Cellular-Core Fiber Laser Beam Shaping
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-power laser systems require time-consuming and expensive adjustments to the output optical system to vary beam shape and beam parameter product (BPP), which can lead to damage of fragile components and inefficiencies in processing different materials.
Innovation Solution
A laser system utilizing a cellular-core optical fiber with inter-core cladding allows for the modulation of beam power and direction between core regions to alter the BPP and shape of the output beam, enabling flexible beam control without swapping or realigning optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems are used to vary beam shape and BPP, then beam quality can be adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and expensive due to component swapping and realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical system adjustable and reconfigurable through electronic control rather than physical component swapping. The beam shaping is achieved dynamically by modifying the optical path through controllable elements, allowing real-time adaptation of beam shape and BPP without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical component swapping and realignment with an electronic control system. By using controllable optical elements and electronic signal processing, the beam parameters are adjusted electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical manipulation of optical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems are used to vary beam shape and BPP, then beam quality can be adjusted, but fragile optical components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operations with electronic control, eliminating physical contact and manipulation of fragile optical components. The beam shaping is achieved through electronic signal processing and controllable optical elements that do not require physical adjustment, thereby protecting delicate components from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-contained optical elements and electronic control mechanisms that can adjust beam parameters without requiring external mechanical intervention. The controllable optical elements are designed to be inherently protected, reducing the risk of damage during adjustment operations.
3Device complexity
If fixed optical systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to process different materials and applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing an optical system that can perform multiple functions through electronic control. The same optical hardware can be configured to process different materials and applications by electronically adjusting beam parameters such as shape, size, and focus, eliminating the need for multiple specialized optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static optical configuration to a dynamic, electronically controllable system. The optical elements and path can be reconfigured in real-time through electronic signals, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different processing requirements without physical modification.
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 enables improved performance for various processing techniques and materials by dynamically adjusting beam shape and BPP, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming adjustments and minimizing damage to optical components.
Implementation Method 1
laser systems produce beams that are directed into one or more core regions of a cellular-core optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the laser light from which is coupled into an optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
The optical fiber may have one or more outer cladding layers that confine the beam energy in the core regions
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, the beam parameter product and/or beam shape of a laser beam is adjusted by directing the laser beam across a path along the input end of a cellular-core optical fiber. The beam emitted at the output end of the cellular-core optical fiber may be utilized to process a workpiece.