US4143946A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Impingement cooled deformable laser mirror
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1977-12-05
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Granted: 1979-03-13
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Expires: 1997-12-05
Abstract
Abstract The reflective mirror face plate of a deformable adaptable mirror for laserystems is cooled by an improved heat exchange apparatus. In accordance with the invention jets of cooling fluid impinge normal to the face plate in addition to coolant flowing parallel to the surface of the face plate. Coolant manifolding is provided within the mirror allowing the coolant to flow through a nozzle plate and thereafter impinge and spread over a knurled back surface of the reflective plate. Electromagnetic actuators act on control rods to transmit forces to the face plate thus controlling its curvature to produce optimum laser beam reflection.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruno S. Leo
- 👤 Chang P. Liu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 05:39
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B5/00; G02B5/08; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816; G02B26/0825; H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/04; H01S3/0401; H01S3/0407
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An impingement cooled deformable laser mirror comprising: a face plate having first and second faces; an optically reflective surface formed on said first face; said face plate being capable of being deformed to secure optimum beam reflection of a beam of light; a control housing attached to said face plate contiguous to said second face; means positioned in said housing for controlling face plate geometry; means providing inlet and outlet chambers for conducting coolant into and out of said housing; a nozzle plate supported in said housing, said nozzle plate having a uniform array of fluid nozzles distributed therein, for providing impinging fluid jets of coolant normal to said second face; whereby undesirable thermal distortions in face plate geometry caused by the reflection of said light beam are substantially precluded.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
An impingement cooled deformable laser mirror comprising: a face plate having first and second faces; an optically reflective surface formed on said first face; said face plate being capable of being deformed to secure optimum beam reflection of a beam of light; a control housing attached to said face plate contiguous to said second face; means positioned in said housing for controlling face plate geometry; means providing inlet and outlet chambers for conducting coolant into and out of said housing; a nozzle plate supported in said housing, said nozzle plate having a uniform array of fluid nozzles distributed therein, for providing impinging fluid jets of coolant normal to said second face; whereby undesirable thermal distortions in face plate geometry caused by the reflection of said light beam are substantially precluded.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mirror of claim 1 wherein said nozzle plate has first and second surfaces; said first surface being in fluid communication with said inlet chamber; said second surface being in fluid communication with said outlet chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror of claim 1 wherein the diameter of said nozzles vary across the nozzle plate so as to insure uniform cooling characteristics of said face plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mirror of claim 1 wherein the surface of said second face is knurled; whereby very effective and increased cooling of said face plate is achieved due to the greater surface area of said second face.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror of claim 1 wherein the pressure of said coolant is between 6 psi and 24 psi; whereby the forces needed to control said face plate geometry is minimized.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror of claim 5 wherein the pressure drop of said coolant across each nozzle of said nozzle plate is between 20 psi and 30 psi.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The mirror of claim 2 wherein said means for controlling face plate geometry comprises a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators located in an actuator chamber positioned in said housing contiguous to said inlet chamber; each of said actuators manipulating push-pull control rods attached to said second face.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
The mirror of claim 7 wherein each of said rods are comprised by a tubular element, said tubular element having an inlet portion communicating with said inlet chamber and an outlet portion contiguous to said second face for directing coolant parallel to said second face, said outlet portion being in fluid communication with said outlet chamber; whereby coolant flows into said tubular element and exits from said outlet portion parallel to said second face in order to cool said face plate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3644020A
Cited
US4003640A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-03-12 | 1982-09-11 | 1983-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-12 | 1986-09-11 | 1987-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-12 | 1990-09-11 | 1991-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |