Context: This patent relates to an industrial laser welding system where an Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) is used to melt metal. The system requires real-time monitoring of the weld pool.
The bandpass filter is used as: A "laser line" filter within the machine vision camera assembly that looks at the workpiece.
Function: Depending on the specific configuration, it either (A) blocks the intense thermal radiation and plasma light while passing the 1064nm reflection to monitor laser focus, or (B) blocks the 1064nm laser light while passing visible light to let the camera see the weld pool geometry without being blinded by the laser. (In this specific context of using a 1064nm BP, it is often to track the pilot beam or reflection).
Result: Achieving precise, real-time feedback on the weld quality and laser positioning, reducing defects in automated manufacturing.