Variable Repetition Rate Laser for Material Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems for material processing often operate at fixed pulse energy and repetition rates, which are inefficient for handling materials with varying energy thresholds, leading to prolonged processing times and suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
A system that varies the pulse repetition rate of ultra-short pulse laser beams based on predetermined energy levels or real-time feedback, allowing for adaptive energy delivery to match the specific requirements of different material sections, thereby optimizing processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed pulse energy and repetition rate are used, then laser system operation is simple, but processing time increases and efficiency decreases for materials with varying energy thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of pulse repetition rate based on real-time processing conditions and predetermined energy requirements for different material sections. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters, allowing the pulse repetition rate to adapt dynamically to match the energy thresholds of different material regions, thereby improving processing efficiency without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the laser system by varying the pulse repetition rate while maintaining pulse energy levels appropriate for different material sections. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize processing efficiency for heterogeneous materials by matching laser delivery characteristics to material-specific energy thresholds
2Speed
If pulse repetition rate is increased, then processing speed improves, but pulse energy decreases leading to insufficient ablation for high energy threshold sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse repetition rate based on the specific energy requirements of different material sections. When encountering sections with high energy thresholds, the system automatically reduces pulse repetition rate to maintain adequate pulse energy levels for effective ablation, and increases rate for lower energy threshold sections to maximize processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different pulse repetition rates to different spatial sections of the material being processed. Each section receives a customized pulse repetition rate matched to its specific energy threshold requirements, ensuring optimal energy delivery locally rather than using a uniform rate across the entire workpiece
3Manufacturing precision
If pulse energy is reduced for sections requiring lower energy, then processing precision improves, but processing time increases due to fixed repetition rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically couples pulse energy reduction with pulse repetition rate reduction for sections requiring lower energy thresholds. This coordinated adjustment maintains processing precision by delivering appropriate energy levels while simultaneously improving processing time by optimizing the pulse delivery rate to match material absorption characteristics and thermal relaxation times
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 processing time by adjusting pulse repetition rates to match energy demands, enabling efficient material alteration and processing across heterogeneous or homogeneous materials with varying energy thresholds, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source for generating a laser beam including a sequence of laser pulses, each having a predetermined energy level and an ultra short duration
Implementation Method 2
laser processes for doing this typically involve phenomena such as laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB), photodecomposition, or photoablation
Implementation Method 3
laser processes for doing this typically involve phenomena such as laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB), photodecomposition, or photoablation
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A system for using a pulsed laser beam to process materials includes a selector for varying the pulse repetition rate of the laser beam. Also included is a control unit for identifying an optimal pulse repetition rate that is compatible with the required pulse energy level for processing the material. Variations in the pulse repetition rate can be made during a procedure pursuant to either pre-programmed instructions, or in response to closed loop feedback controls.