FIBER OPTIC BEAM DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR HIGH-POWER LASER

摘要

Abstract of the DisclosureA system is provided for delivering a high-power laserbeam through a fiber optic cable to a metal workpiece fordrilling, cutting or welding the workpiece. The laser beamis focused onto a first end of the fiber optic cable, with agas being applied to the first end of the cable as a coolingagent. The gas is transmitted coaxially with the fiber opticcable along the length thereof. The laser beam emerges froma second end of the fiber optic cable and is received andfocused onto a workpiece by a beam delivery assembly. Thetransmitted gas is applied to the second end of the fiberoptic cable as a cooling agent and injected onto the workpiececoaxially with the focused laser beam. With such arrangementa laser beam is delivered to a workpiece for processing theworkpiece via a flexible system, allowing the beam to bedexterously maneuvered about the workpiece. Also, since thegas cooling agent is applied to the workpiece coaxially withthe focused beam, the gas may comprise an element whichassists the laser beam in processing the workpiece. Alsoincluded is a mechanism for facilitating connection of thebeam delivery assembly to an arm for maneuvering the beamdelivery assembly through a plurality of positions withrespect to the workpiece. Such mechanism inhibits rotationof the beam delivery assembly and the fiber optic cableduring such maneuvering, thus preventing rotational strainfrom being applied to the cable and reducing the possibilityof cable breakage.