Control system for directing power to a laser assembly

摘要

An assembly (10) for providing an assembly output beam comprises a laser assembly (12), a power source (14), and a system controller (16). The power source (14) is electrically coupled to the laser assembly (12). The system controller (16) directs power from the power source (14) to the laser assembly (12). Additionally, the system controller (16) includes a capacitor assembly (22) that is electrically connected to the laser assembly (12), and a current source (20) that directs power from the power source (14) to the capacitor assembly (22) and the laser assembly (12). The power source (14) and the capacitor assembly (22) cooperate to provide power to the laser assembly (12). Further, the capacitor assembly (22) provides pulses of power and the current source (20) directs the pulses of power to the laser assembly (12). Moreover, the current source (20) charges the capacitor assembly (22) in between the pulses of power.

主权项

1. An assembly for providing an assembly output beam, the assembly comprising:
a laser assembly including a first laser source; a power source that is electrically coupled to the laser assembly, the power source including at least one battery; a capacitor assembly that is electrically connected to the laser assembly and the power source; a programmable current source that is electrically connected between the power source and the capacitor assembly, the current source selectively controlling a voltage and current that is directed to the capacitor assembly from the power source; a power supply that is electrically connected to the laser assembly, the capacitor assembly, the current source, and the power source, the power source controlling the voltage that is directed to the laser assembly; and a first switch that is electrically connected to the laser assembly, the power supply and the capacitor assembly, the first switch directing pulses of power to the first laser source; wherein the programmable current source selectively and adjustably controls the voltage and current that are directed to the capacitor assembly during each pulse and between pulses to adjust a rate of charging of the capacitor assembly between pulses; wherein the programmable current source receives feedback regarding the state of the capacitor assembly and adjusts the voltage to the capacitor assembly to charge the capacitor assembly at a controlled rate.