Cascaded Optical Combiner Layout for Flat Laser Output in Thin Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser apparatus configurations are not suitable for use in thin spaces, such as medical catheters, due to their complexity and requirement for large placement areas, which hinders the improvement of laser light flatness.
Innovation Solution
A laser apparatus comprising one or more laser diodes and multiple optical combiners connected in a cascade configuration, with the output of one combiner connected to the input of another, utilizing multi-mode optical fibers to enhance laser light flatness without needing extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional laser apparatus configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but the laser light flatness cannot be improved and the apparatus cannot be used in thin spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser beams from separate laser diodes into a single output beam using optical combiners. This merging of multiple light sources allows the system to achieve improved laser light flatness while maintaining a relatively compact configuration suitable for medical catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical combiners to combine laser beams in the spatial domain, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the light combination process. This allows multiple laser diodes to be integrated without significantly increasing the physical footprint, enabling use in confined spaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional laser apparatus configurations are used, then the apparatus is compact, but the laser light flatness cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser beams through optical combiners into a single output, achieving improved flatness without requiring large placement space. The compact design is maintained by efficiently combining optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the laser system into multiple independent laser diodes that can be individually controlled and combined. This segmentation allows for improved beam flatness through controlled combination while keeping each component compact.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser diodes and optical combiners are used, then the laser light flatness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical combiners to merge multiple laser beams into a single output path. This combining approach achieves improved flatness while consolidating the optical paths, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical combiners serve multiple functions: they combine laser beams, maintain compact configuration, and enable improved flatness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing overall device complexity.
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 configuration improves laser light flatness while maintaining a compact design, allowing for efficient operation within limited spaces, such as medical catheters, by minimizing the number of laser diodes and using a cascade connection of optical combiners to mix lights of different propagation modes.
Implementation Method 1
using a cascade connection of optical combiners to mix lights of different propagation modes
Data Source
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AI summary
It is an object to provide a laser apparatus that is excellent in space saving property and can improve the laser light flatness. The laser apparatus 1 includes one or more ablation-related LDs 11 and two or more optical combiners 12, wherein an output side of the one or more ablation-related LD 11 is connected to an input side of one of the optical combiners 12, and an output side of the one of the optical combiners 12 is connected to an input side of another of the optical combiners. Each of the optical combiners includes an input/output provided with a multi-mode optical fiber, and is a 2:1 optical combiner.