Beam shutter, laser arrangement and associated operating method

Abstract

A beam shutter for a laser beam includes a main body, a magnetic field sensor, a holding arm having release and closure positions, a reflecting optical unit and a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field having reduced strength upon heating above a limit temperature. The magnet is closer to the sensor in the closure than the release position. A controller deactivates a laser light source at reduced magnetic field measured by the sensor, when passing a predefined strength and/or gradient magnetic field threshold. A laser arrangement includes a laser light source and beam shutter. The laser beam strikes the reflecting unit in the closure position. An operating method includes bringing the holding arm into closure position, operating the laser light source, measuring magnetic field strength and/or gradient using the sensor, deactivating the laser light source when the magnetic field drops and passes the predefined magnetic field threshold.