Method and Device for Cooling an Optical Element

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This invention relates to a method and device for cooling optical elements used in high-power laser systems or other optical setups. The core idea is to use a thermal conductor composed of numerous interconnected filaments, which is placed between the optical element and a heat sink. The structure and distribution of these filaments can be customized to match the pattern of heat introduced into the optical element, improving heat removal and minimizing deformation or optical degradation.

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• Cooling mirrors, lenses, or gratings in high-power laser systems to maintain beam quality.
• Thermal management in optical components for scientific instrumentation such as telescopes, microscopes, or spectrometers.
• Enhancing the performance and lifespan of precision optical devices in semiconductor manufacturing, such as lithography machines.
• Usage in vacuum environments where efficient conductive cooling is critical and radiative cooling is insufficient.
• Integration into medical laser equipment to ensure safe and consistent optical performance during procedures.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces thermal deformation and preserves the optical quality of the element, even under high thermal loads.
• Flexible filament design (material, density, geometry) allows adaptation to different heat distribution patterns, resulting in optimized cooling.
• Can be manufactured using modern techniques like 3D printing, enabling tailored performance and integration with various optical element geometries.
• Mitigates mechanical stress and transmits minimal vibrations to the sensitive optical components, enhancing their reliability and precision.
• Ensures efficient heat extraction, even in vacuum environments where conventional cooling methods are limited, thus expanding operational environments.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Method and apparatus for cooling an optical element (12). The method includes providing an optical element, in particular an optical substrate. Furthermore, the method includes providing a heat transfer medium (26) having filaments in contact with one another. In order to cool the optical element, a connection is established between the heat transfer medium and the optical element. Furthermore, it is provided to connect the heat transfer medium to a heat sink (24) for dissipating heat from the optical element.