Intelligent Self - Monitoring Laser Optics
Latest generation of laser material processing systems exhibit higher efficiencies and lowest service down times. Manless night shifts and tele-service are well-established since years. Especially high power laser beam sources and systems in the range 3 to 12 kW optical power were equipped with sensors to collect mechanical, temperature and electrical properties and data.
Key components, i.e. heavily loaded laser optics where not assessed. Constant optics performance might be achieved with clean room conditions but most optical elements are more exposed to industrial environments and thus subject to degradation.
This optics should “announce” current optical load, absorption values, surface quality, extended risk of deformation, expected life time or future malfunctions. The present state of most optics could be controlled on – line and generated data could enable prognoses regarding required cleaning procedures or replacements.
This paper will introduce optics self-monitoring and signal processing and performance of sensor equipped multi kilowatt focusing optics.