Fiber-coupled optical system for beam shaping

Abstract

A fiber-coupled optical system for producing a non-Gaussian intensity profile, comprising an optical fiber with an end facet, and a beam-shaping optical system located on the end facet, the beam-shaping optical system being in the form of a microoptical system.

Description

[0001] Fiber-coupled optics for beam shaping

[0002] The present invention relates to a fiber-coupled optic for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an optical system for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile using such a fiber-coupled optic. The present invention also relates to an adapter for connecting a fiber connector with a corresponding optic.

[0003] Many optical applications require specific light intensity distributions. This particularly applies to applications in metrology, materials processing, imaging, or sensor technology, where non-Gaussian laser light distribution is particularly important.

[0004] To create such a non-Gaussian intensity profile, it is known to provide suitable beam-shaping optics. These are usually integrated into a free beam. The beam-shaping optics can be, for example, specially shaped lenses or other optics. A particular difficulty with conventional implementations is that, in the case of a collimated beam, two freeform surfaces are usually required. In simplified terms, the first freeform surface redistributes the intensity profile of the incident beam, and the second freeform surface corrects and flattens the wavefront of the redistributed beam. Firstly, this requires two freeform surfaces with tight manufacturing tolerances, which are difficult to realize and therefore expensive. In this case, shape deviations of the freeform surfaces directly lead to non-collimated beam-shaping conditions.Furthermore, the mechanical handling of perfectly machined freeform surfaces is also challenging. In particular, the freeform surfaces must be aligned with high precision. This requires the adjustment of three spatial and three rotational degrees of freedom within the alignment process. This is particularly difficult and requires special mechanical handling or fixtures, which further increases the complexity and thus the cost of these systems.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified and cost-effective optical structure for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile.

[0006] The object is achieved by a fiber-coupled optic according to claim 1, an optical system according to claim 15 and an adapter according to claim 19.

[0007] The fiber-coupled optics for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile or a non-Gaussian intensity distribution according to the present invention comprises an optical fiber with an end facet. Furthermore, the fiber-coupled optics comprises beam-shaping optics arranged at the end facet. The beam-shaping optics are designed as micro-optics. Since the beam-shaping optics are designed as micro-optics, they can be directly combined with the end facet of the optical fiber, thus providing an integrated fiber-coupled optic. The beam-shaping optics are designed to generate a non-Gaussian intensity profile from the light provided by the optical fiber. In most optical assemblies, the light from laser sources is supplied via a glass fiber, optical fiber, optical waveguide, or the like anyway.In the prior art, an additional component is required to collimate the light from the optical fiber, so that in the prior art, collimated laser light is fed to the respective optical structure to generate the non-Gaussian intensity profile. Thus, in the prior art, a large number of individual components are required for collimation and transformation, which makes the system even larger and more expensive. According to the present invention, the beam-shaping optics used, which are arranged at the end facet of the optical fiber, transform the divergent light from the optical fiber and generate a non-Gaussian intensity profile from this. This allows the structure to be simplified by reducing the number of required components. At the same time, the beam-shaping optics, which are designed as micro-optics, can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0008] Preferably, the non-Gaussian intensity profile has a top-hat profile, a donut profile, a rectangular profile, a square profile, or a multi-spot profile. Alternatively, the beam-shaping optics can generate a logo as the output profile, which can then be displayed.

[0009] The micro-optics preferably have a diameter in the range of 50 μm to 1500 μm, preferably 200 μm to 500 μm. Due to the small dimensions of the micro-optics, integration with the optical fiber is possible. The optical system of the fiber-coupled optics can thus be designed compactly.

[0010] The micro-optics preferably have a diameter that essentially corresponds to the diameter of the optical fiber. This allows an integrated system of the micro-optics with the optical fiber to be created. Alternatively, the micro-optics have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the fiber, so that the light leaving the core of the optical fiber can be suitably shaped by the micro-optics. Known fibers typically have a cladding diameter of 250 μm or less, and in particular 125 μm, and a core diameter of less than 50 μm, and in particular less than 15 μm. The micro-optics are preferably produced by means of 3D laser writing, and in particular by means of 2-photon laser writing.It has been demonstrated that 3D laser writing can be used to create suitable structures on a corresponding scale with the accuracy required to achieve a reliable non-Gaussian intensity distribution. In 3D laser writing, a photoresist is locally cured using a focused laser beam to create the desired structure. This allows small structures to be created precisely, achieving the desired miniaturization of micro-optics. At the same time, the 3D laser writing process achieves high reproducibility, allowing reliable micro-optics to be created with the desired optical properties. At the same time, the costs of such micro-optics are low.

[0011] Preferably, the micro-optics are monolithic. The monolithic design of the micro-optics makes it possible to make them particularly compact. In particular, the alignment of the individual components of the beam-shaping optics relative to one another is fixed due to the monolithic design. Thus, alignment of the individual elements of the beam-shaping optics, as is required, for example, in the prior art, is no longer necessary according to the present invention.

[0012] The micro-optics are preferably made of a transparent polymer. The transparent material is, in particular, an acrylate or an epoxy. "Transparent" refers to the material's ability to substantially transmit light in the near UV, visible wavelength range, and / or near infrared. "Substantially" means that more than 50% of the light passes through the material, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%, and most preferably more than 95%.

[0013] Preferably, the micro-optic unit is produced directly on the end facet of the optical fiber and thus directly and immediately connected to the end facet of the optical fiber. This can be achieved in particular by using the 3D laser writer to produce the micro-optic unit on the end facet of the optical fiber. As a result, the micro-optic unit is firmly and permanently connected to the end facet of the optical fiber. At the same time, the alignment of the micro-optic unit relative to the optical fiber can be fixed and is unchangeable due to the connection of the micro-optic unit to the end facet of the optical fiber. Subsequent alignment of the micro-optic unit relative to the end facet of the optical fiber is therefore no longer necessary. Alternatively, the micro-optic unit can be plugged or glued directly onto the end facet to connect it to the optical fiber.

[0014] Preferably, the micro-optic system is at least partially surrounded by a sleeve. This increases the mechanical stability of the micro-optic system and protects the micro-optic system against external influences or damage. In particular, the micro-optic system is completely surrounded by a sleeve, although a light entry surface and a light exit surface of the micro-optic system are naturally not covered by the sleeve, so that light can pass through the micro-optic system. In particular, a fiber end, which has the end facet of the optical fiber, is also at least partially surrounded by the sleeve. This further increases the mechanical stability of the micro-optic system and protects the connection between the micro-optic system and the optical fiber from external mechanical influences. The sleeve thus simultaneously at least partially surrounds the micro-optic system and one end of the optical fiber.

[0015] The micro-optics are preferably cylindrical. In particular, if a sleeve is provided for mechanical protection of the micro-optics, this sleeve is also cylindrical.

[0016] The fiber-coupled optic preferably has a ferrule, wherein the micro-optics and the optical fiber are arranged together in the ferrule. In particular, the fiber-coupled optic has a (fiber) connector with such a ferrule. However, the present invention is not limited to this, so that in embodiments a ferrule without a connector can also be provided. Thus, the micro-optics is connected to the end facet of the optical fiber by combining the optical fiber with the ferrule, in particular a connector. In this case, the connector can be, for example, an F-SMA connector, an FC connector, an SC connector, or a comparable fiber optic connector. Of course, the present invention is not limited to a specific connector type, so that the micro-optics can be integrated into a ferrule of different connectors in order to connect this to the optical fiber.

[0017] The micro-optics are preferably arranged in an adapter, wherein the fiber has a fiber connector and the adapter has a receptacle for receiving the fiber connector. The adapter further has a recess, wherein the beam-shaping optics are arranged in the recess of the adapter. Thus, the beam-shaping optics can be easily connected to an optical fiber that already has a fiber connector by means of the adapter. The adapter allows the beam-shaping optics to be connected to the end facet of the fiber in a clear alignment. In particular, the receptacle of the adapter is designed to receive the fiber connector in a form-fitting manner, thereby defining a clear position of the fiber connector in the receptacle. Further adjustment is not necessary due to the design of the fiber connector and the adapter.In particular, the receptacle of the fiber connector is axially aligned with the recess which has the beam-shaping optics, so that the receptacle and the recess have a common optical axis.

[0018] Preferably, the micro-optics has an entrance surface arranged in the direction of the end facet and an exit surface arranged opposite the entrance surface, so that light from the fiber enters the micro-optics through the entrance surface and leaves the micro-optics via the exit surface or vice versa.

[0019] The exit surface is preferably designed as a freeform surface and / or a diffractive surface. The freeform surface and / or the diffractive surface can be used to adjust the intensity distribution or intensity profile. The freeform surface acts as a refractive element, while the diffractive surface adjusts the intensity profile based on diffraction.

[0020] Preferably, the exit surface is designed as a flat surface. This allows the exit surface to be cleaned in the usual way, while simultaneously protecting the surfaces of the beam-shaping optics, which lead to the non-Gaussian intensity distribution, from external influences.

[0021] Preferably, the micro-optic device has a cavity. The cavity is free of the transparent material forming the micro-optic device and can be filled with air or a gas, for example.

[0022] The cavity preferably has at least one inner surface, which is designed as a diffractive surface or freeform surface for adapting the intensity profile by refraction or diffraction. The inner surface can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the optical axis or substantially parallel to the exit surface and / or entrance surface and / or the end facet of the optical fiber. In particular, the at least one inner surface can delimit the cavity in the direction of the entrance surface or in the direction of the exit surface. In particular, the cavity has two inner surfaces, wherein a first inner surface delimits the cavity in the direction of the entrance surface and a second inner surface delimits the cavity in the direction of the exit surface, wherein both the first inner surface and the second inner surface are designed as diffractive (in particular freeform) and / or refractive surfaces.The first inner surface and the second inner surface can be identical or different.

[0023] Preferably, the cavity of the micro-optics is open towards the end facet. This means that the cavity is directly adjacent to the end facet of the optical fiber. In particular, the cavity at the location of the end facet or at the location of the entrance surface of the micro-optics has a diameter that is equal to or larger than the core of the optical fiber. This means that the micro-optics does not have any material at the location of the end facet of the optical fiber. This is usually also the location of the highest intensity. Particularly during the transmission of high-power laser light, damage to the micro-optics can occur due to the high intensity at the transition from the core of the optical fiber to the micro-optics. However, since the micro-optics has a cavity right at the core of the optical fiber, such damage can be avoided.The light beam of the optical fiber, which emerges from the core, expands more quickly, so that when it enters the material of the micro-optics at a distance from the end facet, the intensity has already dropped, thus just preventing damage to the micro-optics.

[0024] Preferably, the micro-optics has exactly one freeform surface and / or diffractive surface for generating the non-Gaussian intensity profile.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an optical system for generating a non-Gaussian intensity distribution using fiber-coupled optics as described above. Furthermore, the optical system comprises focusing optics with at least one lens. By combining the fiber-coupled optics, which are arranged directly at the end facet of the optical fiber, and focusing optics, a collimated light beam can be generated which has a non-Gaussian intensity distribution. The at least one lens preferably has a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm, more preferably in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm. Thus, the at least one lens is a macroscopic lens, which in particular is not designed as a micro-optic system. This ensures sufficiently large diameters of the light spot to be achieved.

[0026] Preferably, the distance between the fiber-coupled optics and the focusing optics is between 50 mm and 200 mm. In particular, the distance between the fiber-coupled optics and the focusing optics essentially corresponds to the focal length of the focusing optics. In this case, divergent light exiting the fiber-coupled optics at the exit surface is collimated by the focusing optics.

[0027] The focusing optics preferably comprise a zoom lens. In particular, the focusing optics comprise at least two lenses, which are designed, for example, as a diverging lens and a converging lens. The distance between the two lenses thus enables a simple, dynamic adjustment of the beam diameter.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adapter for connecting to a fiber connector, wherein the adapter comprises an adapter element with a receptacle for receiving a fiber connector and, in particular, a ferrule of a fiber connector, for example, an FC connector, an F-SMA connector, an SC connector, or the like. Furthermore, the adapter comprises a recess in which a beam-shaping optic is arranged, wherein the beam-shaping optic is designed as a micro-optic system. In particular, the beam-shaping optic is designed as described above.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0030] Figure 1 shows an embodiment from the prior art,

[0031] Figures 2A-2F show embodiments of an optical system according to the present invention,

[0032] Figures 3A-3D show embodiments of a fiber-coupled optic according to the present invention,

[0033] Figures 4A and 4B show another embodiment of an optical system according to the present invention,

[0034] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of an optical system according to the present invention,

[0035] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an optical system according to the present invention,

[0036] Figures 7A and 7b show an embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention,

[0037] Figures 8A and 8B show another embodiment of an optical system according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 shows the prior art. Light transported via an optical waveguide or an optical fiber 10' exits divergently at the end facet of the optical fiber 10' and is collimated by a focusing lens 14'. This results in a Gaussian intensity distribution 16', which is also shown in Figure 1. The lens 14' is, for example, a macroscopic lens with a diameter of 1 inch or 2 inches, which is arranged at a suitable distance from the end facet of the optical fiber 10'. The alignment of the lens 14' relative to the optical fiber 10' in all three spatial directions, as well as tilts relative to the end facet of the optical fiber 10', must be adjusted in order to obtain an optimally collimated output beam. Furthermore, the Gaussian intensity distribution in the area 17 can be seen in Figure 1.

[0039] In the following figures, identical or similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0040] Reference is made below to Figures 2A to 2F. According to the present invention, a beam-shaping optic 12, which is designed as a micro-optic system, is arranged at an end facet of a fiber 10. The beam-shaping optic 12 has a diffractive or refractive element by means of which the intensity distribution of the light emerging from the optical fiber 10 can be adjusted. However, the light is still divergent and is collimated via a focusing optic 14. In Figure 2A, collimated light with a top-hat intensity distribution 16 is achieved. Furthermore, the intensity distribution is shown in Figure 2A on a gray scale. This essentially corresponds to the spot or light distribution generated when the light is directed onto a screen after the focusing optic 14. The uniform distribution of the intensity in the area 17 can be seen in Figure 2A.Furthermore, a round intensity distribution is generated by the beam-shaping optics 12. In Figure 2B, a donut-shaped intensity profile 16 with collimated light is achieved due to the design of the beam-shaping optics 12. The round intensity distribution generated in the area 17 is also shown in Figure 2B. In Figure 2C, a top-hat intensity profile is again generated according to Figure 2A, wherein in the embodiment of Figure 2C, the intensity distribution in the area 17 is square. In Figure 2D, a top-hat intensity profile is again generated according to Figure 2A, wherein in the embodiment of Figure 2D, the intensity distribution in the area 17 is round and also generates a logo (here the letter "F").

[0041] In Figure 2E, the beam-shaping optics 12 are configured analogously to the beam-shaping optics of Figure 2A, with the focusing optics 14 being configured as a diverging lens, thus achieving a diverging light beam with a top-hat intensity distribution 16. In Figure 2F, a focused output beam is achieved with a top-hat intensity profile 16. Here, the beam-shaping optics 12 are configured identically or similarly to the beam-shaping optics of Figures 2A and 2E to achieve a top-hat intensity distribution. The focusing optics 14 are configured as a converging lens.

[0042] Reference is made below to Figures 3A to 3D, which show fiber-coupled optics according to the present invention. A beam-shaping optic 12 is arranged on an end facet 18 of an optical fiber 10. The beam-shaping optic 12 has a light entrance surface 20 and a light exit surface 22. The beam-shaping optic 12 can be produced directly on the end facet 18 of the optical fiber 10, for example, by means of 3D laser writing or 2-photon laser writing. It has been shown that by means of 3D laser writing, suitable structures can be created on a corresponding scale with the accuracy required to achieve a reliable non-Gaussian intensity distribution. In 3D laser writing, a photoresist is cured locally using a focused laser beam to produce the desired structure.This allows small structures to be created precisely, achieving the desired miniaturization of the micro-optics. At the same time, the 3D laser writing process achieves high reproducibility, allowing reliable creation of micro-optics with the desired optical properties. At the same time, the costs of such micro-optics are low. The micro-optics can be monolithic. The monolithic design of the micro-optics makes it possible to make them particularly compact. In particular, the alignment of the individual components of the beam-shaping optics relative to one another is fixed due to the monolithic design. Thus, according to the present invention, alignment of the individual elements of the beam-shaping optics, as is required, for example, in the prior art, is no longer necessary.

[0043] In particular, the micro-optics are made of a transparent polymer. The transparent material is, in particular, an acrylate or an epoxy. "Transparent" refers to the material's property of essentially transmitting light in the near UV, visible wavelength range, and / or near infrared. "Essentially" means that more than 50% of the light passes through the material, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%, and most preferably more than 95%.

[0044] Thus, the beam-shaping optics 12 are directly connected to the optical fiber 10. Adjustment of the beam-shaping optics 12 relative to the optical fiber 10 is no longer required and is provided by the manufacturing process of the beam-shaping optics 12. In particular, the micro-optics have an outer diameter in the range of 50 μm to 1000 μm, and preferably in the range of 200 μm to 500 μm. In particular, the outer diameter of the beam-shaping optics 12 essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the optical fiber 10.

[0045] In particular, the beam-shaping optics are rotationally symmetrical about the optical axis of the optical fiber 10 and the beam-shaping optics 12 (common optical axis). However, this depends on the non-Gaussian intensity profile to be achieved. Thus, for non-rotationally asymmetric intensity profiles, the respective beam-shaping optics 12 may also not be rotationally symmetrical. In the embodiment in Figure 3A, the exit surface 22 of the beam-shaping optics 12 has a freeform surface through which the intensity distribution or the non-Gaussian beam profile is generated.

[0046] In the embodiment of Figure 3B, the beam-shaping optics 12 has a cavity 24. The cavity 24 has an inner surface 28, which is arranged opposite the light exit surface 22 or points away from the light exit surface 22. The inner surface 28 of the cavity 24 is designed as a freeform surface for forming the non-Gaussian beam profile or intensity profile. Furthermore, the cavity 24 has an opening 26 at the entrance surface 20 of the beam-shaping optics 12. The opening 26 is thus arranged at the core of the optical fiber 10, i.e., at the location of the highest intensity of the light emerging from the end facet of the fiber 10. By providing the opening 26 at this location, damage to the material of the beam-shaping optics 12 can be avoided.

[0047] In the embodiment of Figure 3C, the cavity 24 has a first inner surface 30 opposite the light exit surface 22 and a second inner surface 31 opposite the light entry surface 20, which faces away from the entry surface. In the example of Figure 3C, the second inner surface 31 is designed as a freeform surface for generating the non-Gaussian beam profile or the non-Gaussian intensity distribution. The first inner surface 30 can be designed as a refractive or diffractive surface, or as a combined refractive-diffractive surface, for further adaptation of the beam profile or, for example, the collimation of the exiting light.

[0048] In the embodiment of Figure 3D, which essentially corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 3B, the beam-shaping optics 12 is further surrounded by a sleeve 32. The sleeve 32 completely surrounds both the beam-shaping optics 12 and a fiber end 34 of the optical fiber 10. The sleeve 32 can be designed, for example, as a metal sleeve or a plastic sleeve. In particular, the sleeve 32 can be made of a non-transparent material. Of course, the sleeve does not surround the end facet 18 of the fiber 10, the light entry surface 20, or the light exit surface 22 of the beam-shaping optics 12, so that light passage through the beam-shaping optics 12 is always guaranteed. The sleeve 32 improves the mechanical stability of the beam-shaping optics 12 and in particular its connection to the optical fiber 10 and protects the beam-shaping optics 12 from external mechanical influences.

[0049] In the embodiments of Figures 3B-3D, the light exit surface 22 is planar. Polishing and / or cleaning this light exit surface is thus easily possible. In particular, the respective freeform surface 28, 31 is protected by the beam-shaping optics 12 itself, and, for example, impact of the light exit surface against an object does not inevitably lead to damage to the freeform surface 28, 31. This further increases the robustness of the fiber-coupled optics, and thus, for example, minor damage can be repaired by polishing the light exit surface 22 without requiring replacement of the entire beam-shaping optics 12.

[0050] Reference is made below to Figures 4A and 4B. In Figures 4A, 4B, the focusing optics 14 have a zoom lens formed by a first lens 14A and a second lens 14B. Here, for example, the first lens 14A is designed as a diverging lens and the second lens 14B as a converging lens. The beam diameter can be adjusted via the distance between the first lens 14A and the second lens 14B, as shown in the comparison of Figures 4A and 4B. If the distance between the first lens 14A and the second lens 14B is increased according to Figure 4B, the beam diameter at the output of the second lens 14B increases. Reference is made below to Figure 5. In this embodiment, the beam-shaping optics 12 are integrated into a ferrule 38, which is arranged at the end of an optical waveguide 36. Here, the optical fiber 10 of the optical waveguide 36 is arranged and fixed within the ferrule 38.Furthermore, the beam-shaping optics 12 are arranged within the ferrule 38 directly at an end opening 40 of the ferrule 38. Alignment of the optical fiber 10 relative to the beam-shaping optics 12 is ensured by the ferrule 38. In particular, the beam-shaping optics 12 can be created through the opening 40 in the ferrule 38, and the optical fiber can then be inserted into the ferrule and, for example, glued. Alternatively, the beam-shaping optics are created on the end facet of the optical fiber 10 and then inserted together into the ferrule. In particular, the ferrule is made of metal or ceramic, so that the highest possible positioning accuracy of the optical fiber 10 can be achieved, particularly relative to the beam-shaping optics 12 and the opening 40.

[0051] Reference is made below to Figure 6, which shows an optical waveguide 42 having connectors at its ends 44, 46. These connectors can be designed, for example, as FC connectors. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the example of Figure 6, a first connector 46 has a ferrule 48, in which an optical fiber 10 is held. Furthermore, a beam-shaping optic 12 is arranged in the ferrule 48 and has an opening 40 through which the light from the optical fiber 10 can exit the ferrule 48 through the beam-shaping optic 12. Thus, the connector 46 can be easily connected to an optical apparatus and delivers light with a desired non-Gaussian intensity distribution. Collimation of the light emerging from the optical fiber 10 can subsequently be achieved using a macroscopic lens, as described above. Reference is made below to Figures 7A and 7B.Figures 7A and 7B show an adapter 50 that can be connected to a ferrule 52 of a connector 54. The adapter 50 has a receptacle for receiving the ferrule 52 of the connector 54. Furthermore, the adapter 50 has a recess for receiving the beam-shaping optics 12. The receptacle and recess of the adapter 50 share a common optical axis. By defining the relative positions of the receptacle and the recess, a defined positional relationship can be created between the ferrule 52 of the optical fiber and the beam-shaping optics 12. In particular, the recess of the adapter 50 for the ferrule 52 is precisely designed to fit the ferrule 52, ensuring and always achieving an exact positional relationship. Thus, the connector 54 can be easily adapted by attaching the adapter element 50.Different adapter elements can be provided, allowing different non-Gaussian intensity profiles to be generated. The individual adapters can be easily changed, for example, by plugging them together, allowing for quick switching between non-Gaussian beam profiles.

[0052] Reference is made below to the system of Figures 8A and 8B. A connector 46 is provided, which can be inserted into and connected to a connecting element 58, for example. Either the connecting element 58 according to the adapter of Figures 7A, 7B or the connector 46 itself according to Figure 6 can have a beam-shaping optic 12 arranged directly at the end facet of the optical fiber 10. The system of Figures 8A, 8B further comprises a housing 56 in which the focusing optic 14 is arranged. This creates an integrated system for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile. In the example of Figures 8A, 8B, a top-hat intensity profile is achieved.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fiber-coupled optics for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile with an optical fiber having an end facet, a beam-shaping optic arranged at the end facet, wherein the beam-shaping optics is designed as a micro-optic.

2. Fiber-coupled optics according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-Gaussian intensity profile is a top-hat profile, a donut profile, a rectangular profile, a square profile, a multi-spot profile or a logo.

3. Fiber-coupled optics according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the micro-optics have a diameter in the range of 50pm to 1500pm, preferably 200pm to 500pm.

4. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the micro-optics have a diameter which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the fiber.

5. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the micro-optics are produced by means of 3D laser writing and in particular by means of 2-photon laser writing.

6. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the micro-optics are made of a transparent polymer.

7. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the micro-optics are produced, plugged or glued directly onto the end facet.

8. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the micro-optics are at least partially surrounded by a sleeve, wherein in particular a fiber end which has the end facet is also at least partially surrounded by the sleeve.

9. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the micro-optics are arranged in a ferrule, wherein the ferrule is in particular part of a fiber connector.

10. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the micro-optics are arranged in an adapter, wherein the fiber has a fiber connector and the adapter has a receptacle for receiving the fiber connector, wherein the adapter further has a recess, wherein the beam guiding optics is arranged in the recess of the adapter.

11. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the micro-optics has an entrance surface which is arranged in the direction of the end facet and has an exit surface opposite the entrance surface, so that light from the fiber enters the micro-optics through the entrance surface and leaves the micro-optics via the exit surface or vice versa.

12. Fiber-coupled optics according to claim 11, characterized in that the exit surface is designed as a free-form surface and / or diffractive surface.

13. Fiber-coupled optics according to claim 11, characterized in that the exit surface is designed as a flat surface.

14. Fiber-coupled optics according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the micro-optics has a cavity.

15. Fiber-coupled optics according to claim 14, characterized in that the cavity has at least one inner surface, wherein the inner surface is designed as a free-form surface and / or diffractive surface.

16. Optical system for generating a non-Gaussian intensity profile with a fiber-coupled optic according to one of claims 1 to 15 and a focusing optic with at least one lens.

17. Optical system according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one lens has a diameter in the range of 10mm to 50mm, preferably in the range of 20mm to 30mm.

18. Optical system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the distance between the fiber-coupled optics and the focusing optics is between 50 mm and 200 mm.

19. Optical system according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the distance between the fiber-coupled optics and the focusing optics substantially corresponds to the focal length of the focusing optics.

20. Adapter for connection to a fiber connector, with an adapter element, wherein the adapter element has a receptacle for receiving a fiber connector and a recess, wherein a beam shaping optic is arranged in the recess, wherein the beam shaping optic is designed as a micro-optic.

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