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

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:867301

Susemihl, Ingo ^[1]

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1. Norderstedt, DE

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.

• Research Organization: Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, MO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: Midwest Research Institute (Kansas City, MO)
• Patent Number(s): US 4908493
• OSTI ID: 867301
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
optimizing
efficiency
quality
laser
material
processing
welding
optimized
according
rotating
plane
polarization
linearly
polarized
beam
relation
piece
processed
simultaneously
synchronization
steering
parallel
incidence
direction
travel
depending
extent
particular
accomplished
fusing
angle
kept
near
polarizing
brewster
combination
maintaining
results
minimal
reflection
losses
coordinating
rotation
translation
cutting
maximizes
kerf
geometry
regardless
cut
material processing
laser welding
laser beam
linearly polarized
polarized laser
laser material
laser cutting
laser weld
optimized according
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