Dove Prism Optical Module for High-Power Laser Beam Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power fiber-coupled diode laser modules for pump applications face challenges in achieving high beam quality due to increased beam parameter product (BPP) values, particularly in the slow axis direction, which limits the power rating and efficiency of the laser modules.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high-power optical module with single emitter chips and Dove prisms, where the Dove prism is arranged between the fast axis collimation (FAC) lens and the slow axis collimation (SAC) lens to rotate the laser beam by 90 degrees, enabling horizontal beam stacking and improving thermal management by allowing diode lasers to be arranged at the same height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple diode lasers are stacked vertically to increase power output, then the power rating increases, but the beam quality deteriorates due to increased BPP value in the slow axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by rotating the beam propagation direction from vertical stacking to horizontal stacking using Dove prisms. This transforms the vertical arrangement of laser emitters into a horizontal configuration, allowing multiple lasers to be stacked in the fast axis direction instead of the slow axis direction, thereby maintaining beam quality while increasing power output
Solution Approach 2:
The Dove prism serves as an intermediary optical element that rotates the beam orientation. By inserting Dove prisms between the collimation lenses and the beam combining optics, the patent changes the spatial arrangement of stacked beams from vertical to horizontal, enabling effective power scaling without degrading beam quality
2Productivity
If diode lasers are arranged at different heights for vertical stacking, then beam combination is achieved, but thermal management deteriorates due to non-uniform heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of laser arrangement from vertical (different heights) to horizontal (same height). By rotating the beams horizontally using Dove prisms, all laser emitters can be positioned at the same height level, enabling uniform thermal management while achieving effective beam combination
3Manufacturing precision
If Dove prisms are used to rotate beams horizontally, then beam quality improves and thermal management enhances, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Dove prism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it rotates the beam orientation from vertical to horizontal, enables horizontal stacking of multiple laser beams, and facilitates uniform thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate optical components, thereby limiting the increase in 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 enhances beam quality by reducing the beam parameter product in the slow axis direction, increases the power rating of the laser modules, and improves thermal uniformity, leading to more efficient and reliable high-power optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a Dove prism arranged between the FAC lens and the SAC lens, wherein the Dove prism includes an axis that is rotated 45 degrees relative to the single emitter such that an orientation of the fast axis and an orientation of the slow axis of the laser beam are rotated 90 degrees after the laser beam passes through the Dove prism
Implementation Method 2
a fast axis collimation (FAC) lens arranged to collimate the laser beam in the fast axis; a slow axis collimation (SAC) lens, arranged after the FAC lens, to collimate the laser beam in the slow axis
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a high-power optical module includes multiple optical devices arranged in an array to generate multiple laser beams, where the multiple optical devices each include a diode laser with a single emitter to emit a laser beam; a fast axis collimation (FAC) lens arranged to collimate the laser beam in a fast axis; a slow axis collimation (SAC) lens, arranged after the FAC lens, to collimate the laser beam in a slow axis; and a Dove prism arranged between the FAC lens and the SAC lens. The Dove prism includes an axis that is rotated 45 degrees relative to the single emitter such that an orientation of the fast axis and an orientation of the slow axis of the laser beam are rotated 90 degrees after the laser beam passes through the Dove prism.