Diamond Radiator Thinning Using an Excimer Laser
Laser Thinning of Diamond
Laser ablation will be used to thin the diamond chip to the precise thickness required for the radiator. An older excimer laser offered by a local AMO group will be converted from a 248 nm beam to the required 192 nm beam. Although the system was last used 10 years ago, it was left in a fully functioning state and was properly flushed upon decomposition. There may also be another unused excimer laser that can be used for parts in case any repair is needed.
Excimer Laser Components
The following is a break down of the Lambda Physics EMG 101 MSC's main components. Shown below is the laser head, the power supply and the vacuum pump.
Work Schedule
The following is a list of tasks required to get the Ar-F excimer laser online.
- Tend to the vacuum system: replace oil in diffusion pump, test for serious leaks at moderately low pressure (10−6 Torr)
- Test the RF generator (most expensive/hard to replace!)
- Procure a bottle of pure Ar gas
- Flush the tube, turn it on and test output power
- In case of problems, another group has a system out of commission and may allow us to salvage pieces. Barring major repair: expected online by end of 2009 with $2-3k
Long-term operating goals:
- Switch optics to 192nm
- Get mixture of Ar-F, eventually procure a gas mixing system)
- Ensure reliable pulse train and consistent power output (±5%)
Updates
- Original documentation of the Lambda Physik EMG 101 MSC Excimer laser has been scanned and posted on the following page,
- Preparation for moving the Excimer laser has begun.
- Initial diagnostics on the laser's state have also begun, however the real testing begins once we are able to take the laser head cover off.