Apparatus for modulating a high energy beam

Abstract

An apparatus for modulating a high energy beam such as a laser beam comprising a rotor having a plurality of circumferentially spaced selectively shaped openings formed in a periphery thereof and adapted to rotate in the path of said high energy beam for permitting modulated portions of said beam to pass through to a work piece. Impeller blades are integrally formed on the rotor to provide a supply of cooling air that is pumped axially inward and directed radially outward through a space between the rotor and end shroud positioned thereover. The shroud contains a plurality of vanes formed to direct the cooling air against the peripheral portion of the rotor exposed to the laser beam to effect cooling thereof. The periphery is also provided with a reflective surface adapted to reflect the impinging portions of the beam to a beam trap to reduce the heating effect of the beam on the rotor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.