Beam Profiler Alignment for Wavelength Combining Resonators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser systems face challenges in aligning multiple beam emitters, particularly in the non-WBC dimension, which affects the performance and stability of wavelength beam combining (WBC) resonators, as existing methods are inefficient and require individual powering and alignment of each emitter.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a beam profiling method that de-multiplexes resonator beams to generate near-field and far-field images, allowing for the detection and adjustment of optical elements such as interleaver mirrors and SAC lenses to align individual beams simultaneously, enabling efficient alignment of multi-emitter laser resonators across both WBC and non-WBC dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual powering and alignment of each emitter is performed, then alignment precision is improved, but alignment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment process by using a beam profiler to individually measure each emitter's beam parameters while the system operates in normal combined mode. This allows virtual segmentation of the measurement process without physical separation, enabling precise alignment data collection for multiple emitters simultaneously during routine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the beam profiler to measure actual beam parameters (position, size, divergence) of each emitter and providing this information to control the alignment process. The system uses this feedback to determine when optimal alignment is achieved based on measured beam quality metrics rather than relying solely on manual adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual powering and alignment of each emitter is performed, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single beam profiler device to perform multiple functions: measuring beam position, beam size, beam divergence, and determining alignment status for all emitters. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate alignment instruments for each emitter, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service alignment by allowing operators to monitor and adjust emitter alignment in real-time using the beam profiler feedback during normal system operation. The alignment process becomes self-diagnosing and self-adjustable without requiring complex external alignment equipment or taking the system offline.
3Productivity
If beam alignment is optimized in the WBC dimension, then beam combining efficiency is improved, but alignment in the non-WBC dimension may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses multi-dimensional alignment by using the beam profiler to measure beam parameters in both the WBC dimension (fast axis) and the non-WBC dimension (slow axis) simultaneously. This enables independent optimization of alignment in each dimension by providing separate measurement data for both spatial dimensions, allowing the system to achieve optimal combining efficiency while maintaining proper alignment in the non-combining dimension.
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 simplifies the alignment process, reduces misalignment errors, and enhances the power supply configuration by allowing simultaneous alignment of multiple beams, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of high-power laser systems.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive element receives the output beam and disperses the output beam to generate a plurality of dispersed beams in the WBC dimension
Implementation Method 2
the beam profiler receives the plurality of dispersed beams and generates images of relative positions of the dispersed beams received by the beam profiler
Implementation Method 3
The first lens has optical power in a non-WBC dimension perpendicular to the WBC dimension. The first lens is disposed optically downstream of the beam output and optically upstream of the beam profiler
Implementation Method 4
The second lens focuses the dispersed beams on or toward the beam profiler. The second lens has optical power in the WBC dimension
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, alignment systems for laser resonators generate near-field and/or far-field images of input beams produced by the laser resonators to enable the alignment of the input beams.