Optically Pumped Extended Cavity Laser With Independent Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optically-pumped VECSELs require precise alignment of pump lasers and optics, and applications like computer-to-plate printing and selective laser melting demand extensive setup for effective laser beam usage, limiting efficiency and increasing system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A laser device with at least two independently controllable pump lasers and a reflective mirror system that redirects pump beams to create non-overlapping or overlapping spots on a gain element, allowing for independent emission of laser beams with adjustable power and profile, reducing the need for mechanical systems and enabling precise energy deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of pump lasers and optics is used, then laser beam quality is improved, but device complexity and setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pump laser system into multiple independent pump lasers (at least two) that can be independently controlled and directed to different pump spots on the gain element. This segmentation allows each pump laser to be independently optimized and controlled, reducing the need for precise alignment of a single complex pump system while maintaining high laser beam quality through multiple independent pumping zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial diversity by directing pump lasers to different pump spots on the gain element, creating multiple independent laser beams with different spatial characteristics. This dimensional approach (using multiple spatial locations) allows the system to achieve high beam quality without requiring precise alignment of a single pump laser, as each pump spot can be independently optimized.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanners or complex alignment systems are added, then workspace coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam generation into multiple independent beams from different pump spots, allowing each beam to be independently controlled for different workspace applications. This eliminates the need for mechanical scanners to redirect a single beam, as multiple beams can simultaneously cover different workspace areas, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional laser device where at least two independent laser beams can be generated from different pump spots, enabling the system to perform multiple functions (different workspace coverage, different beam shapes, different powers) simultaneously without requiring additional mechanical scanning or alignment systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent pump lasers are used, then laser beam control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pumping function into multiple independent pump lasers that can be independently switched on and off, with independent power control. This segmentation provides flexible beam control (selecting which pump spots are active, adjusting individual beam powers) while keeping each pump laser unit relatively simple, balancing control flexibility with system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple pump lasers, where at least two pump lasers can be independently switched and their powers independently adjusted. This dynamic capability allows real-time flexibility in beam control (selecting beam combinations, adjusting powers) without requiring complex mechanical systems, as the flexibility is achieved through electronic control of independent pump sources.
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 allows for precise control of laser beams with small pitch, reducing system complexity and enabling efficient energy deposition in applications like computer-to-plate printing and 3-D printing, without the need for mechanical scanners or complex alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The pump mirror is arranged to redirect the pump beam of the first pump laser to a first pump spot on the gain element and the pump beam of the second pump laser to a second pump spot on the gain element
Implementation Method 2
The reflectivity of the extended cavity mirror is adapted such that lasing in combination with the gain element is enabled
Implementation Method 3
said pump lasers being arranged to optically pump an active region of the VECSEL by reflection of pump radiation at a mirror element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a laser device (100) enabling controlled emission of individual laser beams (194). The laser device (100) comprises an optically pumped extended cavity laser with one gain element whereby a multitude of pump lasers (110) are provided in order to generate independent pump beams (191) and thus corresponding laser beams (194). The laser device (100) may be used to enable simplified or improved laser systems (500) as, for example, two or three-dimensional laser printers. The pump laser (110) may be VCSEL and the laser (160) may be a VECSEL monolithically integrated with the pump VCSEL array on the same substrate. Pump mirrors (140) and external cavity mirror (150) may be integrated into a single optical reflector with regions having different curvature. The laser emission is controlled by the pump light, i.e. transversal shape of the laser beam and/or number of laser beams is controlled by switching on/off the individual pump lasers (110).