Laser focus compensating sensing and imaging device

Patent · 31 August 1993

OSTI ID:6052860

Vann, C S

A laser focus compensating sensing and imaging device permits the focus of a single focal point of different frequency laser beams emanating from the same source point. In particular it allows the focusing of laser beam originating from the same laser device but having differing intensities so that a low intensity beam will not convert to a higher frequency when passing through a conversion crystal associated with the laser generating device. The laser focus compensating sensing and imaging device uses a Cassegrain system to fold the lower frequency, low intensity beam back upon itself so that it will focus at the same focal point as a high intensity beam. An angular tilt compensating lens is mounted about the secondary mirror of the Cassegrain system to assist in alignment. In addition cameras or CCD's are mounted with the primary mirror to sense the focused image. A convex lens is positioned co-axial with the Cassegrain system on the side of the primary mirror distal of the secondary for use in aligning a target with the laser beam. A first alternate embodiment includes a Cassegrain system using a series of shutters and an internally mounted dichroic mirror. A second alternate embodiment uses two laser focus compensating sensing and imaging devices for aligning a moving tool with a work piece.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5241557; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-848583
• OSTI ID: 6052860
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
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ALIGNMENT
AUTOMATION
CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICES
CRYSTALS
DESIGN
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FOCUSING
IMAGES
LASER RADIATION
LENSES
MACHINE TOOLS
MATERIALS
MIRRORS
MOTION
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
RADIATIONS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SHUTTERS
TOOLS