# US 8,785,814 B1 · Optic protection via stagnant liquid film > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,785,814 B1 - Document ID: US8785814B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 12/435,872 - Filed: 2009-05-05 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2009-05-05 - Assignees: LSP Technologies, Inc. - Applicants: Steven M. Toller; Ronald L. Johnson - Inventors: Steven M. Toller; Ronald L. Johnson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8785814B1 ## CPC - B23K 26/16: Removal of by-products, e.g. particles or vapours produced during treatment of a workpiece (by a fluid stream B23K26/142) - B23K 26/142: for the removal of by-products - B23K 26/146: the fluid stream containing a liquid - B23K 26/702: {Auxiliary equipment} - B23K: SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM ## Abstract Systems and methods for the protection of optics are provided. In one example embodiment, a laser processing system is provided, the laser processing system comprising a laser source and an optic. The laser processing system may further comprise at least one of a liquid delivery mechanism configured to deposit liquid on the optic and an evacuation mechanism. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for protecting laser optics, comprising: providing a laser processing system for delivering a pulse of laser energy to a target surface, the laser processing system including an optic to be protected; applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic, via a liquid delivery mechanism; allowing the liquid to stagnate upon the surface of the optic such that the liquid is not flowing a period of from about two seconds to about eight seconds; transmitting the pulse of laser energy through the optic and the stagnant liquid and onto the target surface; and evacuating the liquid from the surface of the optic. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic comprises applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic proximate to the target surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the applying a flow of liquid comprises applying a flow of water. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the evacuating the liquid from the surface of the optic comprises at least one of: (1) activating at least one evacuation mechanism; (2) washing away the liquid with a subsequent application of liquid; and (3) removing the liquid by a blast of gas. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: (1) providing a substantially transparent overlay over the target surface; or (2) applying a substantially opaque overlay over the target surface and providing a substantially transparent overlay over the opaque overlay. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the applying a substantially opaque overlay comprises applying black paint or black tape. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the providing a substantially transparent overlay comprising providing at least one of: (1) a flowing fluid; and (2) a stagnant fluid. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising evacuating an airborne contaminant from an interior of a housing of the laser processing system. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the evacuating an airborne contaminant comprises activating at least one evacuation mechanism. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the optic is at least one of a lens and a window. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the optic is comprised of at least one of glass and a polymeric material. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the optic is spaced apart from the target surface by a distance of about 0.5 inch to about 7 inches. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is substantially transparent to the pulse of laser energy. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the laser processing system comprises a laser bond inspection system. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the target surface is a surface of a bonded article. ### Claim 16 A method for protecting laser optics, comprising: providing a laser processing system for delivering a pulse of laser energy to a target surface, the laser processing system including an optic that is spaced apart from the target surface by a distance of from about 0.5 inch to about 7 inches; applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic which is proximate the target surface; allowing the liquid to stagnate upon the surface of the optic such that the liquid is not flowing for a period of from about two seconds to about eight seconds; transmitting the pulse of laser energy through the optic and the stagnant liquid and onto the target surface; and evacuating the liquid from the surface of the optic.