Modulation of laser energy with a predefined pattern
AssigneeWestar Photonics, Inc.
InventorsJay J. Brandinger, Brian D. Hoffman, Edward T. Polkowski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A laser machining device is capable of simultaneously machining two- or three dimentional patterns on the surface of a workpiece. A micromirror array positioned within a laser cavity generates a patterned plurality of laser beamlets which can be homogenized and deflected by a second micromirror array onto the surface of a workpiece to create a two-dimensional pattern. Alternatively, the second micromirror array can deflect laser beamlets of unequal energy density to produce a three-dimensional pattern.
Claims17
An apparatus for simultaneous machining at several points on the surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising:
- a laser including a laser cavity;
- and, a first micromirror array having a first plurality of individual micromirrors for generating a patterned plurality of discreet laser beamlets from a single laser beam;
- a second micromirror array having a second plurality of individual micromirrors for modifying said patterned plurality of laser beamlets and deflecting same onto said several points of a workpiece;
- and,
- means for independently controlling each of said individual micromirrors of said first and said second plurality of micromirrors,
- wherein each individual micromirror of said first and said second plurality of micromirrors are changeable in position independently of each other.
A method for simultaneous machining at several points on the surface of a workpiece, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. generating a patterned plurality of discreet laser beamlets from a single laser beam in a lower cavity with a first micromirror array having a first plurality of individual micromirrors;
- b. modifying said patterned plurality of laser beamlets and deflecting same onto several points of a workpiece with a second micromirror array having a second plurality of individual micromirrors;
- and,
- c. independently controlling each of said individual micromirrors of said first and said second plurality of micromirrors,
- wherein each individual micromirror of said first and said second plurality of micromirrors are changeable in position independently of each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.