David M Filgas from 119 Via El Toro, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, age 57, Phone: 8053755013

Us Patents

Laser Based Material Processing Methods And Scalable Architecture For Material Processing
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US Patent:

6738396, May 18, 2004
Filed:

Nov 13, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/293049
Inventors:

David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA
Frank Haran - Carp, CA
Andreas Mank - Kanata, CA
John Robertson - Salem NH
Assignee:

GSI Lumonics Ltd. - Warwickshire
International Classification:

H01S 3098
US Classification:

372 19, 372 6, 372 64, 372 34
Abstract:

Methods and systems for laser-based processing of materials are disclosed wherein a scalable laser architecture, based on planar waveguide technology, provides for pulsed laser micromachining applications while supporting higher average power applications like laser welding and cutting. Various embodiments relate to improvements in planar waveguide technology which provide for stable operation at high powers with a reduction in spurious outputs and thermal effects. At least one embodiment provides for micromachining with pulsewidths in the range of femtoseconds to nanoseconds. In another embodiment, 100W or greater average output power operation is provided for with a diode-pumped, planar waveguide architecture.

Waveguide Device With Mode Control And Pump Light Confinement And Method Of Using Same
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US Patent:

6785304, Aug 31, 2004
Filed:

Jul 24, 2001
Appl. No.:

09/912214
Inventors:

David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA
Assignee:

GSI Lumonics, Inc. - Kanata
International Classification:

H01S 3098
US Classification:

372 19, 372 64, 372 66, 372 6, 372102, 372103
Abstract:

A waveguide device in the form of either a solid-state laser or amplifier is divided into separate pumping and output mode control sections along at least one direction of the device by leaving a portion of a core of the device unclad or by depositing appropriate coatings on different sections of the core or by contacting/bonding materials with different refractive indices to different sections of the core or by a combination of these approaches. The core has a pump input surface for receiving pumping radiation at a pumping wavelength and one or more output surfaces for emitting a laser beam at an output wavelength. When used as an amplifier, the core also has a laser input surface which may be the same as one of the output surfaces.

Phase Conjugate Relay Mirror Apparatus For High Energy Laser System And Method
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US Patent:

6961171, Nov 1, 2005
Filed:

Oct 17, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/272778
Inventors:

Robert W. Byren - Manhattan Beach CA, US
David Filgas - Newbury Park CA, US
Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Waltham MA
International Classification:

H01S003/00
US Classification:

359333, 359338
Abstract:

A system for directing electromagnetic energy. The inventive system includes a first subsystem mounted on a first platform for transmitting a beam of the electromagnetic energy through a medium and a second subsystem mounted on a second platform for redirecting the beam. In accordance with the invention, the second platform is mobile relative to the first platform. In the illustrative embodiment, the beam is a high-energy laser beam. The first subsystem includes a phase conjugate mirror in optical alignment with a laser amplifier. The first subsystem further includes a beam director in optical alignment with the amplifier and a platform track sensor coupled thereto. In the illustrative embodiment, the second subsystem includes a co-aligned master oscillator, outcoupler, and target track sensor which are fixedly mounted to a stabilized platform, a beam director, and a platform track sensor. In the best mode, the stable platform is mounted for independent articulation relative to the beam director. A first alternative embodiment of the second subsystem includes first and second beam directors.

Methods And Systems For Laser Processing A Workpiece And Methods And Apparatus For Controlling Beam Quality Therein
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US Patent:

7054341, May 30, 2006
Filed:

Feb 19, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/505070
Inventors:

Gerald Francis Hermann - Westland MI, US
Thomas Robert Kugler - Williamston MI, US
Mohammed Naeem - Rugby, GB
Keith Withnall - West Haddon, GB
Walther Goethals - Best, NL
David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA, US
Assignee:

GSI Group Ltd. - Warwickshire
International Classification:

H01S 3/10
US Classification:

372 26, 372 31
Abstract:

Laser processing methods, systems and apparatus having a super-modulating power supply () or pumping subsystem () and high beam quality (i. e. , brightness) are disclosed. The methods, systems and apparatus have significant benefits, improved operation characteristics and material processing capability over currently available methods, systems and apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the beam quality of a high power solid state laser () is improved in the presence of thermal lensing. High power laser cutting, scribing, and welding results are improved with a combination of modulation and high beam quality while providing for improved processing speeds.

Waveguide Architecture, Waveguide Devices For Laser Processing And Beam Control, And Laser Processing Applications
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US Patent:

7065121, Jun 20, 2006
Filed:

Nov 13, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/293760
Inventors:

David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA, US
Frank Haran - Carp, CA
Andreas Mank - Kanata, CA
John Robertson - Salem NH, US
Assignee:

GSI Group Ltd. - Warwickshire
International Classification:

H01S 3/11
H01S 3/113
H01S 3/115
H01S 3/03
US Classification:

372 64, 372 10, 372 11, 372 12
Abstract:

Methods and systems for laser-based processing of materials are disclosed wherein a scalable laser architecture, based on planar waveguide technology, provides for pulsed laser micromachining applications while supporting higher average power applications like laser welding and cutting. Various embodiments relate to improvements in planar waveguide technology which provide for stable operation at high powers with a reduction in spurious outputs and thermal effects. At least one embodiment provides for micromachining with pulsewidths in the range of femtoseconds to nanoseconds. In another embodiment, 100 W or greater average output power operation is provided for with a diode-pumped, planar waveguide architecture.

Methods And Systems For Laser Processing A Workpiece And Methods And Apparatus For Controlling Beam Quality Therein
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US Patent:

7324571, Jan 29, 2008
Filed:

May 25, 2006
Appl. No.:

11/440768
Inventors:

Gerald Francis Hermann - Westland MI, US
Thomas Robert Kugler - Williamston MI, US
Mohammed Naeem - Rugby, GB
Keith Withnall - West Haddon, GB
Walther Goethals - Best, NL
David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA, US
Assignee:

GSI Group Ltd. - Warwickshire
International Classification:

H01S 3/10
US Classification:

372 26, 372 31
Abstract:

Laser processing methods, systems and apparatus having a super-modulating power supply or pumping subsystem and high beam quality (i. e. , brightness) are disclosed. The methods, systems and apparatus have significant benefits, improved operation characteristics and material processing capability over currently available methods, systems and apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the beam quality of a high power solid state laser is improved in the presence of thermal lensing. High power laser cutting, scribing, and welding results are improved with a combination of modulation and high beam quality while providing for improved processing speeds.

Slab Laser And Method With Improved And Directionally Homogenized Beam Quality
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US Patent:

7376160, May 20, 2008
Filed:

Nov 24, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/720328
Inventors:

Robin A. Reeder - El Segundo CA, US
David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA, US
Robert W. Byren - Manhattan Beach CA, US
Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Waltham MA
International Classification:

H01S 3/10
US Classification:

372 9, 372 92
Abstract:

A laser resonator for generating a laser beam having beam quality along two transverse axes that is determined primarily by the mode discrimination characteristics of one axis. The apparatus including a means for providing a collimated beam of electromagnetic energy with a predetermined orientation with respect to a line of sight thereof, and, a means for rotating the beam such that a transverse mode selection therefor is the same for two orthogonal directions thereof.

Methods And Systems For Thermal-Based Laser Processing A Multi-Material Device
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US Patent:

7382389, Jun 3, 2008
Filed:

Nov 7, 2006
Appl. No.:

11/593797
Inventors:

James J. Cordingley - Littleton MA, US
Jonathan S. Ehrmann - Sudbury MA, US
David M. Filgas - Newbury Park CA, US
Shepard D. Johnson - Andover MA, US
Joohan Lee - Andover MA, US
Donald V. Smart - Boston MA, US
Donald J. Svetkoff - Ann Arbor MI, US
Assignee:

GSI Lumonics Corporation - Billerica MA
International Classification:

B41J 2/435
B23K 26/00
US Classification:

347224, 21912168
Abstract:

A method and system for locally processing a predetermined microstructure formed on a substrate without causing undesirable changes in electrical or physical characteristics of the substrate or other structures formed on the substrate are provided. The method includes providing information based on a model of laser pulse interactions with the predetermined microstructure, the substrate and the other structures. At least one characteristic of at least one pulse is determined based on the information. A pulsed laser beam is generated including the at least one pulse. The method further includes irradiating the at least one pulse having the at least one determined characteristic into a spot on the predetermined microstructure. The at least one determined characteristic and other characteristics of the at least one pulse are sufficient to locally process the predetermined microstructure without causing the undesirable changes.