulated by the spatial light modulator and applying the focused laser beam to the plate-shaped workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam applying apparatus has a laser beam applying unit including a laser beam source for emitting the laser beam, a spatial light modulator for modulating the laser beam, according to phase patterns, and emitting the modulated laser beam, and a beam focusing assembly for focusing the laser beam modulated by the spatial light modulator and applying the focused laser beam to a plate-shaped workpiece. The laser beam applying apparatus also has a controller including a phase pattern storage section for storing a plurality of phase patterns representing respective different positions in a plane of the plate-shaped workpiece where the laser beam is applied when the phase patterns are displayed on the spatial light modulator, and a phase pattern control section for switching to predetermined phase patterns among the phase patterns stored in the phase pattern storage section as the phase patterns displayed on the spatial light modulator.