AIR COOLED LASER SYSTEMS USING OSCILLATING HEAT PIPES
First Claim
1. An air cooled laser system comprising:
- an oscillating heat pipe looping between a first end and a second end opposite of the first end,wherein the oscillating heat pipe has a highest heat transfer coefficient in a direction between the first end and the second end; and
a laser diode operable as a light source,wherein the laser diode is disposed on and thermally coupled to the first end of the oscillating heat pipe, andwherein the second end of the oscillating heat pipe is air cooled.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Provided are air cooled laser systems, such as portable air cooled laser systems, and methods of operating thereof. An air cooled laser system includes an oscillating heat pipe having one end thermally coupled to one or more laser diodes and the other end being air cooled. The oscillating heat pipe has an extremely high thermal conductivity (e.g., much higher than that of copper) which allows using ambient air for cooling. This air cooling aspect reduces the size, weight, and complexity of the system. Furthermore, the air cooling aspect reduces power consumption since no power is used for liquid circulation. To enhance air-cooling characteristics, the end of the oscillating heat pipe away from the diodes may be thermally coupled to one or more heat dissipating fins. Furthermore, the system may be equipped with a blower for controlling the flow of air around that end.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An air cooled laser system comprising:
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an oscillating heat pipe looping between a first end and a second end opposite of the first end, wherein the oscillating heat pipe has a highest heat transfer coefficient in a direction between the first end and the second end; and a laser diode operable as a light source, wherein the laser diode is disposed on and thermally coupled to the first end of the oscillating heat pipe, and wherein the second end of the oscillating heat pipe is air cooled. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of operating an air cooled laser system, the method comprising:
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supplying power to a laser diode operable as a light source, wherein the laser diode is disposed on and thermally coupled to a first end of an oscillating heat pipe, wherein the oscillating heat pipe loops between the first end and a second end opposite of the first end; and providing an air flow around one or more heat dissipating fins disposed on and thermally coupled to the second end of the oscillating heat pipe, wherein the second end is opposite of the first end, and wherein the oscillating heat pipe has a highest heat transfer coefficient in a direction between the first end and the second end. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification