Beam Shaping Device Using Movable Lens Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for beam shaping, particularly those using non-Gaussian laser radiation, face challenges in achieving desired intensity distributions due to high beam quality factors, which limit focusability and lead to interference issues when splitting laser beams for homogenization, resulting in suboptimal intensity profiles in the working plane.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising movable lens means and a telescope, which allows for the alteration of the intensity profile by changing the position of the lens means in the propagation direction, enabling transformation of beam quality factors and spatial coherence properties to achieve specific intensity distributions, such as a top hat profile or a sharp maximum, and reduces beam quality issues by splitting the laser radiation into partial beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the laser radiation is split into a large number of partial beams for homogenization, then the intensity distribution in the working plane is improved, but high-frequency oscillations occur due to interference between the beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interference effects into a beneficial homogenization effect. By using a lens array to split the laser beam into multiple partial beams that overlap in the working plane, the interference pattern is transformed into a uniform intensity distribution. The spatial coherence that causes high-frequency oscillations is exploited to create constructive interference that homogenizes the intensity across the working plane, eliminating the need for additional homogenization optics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the beam quality factor M2 is high, then the laser radiation can be more easily split into multiple partial beams, but the focusability of the laser radiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam into multiple partial beams using a lens array. Each lens in the array creates a separate partial beam that is then focused to a spot in the working plane. This segmentation allows the system to work with beams having high M2 values by treating them as multiple lower-quality beams that can be individually focused, thereby maintaining good focusability despite the high overall beam quality factor.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of partial beams is increased for better homogenization, then the intensity homogeneity is improved, but interference effects become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the lens array as an intermediary element that mediates between the laser source and the working plane. The lens array performs two functions simultaneously: it splits the beam into multiple partial beams for homogenization and controls the overlap and phase relationships to minimize harmful interference effects. The lenses act as intermediaries that transform the coherent laser radiation into a homogenized distribution while managing the interference through controlled spatial arrangement.
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
The device effectively reduces beam quality factors in one direction while increasing it in another, allowing for precise intensity control and homogeneity in the working plane, enabling the production of thin linear profiles and reducing interference effects, thus achieving improved focusing and homogenization without high-frequency oscillations.
Implementation Method 1
lens means, preferably lens means which can be moved in the propagation direction of the laser radiation, for influencing the linear intensity distribution in the working plane
Implementation Method 2
the telescope is formed from at least two further lens means which have a refractive power at least in a direction perpendicularly to the direction of the longitudinal extent of the linear intensity distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A beam forming device produces a linear intensity distribution on a work plane. The device contains a laser light source that can emit laser radiation, an optical device that can transfer the laser radiation in a linear intensity distribution on the work plane, and lens that are used to influence the linear intensity distribution on the work plane and that can be displaced in the direction of diffusion of the laser radiation. The intensity profile can be modified perpendicular to the extension of the linear intensity distribution by modifying the position of the lens in the direction of diffusion of the laser radiation.