Beam Profile Modification Units for Low-Divergence Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam combining systems face challenges in achieving optimal far field performances due to diffraction effects and limited aperture dimensions, leading to power losses and beam divergence.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an array of modification units that modify the beam profiles of multiple coherent input optical beams, increasing their illumination coverage factor and reducing beam-overlap, while maintaining minimal truncation at the effective apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the aperture size is increased to reduce diffraction effects, then beam divergence is reduced, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam combining system into multiple independent channels, each with its own modification unit. This segmentation allows each channel to use smaller apertures while collectively achieving the desired beam quality through coherent combination of multiple beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large aperture approach to a multi-channel array configuration. By distributing the aperture function across multiple smaller elements arranged in a specific geometry, the system achieves equivalent or superior performance without increasing overall system size.
2Loss of energy
If beam profiles are modified to increase illumination coverage, then power concentration in the far field is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional modification units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beam profile modification through segmented modification units, each processing a portion of the total beam. This allows the system to achieve improved power concentration through coordinated operation of multiple simpler units rather than one complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The modification units are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations: beam profile shaping, aperture truncation control, and illumination coverage optimization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Power
If multiple beams are combined to increase total power, then far field energy concentration is improved, but beam overlap and interference effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification to each individual beam before combination. Each beam is independently shaped and optimized to have complementary spatial profiles that minimize overlap in the far field, allowing high power combination without excessive interference effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The modification units perform preliminary beam profile conditioning before the beams are combined. By pre-shaping the beams to have optimal illumination coverage and reduced overlap characteristics, the system achieves better far field performance without requiring complex post-combination correction.
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 approach enhances far field performances by reducing power losses and beam divergence, achieving improved power concentration and reduced energy losses in the near and far field planes.
Implementation Method 1
Existing beam combining systems face challenges in achieving optimal far field performances due to diffraction effects and limited aperture dimensions
Implementation Method 2
A near field (NF) distances range or zone can be defined as the range of distances from the light source location, in which the Fresnel number is larger than a threshold number F0 that is equal to or close to 1
Data Source
AI summary
A modification setup including an array of modification units, each positioned and configured to: cause light of an input optical beam to pass through a corresponding input surface of the respective modification unit, in a manner that reduces exceeding of its light, from a first effective aperture of the input surface; and modify beam profile of the input optical beam, to form an intermediate optical beam having a beam profile of illumination distribution factor that is higher than that of the input optical beam. An output surface of the modification unit, located at a distance D from the input surface is configured and positioned such that the intermediate optical beam passes through the output surface at increased illumination cover area and decreased exceeding from a second effective aperture of the output surface. Each input beam may be collimated before entering the input surface of a corresponding modification unit.