Light intensity adjusting device and laser optical system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a light intensity adjusting device and a laser optical system, and relates to the technical field of optics. The light intensity adjusting device comprises a beam expanding and shaping assembly and a polarization adjusting assembly which are sequentially arranged along a light path. The beam expanding and shaping assembly comprises a shaft distance adjusting piece, a first optical element and a second optical element, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are arranged on the two opposite sides of the shaft distance adjusting piece respectively. The shaft distance adjusting piece drives the first optical element to move in the axial direction to get close to or get away from the second optical element. The polarization adjusting assembly comprises a rotation driving part, a wave plate and a polaroid, the wave plate is arranged between the polaroid and the second optical element, and the rotation driving part can drive the wave plate to rotate with the optical axis as the rotation axis; the first optical element, the second optical element, the wave plate and the polarizer are arranged along the same optical axis. The light intensity adjusting device is compact in structure, light intensity can be accurately adjusted, and the output stability and uniformity of laser are improved.

Description

A light intensity modulation device and laser optical system Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical technology, and more specifically, to an optical intensity modulation device and a laser optical system. Background Technology

[0002] Laser intensity adjustment is a core requirement of precision optical systems. By adjusting the light intensity, different application scenarios can be adapted to ensure uniform beam energy distribution and stable output, while avoiding damage to optical components due to excessive energy density.

[0003] Traditional beam shaping mainly relies on mechanical apertures or variable attenuators. The former reduces the amount of light transmitted by blocking the beam, but it loses energy and cannot precisely control polarization characteristics. The latter uses liquid crystal or acousto-optic modulation technology, which can be continuously adjusted, but has problems such as response delay, complex structure, and high cost. Moreover, most existing technologies rely on fixed lens groups or complex zoom lens systems for beam shaping, resulting in relatively complex device structures, large size, time-consuming adjustment processes, and the potential introduction of optical distortion during adjustment, which affects beam quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intensity adjustment device and a laser optical system, which has a compact structure, can accurately adjust the light intensity, and improve the output stability and uniformity of the laser.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, this utility model provides an optical intensity adjustment device, comprising a beam expanding and shaping component and a polarization adjustment component arranged sequentially along an optical path; the beam expanding and shaping component includes an axis spacing adjustment component and a first optical element and a second optical element respectively disposed on opposite sides of the axis spacing adjustment component, the axis spacing adjustment component drives the first optical element to move axially to approach or move away from the second optical element; the polarization adjustment component includes a rotation drive component, a waveplate and a polarizer, the waveplate being disposed between the polarizer and the second optical element, the rotation drive component can drive the waveplate to rotate about the optical axis as the rotation axis; the first optical element, the second optical element, the waveplate and the polarizer are all arranged along the same optical axis.

[0007] Optionally, the axial distance adjustment component includes a base and a lens barrel. The base has a through hole arranged along the optical axis, and the lens barrel is telescopically disposed within the through hole. A first optical element is fixedly disposed at the end of the lens barrel, and a second optical element is fixedly disposed at the end of the through hole of the base near the polarization adjustment component.

[0008] Optionally, the rotary drive includes a motor and a transmission gear set, the transmission gear set including a meshing drive gear and a driven gear; the drive gear is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the driven gear is connected to the waveplate; the motor drives the driven gear and the waveplate to rotate around the optical axis through the drive gear.

[0009] Optionally, the light intensity adjustment device also includes a vertical plate, the plane of which is perpendicular to the light path, and the driving gear and the driven gear are attached to the surface of the vertical plate; the polarization adjustment component also includes a waveplate barrel, with the waveplate disposed inside the waveplate barrel; both the vertical plate and the driven gear have openings in the middle, and one end of the waveplate barrel passes through the vertical plate and the driven gear in sequence along the light path direction so as to rotate synchronously with the driven gear.

[0010] Optionally, the polarization adjustment assembly further includes a limiting part, which includes a light-blocking plate and a photoelectric switch; the light-blocking plate is fixed to the driven gear to rotate synchronously with the driven gear; the photoelectric switch is located in the rotation path of the light-blocking plate and is connected to the motor signal; when the light-blocking plate rotates to the photoelectric switch, the photoelectric switch controls the motor to stop rotating.

[0011] Optionally, an elastic element is provided between the outer wall of the waveplate barrel and the inner wall of the opening in the vertical plate.

[0012] Optionally, the polarization adjustment assembly also includes a polarizing lens holder, which has a through hole along the optical path direction, and the polarizing lens is installed in the through hole.

[0013] Optionally, the light intensity adjustment device also includes a base, on which the beam expanding and shaping component and the polarization adjustment component are both mounted.

[0014] Optionally, the light intensity adjustment device further includes a first air nozzle and a second air nozzle. The first air nozzle is disposed on the axis adjustment member and is used to spray air onto the first optical element; the second air nozzle is disposed on one side of the polarizer and is used to spray air onto the polarizer.

[0015] Another aspect of this utility model provides a laser optical system, including a laser and an intensity modulation device. The laser is used to emit laser light. The intensity modulation device is located on the light-emitting side of the laser. The laser light is emitted after passing through a first optical element, a second optical element, a waveplate, and a polarizer in sequence through the intensity modulation device.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model include:

[0017] This application provides an optical intensity adjustment device, including a beam expanding and shaping component and a polarization adjustment component arranged sequentially along the optical path. The beam expanding and shaping component includes an axial distance adjustment component and a first optical element and a second optical element respectively disposed on opposite sides of the axial distance adjustment component. The axial distance adjustment component drives the first optical element to move axially to approach or move away from the second optical element. By mechanically adjusting the axial distance between the two optical elements, compared with the complex optical path design of zoom lens groups in the prior art, the optical intensity adjustment device of this application has a smaller structure, more flexible adjustment, and can achieve rapid adjustment of the laser beam diameter. The polarization adjustment component includes a rotation drive component, a waveplate, and a polarizer. The waveplate is disposed between the polarizer and the second optical element. The rotation drive component can drive the waveplate to rotate around the optical axis. This application precisely adjusts the beam polarization angle by rotating the waveplate and controls the light flux by combining the filtering characteristics of the polarizer. Compared with the shortcomings of the prior art, which has large light loss and inaccurate polarization control by using traditional apertures or variable attenuators, this application achieves high-precision and low-loss optical intensity adjustment. The first optical element, the second optical element, the waveplate, and the polarizer are all arranged along the same optical axis. The aforementioned light intensity regulating device has a compact structure and can precisely adjust the light intensity, thereby improving the output stability and uniformity of the laser.

[0018] This application also provides a laser optical system, including a laser and an intensity adjustment device. The laser is used to emit laser light; the intensity adjustment device is located on the emission side of the laser, and the laser light sequentially passes through a first optical element, a second optical element, a waveplate, and a polarizer before being emitted. The aforementioned laser optical system has a compact structure, and the intensity adjustment device enables continuous adjustment of the light intensity, making the adjustment process more precise and controllable. It ensures uniform beam energy distribution and stable output, while preventing damage to optical elements due to excessive energy density. 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 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the light intensity modulation device provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 is a second structural schematic diagram of the light intensity modulation device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 is a third structural schematic diagram of the light intensity modulation device provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the optical intensity adjustment device provided in the embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Icons: 100-Intensity adjustment device; 110-Beam expander and shaper assembly; 111-Axis distance adjustment component; 1111-Base; 1112-Lens barrel; 112-First optical element; 113-Second optical element; 114-Fixing copper sheet; 120-Polarization adjustment assembly; 121-Rotation drive component; 1211-Motor; 1212-Driving gear; 1213-Driven gear; 122-Waveplate; 123-Polarizer; 124-Waveplate lens barrel; 1241-Rear cover; 125-Light shield; 126-Photoelectric switch; 127-Elastic component; 128-Polarizing lens frame; 129-Limiting pin; 130-Base; 140-Upright plate; 150-First air nozzle; 160-Second air nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0026] 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 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.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "vertical," and "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, this embodiment provides an optical intensity adjustment device 100, including a beam expanding and shaping assembly 110 and a polarization adjustment assembly 120 arranged sequentially along the optical path. The beam expanding and shaping assembly 110 includes a pitch adjustment member 111 and a first optical element 112 and a second optical element 113 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the pitch adjustment member 111. The pitch adjustment member 111 drives the first optical element 112 to move axially closer to or further away from the second optical element 113. The polarization adjustment assembly 120 includes a rotation drive member 121, a waveplate 122 and a polarizer 123. The waveplate 122 is disposed between the polarizer 123 and the second optical element 113. The rotation drive member 121 can drive the waveplate 122 to rotate about the optical axis. The first optical element 112, the second optical element 113, the waveplate 122 and the polarizer 123 are all arranged along the same optical axis.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the beam expanding and shaping component 110 of the light intensity modulation device 100 can reduce the energy per unit area by adjusting the beam diameter, while optimizing the collimation of the beam. It includes a first optical element 112 and a second optical element 113, both of which are lenses. Preferably, the first optical element 112 is a concave lens and the second optical element 113 is a convex lens.

[0031] A pitch adjustment element 111 is disposed between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113. The pitch adjustment element 111 can move the first optical element 112 closer to or further away from the second optical element 113, thereby expanding or contracting the beam by changing the distance between them. For example, when the distance between the two lenses increases, the beam divergence angle decreases, the spot diameter increases, and the energy density decreases, thereby protecting subsequent optical elements and extending their lifespan. Compared with the traditional method of beam expansion and shaping using a fixed lens group, the beam intensity adjustment device 100 of this application can dynamically adjust the beam shape without replacing components. It is smaller in size, more flexible in adjustment, and avoids the optical distortion that may be introduced by complex zoom systems.

[0032] The waveplate 122 of the polarization adjustment component 120 is disposed between the second optical element 113 and the polarizer 123. It can rotate by a preset angle to ensure that the beam expanded by the beam expanding and shaping component 110 first passes through the waveplate 122 to adjust the polarization angle, and then passes through the polarizer 123 to filter specific polarization components.

[0033] When waveplate 122 rotates, the polarization direction of the incident light can be rotated, while polarizer 123 only allows linearly polarized light in a specific direction to pass through. By rotating waveplate 122 to adjust the angle between the polarization direction of the incident light and the transmission axis of polarizer 123, the transmitted light flux can be controlled, thereby achieving continuous and precise adjustment of light intensity. Compared with existing technologies that adjust light intensity through adjustable apertures, this scheme controls light intensity through the polarization characteristics of polarizer 123, avoiding light loss and beam distortion caused by mechanical obstruction.

[0034] In addition to the waveplate 122, the polarization adjustment component 120 can also be other optical elements such as the half-wave plate 122 and the quarter-wave plate 122, as long as the linear polarization angle of the beam can be adjusted by rotation.

[0035] Preferably, the light intensity adjustment device 100 further includes a power meter, which is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarizer 123 along the optical path direction. The power meter is used to measure the light intensity after adjustment by the beam expanding and shaping component 110 and the polarization adjustment component 120, and compares the measured light intensity with the preset light intensity. Based on the comparison result, the rotation angle of the waveplate 122 is further controlled by the motor 1211 until the final light intensity reaches the preset light intensity, making the entire light intensity adjustment process more flexible and controllable.

[0036] It should be noted that, in one possible embodiment of this application, firstly, as shown in FIG1, the light intensity adjustment device 100 further includes a first air nozzle 150 and a second air nozzle 160. The first air nozzle 150 is disposed on the axial distance adjustment member 111 and is used to spray air onto the first optical element 112; the second air nozzle 160 is disposed on one side of the polarizer 123 and is used to spray air onto the polarizer 123.

[0037] Because the heat generated by high-energy lasers can cause localized expansion of the lens, resulting in slight changes in the shape of the optical lens, it affects the focusing and imaging of the beam. Long-term heat accumulation can lead to lens deformation and accelerate the aging and damage of optical materials. Therefore, this application provides a first air nozzle 150 and a second air nozzle 160 for heat dissipation. Both the first air nozzle 150 and the second air nozzle 160 are connected to air pipes, and low-temperature gas is ejected after passing through the air pipes and the first air nozzle 150 or the second air nozzle 160. The first air nozzle 150 is located on the axial distance adjustment component 111, and the cooled gas can be sprayed onto the first optical element 112 or the second optical element 113 to purge and cool the optical elements; similarly, the second air nozzle 160 can purge and cool the polarizer 123.

[0038] In addition, this application can also measure the light intensity after it has been adjusted by the beam expanding and shaping component 110 and the polarization adjustment component 120 by a power meter, compare the measured light intensity with the preset light intensity, and adjust the gas flow rate of the first air nozzle 150 and / or the second air nozzle 160 according to the comparison result until the final light intensity reaches the preset light intensity, making the entire light intensity adjustment process more flexible and controllable.

[0039] Existing traditional heat dissipation methods mainly include water cooling or heat dissipation using thermally conductive materials. Water cooling systems are complex to arrange and pose a risk of leakage; thermally conductive materials have limited heat dissipation efficiency and cannot achieve dynamic control. In contrast, this application uses a first air nozzle 150 and a second air nozzle 160 to spray low-temperature gas to purge and dissipate heat from the optical components, improving the safety and reliability of the system; and achieving uniform cooling of the surface of the optical components, avoiding thermal deformation of the lens caused by excessively high local temperatures, and ensuring the shape accuracy of the optical components.

[0040] Traditional light intensity regulation and heat dissipation systems are usually designed separately and independently, resulting in a relatively large overall structure. This application integrates the light intensity regulation and heat dissipation systems, rationally arranging gas heat dissipation within the mechanical structure to achieve integrated heat dissipation. This integrated design of the light intensity regulation device 100 greatly simplifies the device structure, improves its adaptability, and reduces mutual interference between the light intensity regulation and heat dissipation functions, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the device.

[0041] Second, in order to improve the stability of the light intensity adjustment device 100, as shown in Figure 2, the light intensity adjustment device 100 also includes a base 130, and the beam expanding and shaping component 110 and the polarization adjustment component 120 are all disposed on the base 130; a vertical plate 140 is vertically disposed on the base 130, and the rotation drive component 121 and the wave plate 122 are disposed on the vertical plate 140, which not only improves the space utilization of the light intensity adjustment device 100, but also the vertical plate 140 can support the rotation of the wave plate 122, further improving the stability and reliability of the light intensity adjustment process.

[0042] Third, as shown in Figure 3, to further improve the stability and reliability of the light intensity adjustment process, the polarization adjustment assembly 120 also includes a polarizing lens holder 128. The polarizing lens holder 128 has a through hole along the optical path direction, and the polarizing lens is installed in the through hole to prevent the polarizer 123 from vibrating during the light intensity adjustment process and affecting the polarization result. Preferably, the polarizing lens holder 128 has a plate-like structure, and the second air nozzle 160 can be disposed on the polarizing lens holder 128. Of course, in addition to the plate-like structure, the polarizing lens holder 128 can also be other shapes, as long as it can provide support for the polarizer 123.

[0043] The light intensity adjustment device 100 provided in this application includes a beam expanding and shaping assembly 110 and a polarization adjustment assembly 120 arranged sequentially along the optical path. The beam expanding and shaping assembly 110 includes an axial distance adjustment member 111 and a first optical element 112 and a second optical element 113 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the axial distance adjustment member 111. The axial distance adjustment member 111 drives the first optical element 112 to move axially closer to or further away from the second optical element 113. By mechanically adjusting the axial distance between the two optical elements, compared with the complex optical path design of zoom lens groups in the prior art, the light intensity adjustment device 100 of this application has a smaller structure, more flexible adjustment, and can realize rapid adjustment of the laser beam diameter. The polarization adjustment assembly 120 includes a rotation drive 121, a waveplate 122, and a polarizer 123. The waveplate 122 is positioned between the polarizer 123 and the second optical element 113. The rotation drive 121 can drive the waveplate 122 to rotate around the optical axis. This application precisely adjusts the beam polarization angle by rotating the waveplate 122 and controls the light flux by combining the filtering characteristics of the polarizer 123. Compared with the shortcomings of existing technologies that use traditional apertures or variable attenuators, such as large light loss and inaccurate polarization control, this achieves high-precision, low-loss light intensity adjustment. The first optical element 112, the second optical element 113, the waveplate 122, and the polarizer 123 are all arranged along the same optical axis. The aforementioned light intensity adjustment device 100 has a compact structure, can precisely adjust the light intensity, and improves the output stability and uniformity of the laser.

[0044] In one possible embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG2, the axial distance adjustment member 111 includes a base 1111 and a lens barrel 1112. The base 1111 has a through hole arranged along the optical axis direction, and the lens barrel 1112 is telescopically disposed in the through hole. The first optical element 112 is fixedly disposed at the end of the lens barrel 1112, and the second optical element 113 is fixedly disposed at the end of the through hole of the base 1111 near the polarization adjustment component 120.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the base 1111 has a through hole in the middle along the optical axis. The lens barrel 1112 is telescopically disposed within this through hole, allowing one end to extend out of the through hole in the base 1111. The first optical element 112 is fixed to the end of the lens barrel 1112 that extends out of the through hole by a fixing copper plate 114, and the second optical element 113 is fixed to the other end of the through hole, thus allowing the second optical element 113 to be relatively fixed. The elastic deformation of the fixing copper plate 114 can buffer mechanical stress, preventing lens breakage due to rigid installation, while ensuring strict alignment between the optical axis of the optical element and the system optical axis. The distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113 is adjusted by screwing the lens barrel 1112 into or out of the through hole, thereby expanding or contracting the beam.

[0046] It should be noted that, in addition to adjusting the relative distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113 by rotating the lens barrel 1112 as described above, the relative distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113 can also be adjusted by providing an internal thread on the inner wall of the through hole and an external thread on the outer wall of the lens barrel 1112, and adjusting the relative distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113 by the movable connection of the gear and the rack; or, the relative distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113 can also be adjusted by providing a slider on the outer wall of the lens barrel 1112 and a guide rail on the base 1111, and adjusting the relative distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113 by the movable connection of the slider and the guide rail. This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific movable connection method between the lens barrel 1112 and the base 1111, as long as the lens barrel 1112 can drive the first optical element 112 to move in order to adjust the relative distance between the first optical element 112 and the second optical element 113.

[0047] In one possible embodiment of this application, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the rotary drive 121 includes a motor 1211 and a transmission gear set. The transmission gear set includes a meshing drive gear 1212 and a driven gear 1213. The drive gear 1212 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 1211, and the driven gear 1213 is connected to the waveplate 122. The motor 1211 drives the driven gear 1213 and the waveplate 122 to rotate around the optical axis through the drive gear 1212.

[0048] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the rotary drive component 121 includes a motor 1211 and a transmission gear set. Preferably, both the motor 1211 and the transmission gear set are mounted on the vertical plate 140 to improve the space utilization of the light intensity adjustment device 100. The motor 1211 serves as the power source for the rotation of the waveplate 122, and is preferably a stepper motor 1211 or a servo motor 1211, which can precisely control the rotation angle and speed to meet the real-time requirements of light intensity adjustment.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the transmission gear set includes a driving gear 1212 and a driven gear 1213 that mesh with each other. The driving gear 1212 is rigidly connected to the output shaft of the motor 1211, and the driven gear 1213 meshes with the driving gear 1212. The gear ratio can amplify or reduce the speed and torque. The waveplate 122 is fixed to the driven gear 1213, and the rotation axis of the driven gear 1213 must be completely coincident with the optical axis of the waveplate 122 to avoid deviation in the beam polarization direction adjustment due to eccentricity.

[0050] It should be noted that, in addition to gear transmission, the waveplate 122 can also be rotated via other transmission methods such as belt transmission, chain transmission, and worm gear transmission. This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific transmission method.

[0051] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the driving gear 1212 and the driven gear 1213 are attached to the surface of the upright plate 140; the polarization adjustment assembly 120 also includes a waveplate barrel 124, and the waveplate 122 is disposed inside the waveplate barrel 124; both the upright plate 140 and the driven gear 1213 have openings in the middle, and one end of the waveplate barrel 124 passes through the upright plate 140 and the driven gear 1213 in sequence along the optical path direction so as to rotate synchronously with the driven gear 1213.

[0052] Specifically, the upright plate 140 is preferably a metal plate structure, providing an installation reference for the motor 1211, the waveplate barrel 124, and the transmission gear set. The motor 1211 is fixed to the other side surface of the upright plate 140 by bolts, and the output shaft passes through the upright plate 140 and is connected to the drive gear 1212 to ensure effective transmission of driving torque and avoid adjustment deviations caused by vibration.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the waveplate barrel 124 serves as the encapsulation carrier for the waveplate 122. The waveplate 122 is secured within the waveplate barrel 124, ensuring that the plane of the waveplate 122 is perpendicular to the optical axis. A rear cover 1241 is provided at the end of the waveplate barrel 124 facing away from the second optical element 113. This rear cover 1241 is fixed to the waveplate barrel 124 by threads or snaps to prevent dust from entering. The rear cover 1241 is located in a through-hole, allowing the light beam to pass through.

[0054] An opening is provided on the upright plate 140, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the waveplate barrel 124, allowing the waveplate barrel 124 to pass through axially and rotate freely; at the same time, the barrel 1112 is supported by bearings to reduce rotational friction. Optionally, an elastic element 127 is provided between the outer wall of the waveplate barrel 124 and the inner wall of the opening in the upright plate 140. The elastic element 127 is provided to provide braking resistance and improve the stability and accuracy of the transmission. The elastic element 127 can be a spring, such as any one of a planar spiral spring, a cylindrical helical spring, or a variable diameter helical spring.

[0055] The driven gear 1213 also has an opening. The axis of the waveplate barrel 124 is completely coincident with the axis of the opening in the vertical plate 140 and the axis of the opening in the driven gear 1213, and is consistent with the optical axis of the entire system. This ensures that the beam passes through the waveplate 122 inside the barrel 1112 without obstruction, avoiding beam energy loss or distortion due to mechanical obstruction.

[0056] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the polarization adjustment assembly 120 further includes a limiting part, which includes a light-blocking plate 125 and a photoelectric switch 126; the light-blocking plate 125 is fixed to the driven gear 1213 so as to rotate synchronously with the driven gear 1213; the photoelectric switch 126 is located in the rotation path of the light-blocking plate 125 and is signal-connected to the motor 1211; when the light-blocking plate 125 rotates to the photoelectric switch 126, the photoelectric switch 126 controls the motor 1211 to stop rotating.

[0057] Specifically, the limiting part is used to limit the rotation angle range of the waveplate 122. It includes a light-blocking plate 125 and a photoelectric switch 126. The light-blocking plate 125, as a mechanical triggering element, is disposed on the surface of the driven gear 1213 to rotate synchronously with the driven gear 1213, thereby blocking or opening the light path of the photoelectric switch 126. Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the light-blocking plate 125 has a fan-shaped structure; other structures are also possible, but the rotation area of ​​the light-blocking plate 125 should be smaller than the rotation area of ​​the driven gear 1213. The photoelectric switch 126, as an electronic detection element, can sense the position of the light-blocking plate 125 through changes in the light signal, and output an electrical signal to control the start and stop of the motor 1211, achieving non-contact limiting.

[0058] The light-blocking plate 125 is typically a thin sheet of metal or plastic, fixed to the edge or side of the driven gear 1213 by screws, clips, or welding to ensure absolute synchronous rotation with the gear. The photoelectric switch 126 is fixed to the upright plate 140 and has a transmitting end and a receiving end. The optical path axes of the transmitting and receiving ends are aligned with the rotation trajectory of the light-blocking plate 125, ensuring that the light-blocking plate 125 completely blocks the light path when rotating. The photoelectric switch 126 is signal-connected to the motor 1211 controller. When the light path is blocked by the light-blocking plate 125, the photoelectric switch 126 outputs an electrical signal. Upon receiving the signal, the controller immediately sends a command to stop the motor 1211 from rotating.

[0059] The photoelectric switch 126 emits infrared or visible light from its emitting end, and the receiving end continuously detects the light signal. At this time, the light-blocking plate 125 does not block the light path, and the motor 1211 drives the gear and waveplate 122 to rotate normally. When the waveplate 122 rotates to a preset angle, the light-blocking plate 125 rotates with the driven gear 1213 to the front of the photoelectric switch 126, completely blocking the light path. The light intensity at the receiving end decreases sharply, and the photoelectric switch 126 outputs a stop signal to the motor 1211 controller. After receiving the signal, the motor 1211 controller stops rotating.

[0060] It should be noted that, firstly, as shown in Figure 3, in addition to using the light-blocking plate 125 and photoelectric switch 126 to achieve electronic limiting, this application can also set a mechanical limiting mechanism. For example, a limiting pin 129 can be protruded on the upright plate 140, and a groove that matches the limiting pin 129 can be correspondingly provided on the edge of the driven gear 1213. When the electronic limiting fails, the mechanical limiting can physically block the gear rotation, forming a double insurance mechanism.

[0061] Second, this application does not impose any restrictions on the specific form of the photoelectric switch 126. The photoelectric switch 126 includes, but is not limited to, various types of photoelectric switches 126 such as scattering type, reflection type, digital output type, analog output type, object blocking type, object transmission type, object recognition type, amplifier separate type, amplifier built-in type, and power supply built-in type.

[0062] Another aspect of the embodiments of this application also provides a laser optical system, including a laser and an intensity modulation device 100. The laser is used to emit laser light. The intensity modulation device 100 is located on the light-emitting side of the laser. The laser light is emitted after passing through a first optical element 112, a second optical element 113, a waveplate 122 and a polarizer 123 of the intensity modulation device 100 in sequence.

[0063] Specifically, the raw beam emitted by a laser typically has a small spot size and high energy density, and direct application may damage optical components or fail to meet operational requirements. The intensity adjustment device 100, through its beam expanding and shaping component 110 and polarization adjustment component 120, first increases the spot size by the beam expanding and shaping component, reducing the energy per unit area and protecting optical components; then, it adjusts the light intensity using a combination of waveplate 122 and polarizer 123. By rotating the waveplate 122 to adjust the fast and slow axis directions of the linearly polarized light, and then filtering out some light components by the polarizer 123, continuous adjustment of the light intensity is achieved, thereby shaping and optimizing the laser beam intensity. The specific structure and beneficial effects of the intensity adjustment device 100 have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0064] The aforementioned laser optical system has a compact structure and can achieve continuous adjustment of light intensity through the light intensity adjustment device 100, making the adjustment process more precise and controllable; it ensures uniform beam energy distribution and stable output, while avoiding damage to optical components due to excessive energy density.

[0065] The above description is merely an optional 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.

[0066] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable way without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this utility model will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

Claims

1. A light intensity modulation device, characterized in that, The device includes a beam-expanding and shaping assembly (110) and a polarization adjustment assembly (120) arranged sequentially along the optical path. The beam-expanding and shaping assembly (110) includes a axial distance adjustment member (111) and a first optical element (112) and a second optical element (113) respectively disposed on opposite sides of the axial distance adjustment member (111). The axial distance adjustment member (111) drives the first optical element (112) to move axially to move closer to or further away from the second optical element (113). The polarization adjustment assembly (120) includes a rotation drive member (121), a waveplate (122) and a polarizer (123). The waveplate (122) is disposed between the polarizer (123) and the second optical element (113). The rotation drive member (121) can drive the waveplate (122) to rotate around the optical axis. The first optical element (112), the second optical element (113), the waveplate (122) and the polarizer (123) are all arranged along the same optical axis.

2. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial distance adjustment component (111) includes a base (1111) and a lens barrel (1112). The base (1111) has a through hole arranged along the optical axis, and the lens barrel (1112) is telescopically disposed in the through hole. The first optical element (112) is fixedly disposed at the end of the lens barrel (1112), and the second optical element (113) is fixedly disposed at one end of the through hole of the base (1111) near the polarization adjustment component (120).

3. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive (121) includes a motor (1211) and a transmission gear set, the transmission gear set including a meshing drive gear (1212) and a driven gear (1213); the drive gear (1212) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (1211), and the driven gear (1213) is connected to the waveplate (122); the motor (1211) drives the driven gear (1213) and the waveplate (122) to rotate around the optical axis through the drive gear (1212).

4. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light intensity adjustment device (100) further includes a vertical plate (140), the plane of which the vertical plate (140) is perpendicular to the light path, and the driving gear (1212) and the driven gear (1213) are attached to the surface of the vertical plate (140); the polarization adjustment component (120) further includes a waveplate barrel (124), and the waveplate (122) is disposed inside the waveplate barrel (124); the vertical plate (140) and the driven gear (1213) are both provided with openings in the middle, and one end of the waveplate barrel (124) passes through the vertical plate (140) and the driven gear (1213) in sequence along the light path direction so as to rotate synchronously with the driven gear (1213).

5. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The polarization adjustment assembly (120) further includes a limiting part, which includes a light-blocking plate (125) and a photoelectric switch (126); the light-blocking plate (125) is fixed to the driven gear (1213) to rotate synchronously with the driven gear (1213); the photoelectric switch (126) is located on the rotation path of the light-blocking plate (125) and is signal-connected to the motor (1211); when the light-blocking plate (125) rotates to the photoelectric switch (126), the photoelectric switch (126) controls the motor (1211) to stop rotating.

6. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic element (127) is provided between the outer wall of the waveplate tube (124) and the inner wall of the opening of the vertical plate (140).

7. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polarization adjustment assembly (120) also includes a polarizing lens holder (128), which has a through hole opened along the optical path direction, and the polarizing lens is installed in the through hole.

8. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light intensity adjustment device (100) also includes a base (130), on which the beam expanding and shaping component (110) and the polarization adjustment component (120) are both disposed.

9. The light intensity modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light intensity adjustment device (100) further includes a first nozzle (150) and a second nozzle (160). The first nozzle (150) is disposed on the axial distance adjustment member (111) and is used to spray air onto the first optical element (112). The second nozzle (160) is disposed on one side of the polarizer (123) and is used to spray air onto the polarizer (123).

10. A laser optical system, characterized in that, The device includes a laser and an intensity modulation device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9 above, wherein the laser is used to emit laser light; the intensity modulation device (100) is located on the light-emitting side of the laser, and the laser light is emitted after passing through the first optical element (112), the second optical element (113), the waveplate (122) and the polarizer (123) of the intensity modulation device (100) in sequence.

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