Since 2018, the new Radiation Protection Act has required users of ultrashort pulse laser machines (USPL) to have their machines approved by the state authorities. During material processing, ultrashort pulse lasers can generate soft X-ray radiation that is so strong that the limit value for the total annual dose is exceeded after just a few minutes when the machine enclosure is open.
One possible consequence of exposure to this soft X-ray radiation is skin cancer. The sensors of directly measuring and immediately displaying dosimeters for UKPL machines must be able to reliably detect the extremely short pulsed X-rays (pulse duration <1 ps) and more than 10,000 X-ray pulses per second.
The newly developed SILIX lambda X-ray monitor, which has been tested by various universities and companies, measures and displays the laser-induced X-ray radiation. In addition, warning messages are sent to the laser machine when limit values are reached. This allows the machine output to be reduced in good time. An external warning lamp can also be activated. SILIX lambda thus acts as an intelligent monitor for pulsed X-rays.
As an additional effect, SILIX lambda recognizes the components of the material from the spectrum of the measured and displayed X-rays during processing, such as which alloy metals are contained in the sheet metal of the template. As an exclusive feature for dosimeters, SILIX lambda monitors itself and controls its function. In the event of a malfunction or ageing, it issues a warning message.
In addition to selling the SILIX X-ray monitors, the manufacturer also provides operators and manufacturers of UKPL machines with advice on radiation protection and training on operating the lasers, as well as carrying out measurements of laser-induced X-rays on site and preparing expert reports for the client and for authorities for the state approval process. SILIX lambda was awarded the Artur Fischer Inventor Prize 2021 in Baden- Württemberg.
