Device for irradiating an object with a first effective laser beam and a second effective laser beam and method for irradiating an object with at least two effective laser beams

Abstract

Device (10) for irradiating an object (12) with a first effective laser beam (14) and a second effective laser beam (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for irradiating an object with a first effective laser beam and a second effective laser beam and to a method for irradiating an object with at least two effective laser beams.

[0002] Typically, effective laser beams are used to irradiate objects, for example in the form of missiles. In defense technology, the missiles to be irradiated can be, for example, drones, rockets, or artillery shells. The irradiation of the objects can be done for the purpose of combating the objects. For example, irradiating an object with an effective laser beam can cause disruption, damage, and / or complete destruction of the object. The disruptions can be thermal or non-thermal disruptions, in particular blinding. In other words, by irradiating the object with the effective laser beam, the object can be diverted or deviated from its original trajectory and / or the object's originally intended effect can be partially or completely rendered impossible.

[0003] When irradiating the object with the effective laser beam over long distances, turbulence can occur, particularly in the form of air eddies or clear air turbulence, which can influence the effective laser beam. For example, the power density of the effective laser beam on the object can be reduced due to turbulence, which can negatively impact the desired effect of the irradiation.

[0004] To reduce the influence of turbulence on effective laser beams, adaptive optics are often used to guide the effective laser beams. This typically requires considerable technical effort to control the adaptive optics.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method for irradiating an object with at least two effective laser beams, each of which enables a compact design and with which a high power density of the effective laser beams on the object can be achieved.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by providing a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0007] A device according to the invention is suitable for irradiating an object, in particular a target object, with a first effective laser beam and a second effective laser beam. The device comprises a first effective laser beam source, a second effective laser beam source, a beam guiding device, a phase shifter device, an effective laser beam detector, and a control device. The first effective laser source is designed to generate the first effective laser beam, and the second effective laser source is designed to generate the second effective laser beam. The beam guiding device is provided for directing the first effective laser beam and the second effective laser beam onto the object. The phase shifter device is designed to change a phase between the first effective laser beam and the second effective laser beam.The active laser beam detector is provided for detecting, in particular the power, of a portion of a component of the two active laser beams reflected by the object. The control device is configured to control the phase shifter device for changing the phase between the first active laser beam and the second active laser beam based on the detected portion of the component of the two active laser beams reflected by the object.

[0008] The active laser beam detector, the first active laser source, and the second active laser source are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the beam path of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object from the object to the active laser beam detector and the beam path of the first active laser beam from the first active laser source to the object have, at least in sections, the same course. In particular, it is provided that the said, at least in sections, same course of the beam path of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object (i.e., from the object to the active laser beam detector) and the beam path of the first active laser beam from the first active laser source to the object is present within the beam guidance device.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the active laser beam detector, the first active laser source, and the second active laser source are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the beam path of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object from the object to the active laser beam detector and the beam path of the second active laser beam from the second active laser source to the object have, at least in sections, the same, in particular an identical, course. Here, too, it is again provided in particular that the aforementioned same, in particular identical, course of the beam path of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object (from the object to the active laser beam detector) and the beam path of the second active laser beam from the second active laser source to the object are present within the beam guidance device.

[0010] The described beam guidance enables a compact design of the device. Furthermore, the fact that the beam paths are at least partially identical allows for more precise detection of the influence of turbulence, thus enabling a higher power density with the two active laser beams on the object. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for separate measurement of turbulence, for example, with a measuring beam, thus simplifying the irradiation of the object with the highest possible intensity.

[0011] The device may have more than two effective laser sources for irradiating the object with more than two effective laser beams. For example, the device may have 6, 12, or 24 effective laser beam sources.

[0012] Irradiating the object can be understood as processing, in particular laser processing, or manipulating the object with the two effective laser beams.

[0013] The first effective laser source and / or the second effective laser source can each be designed as a solid-state laser, in particular in the form of a fiber laser, a disk laser, a rod laser, a slab laser or a disk laser.

[0014] Each active laser beam can have a wavelength in a range from 1 µm (micrometer) to 2.5 µm, preferably 1 µm to 1.1 µm. Preferably, the half-width of each wavelength of the active laser beams is at most 30 nm (nanometers), in particular 20 nm or 10 nm. The wavelengths of the various active laser beams can be the same. An active laser beam used can be a pulsed laser beam or a continuous wave laser beam. The two active laser beams can be coherent with each other. The two active laser beams can have the same polarization. The power levels of the two active laser beams can be the same. However, it is also conceivable for the different active laser beams to be designed differently.

[0015] Each effective laser beam can propagate along a beam path. The beam paths of the two effective laser beams can differ from each other, at least up to the object. The two effective laser beams can differ from each other in their propagation directions, in particular at least before they hit the object. The two effective laser beams can be two separate laser beams, in particular before they hit the object.

[0016] Each effective laser beam exhibits a Gaussian intensity profile, particularly in its cross-section. However, it can also be advantageous if each effective laser beam has a top-hat-shaped intensity profile. This can help maximize the power input to the target object.

[0017] The beam guiding device may comprise a plurality of mirrors for reflecting the first effective laser beam and / or for reflecting the second effective laser beam and a plurality of lenses for focusing and / or collimating the first effective laser beam and / or for focusing and / or collimating the second effective laser beam.

[0018] The beam guiding device can comprise a first tilting mirror over which the first effective laser beam is guided. The first tilting mirror can be configured to tilt a mirror surface of the first tilting mirror by rotation about at least one of two axes that are orthogonally aligned to one another and run parallel to the mirror surface of the first tilting mirror. The first effective laser beam can be directed onto the object by tilting the mirror surface of the first tilting mirror.

[0019] The beam guiding device can comprise a second tilting mirror over which the second active laser beam is guided. The second tilting mirror can be configured to tilt a mirror surface of the second tilting mirror by rotating it about at least one of two axes that are orthogonally aligned to one another and run parallel to the mirror surface of the second tilting mirror. The second active laser beam can be directed onto the object by tilting the mirror surface of the second tilting mirror.

[0020] The beam guidance device can direct the two active laser beams onto the object in such a way that the two active laser beams strike the object, forming an overlapping region. In the overlapping region, the two active laser beams can spatially overlap each other, in particular, intersect or overlap. The overlapping region can also be referred to as an intersection region or overlapping region.

[0021] In the overlapping area on the object, the two effective laser beams can interfere constructively with each other. It is also conceivable that the two effective laser beams strike the object without constructively interfering with each other.

[0022] When the two active laser beams strike the object, they can cause heat to be applied to the object. In addition, the two active laser beams can be partially reflected by the object, particularly by diffuse reflection. The portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can be formed by partial reflection, particularly by diffuse reflection, of the two active laser beams.

[0023] The portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can comprise a reflected portion of the first active laser beam and a reflected portion of the second active laser beam. In other words, the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can be composed of the reflected portion of the first active laser beam and the reflected portion of the second active laser beam.

[0024] The portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object can be understood as a power portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object.

[0025] The phase shifter device can be configured to change the phase between the first active laser beam and the second active laser beam by changing the optical path length of the first active laser beam and / or the second active laser beam. In other words, changing the phase between the two active laser beams can involve changing a path difference between the two active laser beams, in particular relative to the object. The path difference can be understood as a path difference or a path difference.

[0026] For example, the phase shifter device can have a reflector over which the first effective laser beam or the second effective laser beam is guided. The reflector can be formed by two orthogonally aligned mirror surfaces. The reflector can be designed to be linearly movable, wherein a linear movement of the reflector changes the amount of a beam path, in particular an optical path length, of the first effective laser beam or the second effective laser beam guided over the reflector to the object.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the phase shifter device can be configured to change the phase between the first active laser beam and the second active laser beam by changing the temperature. The temperature change can act on an optical element of the first active laser source and / or on an optical element of the second active laser source. The optical element of the first active laser source and / or the optical element of the second active laser source can be a laser-active medium.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the phase shifter device may comprise at least one phase modulator. The phase modulator may, for example, be a 10 GHz titanium-infused Z-cut LiNbO3 phase modulator.

[0029] The phase shifter device can change the phase between the first active laser beam and the second active laser beam by a multi-stage, particularly two-stage, change in the optical path length of the first active laser beam and / or the second active laser beam. For example, the phase shifter device can comprise an electro-optical element for fine phase adjustment and a fiber arranged on a piezo element for coarse phase adjustment.

[0030] The effective laser beam detector can be designed as a power detector, for example in the form of a photodiode or a thermal power detector.

[0031] The control device may comprise, in particular be, a computer and / or a microcontroller.

[0032] The control device can be configured to control the first tilting mirror for the purpose of tilting the mirror surface of the first tilting mirror. The control device can be configured to control the second tilting mirror for the purpose of tilting the mirror surface of the second tilting mirror. The control device can be configured to control the first tilting mirror and the second tilting mirror such that the two effective laser beams impinge on the object, forming the superposition region.

[0033] The control device can be configured to control the phase shifter device based on the detected portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object in such a way that the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object is maximized. In particular, this can enable constructive interference between the two active laser beams in the overlap region on the object.

[0034] The two active laser beams can constructively interfere with each other in the overlapping region if the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object is at its maximum. Constructive interference between the two active laser beams allows the active laser beams to strike the object with a particularly high power density.

[0035] An at least partially identical course of the beam path of the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object from the object to the effective laser beam detector and of the beam path of the second effective laser beam from the second effective laser source to the object can be understood to mean that the beam path of the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object from the object to the effective laser beam detector and the beam path of the second effective laser beam from the second effective laser source to the object are at least partially identical.

[0036] A further aspect of the device can be that, when turbulence occurs, it is detected by the detected portion of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object and can be compensated for by detecting the power of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object. Because the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can have the same beam path through the turbulence as at least one of the two active laser beams, the turbulence can be detected particularly precisely. In particular, this can reduce or completely prevent incorrect compensation of the turbulence due to local differences in the turbulence.

[0037] In a further development of the device, the active laser beam detector, the first active laser source, and the second active laser source are arranged relative to one another such that the first active laser beam and the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object at least partially traverse a beam path of the same direction, propagating in opposite directions. Additionally or alternatively, the active laser beam detector, the first active laser source, and the second active laser source are arranged relative to one another such that the second active laser beam and the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object at least partially traverse a beam path of the same direction, propagating in opposite directions.

[0038] In a further development of the device, the device comprises an illumination source for emitting an illumination beam for illuminating the object. The device comprises an illumination beam detector device for detecting a portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object. The control device is configured to control the beam guidance device for directing the two active laser beams onto the object based on the detected portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object.

[0039] The illumination source may include a laser resonator for generating the illumination beam. The illumination source may be embodied as a diode laser.

[0040] The illumination beam detector device may comprise a number, for example, two or three, of detectors for detecting the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object. In particular, the number of detectors may be equal to the number of active laser beams. Each detector may be associated with an active laser beam for the purpose of directing the active laser beam onto the object.

[0041] Each detector can be designed as a power detector, for example in the form of a photodiode or a thermal power detector.

[0042] For example, the illumination beam detector device can have a first detector and a second detector. The first detector can be assigned to the first active laser beam, and the second detector can be assigned to the second active laser beam. The control device can be configured to control the beam guidance device for directing the first active laser beam onto the object based on the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object detected by the first detector. The control device can be configured to control the beam guidance device for directing the second active laser beam onto the object based on the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object detected by the second detector.The first effective laser beam can be directed onto the object, in particular only based on the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object detected by the first detector. The second effective laser beam can be directed onto the object, in particular only based on the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object detected by the second detector.

[0043] If the beam guiding device comprises the first tilting mirror and / or the second tilting mirror, the control device can be designed to control the first tilting mirror and / or the second tilting mirror for directing the two effective laser beams onto the object based on the detected part of the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object.

[0044] In a further development of the device, the illumination beam detector device has a number of cameras, for example, two or three, for generating image data of the object. The control device is designed to control the beam guidance device for directing the two active laser beams onto the object based on the image data of the object.

[0045] Each camera can form a detector of the illumination beam detector device.

[0046] The control device can be configured to analyze the image data and control the beam guidance device for directing the two effective laser beams onto the object based on the analyzed image data of the object. For example, the control device can be configured to identify the target area on the object and control the beam guidance device for directing the two effective laser beams onto the target area.

[0047] In a further development of the device, the beam guiding device comprises a first optical unit for spatially separating the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object from the first active laser beam. Additionally or alternatively, the beam guiding device comprises a second optical unit for spatially separating the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object from the second active laser beam. By spatially separating the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object from the first active laser beam and / or the second active laser beam, the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object can be detected more easily.

[0048] The first optical unit and the second optical unit may be of identical construction.

[0049] In a further development of the device, the first optical unit and / or the second optical unit are each designed as a dichroic mirror. Each dichroic mirror can be designed as a Bragg mirror.

[0050] The dichroic mirror of the first optical unit can be designed to reflect the wavelength of the first active laser beam and to transmit the wavelength of the illumination beam. The dichroic mirror of the second optical unit can be designed to reflect the wavelength of the second active laser beam and to transmit the wavelength of the illumination beam.

[0051] Alternatively, the dichroic mirror of the first optical unit can be designed to transmit the wavelength of the first active laser beam and reflect the wavelength of the illumination beam. The dichroic mirror of the second optical unit can be designed to transmit the wavelength of the second active laser beam and reflect the wavelength of the illumination beam.

[0052] Reflective means that a beam is reflected with a reflectance of over 80%, preferably 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99%. Transmissive means that a beam is transmitted with a transmittance of over 80%, preferably 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99%.

[0053] In a further development of the device, the first optical unit has a first partial region and a second partial region and is arranged such that the first effective laser beam is guided over the first partial region of the first optical unit and the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object is guided over the second partial region of the first optical unit. Additionally or alternatively, the second optical unit has a first partial region and a second partial region and is arranged such that the second effective laser beam is guided over the first partial region of the second optical unit and the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object is guided over the second partial region of the second optical unit. This advantageously makes it possible to realize a particularly compact design of the device.

[0054] The first subregion of the first optical unit may be different from the second subregion of the first optical unit. The first subregion of the second optical unit may be different from the second subregion of the second optical unit.

[0055] The second partial region of the first optical unit can surround the first partial region of the first optical unit, in particular radially. The second partial region of the second optical unit can surround the first partial region of the second optical unit, in particular radially.

[0056] The first subregion of the first optical unit can be designed to reflect the wavelength of the first active laser beam, and the second subregion of the first optical unit can be designed to transmit the wavelengths of the two active laser beams. Both subregions of the first optical unit can be designed to transmit the wavelength of the illumination beam.

[0057] Alternatively, the first subregion of the first optical unit can be transmissive for the wavelength of the first active laser beam, and the second subregion of the first optical unit can be reflective for the wavelengths of the two active laser beams. Both subregions of the first optical unit can be reflective for the wavelength of the illumination beam.

[0058] The first subregion of the second optical unit can be designed to be reflective for the wavelength of the second active laser beam, and the second subregion of the second optical unit can be designed to be transmissive for the wavelengths of the two active laser beams. Both subregions of the second optical unit can be designed to be transmissive for the wavelength of the illumination beam.

[0059] Alternatively, the first subregion of the second optical unit can be transmissive for the wavelength of the second active laser beam, and the second subregion of the second optical unit can be reflective for the wavelengths of the two active laser beams. Both subregions of the second optical unit can be reflective for the wavelength of the illumination beam.

[0060] A method according to the invention is designed for irradiating an object, in particular a target object, with at least two effective laser beams. One effective laser beam is emitted by a respective effective laser source. Due to the coherence properties of the effective laser sources, a relative phase, in particular a phase difference, can be defined between the respective effective laser beams.The method comprises at least the steps of: spatially directing the effective laser beams onto the object; guiding a portion of a share of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object along a beam path which, with respect to a beam path of one of the two effective laser beams, has at least in sections the same course (in particular, at least in sections the same course within the beam guiding device of the device described above), and maximizing the portion of the share of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object by changing a phase between the two effective laser beams.

[0061] Advantageously, the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can be used to change the phase between the two active laser beams such that the active laser beams hit the object with a high power density. In particular, by maximizing the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object, it is relatively easy and reliable to ensure that the active laser beams hit the object with the high power density.

[0062] Further advantageously, guiding the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object along the beam path, which has at least partially the same course with respect to the beam path of one of the two effective laser beams, enables a compact construction of a device which is operated with the method.

[0063] The previously described device can be configured to carry out the method. In particular, the method can be configured to operate the previously described device. The previously described device can also apply to identical or functionally corresponding features of the method, and vice versa.

[0064] The two effective laser beams can be directed onto the object in such a way that the two effective laser beams hit the object, forming an overlapping area.

[0065] The guiding of the part of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object can be carried out by deflection, in particular by means of a tilting mirror, preferably by means of the first tilting mirror and / or the second tilting mirror.

[0066] The guiding of the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object can be carried out in such a way that the beam path of the part of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object away from the object and the beam path of one of the two effective laser beams towards the object have at least in sections the same, in particular identical, course.

[0067] Maximizing the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can comprise detecting, in particular a power, of a portion of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object, in particular by means of the active laser beam detector. Detecting the portion of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object can occur while changing the phase between the two active laser beams. Changing the phase between the two active laser beams can occur until the power of the detected portion of the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object reaches a maximum value.

[0068] In other words, maximizing the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object can be achieved by power detecting a portion of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object while changing the phase between the two effective laser beams until a value of the detected power reaches a maximum value.

[0069] The two active laser beams can constructively interfere with each other in the overlapping region if the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object is maximized. Constructive interference between the two active laser beams allows the active laser beams to strike the object with a particularly high power density.

[0070] In other words, by maximizing the power of the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object, it can be made possible for the two effective laser beams to constructively interfere with each other in the superposition region, resulting in a particularly high power density acting on the object.

[0071] The steps of directing the two effective laser beams at the object and maximizing the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object by changing the phase between the two effective laser beams can be repeated several times, in particular at predetermined intervals.

[0072] Another aspect of the method is that it can be carried out while the object is moving. This method can ensure that, during the object's movement and / or during turbulence, the two active laser beams impinge on the object in such a way that constructive interference between the two active laser beams is possible in the overlap region.

[0073] A further aspect of the method may be that the object is irradiated with more than two effective laser beams, for example with 6, 12 or 24 effective laser beams.

[0074] In a further development of the method, the phase change between the two active laser beams is a stochastic change of the phase between the two active laser beams. Such methods enable rapid detection of the maximum. However, a systematic change of the phase between the two active laser beams can also be advantageous, e.g., in the form of a predefined phase shift sequence. This advantageously allows the portion of the two active laser beams reflected by the object to be maximized in a relatively short period of time.

[0075] Stochastic phase change can be understood as a random change in phase. Stochastic phase change cannot occur deterministically or predictably.

[0076] Systematic change of phase can be understood as a deterministic or predictable change of phase.

[0077] In a further development of the method, directing the two active laser beams onto the object comprises the following steps: illuminating the object with an illumination beam; detecting a portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object, in particular by means of a camera; and directing the two active laser beams onto the object based on the detected portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object. This advantageously ensures that the two active laser beams strike the object particularly precisely, in particular that the two active laser beams strike the object while forming the overlap region. Furthermore, by illuminating the object with the illumination beam, the influence of interference, for example, due to process glow of the object, which can occur when the two active laser beams strike the object, can be reduced or completely avoided.

[0078] The object can be illuminated with the illumination beam in such a way that one side of the object is completely illuminated.

[0079] The illumination beam may be unsuitable for processing, especially laser processing, of the object. The illumination beam may be a pulsed laser beam or a continuous-wave laser beam.

[0080] A wavelength of the illumination beam may be shorter than the wavelength of the two active laser beams. The difference between the wavelength of the illumination beam and the shorter wavelength of the two active laser beams may be less than 1 µm, in particular 500 nm, 300 nm, or 100 nm. The difference between the wavelength of the illumination beam and the shorter wavelength of the two active laser beams may be greater than 30 nm, in particular 50 nm, 100 nm, or 200 nm.

[0081] The wavelength of the illumination beam can be in a range from 900 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 935 nm to 985 nm. The half-width of the wavelength of the illumination beam can be at most 30 nm, in particular 20 nm or 10 nm.

[0082] The illumination of the object with the illumination beam and the detection of the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object can be coordinated, particularly in terms of time. For example, the illumination of the object with the illumination beam can comprise emitting a pulse of the illumination beam. The emission of the pulse of the illumination beam can initiate the detection of the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object for a predetermined period of time. This can prevent erroneous detection, for example, when the object is not illuminated by the illumination beam.

[0083] Alternatively, the illumination beam can be modulated. The detection of the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object can be dependent on the detection of the modulation. For example, the detection of the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object can only occur if the modulation is detected. This can prevent erroneous detection.

[0084] Before directing the two effective laser beams onto the object, the method may include the step of determining a position of the object based on the detected portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object. Directing the two effective laser beams onto the object may be performed based on the determined position of the object.

[0085] Determining the position of the object may include determining the object's position coordinates. Directing the two effective laser beams onto the object may include directing the two effective laser beams onto the determined position coordinates of the object.

[0086] Before directing the two active laser beams onto the object, the method may comprise the step of determining an object area of ​​the object that has the highest reflected portion of the illumination beam, based on the detected portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object. Directing the two active laser beams onto the object may involve directing the two active laser beams onto the determined object area. This advantageously allows the active laser beams to be directed onto the object area of ​​the object that has reflected the illumination beam the most.

[0087] In a further development of the method, detecting the portion of the illumination beam reflected by the object involves creating image data of the object. Directing the two active laser beams onto the object involves analyzing the image data of the object and is performed based on the analyzed image data of the object. Advantageously, this allows a target area on the object to be irradiated with the two active laser beams.

[0088] Image data of the object can be created using a number of cameras, for example, two or three. In particular, the number of cameras can be equal to the number of active laser beams.

[0089] The object's image data can be analyzed using an image recognition algorithm, an image comparison algorithm, and / or a machine learning algorithm. The image recognition process can include feature extraction and / or feature reduction. The machine learning algorithm can include a neural network, in particular a trained neural network.

[0090] By analyzing the object's image data, a target area on the object can be identified. Directing the two laser beams onto the object can be used to direct the two laser beams onto the identified target area.

[0091] For example, the object could be a drone, and the target area could be the drone's propeller area. By analyzing the drone's image data, the drone's propeller area can be identified. The two effective laser beams can then be directed at the drone's propeller area. This allows the propeller area to be irradiated with the effective laser beams. Advantageously, irradiating the propeller area with the two effective laser beams can divert the drone from its original flight path particularly quickly.

[0092] In a further development of the method, the two effective laser beams are directed onto the object and the portion of the two effective laser beams reflected by the object is maximized simultaneously or sequentially.

[0093] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be gathered from the figures, their description, and the claims. All features disclosed in the figures, their description, and the claims can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device for irradiating an object with a first effective laser beam and a second effective laser beam, Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of an optical unit of the device of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the optical unit along a section line III-III according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a further schematic sectional view of the optical unit of Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 a schematic sequence of a method for irradiating an object with at least two effective laser beams.

[0094] Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for irradiating an object 12 with a first effective laser beam 14 and a second effective laser beam 16.

[0095] Object 12 is a flying object in the form of a drone that moves along a flight path. Device 10 irradiates object 12 with two effective laser beams 14, 16 for the purpose of deflecting object 12 from its original flight path.

[0096] The device 10 has a housing 11. The housing 11 is in Fig. 1 shown in sections.

[0097] The device 10 has a first effective laser source 18 for generating the first effective laser beam 14 and a second effective laser source 20 for generating the second effective laser beam 16. The first effective laser source 18 and the second effective laser source 20 are structurally identical. The first effective laser source 18 and the second effective laser source 20 are each embodied as a solid-state laser in the form of a fiber laser.

[0098] The two effective laser beams 14, 16 are in Fig. 1 with a solid line. The two active laser beams 14, 16 have identical beam properties and are coherent with each other. Both active laser beams 14, 16 can each have a wavelength in a range from 1060 nm to 1070 nm. In particular, the wavelength of the two active laser beams 14, 16 can be the same. The beam paths of the two active laser beams 14, 16 differ from each other at least up to the object 12.

[0099] The device 10 has a beam guiding device 22 for directing the two effective laser beams 14, 16 onto the object 12.

[0100] The first effective laser beam 14 is guided via a first optical unit 24 of the beam guiding device 22, a first tilting mirror 26 of the beam guiding device 22, and a first telescope 28 of the beam guiding device 22. After passing through the first telescope 28, the first effective laser beam 14 exits the housing 11 through a first aperture 29 of the housing 11. A diameter of the first aperture 29 can be equal to or greater than 1.5 times to 3 times a beam diameter of the first effective laser beam 14 at the location of the first aperture 29. In particular, the first aperture 29 is dimensioned such that the first effective laser beam 14 can pass through the first aperture 29 without being clipped by the first aperture 29.

[0101] The first optical unit 24 is a dichroic mirror which is designed to reflect the wavelength of the first active laser beam 14 with a reflection factor of over 95%.

[0102] The first tilting mirror 26 has a mirror surface that is designed to reflect the wavelength of the first active laser beam 14 with a reflection factor of over 95%. The first tilting mirror 26 is designed to tilt its mirror surface by rotating about at least one of two axes that are orthogonally aligned to one another and run parallel to the mirror surface of the first tilting mirror 26. By tilting the mirror surface of the first tilting mirror 26, the first active laser beam 14 can be directed onto the object 12.

[0103] The first telescope 28 can be formed from two lenses or two curved mirrors. In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 1, the first telescope 28 is formed of two lenses. The distance between the two lenses of the first telescope 28 can be adjustable. By adjusting the distance between the two lenses of the first telescope 28, the first effective laser beam 14 can be focused on the object 12.

[0104] The second effective laser beam 16 is guided via a second optical unit 30 of the beam guiding device 22, a second tilting mirror 32 of the beam guiding device 22, and a second telescope 34 of the beam guiding device 22. After passing through the second telescope 34, the second effective laser beam 16 exits the housing 11 through a second aperture 35. The diameter of the second aperture 35 can be equal to or greater than 1.5 times to 3 times the beam diameter of the second effective laser beam 16 at the location of the second aperture 35. In particular, it is provided that the second effective laser beam 16 can pass through the second aperture 35 without being clipped by the second aperture 35.

[0105] The second optical unit 30 is a dichroic mirror which is designed to reflect the wavelength of the second active laser beam 16 with a reflection factor of over 95%.

[0106] The second tilting mirror 32 has a mirror surface that is designed to reflect the wavelength of the second active laser beam 16 with a reflection factor of over 95%. The second tilting mirror 32 is designed to tilt its mirror surface by rotation about at least one of two axes that are orthogonally aligned to one another and run parallel to the mirror surface of the second tilting mirror 32. By tilting the mirror surface of the second tilting mirror 32, the second active laser beam 16 can be directed onto the object 12.

[0107] The second telescope 34 can be formed from two lenses or two curved mirrors. In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 1, the second telescope 34 is formed of two lenses. The distance between the two lenses of the second telescope 34 can be adjustable. By adjusting the distance between the two lenses of the second telescope 34, the second effective laser beam 16 can be focused on the object 12.

[0108] A distance to the object 12 can be measured using a rangefinder (not shown), such as a radar rangefinder or a laser rangefinder. The distance between the two lenses of the first telescope 28 and the distance between the two lenses of the second telescope 34 can be adjusted based on the measured distance.

[0109] The beam guiding device 22 can have further mirrors (not shown) for directing the two effective laser beams 14, 16 onto the object 12 and / or further lenses (not shown) for shaping the two effective laser beams 14, 16.

[0110] The device 10 has an illumination source 36 for emitting an illumination beam 38 for illuminating the object 12. The illumination beam 38 is in Fig. 1 with a dotted line. The illumination source 36 has a laser resonator for generating the illumination beam 38. The illumination beam 38 is a pulsed laser beam.

[0111] The illumination beam 38 is unsuitable for processing, in particular laser processing, of the object 12. The wavelength of the illumination beam 38 is shorter than the wavelengths of the two active laser beams 14, 16. The wavelength of the illumination beam 38 is 980 nm.

[0112] The object 12 is illuminated with the illumination beam 38. A portion of the illumination beam 38 is diffusely reflected by the object 12.

[0113] A first portion 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 impinges on the first optical unit 24 via the first telescope 28 and the first tilting mirror 26. The first optical unit 24 is designed to be transmissive for the wavelength of the illumination beam 38, with a transmittance of over 95%. This allows the first effective laser beam 14 to be spatially separated from the first portion 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12. The first portion 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 is transmitted by the first optical unit 24 and impinges on a first camera 42.

[0114] A second portion 44 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 impinges on the second optical unit 30 via the second telescope 34 and the second tilting mirror 32. The second optical unit 30 is designed to be transmissive for the wavelength of the illumination beam 38, with a transmittance of over 95%. This allows the second effective laser beam 16 to be spatially separated from the second portion 44 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12. The second portion 44 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 is transmitted by the second optical unit 30 and impinges on a second camera 46.

[0115] The two cameras 42, 46 each form a detector of an illumination beam detector device 48 of the device 10. The first camera 42 is assigned to the first effective laser beam 14 and the second camera 46 is assigned to the second effective laser beam 16.

[0116] The two cameras 42, 46 each create image data of the object 12. The first effective laser beam 14 can be directed onto the object 12 based on the image data of the object 12 created by the first camera 42. The second effective laser beam 16 can be directed onto the object 12 based on the image data of the object 12 created by the second camera 46.

[0117] The device 10 has a control device 50 in the form of a computer. The control device 50 is configured to analyze the image data of the object 12 from the two cameras 42, 46. The analysis of the image data of the object 12 is performed using a machine learning algorithm comprising a trained neural network. The analysis of the image data of the object 12 can be performed separately for the image data of the first camera 42 and for the image data of the second camera 46.

[0118] By analyzing the image data of the object 12, the control device 50 identifies a target area on the object 12. For example, a propeller of the drone may be located in the target area on the object 12.

[0119] The control device 50 is configured to control the first tilting mirror 26 for the purpose of tilting the mirror surface of the first tilting mirror 26. The control device 50 controls the first tilting mirror 26 such that the first effective laser beam 14 impinges on the object 12 within the target area. As a result, the first effective laser beam 14 is directed onto the object 12 by controlling the first tilting mirror 26 by means of the control device 50 based on the image data of the object 12 created by the first camera 42.

[0120] A beam path of the first effective laser beam 14 from the first optical unit 24 to the object 12 and a beam path of the first part 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 from the object 12 to the first optical unit 24 are the same. The first effective laser beam 14 and the first part 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 travel the same beam path, propagating in opposite directions between the object 12 and the first optical unit 24. This allows a reference point to be defined on the first camera 42, which can be aligned with an area of ​​the object 12 in order to irradiate the area of ​​the object 12 with the first effective laser beam 14. This can simplify directing the first effective laser beam 14 onto the object 12.

[0121] The control device 50 is configured to control the second tilting mirror 32 for the purpose of tilting the mirror surface of the second tilting mirror 32. The control device 50 controls the second tilting mirror 32 such that the second effective laser beam 16 impinges on the object 12 within the target area. As a result, the second effective laser beam 16 is directed onto the object 12 by controlling the second tilting mirror 32 by means of the control device 50 based on the image data of the object 12 created by the second camera 46.

[0122] A beam path of the second effective laser beam 16 from the second optical unit 30 to the object 12 and a beam path of the second part 44 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 from the object 12 to the second optical unit 30 are the same. The second effective laser beam 16 and the second part 44 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 travel the same beam path, propagating in opposite directions between the object 12 and the second optical unit 30. This allows a reference point to be defined on the second camera 46, which can be aligned with an area of ​​the object 12 in order to irradiate the area of ​​the object 12 with the second effective laser beam 16. This can simplify directing the second effective laser beam 16 onto the object 12.

[0123] The two effective laser beams 14, 16 strike the object 12. The two effective laser beams 14, 16 strike the object 12 in such a way that the two effective laser beams 14, 16 spatially overlap in an overlap region, in particular on the object 12.

[0124] The two active laser beams 14, 16 cause a heat effect on the object 12. This allows the object 12 to be processed by means of the two active laser beams 14, 16.

[0125] A portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 is diffusely reflected by the object 12. The portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 can have a power that is less than 20%, preferably 10%, of the sum of the power of the first active laser beam 14 and the power of the second active laser beam 16.

[0126] A portion 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 can be guided via the first telescope 28, the first tilting mirror 26, the first optical unit 24 and a third optical unit 58 of the device 10 to an effective laser beam detector 60 of the device 10. In other words, the portion 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 can enter the housing 11 through the first aperture 29. The portion 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 is in Fig. 1 is shown with a dashed line.

[0127] The part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 is formed from a part of a portion of the first effective laser beam 14 reflected by the object 12 and a part of a portion of the second effective laser beam 16 reflected by the object 12.

[0128] The effective laser beam detector 60, the first effective laser source 18 and the second effective laser source 20 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the beam path of the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 from the object 12 to the effective laser beam detector 60 and the beam path of the first effective laser beam 14 from the first effective laser source 18 to the object 12 have at least partially the same course. In particular, the beam path of the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 from the object 12 to the first optical device 24 and the beam path of the first effective laser beam 14 from the first optical device 24 to the object 12 have the same course.The first effective laser beam 14 and the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 pass through the same beam path with counter-propagation between the object 12 and the first optical unit 24.

[0129] The effective laser beam detector 60 is a power detector in the form of a photodiode and is designed to detect a power of the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12.

[0130] The third optical unit 58 is a dichroic mirror which is designed to reflect the wavelengths of the two active laser beams 14, 16 with a reflection factor of over 95%.

[0131] The third optical unit 58 is arranged between the first optical unit 24 and the first camera 42. Due to the diffuse reflection of the two active laser beams 14, 16 from the object 12, the portion 52 of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 can be detected by the active laser beam detector 60 downstream of the first optical unit 24.

[0132] Fig. 1 shows that the first optical unit 24 reflects the first effective laser beam 14, transmits the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12, and transmits the first part 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12. For this purpose, the first optical unit 24 has a structure which is Fig. 2 to 4.

[0133] Fig. 2 shows the first optical unit 24 in the form of the dichroic mirror in a plan view and Fig. Figure 3 shows the first optical unit 24 in a sectional view. The first optical unit 24 has a substrate 74 and a coating 76 arranged on the substrate 74, for example in the form of a dielectric coating.

[0134] The coating 76 has a first partial region 78 and a second partial region 80. The first partial region 78 is radially surrounded by the second partial region 80. The first partial region 78 and the second partial region 80 are each a contiguous region.

[0135] The first subregion 78 and the second subregion 80 differ from one another, particularly in their reflection and transmission properties. The first subregion 78 is reflective with a reflection factor of over 95% for the wavelength of the first active laser beam 14 and transmissive with a transmission factor of over 95% for the wavelength of the illumination beam 38. The second subregion 80 is transmissive with a transmission factor of over 95% for the wavelengths of the two active laser beams 14, 16 and transmissive with a transmission factor of over 95% for the wavelength of the illumination beam 38.

[0136] Fig. 4 shows that the first optical unit 24 of the device 10 is arranged such that the first active laser beam 14 is guided over the first partial region 78 of the first optical unit 24, the part 52 of the portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 is guided over the second partial region 80 of the first optical unit 24, and the first part 40 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 is guided over the first partial region 78 and the second partial region 80 of the first optical unit 24. Therefore, the part 52 of the portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 detected by the active laser beam detector 60 has a circular intensity profile.

[0137] The first effective laser beam 14 can have a Gaussian intensity profile. The first partial region 78 can be dimensioned such that the first effective laser beam 14 has the Gaussian intensity profile before and after reflection at the first optical unit 24. Alternatively, the first partial region 78 can be dimensioned such that the first effective laser beam 14 has the Gaussian intensity profile before reflection at the first optical unit 24 and has a truncated Gaussian intensity profile after reflection at the first optical unit 24. For example, the first partial region 78 can be dimensioned such that an inner region of the first effective laser beam 14, which has at most 90% of the power of the first effective laser beam 14 before reflection at the first optical unit 24, is reflected by the first partial region 78.The remaining, outer region of the first effective laser beam 14, which has at least 10% of the power of the first effective laser beam 14 before reflection at the first optical unit 24, cannot be reflected by the first optical unit 24. In other words, the Gaussian intensity profile of the first effective laser beam 14 is clipped by the reflection at the first optical unit 24, forming a top-hat-shaped intensity profile of the first effective laser beam 14.

[0138] In other words, the first partial region 78 can act as an aperture for the first effective laser beam 14, which cuts the first effective laser beam 14 from the outside by at least 10% of its power.

[0139] If the first effective laser beam 14 is clipped by the first optical unit 24, the second optical unit 30 may have features corresponding to the first optical unit 24 for clipping the second effective laser beam 16.

[0140] The first partial region 78 can be circular.

[0141] The device 10 has a phase shifter device 62 for changing a phase between the first active laser beam 14 and the second active laser beam 16. The phase shifter device 62 has a first heating element 64 and a second heating element 66.

[0142] The first heating element 64 is arranged within the first effective laser source 18 such that the first heating element 64 can heat an optical element of the resonator of the first effective laser source 18. By changing the temperature of the optical element of the resonator of the first effective laser source 18, the phase between the first effective laser beam 14 and the second effective laser beam 16 can be changed.

[0143] The second heating element 66 is arranged within the second effective laser source 20 such that the second heating element 66 can heat an optical element of the resonator of the second effective laser source 20. By changing the temperature of the optical element of the resonator of the second effective laser source 20, the phase between the first effective laser beam 14 and the second effective laser beam 16 can be changed.

[0144] The control device 50 is configured to control the phase shifter device 62 for changing the phase between the first active laser beam 14 and the second active laser beam 16 based on the detected portion 52 of the portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12. The control device 50 controls the first heating element 64 and the second heating element 66 such that the portion 52 of the portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12, detected by the active laser beam detector 60, is maximized.

[0145] This can be done, for example, by the control device 50 controlling the first heating element 64 such that the first heating element 64 has a constant temperature, and controlling the second heating element 66 such that a temperature of the second heating element 66 changes until the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12, which part is detected by the effective laser beam detector 60, is at a maximum.

[0146] This makes it possible for the two effective laser beams 14, 16 to constructively interfere with each other in the superposition region, whereby a particularly high power density acts on the object 12.

[0147] The two active laser sources 18, 20, the two optical devices 24, 30, the two tilting mirrors 26, 32, the two telescopes 28, 34, the two cameras 42, 46, the third optical unit 58, the active laser beam detector 60, and the control device 50 are arranged in the housing 11. The illumination source 36 is not arranged in the housing 11. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the illumination source 36 can be arranged in the housing.

[0148] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the device may comprise a plurality, in particular 6, 8 or 10, of effective laser sources for generating a plurality of effective laser beams for irradiating the object with the plurality of effective laser beams.

[0149] The device 10 of Fig. 1 is designed to carry out a method for irradiating the object 12 with two effective laser beams 14, 16.

[0150] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary sequence of the method. The method comprises the steps: a) directing the two active laser beams 14, 16 onto the object 12, forming an overlap region; b) guiding a portion 52 of a portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 along a beam path that, at least in sections, has the same course with respect to a beam path of one of the two active laser beams 14, 16; and c) maximizing the portion of the two active laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 by changing the phase between the two active laser beams 14, 16.

[0151] The directing of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 of step a) is carried out by a1) illuminating the object 12 with the illumination beam 38; a2) detecting parts 40, 44 of the portion of the illumination beam 38 reflected by the object 12 using the cameras 42, 46 by creating image data of the object 12; and a3) directing the two effective laser beams 14, 16 onto the target area of ​​the object 12 based on an identification of the target area on the object 12 by analyzing the created image data.

[0152] Steps a1) and a2) are synchronized in time. For example, step a1) is performed by emitting a pulse of the illumination beam 38. The emission of the pulse of the illumination beam 38 initiates step a2). Step a2) is executed for a predetermined period of time after the emission of the pulse of the illumination beam 38. The predetermined period of time can be, for example, 300 ms (milliseconds), in particular 200 ms or 100 ms.

[0153] The maximization of step c) is carried out by detecting a power of the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 while changing the phase between the two effective laser beams 14, 16, wherein the changing of the phase between the two effective laser beams 14, 16 is carried out until the detected power of the part 52 of the portion of the two effective laser beams 14, 16 reflected by the object 12 reaches a maximum value.

[0154] Steps a) to c) are performed simultaneously. This ensures that the two active laser beams 14, 16 irradiate the object 12 independently of its movement.

[0155] Steps a) to c) are carried out until the object 12 is diverted from its original trajectory.

Claims

[1] Device (10) for irradiating an object (12) with a first effective laser beam (14) and a second effective laser beam (16), comprising: - a first effective laser source (18) for generating the first effective laser beam (14), - a second effective laser source (20) for generating the second effective laser beam (16), - a beam guiding device (22) for directing the first effective laser beam (14) and the second effective laser beam (16) onto the object (12), - a phase shifter device (62) for changing a phase between the first effective laser beam (14) and the second effective laser beam (16), - an effective laser beam detector (60) for detecting a part (52) of a portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12), and - a control device (50) which is designed to control the phase shifter device (62) for changing the phase between the first effective laser beam (14) and the second effective laser beam (16) based on the detected part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12), - wherein the effective laser beam detector (60), the first effective laser source (18) and the second effective laser source (20) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that - the beam path of the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) from the object (12) to the effective laser beam detector (60) and the beam path of the first effective laser beam (14) from the first effective laser source (18) to the object (12) have at least partially the same course, and / or - the beam path of the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) from the object (12) to the effective laser beam detector (60) and the beam path of the second effective laser beam (16) from the second effective laser source (20) to the object (12) have, at least in sections, the same course. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, - wherein the effective laser beam detector (60), the first effective laser source (18) and the second effective laser source (20) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that - the first effective laser beam (14) and the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) at least partially traverse a beam path of the same direction with opposite propagation, and / or - the second effective laser beam (16) and the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) at least partially traverse a beam path with the same direction and propagation in opposite directions. [3] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the device (10) comprises an illumination source (36) for emitting an illumination beam (38) for illuminating the object (12), - wherein the device (10) comprises an illumination beam detector device (48) for detecting a part (40, 44) of a portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12), - wherein the control device (50) is designed to control the beam guiding device (22) for directing the two effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12) based on the detected part (40, 44) of the portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12). [4] Device (10) according to claim 3, - wherein the illumination beam detector device (48) comprises a number of cameras (42, 46) for creating image data of the object (12), - wherein the control device (50) is designed to control the beam guiding device (22) for directing the two effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12) based on the image data of the object (12). [5] Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, - wherein the beam guiding device (22) has a first optical unit (24) for spatially separating the part (40, 44) of the portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12) from the first effective laser beam (14), and / or - wherein the beam guiding device (22) has a second optical unit (30) for spatially separating the part (40, 44) of the portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12) from the second effective laser beam (16). [6] Device (10) according to claim 5, - wherein the first optical unit (24) and / or the second optical unit (30) are each designed as a dichroic mirror. [7] Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, - wherein the first optical unit (24) has a first partial region (78) and a second partial region (80) and is arranged such that the first effective laser beam (14) is guided over the first partial region (78) of the first optical unit (24) and the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) is guided over the second partial region (80) of the first optical unit (24), and / or - wherein the second optical unit (30) has a first partial region and a second partial region and is arranged such that the second effective laser beam (16) is guided over the first partial region of the second optical unit (30) and the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) is guided over the second partial region of the second optical unit (30). [8] Method for irradiating an object (12) with at least two effective laser beams (14, 16), the method comprising the steps of: - Aligning the effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12), - guiding a part (52) of a portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) along a beam path which, with respect to a beam path of one of the two effective laser beams (14, 16), has at least in sections the same course, and - Maximizing the part (52) of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) by changing a phase between the two effective laser beams (14, 16). [9] Method according to claim 8, - wherein the change in the phase between the two effective laser beams (14, 16) is a stochastic change or a systematic change. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, - wherein the alignment of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12) comprises the steps: - illuminating the object (12) with an illuminating beam (38), in particular formed by a laser beam, - detecting a part (40, 44) of a portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12), and - Directing the two effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12) based on the detected part (40, 44) of the portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12). [11] Method according to claim 10, - wherein detecting the part (40, 44) of the portion of the illumination beam (38) reflected by the object (12) comprises creating image data of the object (12), - wherein the directing of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12) comprises an analysis of the image data of the object (12) and is carried out based on the analyzed image data of the object (12). [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, - wherein the alignment of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) onto the object (12) and the maximization of the portion of the two effective laser beams (14, 16) reflected by the object (12) take place simultaneously or sequentially.

Images