Photon welding devices of this invention comprise a non-coherent photon source,
and a light pipe coupled to the photon source at one end. A thin mask is positioned
at another end of the light pipe that defines a weld location for photon delivery.
A work piece to be bonded by the device comprises a top layer of transparent plastic
and a base layer of absorbing plastic. The thin mask is in the form of a reflective
coating positioned on the end of the light pipe over all surfaces that are not
in contact with the work piece. A device includes a member that imposes a controlled,
compressive force to the work piece while it is being welded and during a short
time thereafter. The device also includes a member that maintains a desired alignment
of the light pipe, top layer of the work piece, and base layer of the work piece
during the bonding cycle.
