US3571555A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser machining apparatus
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1969-01-24
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Granted: 1971-03-23
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Expires: 1989-01-24
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for machining a workpiece by electromagnetic energy, preferably laser energy. The apparatus includes a dielectric through which a laser is directed toward the workpiece. At a critical power and wavelength, the dielectric functions as an optical waveguide preventing beam divergence. The apparatus further includes an optical element and position control means for the optical element.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles H Townes
- 👤 Raymond Y Chiao
- 👤 Elsa M Garmire
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 05:33
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/35; G02F1/3511; B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/02; B23K26/06; B23K26/064; B23K26/0648; B23K26/0665; B23K26/12; B23K26/123; B23K26/127; B23K26/128; G02B; G02B3/00; G02B3/12; G02B6/00; G02B6/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
An apparatus for machining a workpiece by directing a beam of energy thereto, the apparatus comprising: a structure having a first side disposed at said workpiece and a second side opposite said first side, said structure being filled with a material with a preselected dielectric constant; a source of electromagnetic energy of a critical power, definable as Pc, and of a frequency with a wavelength definable as lambda , for directing the energy into said structure through said second side; and positionable means disposed in said structure in the path of said energy for converging said energy at a focal point in said structure remote from said first side, the dielectric constant of said material in said structure being a function of Pc and lambda , whereby the energy focused at said focal point is trapped in a beam of a fixed diameter which extends from said focal point to said workpiece at said first side of said structure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
159 words
An apparatus for machining a workpiece by directing a beam of energy thereto, the apparatus comprising: a structure having a first side disposed at said workpiece and a second side opposite said first side, said structure being filled with a material with a preselected dielectric constant; a source of electromagnetic energy of a critical power, definable as Pc, and of a frequency with a wavelength definable as lambda , for directing the energy into said structure through said second side; and positionable means disposed in said structure in the path of said energy for converging said energy at a focal point in said structure remote from said first side, the dielectric constant of said material in said structure being a function of Pc and lambda , whereby the energy focused at said focal point is trapped in a beam of a fixed diameter which extends from said focal point to said workpiece at said first side of said structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of electromagnetic energy is a laser, Pc is not less than (1.22 lambda )2 c/64n2, c is the speed of light and n2 is in the order of X106, wherein X iS not greater than 2.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein said positionable means include an optical element for focusing said electromagnetic energy, and optical element support means including control means extending to the exterior of said structure for controlling the position of said optical element in said structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The arrangement as recited in claim 3 wherein said source of electromagnetic energy is a laser, Pc is not less than (1.22 lambda )2 c/64n2, wherein c is the speed of light and n2 is in the order of X106, wherein X is not greater than 2.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3383491A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-22 | 1974-09-21 | 1975-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-22 | 1978-09-21 | 1979-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-22 | 1982-09-21 | 1983-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |