Fiber-Based Beam Modification Structures for Adjustable Laser Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-coupled laser systems require complex and costly mechanisms to adjust beam characteristics, often relying on free-space optics that increase complexity, cost, and reliability issues, with no effective solution for minimizing these penalties while providing adjustable beam characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fiber-based system where the optical beam is perturbed within a first length of fiber to adjust beam characteristics, which are then maintained and modified in a second length of fiber with specific refractive index profiles and confinement regions, allowing for adjustable beam parameters like beam diameter, divergence, and intensity distribution without the need for free-space optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics or complex mechanisms are used to adjust beam characteristics, then beam adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical free-space optics with an all-fiber solution using photonic crystal fiber structures. The fiber geometry itself (core size, cladding structure, pitch dimensions) directly controls beam characteristics, eliminating the need for external mechanical adjustment components like lenses and mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves beam characteristic adjustment by changing fiber geometric parameters during manufacturing - specifically core diameter, cladding thickness, pitch size, and hole pattern configuration. These physical parameter changes in the fiber structure directly modify the output beam properties without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics are used to modify beam characteristics, then beam adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam delivery function and beam modification function into a single integrated fiber structure. The photonic crystal fiber combines light transmission with geometric-based beam shaping, eliminating separate free-space optical components that would reduce reliability through alignment sensitivity and contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical free-space optics with a robust all-fiber solution. The fiber-based approach eliminates mechanical alignment requirements and protects optical paths from environmental contamination, significantly improving system reliability while maintaining beam adaptability through geometric design variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zoom lenses or translatable lenses are used to vary beam characteristics, then beam adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves variable beam diameter and characteristics by manufacturing fibers with different geometric parameters - core size, pitch, and cladding dimensions. Each fiber geometry is optimized for specific beam output requirements, providing adaptability without moving parts or complex optical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic beam characteristic selection through the ability to switch between different photonic crystal fiber designs or reconfigurable fiber structures. This provides adaptability comparable to zoom lenses but through fiber selection or geometric reconfiguration rather than mechanical lens movement.
4Reliability
If end caps with normal end faces are used, then fiber protection is improved, but beam direction control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the end face geometry parameter of the fiber - using angled, curved, or patterned end faces instead of normal flat surfaces. These geometric modifications to the end cap interface enable beam direction control and spatial profile shaping while still providing physical protection for the fiber end.
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 adjustment of laser beam characteristics, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining performance, by confining and modifying the beam within the fiber structure, thus optimizing it for various applications without the drawbacks of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
perturbing an optical beam propagating within a first length of fiber to adjust one or more beam characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a second length of fiber having one or more confinement regions... maintaining at least a portion of one or more adjusted beam characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An optical beam delivery device. The device comprises a first length of fiber comprising a first RIP formed to enable the adjusting of one or more beam characteristics of an optical beam by a perturbation device. The optical beam delivery device further comprises a second length of fiber having a proximal end for receiving the optical beam from the first length of fiber and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the first length of fiber. The second length of fiber comprises a second RIP formed to confine at least a portion of the optical beam within one or more confinement regions. A beam modification structure is disposed at, or a distance from, the distal end of the second length of fiber. The beam modification structure is configured to modify at least one property of the optical beam chosen from beam divergence properties, beam spatial properties and beam directional characteristics.