Adjustable Beam Transformation Devices for Laser Line Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for generating line-shaped laser radiation struggle to control the line width in the transverse direction effectively, particularly with multi-mode lasers, due to manufacturing tolerances and divergence issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two beam transformation devices with adjustable distance between them, allowing for continuous control of line width by altering the beam divergence, using refractive or reflective arrays and cylindrical lenses to anisotropically transform the laser beam, and includes a homogenizer and Fourier optical elements to achieve a large depth of field and reduce light intensity below material damage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distance between the two beam transformation devices is fixed, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the line width in transverse direction cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the two beam transformation devices adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the line width in the transverse direction to be controlled dynamically by varying the separation distance, transforming a static system into a controllable dynamic one without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the distance between beam transformation devices as a controllable parameter. By changing this geometric parameter, the line width output is directly affected, providing a simple and effective control mechanism that avoids complex optical element adjustments
2Reliability
If standard beam transformation devices are used, then the apparatus is simple to design, but manufacturing tolerances and divergence errors cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the adjustable distance between beam transformation devices to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and divergence errors. The system can be adjusted based on actual performance measurements, creating a feedback loop where the distance parameter is tuned to achieve the desired line width and quality, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
By making the distance adjustable, the system gains the flexibility to adapt to manufacturing variations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the apparatus to compensate for errors that would otherwise be fixed in standard devices, improving reliability without requiring completely new device designs
3Illumination intensity
If the light intensity is high, then the laser radiation is strong, but the light intensity exceeds the damage threshold of the beam transformation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the distance between beam transformation devices to control both the line width and the light intensity distribution. By varying this parameter, the system can reduce peak intensities to below damage thresholds while maintaining useful laser power for the application
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise control of line width in the transverse direction, compensates for manufacturing errors, and reduces light intensity, ensuring the line width can be adjusted from 14 μm to 38 μm with precise mechanisms, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
refractive or reflective beam transformation devices that rearrange the mode combination of multi-mode lasers
Implementation Method 2
refractive or reflective beam transformation devices
Implementation Method 3
In the Y direction (line cross section) the radiation can be focused very well, and a large depth of field can be achieved
Implementation Method 4
the radiation in the X direction (long line axis) can be homogenized very well with optics disposed behind the beam transformation devices
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating a line-shaped intensity distribution of laser radiation comprises first and second beam transformation devices spaced apart from one another and at least one focusing element to focus laser radiation that has passed through the first and second beam transformation devices into a line-shaped intensity distribution. The apparatus is configured to change the line width of the line-shaped intensity distribution in a line transverse direction by changing a distance between the first and second beam transformation devices.