초록 ▼

Systems and methods for the protection of optics are provided. In one example embodiment, a laser processing system is provided, the laser processing system comprising a laser source and an optic. The laser processing system may further comprise at least one of a liquid delivery mechanism configured

Systems and methods for the protection of optics are provided. In one example embodiment, a laser processing system is provided, the laser processing system comprising a laser source and an optic. The laser processing system may further comprise at least one of a liquid delivery mechanism configured to deposit liquid on the optic and an evacuation mechanism.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for protecting laser optics, comprising: providing a laser processing system for delivering a pulse of laser energy to a target surface, the laser processing system including an optic to be protected;applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic, via a liquid delivery mechanism;all

1. A method for protecting laser optics, comprising: providing a laser processing system for delivering a pulse of laser energy to a target surface, the laser processing system including an optic to be protected;applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic, via a liquid delivery mechanism;allowing the liquid to stagnate upon the surface of the optic such that the liquid is not flowing a period of from about two seconds to about eight seconds;transmitting the pulse of laser energy through the optic and the stagnant liquid and onto the target surface; andevacuating the liquid from the surface of the optic. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic comprises applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic proximate to the target surface. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying a flow of liquid comprises applying a flow of water. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the evacuating the liquid from the surface of the optic comprises at least one of: (1) activating at least one evacuation mechanism; (2) washing away the liquid with a subsequent application of liquid; and (3) removing the liquid by a blast of gas. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: (1) providing a substantially transparent overlay over the target surface; or (2) applying a substantially opaque overlay over the target surface and providing a substantially transparent overlay over the opaque overlay. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the applying a substantially opaque overlay comprises applying black paint or black tape. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the providing a substantially transparent overlay comprising providing at least one of: (1) a flowing fluid; and (2) a stagnant fluid. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising evacuating an airborne contaminant from an interior of a housing of the laser processing system. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the evacuating an airborne contaminant comprises activating at least one evacuation mechanism. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the optic is at least one of a lens and a window. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the optic is comprised of at least one of glass and a polymeric material. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the optic is spaced apart from the target surface by a distance of about 0.5 inch to about 7 inches. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is substantially transparent to the pulse of laser energy. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser processing system comprises a laser bond inspection system. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the target surface is a surface of a bonded article. 16. A method for protecting laser optics, comprising: providing a laser processing system for delivering a pulse of laser energy to a target surface, the laser processing system including an optic that is spaced apart from the target surface by a distance of from about 0.5 inch to about 7 inches;applying a flow of liquid to a surface of the optic which is proximate the target surface;allowing the liquid to stagnate upon the surface of the optic such that the liquid is not flowing for a period of from about two seconds to about eight seconds;transmitting the pulse of laser energy through the optic and the stagnant liquid and onto the target surface; andevacuating the liquid from the surface of the optic.