Adjustable GRIN Lens for Laser Beam Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber laser devices often require adjustment of beam quality for specific applications, but existing methods lack a systematic approach to achieve predetermined beam quality efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a GRIN lens with adjustable length, where the beam quality is measured and the lens length is adjusted by cutting or replacing the GRIN lens to ensure the emitted beam meets predetermined specifications, using a measurement process to determine the optimal length within a quarter to half pitch range for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the length of the GRIN lens is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the beam quality cannot be adjusted for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The GRIN lens length is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the optical system to adapt to different beam quality requirements. The lens can be positioned at different locations along the optical fiber, enabling dynamic adjustment of beam parameters for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of GRIN lens length to control beam quality. By varying the length of the GRIN lens, the beam parameter product (BPP) can be adjusted, allowing optimization for different applications such as machining or medical procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple GRIN lenses with different lengths are prepared, then beam quality can be optimized for different applications, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed lenses, a single GRIN lens with adjustable length is implemented. This dynamic approach allows one component to perform the function of multiple fixed components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A single GRIN lens is designed to perform multiple functions by adjusting its length. The same lens can be configured for different beam quality requirements, making it a universal component that replaces the need for multiple specialized lenses.
3Manufacturing precision
If the GRIN lens length is adjusted to achieve predetermined beam quality, then beam quality is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The GRIN lens is pre-manufactured with a standard length, and the adjustment is performed during system assembly or calibration. This preliminary preparation simplifies the manufacturing process by separating lens fabrication from the adjustment process, allowing each to be optimized independently.
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 method allows for precise adjustment of beam quality, preventing beam leakage and maintaining excellent beam quality, reducing the need for multiple GRIN lenses and enabling cost-effective and quick adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a gradient index (GRIN) lens is placed in the midway point of an optical fiber through which an emitted light beam is guided
Implementation Method 2
a preceding-stage optical fiber from which a light beam is entered to the GRIN lens, and a subsequent-stage optical fiber to which a light beam emitted from the GRIN lens is entered
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device 30 has a GRIN lens 35, a preceding-stage optical fiber 31 from which a light beam is entered to the GRIN lens 35, and a subsequent-stage optical fiber 32 to which a light beam emitted from the GRIN lens 35 is entered. A method for adjusting beam quality includes a measurement process P2 in which a light beam is entered to the preceding-stage optical fiber 31 and the beam quality of a light beam to be emitted from the subsequent-stage optical fiber 32 through the GRIN lens 35 is measured, and an adjustment process P3 in which the length of the GRIN lens 35 is adjusted on the basis of a result in the measurement process P2.