Laser adapter and optical system

Abstract

The present application provides a laser adapter and optical system, the laser adapter comprising: a housing and a beam conversion device and a beam stabilization device disposed within the housing; the housing having a laser input port and a laser output port; the beam conversion device configured to convert the laser beam entering the housing; and the beam stabilization device disposed downstream of the beam conversion device along the laser transmission direction, configured to adjust the laser transmission direction to correct the deviation between the actual position of the laser beam at the laser output port and the ideal position. The technical solution provided by the present application allows the laser to be adapted and coupled to a subsequently connected device by converting the input laser and adjusting the laser transmission direction, even when lasers with different parameters are input or when deflection occurs during laser transmission. The need for readjusting the optical path or replacing optical components in the optical path is eliminated. The laser adapter can be used to convert the input laser and adjust the laser transmission direction, thereby adapting the laser to and coupling it to a subsequently connected device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical technology, and in particular to a laser adapter and an optical system. Background Art

[0002] In the laser coupling scheme of the existing technology, an adjustment mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom is usually used. A lens is set on the adjustment mechanism. By adjusting the lens, the spatial laser is coupled into the optical fiber. In order to ensure the coupling efficiency of the laser, it is usually necessary to select the lens based on the laser output spot size, light waist position, etc.

[0003] However, if you replace the laser or change the spot size, you need to readjust the optical path or reselect the lens. The optical path adjustment and lens replacement are complicated and require professional operation.

[0004] In addition, if the environment changes, such as vibration or temperature changes, the output pointing angle of the laser will also change. The typical laser is 25μrad / ℃. If the temperature changes by 10℃, the pointing angle changes by 250μrad. The laser pointing direction changes, and the coupling efficiency of the optical fiber will drop sharply, greatly affecting the performance of the equipment. Moreover, if the light beam is deflected due to human error, the system will also need to be re-debugged. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides a laser adapter and an optical system to solve the problems existing in the laser coupling solution in the prior art, such as the complexity of optical path adjustment and lens replacement, and the decrease in laser coupling efficiency caused by the easy change of laser.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, a laser adapter is provided, comprising: a housing, and a beam transforming device and a beam stabilizing device disposed in the housing;

[0007] The housing has a laser input port and a laser output port;

[0008] The beam transformation device is configured to transform the laser beam entering the housing;

[0009] The beam stabilizing device is arranged downstream of the beam transforming device along the laser transmission direction, and is used to adjust the laser transmission direction to correct the deviation between the actual position of the laser beam at the laser output port and the ideal position.

[0010] Optionally, the beam stabilization device comprises: a position detector, at least one deflecting reflector, and a reflector adjustment mechanism connected to each of the deflecting reflector;

[0011] The position detector is arranged at a position close to the laser output port, and is used to detect the position information of the laser at the laser output port;

[0012] The reflector adjustment mechanism is configured to drive the deflection reflector to deflect according to the position information detected by the position detector to adjust the laser transmission direction.

[0013] Optionally, the laser adapter further includes a control unit, which receives position information detected by the position detector and controls the reflector adjustment mechanism according to the position information.

[0014] Optionally, the laser adapter further comprises at least one fixed reflector for changing the laser transmission direction, and the fixed reflector is arranged upstream of the beam transforming device along the laser transmission direction.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one fixed reflector includes a first fixed reflector and a second fixed reflector, and the at least one deflecting reflector includes a first deflecting reflector and a second deflecting reflector;

[0016] The laser is reflected by the first fixed reflector to the second fixed reflector, and the second fixed reflector reflects the laser to the beam conversion device; the laser emitted by the beam conversion device is reflected by the first deflecting reflector to the second deflecting reflector, and the second deflecting reflector is configured to reflect the laser to the laser output port.

[0017] Optionally, at least one laser power meter is provided in the housing for detecting the power of the laser entering the laser adapter.

[0018] Optionally, the at least one laser power meter includes a first laser power meter and a second laser power meter, wherein the first laser power meter is arranged near the laser input port, and the second laser power meter is arranged near the laser output port.

[0019] Optionally, the laser adapter further comprises a switch device provided at the laser input port, the switch device comprising a switch door for opening and closing the laser input port and a door driving mechanism for driving the switch door to switch between an open state and a closed state;

[0020] When the switch door is open, the laser can enter the laser adapter for transmission; when the switch door is closed, the laser is blocked from entering the laser adapter.

[0021] Optionally, a support leg is provided below the shell, and the support leg is configured to be height-adjustable.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present application, an optical system is further provided, comprising a laser, a transmission optical fiber, an application device body, and the laser adapter as described above; wherein,

[0023] The laser is arranged at the laser input port of the laser adapter and is used to emit laser light toward the laser input port;

[0024] One end of the transmission optical fiber is connected to a laser coupler, the laser coupler is connected to the laser output port, and the other end of the transmission optical fiber is connected to the application device body.

[0025] In the technical solution provided by the present application, the laser adapter is provided with a beam conversion device and a beam stabilization device. The beam conversion device can convert the input laser beam so that the laser can match the subsequent equipment and achieve the optimal performance of the equipment. The beam stabilization device can adjust the deflection direction of the laser when it detects that the laser beam is offset, ensuring the stability of the laser output and thus ensuring the coupling efficiency of the laser output. Therefore, when using the laser adapter provided by the present application, when a laser with different parameters is input or when deflection occurs during the laser transmission process, there is no need to readjust the optical path or replace the optical devices on the optical path. The laser adapter can transform the input laser and adjust the laser transmission direction to make the laser adaptable and coupled to the subsequent connected equipment.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the subsequent detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this application, are intended to provide a further understanding of this application. The exemplary embodiments and descriptions of this application are intended to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation on this application. In the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of laser adaptation according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a laser adapter with the upper cover removed according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Description of reference numerals:

[0032] 100-laser coupler; 1-housing; 2-first fixed reflector; 3-second fixed reflector; 4-beam conversion gas; 5-first deflection reflector; 6-second deflection reflector; 7-position detector; 8-laser power meter; 9-beam splitter; 10-switching mechanism; 11-laser input port; 12-laser output port; 13-support leg; 14-laser coupler; 15-transmission optical fiber; 16-driving circuit; 200-laser; 300-application equipment body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity of the technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of these features.

[0036] This application provides a laser adapter, such as Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the laser adapter 100 includes: a housing 1 and a beam conversion device 4 and a beam stabilization device arranged on the housing 1; wherein,

[0037] The housing 1 has a laser input port 11 and a laser output port 12;

[0038] The beam transforming device 4 is configured to transform the laser beam entering the housing 1;

[0039] The beam stabilizing device is arranged downstream of the beam transforming device 4 along the laser transmission direction, and is used to adjust the deflection direction of the laser beam to correct the deviation between the actual position of the laser beam at the laser output port 12 and the ideal position.

[0040] The laser adapter provided herein can transform the input laser beam through a beam transformation device 4. Beam transformation refers to the amplification, reduction, and zooming of a beam through the transformation characteristics of an optical element, allowing the laser to match the subsequent equipment and achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, the laser adapter provided herein can adjust the deflection direction of the laser beam when a deviation in the laser beam is detected through a beam stabilization device, thereby stabilizing the laser output and ensuring the coupling efficiency of the laser output.

[0041] Specifically, when using lasers with different parameters, when the lasers emit lasers with different parameters and enter the laser adapter, the beam can be transformed by the beam conversion device to uniformly output a beam with a fixed spot size, so that the lasers output by different lasers can all be adapted to the equipment connected later; or, if the distance of the laser changes, a uniform laser beam can also be output after zooming through the beam conversion device 4.

[0042] When the environment changes (such as changes in temperature, humidity, etc., or vibration occurs), the various devices on the optical path (such as the laser itself, reflectors, spectrometers, etc.) will be vibrated or offset due to the influence of temperature, causing the output direction of the laser to change. The beam stabilization device can adjust the deflection direction of the laser in real time according to the deviation between the actual position of the light beam at the laser output port 12 and the ideal position, so that the laser output is stable, that is, the laser is controlled to be output within a range with a small deviation from the ideal output position, thereby ensuring the coupling efficiency of the laser output.

[0043] Therefore, by using the laser adapter provided in the present application, when a laser with different parameters is input or a deflection occurs during the laser transmission process, there is no need to readjust the optical path or replace the optical devices on the optical path. The laser adapter can be used to transform the input laser and adjust the laser transmission direction so that the laser can be adapted and coupled to the device connected later.

[0044] In one embodiment, the beam transformation device 4 can adopt an existing device that can expand or reduce the cross section of the laser beam and can focus the laser beam. The specific structure can be implemented by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] The beam stabilization device is located downstream of the beam transformation device 4 in the laser transmission direction. In this way, the beam stabilization device can correct the beam deflection caused by the laser beam being magnified, reduced or zoomed after passing through the beam transformation device 4.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the beam stabilization device may include a position detector 7, at least one deflecting reflector, and a reflector adjustment mechanism connected to each deflecting reflector;

[0047] The position detector 7 is arranged near the laser output port 12 and is used to detect the position information of the laser at the laser output port 12. Specifically, a beam splitter 9 can be arranged on the laser transmission path to directly or indirectly reflect part of the laser to the position detector 7 through the beam splitter 9, thereby enabling the position detector 7 to detect the laser position. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a beam splitter 9 reflects a portion of the laser light to a laser power meter 8, which is also equipped with a beam splitter. The laser power meter then reflects a portion of the laser light to a position detector 7. The position detector 7 may be a 4D position detector, which can strictly detect and distinguish between position drift and angular drift of the light beam, and accurately detect the real-time position of the light beam.

[0048] The reflector adjustment mechanism is configured to drive the deflection reflector to deflect according to the position information detected by the position detector 7 to adjust the laser transmission direction so that the laser is output stably.

[0049] Specifically, the ideal position of the laser beam at the laser output port 12 is first determined. This ideal position is the position at which the ideal coupling efficiency can be achieved when the laser beam is output and coupled into a device or component (e.g., a transmission optical fiber) connected to the laser output port 12. When the light beam deflects, for example, due to vibration or temperature change causing the optical device to shift, or due to human touch, the position detector 7 detects the position information of the laser beam at the laser output port 12 in real time and sends it to the control unit. The control unit continuously determines the deviation between the position of the laser beam and the ideal position based on the position information, and controls the reflector adjustment mechanism to adjust the deflection reflector, thereby continuously adjusting the reflection direction of the laser beam, so that the laser beam is stably transmitted within a certain range around the ideal position.

[0050] The laser adapter also includes a control unit that receives position information detected by the position detector 7 and controls the reflector adjustment mechanism based on the position information. In some embodiments, the control unit can be disposed within the housing 1. Of course, the control unit can also be disposed separately, that is, the control unit can be a separate module disposed outside the housing 1.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a driving circuit 16 is further provided in the housing 1 of the laser adapter. The control unit sends a control signal to the driving circuit 16 , and the driving circuit 16 controls the action of the reflector adjustment mechanism.

[0052] In one embodiment, the laser adapter 100 further includes at least one fixed reflector for changing the direction of laser transmission. The fixed reflector is positioned upstream of the beam transforming device 4 along the direction of laser transmission. By providing a fixed reflector to change the direction of laser transmission, the optical path can be bent, facilitating the arrangement of components along the optical path and reducing the overall size of the laser adapter.

[0053] like Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one fixed reflector includes a first fixed reflector 2 and a second fixed reflector 3 , and the at least one deflecting reflector includes a first deflecting reflector 5 and a second deflecting reflector 6 ;

[0054] The laser is reflected by the first fixed reflector 2 to the second fixed reflector 3, and the second fixed reflector 3 reflects the laser to the beam conversion device 4; after the beam conversion device 4 converts the laser, the output laser is reflected by the first deflecting reflector 5 to the second deflecting reflector 6, and the second deflecting reflector 6 is configured to reflect the laser to the laser output port 12.

[0055] More specifically, the incident angle and the exit angle of the laser at the first fixed reflector 2 and the incident angle and the exit angle of the laser at the second fixed reflector 3 are approximately 45° respectively, and the incident angle and the exit angle of the laser at the first deflecting reflector 5 and the incident angle and the exit angle of the laser at the second deflecting reflector 3 are approximately 45° respectively.

[0056] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The figure shows the laser transmission path. Laser light emitted by laser 200 enters through laser input port 11, is transmitted to first fixed reflector 2, deflected approximately 90 degrees by first fixed reflector 2, and then reflected to second fixed reflector 3. After being deflected approximately 90 degrees by second fixed reflector 3, it is transmitted to beam converter 4. After beam conversion by beam converter 4, it is transmitted to first deflecting reflector 5. After being deflected approximately 90 degrees by first deflecting reflector 5, it is reflected to second deflecting reflector 6. It is then reflected by second deflecting reflector 6 to laser output port 12 and coupled into components connected to laser output port 12, such as transmission fiber 15 connected to laser output port 12 via laser coupler 14.

[0057] In this embodiment, the optical path is bent by means of a fixed reflector and a deflecting reflector, which can reduce the length of the laser adapter while facilitating the arrangement of various optical components.

[0058] It can be understood that the arrangement of the fixed transmitting mirror and the deflecting reflecting mirror is not limited to the above-mentioned arrangement, and other arrangements are also possible.

[0059] In one embodiment, at least one laser power meter 8 is disposed within the housing 1 to detect the power of the laser entering the laser adapter. The laser power meter 8 can detect changes in laser power in real time, thereby determining whether there are any problems with laser transmission, particularly problems with the laser input, such as damage to the laser or laser obstruction.

[0060] Optionally, the laser power meter 8 is disposed near the laser output port 12 and can detect the power of the laser when it is output from the laser adapter.

[0061] Specific as Figure 1 As shown, a spectroscope 9 is provided on the laser transmission path, through which a part of the laser beam can be split and reflected to the laser power meter 8. The laser power meter 8 can obtain the power of the laser by detecting the split beam.

[0062] Optionally, the at least one laser power meter includes a first laser power meter and a second laser power meter. The first laser power meter can be located near the laser input port 11, and the second laser power meter can be located near the laser output port 12. That is, the first laser power meter detects the power of the laser during input, and the second laser power meter detects the power of the laser during output. By detecting the power change during laser input, it is possible to determine whether there is a problem with the laser input, for example, whether the laser is damaged or blocked. The first laser power meter and the second laser power meter respectively detect the power of the laser during input and output, and the power change during laser output compared to laser input can be compared, thereby determining the power loss of the laser within the laser adapter.

[0063] In one embodiment, the laser adapter further includes a switch device 10 provided at the laser input port 11, the switch device 10 including a switch door for opening and closing the laser input port 11 and a door driving mechanism for driving the switch door to switch between an open state and a closed state;

[0064] When the switch door is open, the laser can enter the laser adapter for transmission; when the switch door is closed, the laser is blocked from entering the laser adapter.

[0065] The door driving mechanism can be controlled by a control unit. The control unit sends a control signal, and the drive circuit 9 can control the door driving mechanism to drive the door to open or close.

[0066] In addition, a support leg 13 can be provided under the shell 1 of the laser adapter 100. The support leg 13 is set to be height-adjustable. By adjusting the height of the support leg 13, the laser input port 11 can be adapted to the height of the laser, so that the laser can accurately emit laser light to the laser input port 11.

[0067] The height of the support leg 13 can be adjusted using existing common technologies, such as by setting an adjustment bolt to adjust the height of the support leg 13, or setting the support leg to include two parts, and adjusting the height by connecting the two parts at different height positions.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present application, an optical system is also provided, such as Figure 3 As shown, the optical system includes a laser 200, a transmission optical fiber 15, an application device body 300 and the laser adapter 100 as described above; the application device body 300 can be a device that works with laser, such as a two-photon microscope.

[0069] Among them, the laser 200 is arranged at the laser input port 11 of the laser adapter 100, and is used to emit laser to the laser input port 11; one end of the transmission optical fiber 15 is connected to the laser coupler 14, the laser coupler 14 is connected to the laser output port 11, and the other end of the transmission optical fiber 15 is connected to the application device body 300.

[0070] The optical system provided in the present application stably couples the laser to the transmission optical fiber 15 through the laser adapter 100, and then transmits the laser to the application device body 300 through the transmission optical fiber 15. In addition, the lasers of various parameters emitted by the laser 200 can be adjusted to adapt to the application device body 300, ensuring that the application device body 300 is not affected by changes in the parameters of the laser 200 or changes in the distance between the laser 200 and the laser adapter 100. Therefore, there is no need to replace optical devices in the optical path or adjust the entire optical path, and it is very convenient to use.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A laser adapter, characterized in that: The laser adapter includes: a housing and a beam conversion device, a beam stabilization device, a spectroscope, a laser power meter and a position detector arranged in the housing; wherein, The housing has a laser input port and a laser output port; The beam transformation device is configured to transform the laser beam entering the housing; The beam stabilizing device is arranged downstream of the beam transforming device along the laser transmission direction, and is used to adjust the laser transmission direction according to the position information detected by the position detector to correct the deviation between the actual position of the laser beam at the laser output port and the ideal position. The beam splitter, the laser power meter and the position detector are sequentially located downstream of the beam stabilization device along the laser transmission direction; The beam splitter is used to reflect a portion of the laser light to the laser power meter; The laser power meter is used to receive the portion of laser light, detect the power of the laser light when it is output from the laser adapter, and reflect part of the laser light of the portion of laser light to the position detector; The position detector is used to receive the portion of laser light reflected by the laser power meter and detect position information of the laser light at the laser output port.

2. The laser adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam stabilization device comprises: at least one deflecting reflector and a reflector adjustment mechanism connected to each of the deflecting reflector; The reflector adjustment mechanism is configured to drive the deflection reflector to deflect according to the position information detected by the position detector to adjust the laser transmission direction.

3. The laser adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The laser adapter further includes a control unit, which receives position information detected by the position detector and controls the reflector adjustment mechanism according to the position information.

4. The laser adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The laser adapter further comprises at least one fixed reflector for changing the transmission direction of the laser light, wherein the fixed reflector is arranged upstream of the beam transforming device along the transmission direction of the laser light.

5. The laser adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one of the fixed reflective mirrors includes a first fixed reflective mirror and a second fixed reflective mirror, and at least one of the deflecting reflective mirrors includes a first deflecting reflective mirror and a second deflecting reflective mirror; The laser is reflected by the first fixed reflector to the second fixed reflector, and the second fixed reflector reflects the laser to the beam conversion device; The laser light emitted by the beam conversion device is reflected by the first deflecting reflector to the second deflecting reflector, and the second deflecting reflector is configured to reflect the laser light to the laser output port.

6. The laser adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises a first laser power meter and a second laser power meter. The first laser power meter is arranged near the laser input port, and the second laser power meter is arranged near the laser output port.

7. The laser adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The laser adapter further comprises a switch device provided at the laser input port, the switch device comprising a switch door for opening and closing the laser input port and a door driving mechanism for driving the switch door to switch between an open state and a closed state; When the switch door is open, the laser can enter the laser adapter for transmission; when the switch door is closed, the laser is blocked from entering the laser adapter.

8. The laser adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Support legs are provided below the shell, and the support legs are arranged to be height-adjustable.

9. An optical system, characterized in that: The optical system includes a laser, a transmission optical fiber, an application device body, and a laser adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 8; wherein, The laser is arranged at the laser input port of the laser adapter and is used to emit laser light toward the laser input port; One end of the transmission optical fiber is connected to a laser coupler, the laser coupler is connected to the laser output port, and the other end of the transmission optical fiber is connected to the application device body.

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