Deformable Mirror Beam Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser systems require frequent adjustments and replacements of optical components to vary the beam parameter product (BPP), which is time-consuming and costly, and can lead to damage of fragile components.
Innovation Solution
The BPP of a laser system is varied by manipulating input laser beams coupled into an optical fiber, using techniques such as deformable mirrors, gradient-index lenses, and polarization-based beam manipulation, allowing for controllable adjustment of beam quality and focus without altering the output optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical components are swapped out and realigned to vary BPP, then beam quality parameters can be adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical system adjustable without physical component changes. A deformable mirror dynamically changes the wavefront of the input beam to control the BPP, allowing real-time adjustment of beam quality parameters without swapping components or performing realignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the optical system by modifying the wavefront characteristics of the input beam through a deformable mirror. By altering the wavefront curvature and phase distribution, the system achieves different BPP values and beam quality metrics without changing the physical optical components themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical components are swapped out and realigned to vary BPP, then beam quality parameters can be adjusted, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single optical system that can perform multiple beam quality adjustment functions. The deformable mirror serves as a universal element that can produce various BPP values and beam profiles by changing its surface shape, eliminating the need for multiple specialized optical components for different beam quality requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a deformable mirror to create different wavefront patterns that effectively 'copy' the function of multiple different optical systems. Instead of physically swapping lenses or mirrors designed for specific beam qualities, the deformable mirror generates equivalent beam patterns through controlled wavefront modulation, reducing the need for multiple physical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical components are swapped out and realigned to vary BPP, then beam quality parameters can be adjusted, but damage to fragile components may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam quality control function from the physical optical components and relocates it to the wavefront modulation stage. By using a deformable mirror to control the input beam characteristics before coupling into the fiber, the system eliminates the need to handle and realign fragile output optical components, thereby protecting them from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable mirror acts as an intermediary element that controls beam quality parameters without requiring direct manipulation of the fragile output optical components. By adjusting the wavefront at the input stage, the system achieves BPP variation while keeping the fiber and output optics stationary and protected from handling damage.
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 flexible and efficient variation of the BPP, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming adjustments of the output optical system, while minimizing the risk of damage to optical components, thereby improving the versatility and reliability of high-power laser systems for applications like welding and materials processing.
Implementation Method 1
manipulation of one or more input laser beams that are coupled into an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
gradient-index lenses
Implementation Method 3
polarization-based beam manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system alters a spatial power distribution of a plurality of radiation beams before the beams are coupled into an optical fiber.