Industrial
OEM Perspectives: Recirculating Chillers for Industrial Lasers
Introduction
Industrial lasers are used for a wide range of applications including cutting, welding, micro-machining, additive manufacturing and drilling. No matter the application, industrial laser systems generate a significant amount of heat. There are several different types of industrial laser technologies, ultimately distinguished by the power density of the laser and its use. For all laser technologies, OEMs seek advanced cooling of the power source and the laser optics.
Nextreme™ NRC400 Performance Chiller
To meet demands of precise temperature control in many laboratory and industrial applications, Laird Thermal Systems has developed the Nextreme™ NRC400 Performance Chiller. The NRC400 is a next generation benchtop recirculating chiller that utilizes advanced thermoelectric coolers and high-performance heat exchangers to deliver 400 watts of cooling power and a temperature stability of ±0.05°C.
Photonics Spectra Magazine: Spot Cooling Helps Industrial Lasers and Optics Stay on Point
The increasing demand in many end markets for advanced manufacturing systems that are able to increase production and cut costs have positioned laser systems as an important fabrication tool. High-power industrial lasers can generate outputs in excess of 10,000 W when processing thick metals, generating a significant amount of heat not only in the targeted surface but also in the sensitive optics inside the laser. The temperature of these optics needs to be maintained to achieve peak performance for the tool.
OEM Perspectives: Recirculating Chillers for Semiconductor Metrology & Inspection Systems
Introduction
Semiconductor metrology is critical in the semiconductor fabrication process. The complex nature of semiconductor fabrication now requires multiple test stages in between processing steps. Thin film semiconductor wafers are tested using several techniques including ellipsometry and reflectometry. Sophisticated optical equipment is used to inspect for defects as well as for accurate dimensional measurements. Manufacturers of optical inspection systems must integrate a thermal solution for temperature stabilization of optical components.
Thermoelectric Chillers for Semiconductor Metrology & Inspection Systems
Introduction
The implementation of automated metrology systems has been a key to achieving cost effective semiconductor fabrication. The complex nature of semiconductor fabrication requires multiple tests between processing steps to inspect defects as well as measure dimensional properties including thickness, refractive index, resistivity and stress of the thin films. Because thermal noise can impact the image resolution of sensitive optical components in automated metrology systems, a thermal management system is required.
OEM Perspectives: Recirculating Chillers for Low-Power Lasers
Introduction
Lasers come in many different sizes and power levels. High power lasers are commonly used for brazing, metal cutting, deep metal welds and metal cleaning, while low power lasers can be used for printing & marking, soldering, plastic welding and laser powder remelting. For all laser technologies, OEMs seek advanced cooling of the power source and the laser optics to maintain peak performance and long life operation.
Thermoelectric Chillers for Low-Power Lasers
Introduction
Industrial lasers come in various sizes and power levels. Brazing, metal cutting, deep metal welds and metal cleaning require high-power lasers while printing & marking, soldering, plastic welding and laser powder remelting use low power lasers. Temperature stabilization is key to maintaining peak performance for any industrial laser system.