Multi kw class blue laser system

Abstract

The invention may be embodied in other forms than those specifically disclosed herein without departing from itMulti-kW-class blue (400-495 nm) fiber- delivered lasers and module configurations. In embodiments, the lasers propagate laser beams having beam parameter products of < 5 mm*mrad, which are used in materials processing, welding and pumping a Raman laser. In an embodiment the laser systemis an integration of fiber-coupled modules, which are in turn made up of submodules. An embodiment has sub-modules having a plurality of lensed blue semiconductor gain chips with low reflectivity front facets. These are locked in wavelength with a wavelength spread of < 1 nm by using volume Bragg gratings in an external cavity configuration. An embodiment has modules having of a plurality of submodules, which are combined through wavelength multiplexing with a bandwidth of < 10 nm, followed by polarization beam combining. The output of each module is fiber- coupled into a low NA fiber. In an embodiment a kW-level blue laser system is realized by fiber bundling and combining multiple modules into a single output fiber.

Description

[0001] This application: (i) claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 580,419, filed November 1, 2017, the entirety of which The disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0002] The present invention relates to high power laser systems that provide lower wavelength laser energy, such as wavelength laser energy of about 350 nm to about 700 nm, and uses related to these systems and laser beams, including material processing and laser welding applications . Background technique [0003] Infrared (IR) based additive manufacturing systems (eg, with wavelengths greater than 700 nm, and especially with wavelengths greater than 1,000 nm) have, among other things, two drawbacks that limit build volume and build speed. [0004] As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, "UV", "ultraviolet light", "UV spectrum" and "UV portion of the spectrum" and similar terms shall be given their broadest ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0012] The present invention advances the state of the art and addresses the long-standing need to provide and utilize high-power blue, blue-green, and green lasers; provides solutions to long-standing problems with infrared additive manufacturing systems and processes, and addresses these needs and others Long-standing needs and future needs as additive manufacturing processes and systems become more common

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