Beam Coupling Optics for Dense Laser Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam coupling devices struggle to achieve high-density coupling of multiple light beams while maintaining a small beam diameter, which is essential for efficient laser processing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed beam coupling device incorporates a light source with multiple light emitters arranged in intersecting directions, optical units to guide each light beam, and a coupling optical system that includes a cylindrical lens to align and couple the light beams at a high density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple light beams are coupled using conventional optical systems, then the number of coupled beams increases, but the beam diameter increases and coupling density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional array of light emitters into a two-dimensional array arrangement. By configuring light emitters in both horizontal and vertical directions with optical units positioned at intersections, the system achieves high-density coupling in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, reducing beam diameter while coupling more beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light source into multiple independent light emitters arranged in a two-dimensional array, with each emitter having its own optical unit. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each beam path, enabling high-density coupling without increasing overall beam diameter
2Quantity of substance
If light emitters are arranged in a two-dimensional array to increase coupling density, then the number of coupled beams increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical optical units for all light emitters in the two-dimensional array. Each optical unit performs the same function of receiving light from a light emitter and directing it toward the coupling point. This universality simplifies the overall system design and manufacturing while achieving high-density coupling of multiple beams
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 configuration allows for the reduction of beam diameter at the coupling point, enabling high-density beam coupling and improved beam quality, which enhances the efficiency of laser processing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling optical system that includes a cylindrical lens to align and couple the light beams at a high density
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A beam coupling device (2) includes a light source (30), optical units (4), and a coupling optical system (20). The light source includes light emitters (31) arranged in a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y), to emit light beams having a light ray direction intersecting the first and second directions from each of the light emitters. The optical units (4) are arranged to guide each light beam for each set (3) of light emitters arranged in the first direction in the light source. The coupling optical system is arranged to couple the light beams guided by each optical unit. Each of the optical units is arranged to direct outward the light ray direction (La) of the light beam emitted by a light emitter that is located outside in the first direction for the set of light emitters, to guide the light beam from the light emitter into the coupling optical system.