Laser system using phase change material for thermal control
US6570895B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A passively cooled solid-state laser system for producing high-output power is set forth. The system includes an optics bench assembly containing a laser head assembly which generates a high-power laser beam. A laser medium heat sink assembly is positioned in thermal communication with the laser medium for conductively dissipating waste heat and controlling the temperature of the laser medium. A diode array heat sink assembly is positioned in thermal communication with the laser diode array assembly for conductively dissipating waste heat and controlling the temperature of the laser diode array assembly. The heat sink assemblies include heat exchangers with extending surfaces in intimate contact with phase change material. When the laser system is operating, the phase change material transitions from solid to liquid phase. This transition of the phase change material also provides a thermal buffer for laser components such that the phase change material absorbs the energy associated with fluctuations in ambient temperature before transferring it to the laser component. Also, the heat sink assembly can contain more than one type of phase change material, each having a different melt…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.