US 12,304,851 B2
Energy delivery optimization for laser thickness control of fusion glass system and methods
Michael Peter Gaj, Horseheads, NY (US); Matthew Miacomet Winter Johnston, Lindley, NY (US); Philip Robert LeBlanc, Corning, NY (US); Robert Arthur McIntosh, Painted Post, NY (US); and Remy Tumbar, Ithaca, NY (US)
Assigned to CORNING INCORPORATED, Corning, NY (US)
Appl. No. 17/766,328
Filed by CORNING INCORPORATED, Corning, NY (US)
PCT Filed Oct. 6, 2020, PCT No. PCT/US2020/054341
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Apr. 4, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/080766, PCT Pub. Date Apr. 29, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/924,312, filed on Oct. 22, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2024/0051862 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. C03B 17/06 (2006.01); B23K 26/062 (2014.01); B23K 26/354 (2014.01)
CPC C03B 17/067 (2013.01) [B23K 26/062 (2015.10); B23K 26/354 (2015.10)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus comprising:
a memory device configured to store instructions; and
a controller comprising at least one processor and configured to execute the instructions, causing the controller to:
preselect a portion of molten glass of a glass forming apparatus;
configure a reflecting apparatus to reflect a laser beam from a laser generator to the preselected portion of the molten glass;
determine a power density for the laser beam based on an angle of incidence of the laser beam relative to the preselected portion of the molten glass;
determine a length the laser beam will travel from the reflecting apparatus to the preselected portion of the molten glass;
configure the laser generator to generate the laser beam with a beam waist that is positioned at the preselected portion of the molten glass; and
activate the laser generator to generate the laser beam at the determined power density to heat the preselected portion of the molten glass.