A laser beam combining device

Abstract

This utility model discloses an indicator laser beam combining device, comprising: a laser source module for inputting a main laser, an indicator light source module for inputting an indicator light, a first lens disposed at the main laser entrance for converting the main laser into collimated main laser light, and a second lens disposed downstream of the collimated main laser light path for focusing and coupling the main laser and indicator light into the output optical fiber. The laser source module, the first lens, and the second lens are connected sequentially via a tubular component. A spatial beam combining module is disposed on the injection side of the second lens for guiding the collimated indicator light into the main laser light path at a non-coaxial or grazing angle to form a combined beam. The combined beam enters the output optical fiber through the second lens. The advantage of this utility model is that the excess receiving angle of the numerical aperture of the output optical fiber can be used to couple the indicator light, overcoming the problems of high coupling loss and decreased spot quality in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of laser medical technology, specifically relating to an indicator laser beam combining device. Background Technology

[0002] Laser therapy and cosmetic equipment are widely used in clinical medicine, skin care, and cosmetic surgery. In practice, to ensure accurate laser irradiation, a coaxial pointer light is required. The pointer light is aligned first, and then the treatment laser is applied. Laser sources typically include spatial lasers and fiber lasers, which are focused into the surgical fiber via a coupler. The pointer light is then combined through the coupler to a coupling focusing lens and output into the surgical fiber.

[0003] Existing solutions generally use a dichroic mirror, utilizing the wavelength difference between the indicator light and the main laser to achieve beam combining and coupling. Other methods use fiber optic combiners, where the beams are first combined within the fiber laser and then focused together into the surgical fiber within a coupler.

[0004] However, the existing solutions have the following problems: 1. Inserting a dichroic mirror will increase the loss of the main laser; 2. Pre-bundling of optical fibers will reduce the brightness of the laser. Cladding mode coupling can avoid reducing the brightness of the main laser, but it is easy to cause the output of the indicator light ring spot. 3. For laser coupling of two wavelengths, if strict requirements are met, an achromatic design is needed for the focusing coupling mirror, which increases the difficulty and cost.

[0005] Therefore, how to achieve effective beam combining of the indicator light while ensuring the transmission efficiency and spot quality of the main laser has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides an indicator laser beam combining device, which couples the main laser and the indicator light into the same output fiber in a spatial beam combining manner, thereby achieving coaxial output of the laser indicator and the treatment beam, avoiding the main laser energy loss and system complexity issues caused by traditional dichroic mirrors and other solutions.

[0007] The technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows: A laser beam combining device, comprising: The laser source module is used to input the main laser. Indicator light source module, used to input indicator light; The first lens is located at the entrance of the main laser and is used to convert the main laser into collimated light. The second lens is located downstream of the collimating optical path of the main laser and is used to focus the main laser and the indicator light and couple them into the output optical fiber. The laser source module, the first lens and the second lens are connected in sequence through a tube. The spatial beam combining module is located on the injection side of the second lens. It is used to guide the collimated indicator light into the optical path of the main laser in a non-coaxial or grazing angle manner to form a beam combining beam. The beam combining beam enters the output optical fiber through the second lens.

[0008] In some implementations, the spatial beam combining module is a prism assembly that folds the indicator light at 90° so that it is parallel to the main laser beam path and both are incident on the second lens.

[0009] In some embodiments, the indicator light source module includes an indicator light interface vertically disposed in the middle of the tube, the indicator light interface being located between the first lens and the second lens, and a prism assembly disposed at the connection between the indicator light interface and the tube. The indicator light is incident on the prism assembly in a vertical direction and, after being deflected by total internal reflection, is combined with the main laser beam path.

[0010] In some implementations, the spatial beam combiner module includes at least one mirror that introduces the indicator light into the main laser path in a long-path grazing manner and intersects with the main laser at the leading edge of the second lens.

[0011] In some implementations, the spatial beam combining module includes an auxiliary optical fiber through which the indicator light is transmitted and collimated by a first lens before coupling, and then directed to a second lens in parallel with the output main optical fiber.

[0012] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: (1) This utility model utilizes the margin space where the numerical aperture of the output fiber is greater than the divergence angle of the main laser, and uses non-coaxial, grazing angle and other methods to spatially couple the indicator light into the main laser optical path, so as to realize the main laser and the indicator light are combined in space, and then focused and coupled to the output fiber, which effectively overcomes the problems of large coupling loss, complex structure or reduced spot quality in the prior art.

[0013] (2) This invention introduces multiple spatial beam-combining paths, such as prism bending, grazing reflectors, or parallel auxiliary fibers, which can be freely selected according to the specific product structure, thus possessing strong structural compatibility and flexibility. The device eliminates the need for expensive achromatic focusing lens groups, reducing the design and manufacturing costs of the optical system. The entire system has a compact structure, making it suitable for integration into various medical and cosmetic laser devices, and has promising prospects for widespread application. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 2; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 3.

[0015] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Laser source module; 2. Indicator light source module; 3. Spatial beam combining module; 4. First lens; 5. Second lens; 6. Output fiber; 7. Pipe fitting; 201. Indicator light interface; 301. Prism assembly; 311. Reflector; 321. Auxiliary fiber. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To enhance understanding of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0017] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this application provides a basic structure for an indicator laser beam combining device, suitable for beam combining requirements of indicator light in medical, surgical, or cosmetic laser equipment.

[0018] The device includes a laser source module 1, an indicator light source module 2, a first lens 4, a second lens 5, an output optical fiber 6, a spatial beam combining module 3, and a tube 7. The laser source module 1 is used to output the main laser. After being collimated by the first lens 4, the main laser forms a collimated beam that travels along the axis of the tube 7.

[0019] The second lens 5 is positioned downstream of the collimated beam of the main laser. Its main function is to focus the main laser beam and couple it into the output fiber 6. The output fiber 6 is typically a multimode fiber or medical pigtail with a large numerical aperture, possessing a receiving angle much larger than the divergence angle of the main laser.

[0020] The spatial beam combining module 3 is used to guide the collimated indicator light into the main laser optical path from the side or non-coaxial direction. Since the numerical aperture of the output fiber 6 has spare space, the indicator light can form a spatial beam with the main laser through grazing angle, parallel optical path, etc., without affecting the transmission quality of the main laser, and finally focus together into the output fiber 6, thereby realizing the co-fiber output of the main laser and the indicator light.

[0021] Example 1 This embodiment provides a scheme for spatial beam combining of indicator light using a prism bending structure, which has the advantages of compact structure and precise positioning. Specifically: The indicator light source module 2 is located at the side center of the tube 7, perpendicular to the propagation direction of the main laser. This module includes an indicator light interface 201 for connecting a laser diode, fiber optic interface, or other visible laser source.

[0022] A prism assembly 301 is disposed between the indicator light interface 201 and the tube 7. The prism is preferably a right-angle prism, with its inclined surface facing the direction of the main laser light path. It uses the principle of total internal reflection to bend the incident indicator light by 90°, so that its light path direction is parallel to the collimated light of the main laser.

[0023] After the deflection, the indicator light and the main laser merge in front of the second lens 5 to form a combined beam, which is then focused by the second lens 5 and finally coupled into the output fiber 6. Since the incident direction before the deflection is perpendicular to the axis of the main laser, the prism beam combining method has a symmetrical structure and a stable optical path, making it suitable for integration into compact handheld laser devices.

[0024] To improve the prism's reflection efficiency, an anti-reflection or high-reflection coating can be deposited on the total reflection surface to enhance the intensity of the combined light. This approach avoids the principal light loss caused by dichroic mirror beam combining and eliminates the need for complex achromatic design in the focusing lens.

[0025] Example 2 This embodiment provides a method for spatially combining the indicator light and the main laser using a reflector 311 structure, specifically: The spatial beam combining module 3 includes one or more high-reflectivity mirrors 311, preferably metal-coated plane mirrors 311 or dielectric film mirrors 311, used to guide the indicator light into the propagation path of the main laser collimating light along a certain grazing angle.

[0026] Specifically, after the indicator light is output from the indicator light source module 2, it is shaped by the first lens 4 to form a collimated beam, and then passes through a set of tilted reflectors 311, so that it enters the main laser beam path at a grazing angle of less than 10°, preferably 3° to 5°. In the grazing section, the two beams partially overlap in space and are combined in front of the second lens 5.

[0027] This method utilizes the central region of the main laser beam while occupying the spare space of the NA around the output fiber 6, effectively achieving beam combining without interfering with the transmission quality of the main laser. Furthermore, since the position of the reflector 311 is adjustable, the incident angle, position, and height of the reflector 311 can be finely adjusted to precisely calibrate the incident path and output position of the indicator light.

[0028] Example 3 This embodiment provides a scheme for spatially combining the indicator light and the main laser beam using a parallel-firing method with an auxiliary optical fiber 321. Specifically: In this embodiment, the indicator light source module 2 extracts the laser light through an auxiliary optical fiber 321, which is a single-mode or multi-mode optical fiber, and its tail end is connected to a first lens 4. The first lens 4 outputs the indicator light as a collimated beam, with the incident direction set to be parallel or nearly parallel to the main laser.

[0029] After being collimated by the first lens 4, the main laser forms a stable collimated beam in front of the second lens 5. The collimation path of the indicator beam is set on one side of the main laser. After the collimated beam is output from the auxiliary fiber 321, it forms a spatially parallel dual-beam layout with the main laser and is incident on the second lens 5 together.

[0030] Since the numerical aperture (NA) of the output fiber 6 is typically large, the main laser only occupies its core transmission area, while the indicator light can occupy the outer ring portion, forming edge coupling. Ultimately, the main laser and the indicator light are simultaneously focused into the output fiber 6 at the second lens 5, achieving co-fiber output.

[0031] The solution has a simple structure and can be completed using conventional fiber optic components, making it easy to integrate with fiber optic interfaces or modularly packaged.

[0032] In summary, the indicator laser beam combining device provided by this utility model utilizes the excess NA space at the fiber output end for beam combining of the indicator light, avoiding energy loss of the main laser. The spatial beam combining structure does not require dichroic mirrors or chromatic lenses, resulting in a simpler optical path structure. At the same time, high-efficiency beam combining can be achieved through different methods (prism bending, grazing reflection, and parallel fiber arrangement), adapting to different system layout requirements.

[0033] It should be noted that implementations not shown or described in the accompanying drawings or the main text of the specification are all forms known to those skilled in the art and are not described in detail. Furthermore, the definitions of the elements and methods described above are not limited to the various specific structures, shapes, or methods mentioned in the embodiments.

[0034] It should also be noted that this document may provide examples of parameters containing specific values, but these parameters need not be exactly equal to the corresponding values, but can approximate the corresponding values ​​within acceptable error tolerances or design constraints. Directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. As previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or related technical or knowledge. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laser beam combining device for indicating laser beams, characterized in that, include: Laser source module (1), used to input the main laser; Indicator light source module (2), used to input indicator light; The first lens (4) is disposed at the main laser entrance and is used to convert the main laser into collimated light of the main laser. The second lens (5) is located downstream of the collimating optical path of the main laser and is used to focus the main laser and the indicator light and couple them into the output optical fiber (6). The laser source module (1), the first lens (4) and the second lens (5) are connected in sequence through a pipe (7). The spatial beam combining module (3) is set on the injection side of the second lens (5) and is used to guide the collimated indicator light into the optical path of the main laser in a non-coaxial or grazing angle manner to form a beam combining light. The beam combining light enters the output optical fiber (6) through the second lens (5).

2. The laser beam combining device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spatial beam combining module (3) is a prism assembly (301). The prism assembly (301) folds the indicator light at 90° and makes it parallel to the main laser beam path, and they are both incident on the second lens (5).

3. The laser beam combining device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The indicator light source module (2) includes an indicator light interface (201) vertically disposed in the middle of the tube (7). The indicator light interface (201) is located between the first lens (4) and the second lens (5). The prism assembly (301) is disposed at the connection between the indicator light interface (201) and the tube (7). The indicator light is incident on the prism assembly (301) in a vertical direction and is combined with the main laser beam after being turned by total internal reflection.

4. The laser beam combining device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spatial beam combining module (3) includes at least one reflector (311), which introduces the indicator light into the main laser path in a long optical path grazing manner and intersects with the main laser at the leading edge of the second lens (5).

5. The laser beam combining device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spatial beam combining module (3) includes an auxiliary optical fiber (321). The indicator light is transmitted through the auxiliary optical fiber (321) and collimated by the first lens (4) before coupling. It is then directed to the second lens (5) in parallel with the output main optical fiber.

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