Multi-Clad Fiber Beam Control for Rapid Laser Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing technologies face challenges in quickly and accurately changing the power distribution of laser light on optical fibers, leading to difficulties in maintaining processing quality as the shape of the workpiece changes.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device with a beam control mechanism that includes a condenser lens, an optical path changing and holding mechanism, and a controller, which allows for easy control of the power distribution of laser light by changing the incident position on the optical fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflector or condenser lens is moved by a piezo actuator to change the incident position of laser light on optical fibers, then the power distribution of laser light can be adjusted, but the responsiveness is poor and it is difficult to quickly change the incident position when the workpiece shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical piezo actuator system with an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) that uses acoustic waves to diffract and steer laser light. This substitution of mechanical movement with acoustic-field-based optical control enables rapid response (microsecond level) while maintaining precise power distribution control through acoustic frequency and amplitude modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to acoustic frequency/amplitude. By modulating the acoustic frequency and amplitude in the AOM, the incident position and power distribution of laser light can be rapidly adjusted without mechanical movement, achieving both high responsiveness and precision.
2Measurement precision
If a condenser lens is linearly moved by an actuator to change the incident position of laser light, then positional accuracy can be achieved, but responsiveness deteriorates and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical linear movement of the condenser lens by using an acousto-optic modulator to steer the laser beam. The AOM uses acoustic waves to create a diffraction grating that redirects the laser light to different positions on the optical fiber, achieving position accuracy without mechanical movement, thus improving responsiveness and reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If an optical element is moved while being inserted into the optical path of laser light during continuous oscillation, then the incident position can be changed, but laser light is scattered by the edge portion of the optical element causing defects and potential damage to the laser resonator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to move optical elements within the laser oscillation path by using an acousto-optic modulator positioned before the laser beam enters the resonator. The AOM steers the beam using acoustic fields, avoiding mechanical movement of optical components during laser oscillation, thus preventing light scattering and potential damage to the resonator.
4Adaptability or versatility
If relatively large optical components are moved by an actuator to change the optical path, then the power distribution can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical movement mechanisms with a compact acousto-optic modulator that uses acoustic waves to control laser beam direction and power distribution. This electronic-acoustic control system is significantly simpler and more compact than mechanical actuator systems while providing the same adaptability for adjusting power distribution.
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
The solution enables rapid and accurate control of the power distribution of laser light, improving the quality of laser processing and welding by preventing defects such as air bubbles and unevenness.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser lens that receives the laser light and condenses the laser light at a predetermined magnification
Implementation Method 2
an optical path changing and holding mechanism that is disposed on an optical path of the laser light between the condenser lens and the incident end face of the optical fiber, and changes and holds the optical path of the laser light
Implementation Method 3
a beam control mechanism that is provided in the laser oscillator, and introduces the laser light into the incident end face of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
an optical fiber that includes at least a core, a first cladding provided coaxially with the core on an outer peripheral side of the core, and a second cladding provided coaxially with the core on an outer peripheral side of the first cladding, and includes an incident end face and an emission end opposite to the incident end face
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing device includes a laser oscillator, an optical fiber that is a multi-clad fiber, a beam control mechanism provided in the laser oscillator, and a laser light emitting head attached to the optical fiber. The beam control mechanism includes a condenser lens, an optical path changing and holding mechanism that is disposed between the condenser lens and an incident end face of the optical fiber and changes an optical path of laser light LB, and a controller that controls an operation of the optical path changing and holding mechanism. The beam control mechanism controls a power distribution of the laser light by changing an incident position of the laser light on the incident end face.