Optical Waveguide Laser Deposition Coating for Radiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguides face issues with undesired electromagnetic radiation guiding into undesirable regions, leading to potential destruction and mechanical weakness, especially at high power levels, and current methods for mitigating this involve hazardous chemicals and complex, costly processes.
Innovation Solution
A method using polarized laser radiation at a predetermined angle to heat and deposit a light-scattering coating on the waveguide, which adheres firmly and prevents unwanted radiation propagation without reducing mechanical strength, utilizing a CO2 laser and transparent silica glass for efficient and safe production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the surface of the waveguide is roughened or chemically etched to dissipate unwanted electromagnetic radiation, then the radiation guidance into undesired areas is reduced, but the mechanical strength of the waveguide is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a light-scattering coating only to specific regions of the waveguide surface where unwanted radiation needs to be dissipated, rather than modifying the entire waveguide structure. This localized approach allows the waveguide to maintain its overall mechanical strength while achieving the desired radiation control in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical modification methods (roughening or chemical etching) with a optical-based solution (light-scattering coating). This substitution eliminates the need to physically alter the waveguide structure, thereby preserving mechanical strength while achieving the same functional effect of dissipating unwanted radiation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If diluted hydrofluoric acid is used to chemically etch the surface, then unwanted radiation is dissipated, but the production becomes complex and expensive, and handling is dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex and dangerous chemical etching process with a physical vapor deposition process using laser ablation. This substitution eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, simplifies the production process, reduces safety risks, and lowers overall production complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coating material as an intermediary substance that provides the light-scattering function without requiring direct chemical modification of the waveguide. This intermediary approach allows the desired functional effect to be achieved through a safer, more controllable deposition process rather than complex chemical etching.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If absorbing materials are applied directly to the waveguide surface, then unwanted radiation can be absorbed, but the high heat input makes them unsuitable for high power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light-scattering coating that modifies the optical properties of the waveguide surface. Instead of absorbing radiation and converting it to heat, the coating scatters the unwanted radiation, changing its direction and preventing it from being guided into undesired areas. This optical property modification allows the waveguide to handle high power levels without excessive heat generation.
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 method effectively suppresses undesired radiation, enhances beam quality, and allows for stable high-power operation without the need for hazardous chemicals, facilitating efficient assembly and use in applications like fiber connectors and high-power fiber lasers.
Implementation Method 1
laser radiation reflected from the target or transmitted through the target heating the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
laser radiation reflected from the target or transmitted through the target heating the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
the process laser is then operated in pulses at higher power in order to remove the coating material from the target
Implementation Method 4
the coating material is deposited on the heated surface of the waveguide cladding
Implementation Method 5
The roughened or etched surface has the effect that total reflection at the interface to the medium surrounding the optical waveguide is avoided by local scattering
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing an optical waveguide (1), the surface of which is at least partly coated with a coating material. The coating material contained in a target (4) is removed using laser radiation (6) of a processing laser or converted into another aggregate state. The coating material is then deposited on the surface of the waveguide (1) and forms a coating thereon, said coating modifying the light guidance. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved method for producing optical waveguides, wherein the guidance of undesired electromagnetic radiation or the guidance of radiation into undesired regions of the waveguide is prevented. According to the invention, this is achieved in that laser radiation (7) reflected by the target (4) or transmitted through the target heats the waveguide (1), said laser radiation (6) being polarized and impinging the target (4) at a specified angle (alpha) between 10° and 80° relative to the surface normal.