×

Mask and method for sealing a glass envelope

  • US 9,399,594 B2
  • Filed: 05/03/2013
  • Issued: 07/26/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A system for laser sealing a temperature and environmentally sensitive element comprising:

  • a first substrate and a second substrate separated by at least one frit wall having a height extending between the first and second substrates and a width;

    at least one temperature and environmentally sensitive element disposed between the first and second substrates and surrounded by the frit wall;

    a table, the first substrate and the second substrate with the at least one temperature and environmentally sensitive element surrounded by the frit wall between the first and second substrates being supported on the table;

    a laser that generates a laser beam having a generally circular beam profile having a diameter that is larger than the width of the frit wall;

    an opaque mask located between the laser and the first or the second substrate for blocking a portion of the laser beam, the mask having a transparent elongate transmission region having a length and a width in the opaque material for allowing an elongate portion of the laser beam to pass through the mask, the width of the transmission region being substantially equal to the width of the frit wall, and a strip of opaque material extending approximately along a longitudinal center line of the elongate transmission region for entirely blocking a central portion of the elongate portion of the laser beam, the mask being oriented with the elongate transmission region aligned with the frit wall; and

    a fixture, the laser being mounted to the fixture to direct the laser beam through the transmission region in the mask, whereby the transmitted portion of the laser beam impinges upon the frit wall, melting the frit wall, without overheating and damaging the element, thereby joining the first and second substrates and hermetically sealing the element therebetween.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×