Pump source and laser

Abstract

This invention provides a pump source and a laser. The pump source includes a housing with an assembly cavity inside. The assembly cavity has a first region and a second region. A plurality of semiconductor single tubes are disposed in the first region. The laser emitted by the semiconductor single tubes is shaped into a first laser beam, which is then transmitted to the second region. A beam splitter is disposed in the second region, capable of cutting into or out of the transmission path of the first laser beam. When the beam splitter cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam, it can convert the first laser beam into a second laser beam. At least two output optical fibers are mounted on the sidewall of the housing corresponding to the second region. The first laser beam and the second laser beam are coupled and output through the output optical fibers. A single pump source of this invention can drive multiple laser conversion modules, effectively reducing laser costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser technology, and more particularly to a pump source and a laser. Background Technology

[0002] Whether it's large-scale, assembly-line laser equipment or consumer-grade desktop laser devices, there's a growing demand and trend towards integrating multiple laser manufacturing processes, considering factors like operating costs and ease of use.

[0003] Current research on the integration of multiple laser manufacturing processes mainly focuses on laser output compatibility. For example, Chinese patent CN223506407U discloses an integrated laser welding and cleaning device that integrates lasers from both welding and cleaning channels through an output optical path design, enabling the single device to handle both laser welding and laser cleaning processes. This device has two output optical paths, corresponding to the welding laser output head and the cleaning laser output head. In existing technologies, there are two methods for splitting laser light sources: the first method uses laser output-end splitting to distribute the laser energy or time domain to different transmission fibers. In this method, due to the high laser power density and defined laser properties before splitting, this scheme requires high precision in the lens materials and processing at the splitting coupling end. Furthermore, the laser properties of different splitting channels are consistent, making cross-process operations impossible. The second method uses multiple laser sources to form independent optical paths to meet the needs of different laser processing steps for laser sources with different properties. This scheme is costly and cannot highly integrate the various light sources, resulting in a large volume and requiring independent control, which is not conducive to equipment integration. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the first objective of the present invention is to provide a pump source that can drive multiple laser conversion modules with a single pump source, thereby effectively reducing the cost of lasers.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a laser that is low in cost, capable of outputting laser beams with different properties, which is beneficial for process integration and enables cross-process operation using the same laser.

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions: A pump source includes a housing with an assembly cavity inside. The assembly cavity has a first region and a second region. A plurality of semiconductor single tubes are disposed in the first region. The laser emitted by the plurality of semiconductor single tubes is shaped into a first laser beam, which is transmitted to the second region. A beam splitter is disposed in the second region. The beam splitter can cut into or out of the transmission path of the first laser beam. When the beam splitter cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam, it can convert the first laser beam into a second laser beam. At least two output optical fibers are mounted on the sidewall of the housing corresponding to the second region. The first laser beam and the second laser beam are coupled and output through the output optical fibers.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the beam splitter includes a reflective lens that is adjustablely mounted within the second region.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the reflective mirror has a reflectivity greater than or equal to 0.2%.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the reflector is at least one.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, a focusing lens is provided on the upstream side of each output optical fiber.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the beam-splitting assembly includes an aperture stop located upstream of the focusing lens.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the beam splitter further includes a beam expander located upstream of the aperture stop.

[0013] A laser includes a pump source as described above and at least two laser emitters, wherein the at least two laser emitters are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least two output fibers. This allows the same laser to output two different laser beams, enabling the output of laser beams with different properties while reducing laser size and cost. Using this laser in manufacturing facilitates process integration and enables cross-process operations using the same laser.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the laser further includes at least two laser conversion modules, each corresponding to at least two laser emitters and at least two output optical fibers.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the laser conversion module includes a forward combiner, a gain fiber, a reverse combiner, and a mode stripper arranged sequentially along the laser beam transmission direction, and multiple pump sources are connected to both the forward combiner and the reverse combiner.

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: The pump source of the present invention internally splits the light, enabling a single pump source to output a laser beam to at least two laser conversion modules through at least two output optical fibers in a time-division / energy-division manner. Each output optical fiber, i.e., the fiber channel model, is matched to the requirements of different laser conversion modules, which can realize a single pump source driving multiple laser conversion modules, effectively reducing the cost of lasers. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pump source provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second region corresponding to the pump source provided in the seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a laser provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Icons: 1. Pump source; 10. Housing; 101. First output fiber; 102. Second output fiber; 103. Third output fiber; 11. First region; 12. Second region; 13. Semiconductor single tube; 14. Conventional optical shaping component; 15. First laser beam; 151. Second laser beam; 16. Beam splitter; 161. First reflecting mirror; 162. Second reflecting mirror; 163. First motor; 164. Second motor; 165. ... 1. Focusing lens; 166. Second focusing lens; 167. Third focusing lens; 168. Aperture; 169. Beam expander; 2. Laser; 21. First laser conversion module; 211. Forward beam combiner; 212. High-reflection grating; 213. Gain fiber; 214. Low-reflection grating; 215. Reverse beam combiner; 216. Mode stripper; 22. Second laser conversion module; 23. Red light pump; 24. Seed source; 25. QBH; 26. Collimating output isolator. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8 A pump source 1 includes a housing 10, within which an assembly cavity is disposed. The assembly cavity has a first region 11 and a second region 12. A plurality of semiconductor single tubes 13 are disposed in the first region 11. The laser emitted by the plurality of semiconductor single tubes 13 is shaped into a first laser beam 15, which is transmitted to the second region 12. A beam splitter 16 is disposed in the second region 12. The beam splitter 16 can cut into or out of the transmission path of the first laser beam 15. When the beam splitter 16 cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, it can convert the first laser beam 15 into a second laser beam 151. At least two output optical fibers are mounted on the sidewall of the housing 10 corresponding to the second region 12. The first laser beam 15 and the second laser beam 151 are coupled and output through the output optical fibers. Figure 1As shown, the laser emitted by the semiconductor single tube 13 is shaped by a conventional optical shaping component 14 to form a first laser beam 15. In use, the beam splitting component 16 can select to cut into or out of the transmission path of the first laser beam 15 according to actual needs, so that the pump source 1 can output at least two laser beams with different properties. The pump source 1 of this invention internally splits the beam, enabling a single pump source 1 to divide energy time-sharingly and output laser beams to at least two laser conversion modules through at least two output optical fibers. Each output optical fiber, i.e., the fiber channel model, matches the requirements of different laser conversion modules, allowing a single pump source 1 to drive multiple laser conversion modules, effectively reducing the cost of the laser 2.

[0023] It should be noted that the conventional optical shaping component 14 includes a fast-axis collimating lens (FAC), a slow-axis collimating lens (SAC), a polarizing beam combiner, etc., which are conventional technologies. They are used to shape the laser emitted by several semiconductor single tubes 13 into a first laser beam 15, which is consistent with the laser beam shaping principle of the conventional ground pump source 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0024] In this embodiment, the beam splitter 16 includes a reflector lens, which is adjustablely mounted within the second region 12. At least one reflector lens is used. Depending on the reflectivity of the reflector lens, the first laser beam 15 is transmitted or reflected to form a second laser beam 151. The reflectivity of the reflector lens is greater than or equal to 0.2%.

[0025] In this embodiment, a three-channel pump source 1 (three output optical fibers) is used as an example for illustration. Specifically, as follows... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the housing is provided with a first output optical fiber 101, a second output optical fiber 102 and a third output optical fiber 103, and the beam splitter 16 includes two reflective mirrors, specifically a first reflective mirror 161 and a second reflective mirror 162. The reflectivity of the first reflective mirror 161 and the second reflective mirror 162 is greater than or equal to 99.9%, that is, the first reflective mirror 161 and the second reflective mirror 162 are total reflection mirrors.

[0026] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, both the first reflecting lens 161 and the second reflecting lens 162 cut out the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, and the first laser beam 15 is coupled out through the first output optical fiber 101.

[0027] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first reflecting mirror 161 cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, and the second reflecting mirror 162 cuts out the transmission path of the first laser beam 15. At this time, the first laser beam 15 is converted into the second laser beam 151 by the reflection of the first reflecting mirror, and the second laser beam 151 is coupled out through the third output optical fiber 103.

[0028] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror 162 are both cut into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15. At this time, the first laser beam 15 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror in sequence and converted into the second laser beam 151. The second laser beam 151 is coupled out through the second output optical fiber 102.

[0029] In the above three embodiments, pump source 1 simultaneously outputs a laser beam with one property.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the reflectivity of the first reflecting lens 161 is 66.6%, and the reflectivity of the second reflecting lens 162 is 50%.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first reflecting mirror 161 cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, and the second reflecting mirror 162 cuts out the transmission path of the first laser beam 15. At this time, the first laser beam 15 is converted into two second laser beams 151 at the first reflecting mirror 161. That is, part of the first laser beam 15 passes through the first reflecting mirror 161 and is coupled out through the first output fiber 101, and part of the first laser beam 15 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 161 and coupled out through the third output fiber 103. In this embodiment, the output ratio of the first output fiber 101 to the second output fiber 102 is 1:2. The pump source 1 can output two laser beams simultaneously.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, both the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror are inserted into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, and... Figure 5 Unlike the pump source 1 shown, the laser beam reflected by the first reflecting mirror 161 is partially projected and partially reflected at the second reflecting mirror 162. That is, in this embodiment, the first laser beam 15 is converted into three second laser beams 151, which are respectively coupled and output through the first output fiber 101, the second output fiber 102, and the third output fiber 103. The output ratio of the first output fiber 101, the second output fiber 102, and the third output fiber 103 is 1:1:1. In this embodiment, the pump source 1 can output three laser beams simultaneously to meet the processing requirements of different working conditions.

[0033] It should be noted that both the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror 162 can be driven by motors mounted on the housing to adjust their angles, thereby enabling the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror 162 to enter and exit the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, thus switching the number and properties of the laser beam output from the pump source 1. Specifically, the first motor 163 is used to drive the first reflecting mirror 161, and the second motor 164 is used to drive the second reflecting mirror 162.

[0034] In this embodiment, a focusing lens is provided on the upstream side of each output fiber. The focusing lens is used to focus the first laser beam 15 or the second laser beam 151 to couple it to the corresponding output fiber. Specifically, the first output fiber 101 corresponds to the first focusing lens 165, the second output fiber 102 corresponds to the second focusing lens 166, and the third output fiber 103 corresponds to the third focusing lens 167.

[0035] like Figure 7 As shown, the beam splitter 16 includes an aperture stop 168, which is located upstream of the focusing lens. In this embodiment, the reflectivity of the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror 162 is greater than or equal to 99.9%, making them total reflection mirrors. Both the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror 162 are inserted into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15. Optionally, the aperture stop 168 is a φ8, NA0.15 aperture stop 168. In this case, the second output fiber 102 is a small core diameter output fiber, which can be a 135μm / NA0.22 output fiber.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the beam splitter 16 also includes a beam expander 169, which is located upstream of the aperture stop 168. In this embodiment, the reflectivity of the first reflecting mirror 161 and the second reflecting mirror 162 is greater than or equal to 99.9%, making them total reflection mirrors. The first reflecting mirror 161 cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam 15, and the second laser beam 151 cuts out of the transmission path of the first laser beam 15. After being reflected by the first reflecting mirror 161, the first laser beam 15 passes sequentially through the beam expander 169 and the aperture stop 168 to form the second laser beam 151. The second laser beam 151 is focused by the third focusing mirror 167 and then coupled to the third output fiber 103 for output. Optionally, the third output fiber 103 is a 220μm / 0.15 output fiber.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 9The present invention also provides a laser 2, including the aforementioned pump source 1 and at least two laser emitters, wherein the at least two laser emitters are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two output fibers. This allows the same laser 2 to output two types of laser beams, enabling the laser 2 to output laser beams with different properties while reducing its size and cost. Using this laser 2 for manufacturing facilitates process integration and enables cross-process operations using the same laser 2.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the pump source 1 with two channels, i.e., two output fibers, will be used as an example for explanation. The laser 2 also includes a first laser conversion module 21 and a second laser conversion module 22. One of the output fibers of the pump source 1 is connected to the first laser conversion module 21 and outputs through a laser output head corresponding to the first laser conversion module 21; the other output fiber of the pump source 1 is connected to the second laser conversion module 22 and outputs through a laser output head corresponding to the second laser conversion module 22.

[0039] Furthermore, the laser 2 also includes a red light pump 23 and a seed source 24. The red light pump 23 is correspondingly connected to the first laser conversion module 21. The first laser conversion module 21 includes a forward combiner 211, a high-reflection grating 212, a gain fiber 213, a low-reflection fiber, a reverse combiner 215, and a mode stripper 216 arranged sequentially along the laser output direction. Specifically, the red light pump 23 is connected to the forward combiner 211, and the mode stripper 216 is connected to the laser output head corresponding to the first laser conversion module 21. This laser output head is a QBH25. In this embodiment, multiple pump sources 1 are connected to both the forward combiner 211 and the reverse combiner 215. It can be understood that in the same laser conversion module, the output fibers of the multiple pump sources 1 connected to the combiner are the same. For example, at the forward combiner 211, the first output fibers of the multiple pump sources 1 are connected to the forward combiner 211; correspondingly, at the reverse combiner 215, the first output fibers of the multiple pump sources 1 are connected to the reverse combiner 215. Similarly, if the second output fibers of the multiple pump sources 1 are connected to the forward combiner 211, then correspondingly, the second output fibers of the multiple pump sources 1 are connected to the reverse combiner 215.

[0040] The second laser conversion module 22 differs from the first laser conversion module 21 in that it lacks a high-reflection grating 212 and a low-reflection grating 214. Correspondingly, the laser output head corresponding to the second laser conversion module 22 is a collimating output isolator 26. The aforementioned pump source 1 includes a first output optical fiber and a second output optical fiber. The first output optical fiber is connected to the first laser conversion module 21, and the second output optical fiber is connected to the second laser conversion module 22.

[0041] like Figure 9As shown, in use, when pump source 1 outputs a laser beam only through the first output fiber, the laser beam is coupled to the first laser conversion module 21. At this time, laser 2 outputs divergent continuous fiber laser through QBH25. When pump source 1 outputs a laser beam only through the second output fiber, the laser beam is coupled to the second laser conversion module 22, and seed source 24 is a pulsed fiber laser. At this time, laser 2 outputs collimated pulsed fiber laser through collimation output isolator 26. When pump source 1 outputs a laser beam through both the first and second output fibers, laser 2 can simultaneously output divergent continuous laser and collimated pulsed laser. In this embodiment, the two optical paths of divergent continuous laser and collimated pulsed laser can be set on the same water-cooled plate, and beam splitting can be achieved at the output end. Laser 2 integrates multiple lasers with different performance parameters into one laser 2, reducing the volume and weight occupied by laser 2 in the laser equipment, making laser 2 easier to integrate and control. The specific parameters of the output laser beam can be changed by altering the parameters of optical components such as the beam combiner, high-reflectivity grating 212, gain fiber 213, low-reflectivity grating 214, mode stripper 216, and seed source 24 in the laser transmission module.

[0042] It is understandable that in this embodiment of laser 2, that is... Figure 9 In the embodiment of laser 2 shown, the first output fiber and the second output fiber do not completely correspond to the "first output fiber 101" and "second output fiber 102" in the embodiment of pump source 1. The first output fiber and the second output fiber in the embodiment of laser 2 are only used to distinguish the two output channels of the pump. It can also be understood that the first output fiber is the first output channel. Figure 9 The blue line output from pump source 1), the second output fiber is the second output channel ( Figure 9 The red line output from pump source 1.

[0043] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A pump source, characterized by, Includes an outer shell, wherein an assembly cavity is disposed within the outer shell, the assembly cavity having a first region and a second region, wherein a plurality of semiconductor single tubes are disposed in the first region, and the laser emitted by the plurality of semiconductor single tubes is shaped to form a first laser beam, the first laser beam being transmitted to the second region; A beam splitting component is provided in the second region. The beam splitting component can cut into or out of the transmission path of the first laser beam. When the beam splitting component cuts into the transmission path of the first laser beam, the beam splitting component can convert the first laser beam into a second laser beam. At least two output optical fibers are mounted on the side wall of the outer casing corresponding to the second region, and the first laser beam and the second laser beam are coupled and output through the output optical fibers.

2. The pump source of claim 1, wherein, The beam splitter includes a reflective lens, which is adjustablely mounted within the second region.

3. The pump source of claim 2, wherein, The reflectivity of the reflective lens is greater than or equal to 0.2%.

4. The pump source of claim 2, wherein, The reflector is at least one.

5. The pump source of claim 1, wherein, A focusing lens is provided on the upstream side of each output optical fiber.

6. The pump source of claim 5, wherein, The beam-splitting assembly includes an aperture stop, which is located upstream of the focusing lens.

7. The pump source of claim 6, wherein, The beam splitter also includes a beam expander, which is located upstream of the aperture stop.

8. A laser characterized by, It includes a pump source as described in any one of claims 1-7 and at least two laser emitters, wherein the at least two laser emitters are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least two output optical fibers.

9. The laser according to claim 8, characterized in that, The laser also includes at least two laser conversion modules, each corresponding to at least two laser output heads, and each corresponding to at least two output optical fibers.

10. The laser according to claim 9, characterized in that, The laser conversion module includes a forward combiner, a gain fiber, a reverse combiner, and a mode stripper arranged sequentially along the laser beam transmission direction. Multiple pump sources are connected to both the forward combiner and the reverse combiner.

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