Laser polarization state control device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a laser polarization state control device, which is characterized in that a reflection unit is arranged on an output light path of a laser, a 1 / 2 wave plate, a beam splitter prism, a 1 / 4 wave plate and a galvanometer are sequentially arranged on a reflection light path of the reflection unit, and an output end of the galvanometer faces a workpiece on a carrying table; a power meter used for monitoring and recording the output power of the light splitting optical path of the first light splitting prism in real time is arranged beside the carrying table. The polarization state of the laser is adjusted to be circular polarization through the 1 / 4 wave plate, and the angle of the 1 / 4 wave plate is adjusted, so that the output laser beam is stable circular polarization light; the linear polarization state of laser is dynamically adjusted, a laser beam firstly passes through a 1 / 2 wave plate and then passes through a beam splitter prism, the power change is recorded by rotating the 1 / 2 wave plate and utilizing a power meter, the optimal states of P light and S light of linearly polarized light are determined, the P light is used when the X direction is cut, and the S light is switched when the Y direction is cut. And efficient generation and adjustment of circular polarization and linearly polarized light are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a laser polarization state control device, belonging to the field of laser processing equipment technology. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of ultrafast laser micromachining, the polarization state of the laser has a significant impact on the processing effect. Laser polarization states are mainly classified as linearly polarized, circularly polarized, and elliptically polarized. Each polarization state interacts with the material in different ways, affecting the laser's cutting, drilling, and surface treatment effects. When linearly polarized light cuts metals, especially high-reflectivity metals such as aluminum and copper, its specific reflection characteristics can significantly improve cutting efficiency. This phenomenon stems from the combination of the electric field vector direction of linearly polarized light and the characteristics of the metal surface, optimizing the energy transfer and absorption process, reducing the heat-affected zone, and lowering the risk of material deformation and reduced cutting quality due to heat accumulation.

[0003] On the other hand, circularly polarized light exhibits superior uniformity and cutting stability when processing thin metal materials or workpieces with complex shapes. The energy distribution characteristics of circularly polarized light enable more uniform energy transfer during the cutting process, thereby effectively reducing edge effects and improving processing accuracy. This uniformity is particularly important when processing microstructures and intricate patterns, enabling high-quality surface treatment.

[0004] Although the impact of polarization state on laser processing has received widespread attention, existing polarization state adjustment methods mainly rely on static polarizers and optical components. These traditional methods have several limitations in practical applications. First, traditional methods often lack sufficient flexibility and cannot quickly adapt to different processing requirements. Second, the use of static optical components results in insufficient adjustment accuracy and makes real-time monitoring difficult. Furthermore, traditional polarization state adjustment processes are complex and difficult to operate, especially in high-power laser systems, where these problems are even more pronounced.

[0005] Currently, research on polarization state adjustment is gradually developing towards intelligence and automation. With the continuous advancement of laser technology and optical components, the development of novel polarization state control methods has become an important research direction. For example, by combining various optical components such as waveplates, polarizing beam splitters (PBS), and beam splitters, attempts are being made to achieve dynamic polarization state adjustment of lasers. These new methods can not only improve the flexibility and accuracy of laser processing, but also provide better cutting results under different processing conditions.

[0006] However, existing technologies still have shortcomings. For example, although some studies have explored the influence of polarization state on cutting results, a systematic and operable method for polarization control is lacking. How to monitor and adjust the polarization state of the laser in real time during actual processing to meet different materials and processing requirements remains a pressing technical challenge.

[0007] In summary, the polarization state of lasers plays a crucial role in ultrafast laser micromachining, but current methods for adjusting the polarization state have certain limitations. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel laser polarization state control method to effectively improve processing efficiency, enhance processing quality, and promote the development of laser micromachining technology. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a laser polarization state control device.

[0009] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0010] The laser polarization state control device is characterized by comprising a half-wave plate, a beam splitter prism, and a quarter-wave plate. A reflection unit is arranged in the output optical path of the laser. The half-wave plate, beam splitter prism, quarter-wave plate, and galvanometer are arranged sequentially in the reflected optical path of the reflection unit. The output end of the galvanometer faces the workpiece on the stage. A power meter is arranged next to the stage for real-time monitoring and recording of the output power of the beam splitter prism and the beam splitter optical path.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned laser polarization state control device, the reflecting unit includes a first reflecting mirror and a second reflecting mirror arranged along the optical path.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned laser polarization state control device, the stage is an XY-θ axis motion platform.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned laser polarization state control device, the laser is an ultraviolet picosecond laser.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned laser polarization state control device, the laser is a 12W ultraviolet picosecond laser.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned laser polarization state control device, an optical shutter is arranged at the output end of the laser.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has significant advantages and beneficial effects, specifically reflected in the following aspects:

[0017] This invention achieves efficient generation and adjustment of circularly and linearly polarized light. By scientifically configuring various optical elements and combining a quarter-wave plate and a beam splitter, it enables efficient and flexible control of the laser polarization state, fully leveraging the advantages of different polarization states in applications such as metal cutting. Through precise adjustment of the optical device configuration, it can provide the required circularly and linearly polarized light in laser processing, improving processing efficiency and reducing material loss.

[0018] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing specific embodiments of the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model 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.

[0020] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, directional and ordinal terms are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the laser polarization state control device includes a 1 / 2 waveplate 4, a beam splitter 5, and a 1 / 4 waveplate 6. The laser 1 is a 12W ultraviolet picosecond laser. A shutter and a reflection unit are arranged sequentially on the output optical path of the laser 1. The reflection unit includes a first reflector 2 and a second reflector 3 arranged along the optical path. The 1 / 2 waveplate 4, the beam splitter 5, the 1 / 4 waveplate 6, and the galvanometer 7 are arranged sequentially on the reflected optical path of the reflection unit. The output end of the galvanometer 7 faces the workpiece 8 on the stage 10. The stage 10 is an XY-θ axis motion platform. A power meter 9 is arranged next to the stage 10 for real-time monitoring and recording of the output power of the beam splitter 5 and the beam splitting optical path.

[0024] Laser polarization state control methods specifically include:

[0025] a) Generation and adjustment of circularly polarized light: The laser beam output from laser 1 first passes through a half-wave plate 4, a beam splitter 5, and then a quarter-wave plate 6. When the quarter-wave plate 6 rotates to a certain angle, the beam splitter 5 divides the laser beam into two parts. The power of the laser beam passing through the beam splitter 5 is monitored. After the laser beam passes through the beam splitter 5, the power meter 9 records the output power of the laser in real time. By adjusting the beam splitter 5 to rotate 360°, the power fluctuation of the laser beam passing through the beam splitter 5 is observed. When the power is stable and does not fluctuate, it can be determined that the position of the quarter-wave plate 6 is fixed. After removing the beam splitter 5, the laser beam passing through the quarter-wave plate 6 is considered to be circularly polarized light. By adjusting the rotation angle of the quarter-wave plate, a stable circularly polarized light output is obtained.

[0026] b) Generation and adjustment of linearly polarized light: The laser beam first passes through a half-wave plate 4, and then through a beam splitter prism 5, splitting the laser beam into P-beams and S-beams. The laser's polarization state is mainly P-beam. By rotating the half-wave plate 4 and recording the power change of the laser beam after passing through the beam splitter prism 5, the peak and trough times of the power are identified. The angle of the half-wave plate 4 is also recorded. When the power reaches its peak, the corresponding position of the half-wave plate 4 represents the P-beam state of the linearly polarized light; when the power reaches its trough, the corresponding position of the half-wave plate 4 represents the S-beam state of the linearly polarized light. By adjusting the linear polarization state of the laser, the processing technology can be controlled.

[0027] By adjusting the polarization state of the laser to circular polarization using a quarter-wave plate 6, and adjusting the angle of the quarter-wave plate 6, the output laser beam becomes stable circularly polarized light. When using circularly polarized light for cutting, the cutting quality in both the X and Y directions is significantly improved, the quality of the cutting edges is similar, and burrs and notches are reduced. Circularly polarized light provides a more uniform energy distribution during the cutting of thin metal materials, improving the consistency and effectiveness of the processing.

[0028] Although circularly polarized light significantly improves the cutting quality, a small number of burrs and gaps are found in the X and Y directions. Based on this, the linear polarization state of the laser is dynamically adjusted to optimize the cutting quality. The laser beam first passes through a half-wave plate 4 and then through a beam splitter prism 5. By rotating the half-wave plate 4, the power change is recorded by a power meter 9 to determine the optimal state of the P-beam and S-beam of the linearly polarized light. When cutting in the X direction, the P-beam is used, and when cutting in the Y direction, the S-beam is switched.

[0029] By dynamically adjusting the cutting method, the cutting quality in both the X and Y directions is optimized. After adjustment, the burrs on the cut metal edge are significantly reduced, and the cutting quality in both the X and Y directions becomes more consistent, exhibiting excellent cutting results. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the laser polarization state control method of this invention in practical applications.

[0030] By rotating a quarter-wave plate 6 and using a beam splitter prism 5 to measure laser power fluctuations in real time, the output laser is stably circularly polarized. During the cutting process, the linear polarization state of the laser is dynamically adjusted using a half-wave plate 4, and the optimal states of the P-beam and S-beam are recorded using power measurements to optimize cutting quality. This method is particularly suitable for cutting thin metal materials, verifying the significant impact of different polarization states on cutting results. When using circularly polarized light for cutting, the consistency of cutting quality in the X and Y directions is improved, and the cutting effect is further improved through dynamic adjustment of linear polarization. The introduced real-time power monitoring system can dynamically respond to changes in cutting requirements, ensuring stable laser energy output.

[0031] Furthermore, its application is not limited to thin metal materials but can be extended to the micromachining of other materials, demonstrating broad application potential and market value. Through innovative configuration and dynamic adjustment strategies of optical elements, this invention provides a novel solution in the field of laser micromachining technology.

[0032] In summary, this invention achieves efficient generation and adjustment of circularly and linearly polarized light. By scientifically configuring various optical elements and combining a quarter-wave plate and a beam splitter, it enables efficient and flexible control of the laser polarization state, fully leveraging the advantages of different polarization states in applications such as metal cutting. Through precise adjustment of the optical device configuration, the required circularly and linearly polarized light can be provided in laser processing, improving processing efficiency and reducing material loss.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need further definition and explanation in subsequent figures.

[0034] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. A laser polarization state control device, characterized in that: The laser (1) includes a half-wave plate (4), a beam splitter (5), and a quarter-wave plate (6). A reflection unit is arranged on the output optical path of the laser (1). The half-wave plate (4), beam splitter (5), quarter-wave plate (6), and galvanometer (7) are arranged sequentially on the reflection optical path of the reflection unit. The output end of the galvanometer (7) faces the workpiece (8) on the stage (10). A power meter (9) is arranged next to the stage (10) for real-time monitoring and recording of the output power of the beam splitter (5) beam splitter.

2. The laser polarization state control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflecting unit includes a first reflector (2) and a second reflector (3) arranged along the optical path.

3. The laser polarization state control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The platform (10) is an XY-θ axis motion platform.

4. The laser polarization state control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser (1) is an ultraviolet picosecond laser.

5. The laser polarization state control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The laser (1) is a 12W ultraviolet picosecond laser.

6. The laser polarization state control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output end of the laser (1) is provided with an optical shutter.

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