Beam Transformation Element With Non-Parallel Cylindrical Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical beam transformation technologies are complex, expensive, and inefficient, limiting beam quality and power density due to difficulties in producing precise micro-optical components and restricted beam diameters.
Innovation Solution
A beam transformation element comprising non-parallel cylindrical segments with 45° inclined longitudinal axes, allowing for continuous merging and mirroring of radiation, which enhances optical power density and focusability without the need for precise assembly or expensive production methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If prism-based arrangements are used to rotate individual laser diode emissions, then the focusability of light emissions is improved, but the production becomes complicated and expensive requiring highly precise assembly of micro-optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete optical functions (beam rotation, collimation, and focusing) into a single integrated beam transformation element. This eliminates the need for separate prisms and their precise assembly, while maintaining the focusability improvement through the unified optical design that combines cylindrical lens segments with specific orientation angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam transformation element performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: it rotates individual emissions, collimates the combined beam, and focuses it to a point. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of cylindrical lens segments with specific orientations, eliminating the need for separate optical components and their complex assembly.
2Ease of operation
If cylinder lens segments are used for beam transformation, then the beam transformation is achieved, but the maximum beam diameter is restricted by the cylinder width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cylindrical lens segments with longitudinal axes oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the beam propagation direction. This angular orientation in a third dimension allows the beam to be transformed and expanded beyond the simple width constraint of the cylinder, effectively increasing the usable beam diameter through spatial reorientation.
3Ease of operation
If individual laser diode emissions are rotated and reconfigured to form an overall beam, then the beam is formed, but the number and distances of individual laser diodes must be matched to rotation elements making it expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The beam transformation element is designed with multiple cylindrical lens segments that can handle various input configurations. The element universally transforms individual emissions into a combined beam regardless of the specific number or spacing of laser diodes, providing configuration flexibility while maintaining beam formation capability through its integrated optical design.
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 solution enables improved beam collimation and focusability, achieving higher power density and simplified production, while allowing for larger beam cross-sections and reduced losses, thus addressing the inefficiencies of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
The device consists of an array of cylinder lens segments which are inclined parallel to one another at 45°
Implementation Method 2
a respective longitudinal cylinder axis of a first cylindrical segment is embodied in a manner not parallel to each respective longitudinal cylinder axis of an adjacent cylinder segment
Data Source
AI summary
A beam transformation element (1) for transforming electromagnetic radiation, in particular laser radiation, comprising an irradiation surface (2) and an emission surface (8). The irradiation surface (2) comprises at least four cylindrical segments (3), wherein each cylindrical segment (3) has at least two adjacent segments. A cylinder longitudinal axis (4) of a first cylindrical segment (3) is not parallel to each cylinder longitudinal axis (4) of an adjacent cylindrical segment (3).