Coherent Beam Combining with Adaptive Phase Difference Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for combining coherent laser beams face challenges in maintaining reliable phase differences due to component heating, leading to deviations in target and actual phase differences, which affects the quality and precision of laser processing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a phase setting device, gain device, control device, measuring device, and optimization unit that adjusts the phase setting rule based on actual phase differences to minimize deviations, allowing for real-time optimization during operation, especially during laser processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed assignment rule is used to set target phase differences, then the control system is simple to operate, but component heating causes deviations between target and actual phase differences, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring device determines actual phase differences between amplified coherent laser beams, and the optimization unit uses this information to adaptively optimize the assignment rule. This closed-loop feedback system continuously compensates for phase deviations caused by component heating, maintaining high reliability without requiring complex manual recalibration
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization through the optimization unit, which automatically adjusts the assignment rule based on measured actual phase differences. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external intervention or complex manual control adjustments, allowing the system to maintain accuracy while keeping the control interface simple
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time optimization is implemented during laser processing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous optimization during laser processing operations. The measuring device and optimization unit operate concurrently with the laser processing, allowing real-time adaptation of the assignment rule without interrupting the manufacturing process. This maintains high manufacturing precision while minimizing time loss through seamless continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs optimization at periodic intervals during laser processing, rather than requiring continuous complex calculations. The optimization unit updates the assignment rule at optimized time points based on measured phase differences, maintaining precision while reducing computational overhead and processing time
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
Ensures reliable operation by minimizing deviations between target and actual phase differences, enabling high-speed and high-resolution laser processing with improved precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a gain device for amplifying the coherent laser beams to form amplified coherent laser beams
Implementation Method 2
a phase setting device for setting a respective phase difference between the coherent laser beams
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for combining coherent laser beams to form at least one combined laser beam includes a phase setting device, and a gain device for amplifying the coherent laser beams to form amplified coherent laser beams. The amplified coherent laser beams are output coupled from the gain device. The apparatus further includes a control device for controlling the phase setting device based on a specified assignment rule in order to set a respective phase difference between the amplified coherent laser beams to specified target phase difference values, a measuring device for determining a respective actual phase difference value between the amplified coherent laser beams, and an optimization unit coupled to the control device and configured to optimize the assignment rule based on the actual phase difference values determined by the measuring device.