Dynamic Laser Beam Shaping Using Movable Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems lack the capability to dynamically shape a laser beam using multiple relatively moving optical components, limiting their ability to adapt to varying input irradiance profiles.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plurality of optical elements with predetermined surface shapes, such as freeform, diffractive, or refractive characteristics, that can be moved relative to each other using mechanical or micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) to dynamically modify the laser beam's energy distribution or irradiance profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are disposed in close proximity to dynamically shape a laser beam, then beam shaping capability and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical elements (first optical element and second optical element) into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. This merging approach allows the system to achieve complex beam shaping capabilities while managing device complexity through unified structural design and coordinated operation of the optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam shaping by allowing the optical elements to move relative to each other, transforming a static optical system into a dynamic one. This enables real-time adjustment of beam parameters such as shape, size, and intensity distribution, significantly improving adaptability while the elements remain constrained within a unified assembly structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are moved relative to one another to achieve variable beam shapes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate movable optical elements (first optical element and second optical element) that can be independently positioned and moved relative to each other. This segmentation allows for flexible beam shaping while distributing manufacturing precision requirements across individual components rather than requiring perfect precision across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves variable beam shapes by changing positional parameters of the optical elements relative to each other. By adjusting parameters such as distance between elements, angular orientation, and lateral position, the system can generate different beam profiles without requiring manufacturing precision at the atomic level, focusing instead on controllable macro-positioning accuracy.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical or MEMS systems are used to move optical elements, then dynamic control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explores replacing traditional mechanical actuation systems with MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) to control the optical elements. This substitution enables finer control, smaller sizes, and faster response times while reducing the overall complexity of large-scale mechanical structures. The patent acknowledges both approaches (mechanical and MEMS) as viable solutions for achieving dynamic control.
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
Enables the achievement of predetermined or custom output irradiance profiles with limitless possibilities, maintaining stability even with variable input profiles, and allows for miniaturization of the optical components and systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical elements may have predetermined surface shapes (either regular or freeform), diffractive characteristics, refractive characteristics, reflective characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The optical elements may have predetermined surface shapes (either regular or freeform), diffractive characteristics, refractive characteristics, reflective characteristics
Implementation Method 3
The optical elements may have predetermined surface shapes (either regular or freeform), diffractive characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic radiation beam shaping methods and systems, comprising: providing a radiation source for delivering an input radiation beam; disposing a first optical element substantially adjacent to the radiation source; disposing a second optical element substantially adjacent to the first optical element; and moving one or more of the first optical element and the second optical element relative to one another such that either an output radiation beam has a variable predetermined shape or the output radiation beam maintains a predetermined shape when the input radiation beam is varied. Optionally, the first optical element and the second optical element each comprise a freeform shape and predetermined diffractive characteristics, refractive characteristics, reflective characteristics, hybrid characteristics, gradient index materials, metamaterials, metasurfaces, subwavelength structures, and/or plasmonics. The one or more of the first optical element and the second optical element are one or more of translated laterally with respect to an optic axis, rotated about the optic axis, tilted with respect to the optic axis, and separated along the optic axis.