Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus used in combination with an existing laser for controlling the temperature of a laser powered tool includes a temperature control device coupled between the output of the laser and the optical fiber delivery system to monitor the temperature of the optical fiber delivery system and attenuate the laser output power to achieve a desired temperature level. The device establishes a beam path and provides a beam deflector that is variably positioned in the beam path to deflect a variable portion of the laser beam toward a laser wavelength-absorbing heat sink. An infrared detector is directed to receive emissions from the laser tool, and electronic circuitry processes the signal from the infrared detector to determine the temperature in the delivery system and generate an actuator signal to position the beam deflector so that beam deflection is increased or decreased to achieve a predetermined, desirable temperature level in the delivery system. A photodetector is disposed to receive ambient light from the area near the laser operation, and a time discrimination circuit receives the photodetector signal to determine if laser radiation is escaping into the area. The system causes laser shutdown if laser light is present in the area, so that operating personnel may eliminate the use of laser safety eyewear.

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First Claim