Methods and systems for coherent imaging and feedback control for modification of materials
AssigneeQueen's University at Kingston
InventorsPaul J. L. Webster, James M. Fraser, Victor X. D. Yang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.
Claims24
An apparatus that generates a record of a material modification process, the apparatus comprising:
- a material processing beam source that produces a material processing beam that is applied to a sample location in the material modification process, wherein the material modification process is a welding process;
- an imaging optical source that produces imaging light;
- an optical interferometer that produces an interferometry output using at least a component of the imaging light that is delivered into a phase change region created in the material during the welding process, the interferometry output based on at least one optical path length to at least one point in the phase change region compared to another optical path length;
- a detector that receives the interferometry output and produces a detector output that is indicative of a characteristic of the phase change region during the welding process;
- and
- a record generator that generates at least one record based on the detector output at a plurality of times.
A method of generating a record of a material modification process, the method comprising:
- applying a material processing beam to a sample location as part of the material modification process, wherein the material modification process is a welding process;
- generating imaging light with an imaging optical source;
- producing an interferometry output using at least a component of the imaging light that is delivered into a phase change region created in the material during the welding process, the interferometry output based on at least one optical path length to at least one point in the phase change region compared to another optical path length;
- detecting the interferometry output producing a detector output that is indicative of a characteristic of the phase change region during the welding process;
- and
- generating at least one record based on the detector output at a plurality of times.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.