Cascaded Optical Combiner Layout for Flat Laser Output

The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete optical combiners (first, second, third combiners) that process different portions of the laser beam separately. Each combiner independently shapes a specific region of the beam profile, allowing complex beam shaping to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex optical element.

The patent combines multiple optical combiners to work together on a single laser beam, where each combiner handles a specific portion of the beam. The combined effect of these multiple combiners achieves the desired flat top beam profile while using simpler individual components that require less space and have lower complexity than a single comprehensive beam shaping element.

By segmenting the beam shaping function across multiple combiners, each component can be more compact. The first combiner processes the central portion of the beam, while the second and third combiners process peripheral portions, allowing each element to be smaller and fit within constrained spaces like medical catheters.

The patent arranges the optical combiners in a cascaded configuration where they process different spatial regions of the beam in sequence. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve complex 2D beam shaping through a series of simpler 1D transformations, reducing the overall space required compared to a single large-scale beam shaping element.