Combined Laser Module for Constant Wavelength at Variable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser light source modules for processing applications require complex configurations with wavelength monitors and heating/cooling elements to maintain constant wavelength, leading to issues when processing composite materials due to varying laser beam power.
Innovation Solution
A light source module comprising multiple semiconductor laser elements and a control circuit that controls the power of each laser beam to maintain a constant average combined-beam wavelength, using a combination of laser beams with different wavelengths to reduce power dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single semiconductor laser element is used to emit a laser beam with variable power, then the laser beam can be used for processing applications, but the wavelength varies with power causing inconsistent absorption rates when processing composite materials
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser source is segmented into multiple semiconductor laser elements (first element group and second element group) emitting laser beams at different wavelengths. By controlling the power distribution among these elements, the patent achieves consistent average wavelength across varying total power levels, thereby maintaining processing consistency for composite materials.
2Reliability
If wavelength monitoring and temperature control systems are added to maintain constant wavelength, then wavelength stability is improved, but the device configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent characteristics of multiple laser elements with different wavelengths to self-compensate for wavelength variations. By controlling the power ratios of the first and second element groups, the average wavelength remains constant without requiring external wavelength monitors or active temperature control systems, thus simplifying the overall configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple semiconductor laser elements with different wavelengths are combined, then power dependency of average wavelength is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit adjusts the power parameters of individual laser element groups to maintain constant average wavelength. By establishing specific power ratio relationships between the first and second element groups, the system achieves wavelength consistency while keeping the control logic manageable through parameter optimization rather than complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module that emits a combined laser beam, and includes: a plurality of semiconductor laser elements; and a control circuit that controls power of a laser beam emitted by each of the semiconductor laser elements. The semiconductor laser elements include: a first element group that emits a first laser beam; and a second element group that emits a second laser beam. The combined laser beam includes at least one of the first laser beam or the second laser beam. The control circuit maintains an average combined-beam wavelength that is an average wavelength of the combined laser beam constant for a change in power of the combined laser beam. When the power of the first laser beam and the power of the second laser beam are equal to each other, an average wavelength of the first laser beam is longer than an average wavelength of the second laser beam.