Abstract: A method involves increasing a temperature of a workpiece over a first time period to an intermediate temperature, and heating a surface of the workpiece to a desired temperature greater than the intermediate temperature, the heating commencing within less time following the first time period than the first time period. Another method involves pre-heating the workpiece from an initial temperature to an intermediate temperature, and heating a surface of the workpiece to a desired temperature greater than the intermediate temperature by an amount less than or equal to about one-fifth of a difference between the intermediate and initial temperatures. Another method involves irradiating a first side of the workpiece to pre-heat the workpiece to an intermediate temperature, and irradiating a second side of the workpiece to heat the second side to a desired temperature greater than the intermediate temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high intensity electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. The apparatus includes a high intensity arc lamp having an inner envelope cooled by a first flow of liquid along an inside surface of the inner envelope. The arc lamp includes first and second electrodes for generating a high power plasma arc within the inner envelope, the arc emitting the radiation. The apparatus further includes a cooling device for producing a second flow of liquid in contact with an outside surface of the inner envelope. In order to approximate a desired electromagnetic radiation spectrum, the apparatus may further include an energy redistributor for redistributing energy within a first radiation spectrum generated by the arc to produce a second radiation spectrum.

Abstract: Methods and systems for heat-treating a workpiece are disclosed. A first method involves increasing a temperature of the workpiece over a first time period to an intermediate temperature, and heating a surface of the workpiece to a desired temperature greater than the intermediate temperature, the heating commencing within less time following the first time period than the first time period. A second method involves pre-heating the workpiece from an initial temperature to an intermediate temperature, and heating a surface of the workpiece to a desired temperature greater than the intermediate temperature by an amount less than or equal to about one-fifth of a difference between the intermediate and initial temperatures. A third method involves irradiating a first side of the workpiece to pre-heat the workpiece to an intermediate temperature, and irradiating a second side of the workpiece to heat the second side to a desired temperature greater than the intermediate temperature.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for producing a desired spatial temperature distribution across a workpiece. The method includes irradiating a plurality of areas on a surface of the workpiece to create localized heating of the workpiece in those areas, to produce the desired spatial temperature distribution in the workpiece, and the apparatus includes means for carrying out the method. The system includes a locator for locating the workpiece in a desired position relative to an energy source, and an irradiance system for carrying out the method. The system further includes a processor circuit in communication with the irradiance system, and a radiation-absorbing environment. The irradiance system includes a measuring system and at least one energy source for directing radiation to the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for producing a desired spatial temperature distribution across a workpiece. The method includes irradiating a plurality of areas on a surface of the workpiece to create localized heating of the workpiece in those areas, to produce the desired spatial temperature distribution in the workpiece, and the apparatus includes means for carrying out the method. The system includes a locator for locating the workpiece in a desired position relative to an energy source, and an irradiance system for carrying out the method. The system further includes a processor circuit in communication with the irradiance system, and a radiation-absorbing environment. The irradiance system includes a measuring system and at least one energy source for directing radiation to the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly and uniformly heating a workpiece includes a plurality of walls defining a first chamber, a first source of radiation for producing incident radiation on a first energy transfer surface of the workpiece, a holder for holding the workpiece in a workpiece plane in the chamber and a radiation absorbing surface on at least one wall of the chamber. The holder has an energy transfer surface, the energy transfer surfaces of the holder and of the workpiece reflecting and emitting radiation in the chamber and the radiation absorbing surface particularly for absorbing radiation reflected and radiation emitted from the energy transfer surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing high intensity radiation has electrodes positioned within an elongated cylindrical arc chamber across which an arc discharge can be established. Liquid is injected into the arc chamber to produce a vortex motion therein to form a cylindrical liquid wall adjacent to the chamber, which constricts the arc by cooling an outer periphery thereof. Gas is injected into the arc chamber to produce a vortex motion adjacent the cylindrical liquid wall. An exhaust structure actively exhausts the liquid and gas from the arc chamber to reduce turbulence and restriction of fluid. This permits attainment of higher flux densities in the arc, and/or extension of electrode life. Preferably, the liquid and gas are exhausted actively by means of an ejector pump which ejects pressurized liquid into the gas and liquid leaving the arc chamber.

Abstract: A high intensity radiation source. A liquid vortex wall is formed on the inside surface of an arc chamber to restrict the diameter of an arc generated between electrodes. The liquid vortex wall is obtained by utilizing a vortex generating means which includes an annular restriction through which the liquid must pass prior to entering the arc chamber. The annular restriction is of a dimension sufficient to allow adequate pressure and velocity throughout the arc chamber and to reduce or eliminate flow irregularities which could be transmitted to the liquid wall in the arc chamber. A nozzle may provide for establishment of the required axial vortex flow motion of both the liquid and gas while the liquid and gas are physically separated prior to their entrance to the arc chamber.