Laser photocuring system
US6463872B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03C25/12
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and a method for curing a coating applied to an optical fiber or optical fiber ribbon using a laser curing device which emits a plurality of laser beams, having a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range, that impinge on the fiber or ribbon at differing angles to provide a uniform cure. The system includes at least one laser for outputting a laser beam; a splitter for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of output beams; and reflector arrangement for reflecting the output beams such that the output beams are irradiated on the coating of the optical fiber from different angles. The reflector comprises a plurality of mirrors or, alternatively, a housing, which substantially surrounds the optical fiber where at least a portion of an inner surface of the housing is reflective. Alternatively, the reflector may be replaced with a bundle of UV-waveguides directing portions of the beam to the substrate at different angles and/or directions. The system may also include a second laser for outputting a second laser beam which impinges on the fiber, where the wavelength range of the second laser is in a range that is different from the wavelength range of the first laser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.