Method and apparatus for optimizing the efficiency and quality of laser material processing

Patent · Tue Mar 13 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:7021675

Susemihl, I

The efficiency of laser welding and other laser material processing is optimized according to this invention by rotating the plane of polarization of a linearly polarized laser beam in relation to a work piece of the material being processed simultaneously and in synchronization with steering the laser beam over the work piece so as to keep the plane of polarization parallel to either the plane of incidence or the direction of travel of the beam in relation to the work piece. Also, depending to some extent on the particular processing being accomplished, such as welding or fusing, the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the work piece is kept at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle. The combination of maintaining the plane of polarization parallel to plane of incidence while also maintaining the angle of incidence at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle results in only minimal, if any, reflection losses during laser welding. Also, coordinating rotation of the plane of polarization with the translation or steering of a work piece under a laser cutting beam maximizes efficiency and kerf geometry, regardless of the direction of cut. 7 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: Midwest Research Inst., Kansas City, MO (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 4908493; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-200252
• OSTI ID: 7021675
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101* -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
360201 -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
360601 -- Other Materials-- Preparation & Manufacture
BEAM SHAPING
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FABRICATION
INCIDENCE ANGLE
JOINING
LASER BEAM MACHINING
LASER RADIATION
LASER WELDING
MACHINING
MATERIALS
OPTIMIZATION
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
WELDING