Method and apparatus for accelerating chemical reactions using a spread beam deflector with single or multiple reflectors
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Treasury
InventorHardy C. Svenson
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Abstract
An apparatus for spreading a coherent light beam produced by a laser or lasers into a selected pattern. The selected pattern of coherent light, generally a ribbon-like shape, can be used to place a desired amount of electromagnetic energy at a selected frequency for a selected time period on a generally flat surface. The projected coherent light pattern can be used to cure or dry inks without scorching the underlying paper. The control of the intensity of the coherent light allows drying operations at higher speeds than currently feasible.
Claims11
Laser apparatus comprising a laser source which produces a beam of coherent radiation having a substantially circular outline, and a stationary optical system arranged to disperse and thereby spread said beam in a controlled manner into an elongated elliptical band of radiation having substantially uniform energy density across the expanded dimension of said beam, said optical system including at least one deflecting means arranged to intercept and deflect said beam across one tranverse dimension so that said beam is converted into a spread band of substantially uniform radiation having an elongated elliptical cross-section of greater area than the cross-section of the impinging circular beam of radiation.
A method for accelerating the progress of chemical reactions comprising the steps of
- (1) producing a beam of coherent radiation having a substantially circular outline,
- (2) deflecting said beam of coherent radiation along one transverse dimension into a spread band of radiation having an elongated elliptical outline, and
- (3) passing an uncured coated surface beneath said spread band of radiation at a speed which results in an accumulation of radiation sufficient to substantially cure at least the surface of the coating without damaging the coating or the material on which the coating has been deposited.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.