Optical fiber device and laser apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the field of laser technology, and provides a kind of optical fiber device and laser device, the optical fiber device includes output optical fiber and optical fiber end cap. Wherein, the output optical fiber includes input section and expanding section, one end of the input section is used for connecting with the optical fiber laser, the expanding section is connected with the end of the input section away from the optical fiber laser, the core diameter of the head of the expanding section is greater than or equal to the core diameter of the input section, and gradually increases along the axis of the input section. The optical fiber end cap is connected with the end of the expanding section away from the input section. The optical fiber device of the application can make the laser with different BPP beams have a highly consistent machining effect on the workpiece, and improve the adjustment efficiency and stability of laser machining.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of laser technology, and in particular to an optical fiber device and a laser apparatus. [Background Technology]

[0002] Currently, laser processing technology has become an indispensable key technology in modern industrial production. Its advantages, such as high precision, high efficiency, and high flexibility, have led to its widespread application in fields such as electronics manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. As the core component of laser processing equipment, the performance parameters of the laser directly determine the processing quality, with the divergence characteristics of the output beam being a particularly important factor affecting the processing effect.

[0003] In practical processing scenarios, when using lasers with different BPP (Beam Parameter Product) to process the same standardized workpiece, it is difficult to obtain consistent processing results even when setting the same process parameters. Existing technologies typically employ additional optical adjustment components (such as lens groups) to adjust the laser divergence angle. However, these components usually suffer from complex structures, low integration, and require additional installation space. The adjustment process is cumbersome and susceptible to mechanical assembly errors, resulting in low adjustment efficiency and stability.

[0004] Therefore, how to adjust the divergence angle of the output beam of a fiber laser to achieve a highly consistent processing effect on the workpiece by lasers with different BPP beams has become a key problem that urgently needs to be solved in the field of fiber lasers. [Utility Model Content]

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this application is to provide an optical fiber device and a laser device. The optical fiber device is directly disposed at the output end of the optical fiber laser, and the divergence angle can be accurately adjusted through its own structure (i.e., the diameter expansion section), thereby solving the technical problem that the adjustment efficiency and stability are low when using additional optical adjustment components to adjust the laser divergence angle in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides a solution.

[0007] An optical fiber device, comprising:

[0008] An output optical fiber includes an input segment and an expanding segment, wherein one end of the input segment is connected to a fiber laser, and the expanding segment is connected to the end of the input segment away from the fiber laser. The core diameter of the expanding segment head is greater than or equal to the core diameter of the input segment, and gradually increases along the axial direction of the input segment; and...

[0009] The fiber end cap is connected to the end of the expansion section that is furthest from the input section.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the core diameter of the input segment remains constant.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the core diameter of the expanded section increases linearly and uniformly along the axial direction of the input section.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the core diameter of the expanded section gradually increases non-linearly along the axial direction of the input section.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the core diameter of the input section is 10μm-1000μm, and the core diameter of the expansion section at the end away from the input section is 15μm-1500μm.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the expansion angle of the expansion section is 0.5°-5°, and the expansion angle is the angle between the extension direction of the outer edge of the expansion section core and the extension direction of the input section.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the length of the expanded diameter section is 5mm-40mm.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the fiber end cap is made of fused silica, and the connection between the expanded section and the fiber end cap is fusion splicing.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the fiber end cap is columnar, and its cross-sectional diameter is greater than or equal to the core diameter at the tail of the expanded section.

[0018] As another aspect of this application, a laser device is also proposed, comprising the fiber optic device described in any of the preceding claims.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, this application provides an optical fiber device comprising an output optical fiber and an optical fiber end cap. The output optical fiber includes an input segment and an expansion segment. One end of the input segment is connected to a fiber laser, and the expansion segment is connected to the end of the input segment furthest from the fiber laser. The core diameter of the expansion segment is greater than or equal to the core diameter of the input segment and gradually increases along the extension direction of the input segment. The optical fiber end cap is connected to the end of the expansion segment furthest from the input segment. Using this optical fiber device, lasers with different beam percentage points (BPPs) can achieve highly consistent focusing characteristics in their output lasers, resulting in consistent processing effects on standardized workpieces without relying on external optical adjustment components, effectively improving the stability of laser processing adjustment efficiency. Furthermore, the output optical fiber is fused to the end cap, reducing the optical power density per unit area of ​​the output optical fiber end face, thereby reducing damage to the output optical fiber end face from the output laser, making it particularly suitable for high-power laser processing scenarios. [Attached Image Description]

[0020] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical fiber device in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the laser device of this application.

[0023] Among them, 100 is the laser output head; 11 is the input section; 21 is the diameter expansion section; 31 is the fiber end cap; and 200 is the fiber laser.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0024] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber device in an embodiment of this application. The optical fiber device includes an output optical fiber and an optical fiber end cap 31. The output optical fiber includes an input segment 11 and an expansion segment 21. One end of the input segment 11 is used to connect to a fiber laser. The expansion segment 21 is connected to the end of the input segment 11 away from the fiber laser. The core diameter of the expansion segment 21 is greater than or equal to the core diameter of the input segment 11 and gradually increases along the axial direction of the input segment 11. The optical fiber end cap is connected to the end of the expansion segment 21 away from the input segment 11.

[0029] Using the fiber optic device of this application, lasers with different BPP values ​​can achieve highly consistent focusing characteristics (i.e., consistent divergence angles of the output beam), enabling consistent processing results on standardized workpieces without relying on external optical adjustment components, effectively improving the stability of laser processing adjustment efficiency. Furthermore, the output fiber is fused to the fiber end cap, reducing the optical power density per unit area of ​​the output fiber end face, thereby minimizing damage to the output fiber end face from the output laser, making it particularly suitable for high-power laser processing scenarios.

[0030] The following reference Figure 1 To provide a further detailed explanation of this application.

[0031] Specifically, the input section 11 is a columnar design with a constant core diameter to ensure that the output laser of the laser can be stably transmitted to the expansion section 21 without disturbing the beam pattern.

[0032] In some embodiments, the core diameter of the expanding section 21 increases linearly along the axial direction of the input section 11. In this case, the outer edge of the core of the expanding section 21 is straight, and a regular inverted conical region is formed on its axial cross-section, which is beneficial to the stability of the output beam quality. In other embodiments, the core diameter of the expanding section 21 may also increase non-linearly along the axial direction of the input section 11.

[0033] In some embodiments, the core diameter of the input segment is 10μm-1000μm, and the core diameter of the expansion segment at the end furthest from the input segment is 15μm-1500μm. The specific diameter can be determined based on the compatible fiber laser and the desired processing effect. It should be noted that, to achieve consistent processing results for standardized parts, the required core expansion ratio can be determined first based on the target beam parameters, and then, combined with the output characteristics of the fiber laser, the specific core diameters of the input segment 11 and the expansion segment 21 can be finally determined. It should be noted that this expansion ratio is defined as the ratio of the core diameter at the tail of the expansion segment to the core diameter of the input segment. By designing this expansion ratio, the desired processing effect can be achieved.

[0034] For example, in the application scenarios of low- and medium-power fiber lasers, the core diameter of the input segment 11 can be selected from 10um to 200um; in the application scenarios of high-power fiber lasers, the fiber diameter of the input segment 11 can be selected from 200um to 1000um to meet the energy carrying requirements of high-power laser transmission.

[0035] In this application, the expansion angle of the expansion section 21 is 0.5°-5°, which is defined as the angle between the extension direction of the outer edge of the expansion section core and the extension direction of the input section. Within the expansion range of 0.5°-5°, stable beam transmission in the fiber optic device can be ensured, guaranteeing the quality of the output beam.

[0036] In some embodiments, the length of the expansion section 21 is 5mm-40mm. By specifically combining the length, expansion ratio and core diameter of the expansion section 21, the fiber device of this application can flexibly adapt to different laser processing scenarios and the characteristic requirements of the output beam.

[0037] Furthermore, the fiber end cap 31 of this application is made of high-purity fused silica material. Fused silica possesses excellent high-temperature resistance and an extremely low laser absorption coefficient, and will not undergo thermal deformation even under long-term irradiation by high-power lasers. The connection between the fiber end cap 31 and the expansion section 21 is a fusion splice. The fiber end cap 31 is columnar, and its cross-sectional diameter is greater than or equal to the core diameter at the tail of the expansion section 21, thereby reducing the optical power density per unit area of ​​the output fiber end face, and thus reducing damage to the output fiber end face by the output laser, which is particularly suitable for high-power laser processing scenarios. It can be understood that, viewed along the beam transmission direction, the head of the expansion section 21 is specifically the beam incident end (i.e., the end closer to the input section 11), and the tail is the beam exit end (i.e., the end closer to the fiber end cap 31).

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the output optical fiber has an input segment 11 and an expanded diameter segment 21 that are integrally formed. Specifically, it is formed by partially melting and stretching a section of original optical fiber with uniform diameter in each radial cross section. During this process, part of the core and cladding of the original optical fiber are expanded in a synchronous and proportional manner, thereby forming the expanded diameter segment 21 with a smooth transition in core diameter.

[0039] It is understandable that when two lasers have different beam percentages (BPP) but the same spot radius, in order to achieve the same divergence angle of their output beams and thus achieve consistent processing results, the fiber optic device with the diameter expansion section of this application can be used to shape the output beam of the laser without relying on external optical adjustment components, which effectively improves the stability of the adjustment efficiency of laser processing.

[0040] In the fiber optic device provided in this application embodiment, the output power of the fiber laser is not limited; it can be a low-power fiber laser or any medium-to-high-power fiber laser.

[0041] As another aspect of this application, a laser device is also proposed, which includes fiber optic devices as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a laser device including the fiber optic device in this application. The laser device includes a fiber laser 200, a fiber optic device, and a laser output head 100 connected in sequence.

[0043] Specifically, one end of the input segment 11 of the fiber optic device is connected to the output end of the fiber laser 200 to receive the laser generated therefrom. The laser is then shaped by the expansion segment 21 and finally transmitted to the laser output head 100 via the fiber end cap 31.

[0044] In some embodiments, the laser output head typically integrates a collimating lens and a focusing lens to further collimate and focus the laser beam output from the fiber end cap 31, ultimately forming a spot on the workpiece whose size and shape meet the processing requirements.

[0045] It should be noted that the above-mentioned laser device and fiber optic device embodiments belong to the same concept. For details of their implementation process, please refer to the fiber optic device embodiments. Furthermore, the technical features in the fiber optic device embodiments are all applicable to the above-mentioned laser device embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0046] In summary, the fiber optic device described in this application includes an output fiber and a fiber end cap. The output fiber includes an input section and an expansion section. One end of the input section is connected to a fiber laser, and the expansion section is connected to the end of the input section furthest from the fiber laser. The core diameter of the expansion section is greater than or equal to the core diameter of the input section and gradually increases along the axial direction of the input section. The fiber end cap is connected to the end of the expansion section furthest from the input section. Using the fiber optic device of this application, the output lasers from lasers with different BPP values ​​can have highly consistent focusing characteristics, achieving consistent processing results for standardized workpieces without relying on external optical adjustment components, effectively improving the stability of laser processing adjustment efficiency. Furthermore, the output fiber is fused to the end cap, which can reduce the optical power density per unit area of ​​the output fiber end face, thereby reducing damage to the output fiber end face from the output laser, making it particularly suitable for high-power laser processing scenarios. The fiber optic device of this application solves the technical problem of low adjustment efficiency and stability when using additional optical adjustment components to adjust the laser divergence angle in the prior art, and has high practical application value.

[0047] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber device, characterized in that, include: An output optical fiber includes an input segment and an expanding segment, wherein one end of the input segment is connected to a fiber laser, and the expanding segment is connected to the end of the input segment away from the fiber laser. The core diameter of the expanding segment head is greater than or equal to the core diameter of the input segment, and gradually increases along the axial direction of the input segment; and... The fiber end cap is connected to the end of the expansion section that is furthest from the input section.

2. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core diameter of the input segment remains constant.

3. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core diameter of the expanded section increases linearly and uniformly along the axial direction of the input section.

4. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core diameter of the expanded section gradually increases non-linearly along the axial direction of the input section.

5. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core diameter of the input section is 10μm-1000μm, and the core diameter of the expansion section at the end away from the input section is 15μm-1500μm.

6. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion angle of the expansion section is 0.5°-5°, and the expansion angle is the angle between the extension direction of the outer edge of the expansion section core and the extension direction of the input section.

7. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the expanded section is 5mm-40mm.

8. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber end cap is made of fused silica, and the connection between the expanded section and the fiber end cap is fusion splicing.

9. The optical fiber device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber end cap is columnar, and its cross-sectional diameter is greater than or equal to the core diameter at the end of the expanded section.

10. A laser device, characterized in that, Includes the optical fiber device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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