Tapered Window Structure for LSP Light Source Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power windows in laser-sustained plasma (LSP) light sources face a trade-off between practical size and radiative heat load, leading to seal degradation due to direct irradiation by broadband light, which limits their performance.
Innovation Solution
A tapered window configuration is introduced to deflect a portion of the broadband light away from the seals, protecting the gas containment structure by using a tapered surface to redirect the light impinging on the peripheral portion of the window, thereby reducing thermal loads on the seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the window is placed in close proximity to the plasma light source, then the light transmission efficiency is improved, but the seal regions experience high thermal loads leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into two functional sections: a first section with a first surface facing the plasma light source and a second section with a second surface opposite the first surface. This segmentation allows each section to handle different aspects of light transmission and thermal management, reducing the thermal load on seal regions while maintaining light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional approach by creating a multi-section window structure that extends beyond a simple planar configuration. The first and second sections are arranged in a spatial configuration that deflects broadband light away from seal regions, adding a dimensional solution to the thermal management problem.
2Area of stationary object
If the window size is increased, then the light collection area is improved, but the radiative heat load on the window and seals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window is segmented into a first section and a second section, where the first section can be positioned to capture light while the second section is configured to manage thermal loads. This segmentation allows the window to be larger in area without proportionally increasing the heat load on any single region, particularly the seal areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the window are designed with different functional qualities: the first section is optimized for light collection while the second section is optimized for thermal management. This local differentiation allows the window to have large overall area while specific regions handle the thermal burden, reducing seal degradation.
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 tapered window effectively protects the seals from radiative heat, enhancing the durability and performance of the LSP broadband light source by preventing direct irradiation and maintaining the structural integrity of the window.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered surface configured to deflect a portion of light impinging on a peripheral portion of the window away from the aperture of the gas containment structure
Implementation Method 2
near-Infrared (NIR) Continuous Wave (CW) pump laser light is focused to a gas-containing vessel, where a plasma is ignited and sustained by absorption of the pump laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
the plasma generates broadband light
Data Source
AI summary
A LSP broadband light source is disclosed. The light source may include a gas containment structure for containing a gas. The light source may include a laser pump source configured to generate an optical pump to sustain a plasma within the gas containment structure for generation of broadband light. The light source may include a tapered window configured to transmit broadband light through an aperture within a wall of the gas containment structure, the tapered window including a tapered section including a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface is configured to deflect light impinging on a peripheral portion of the tapered window away from a portion of the gas containment structure to protect the portion of the gas containment structure.