In-Fiber Beam Shifter Using Graded-Index Bends for 2D Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser material processing systems face challenges in beam shaping and routing, particularly for high-power lasers, as they require lossless actuation methods to toggle among different beam states and maintain high precision, which is costly and complex, especially when dealing with kilowatt lasers and multicore fibers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a graded index fiber with a series of smaller-strength bends, utilizing periodic reimaging properties to route and steer optical beams within the fiber, allowing for controlled two-dimensional beam steering and reducing stress on the fiber, thereby enabling efficient beam shaping and routing without significant loss or alignment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional beam routing methods are used for high-power lasers, then beam delivery is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beam routing functions (steering, shaping, switching) into a single integrated optical fiber system. The graded index fiber integrates beam steering through bending, beam shaping through its refractive index profile, and potential switching through multi-core configurations, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (such as galvanometer mirrors, rotating prisms, or motorized optical benches) with an all-optical solution using a bent graded index fiber. The fiber's physical bending, controlled by actuators, substitutes for mechanical movement of optical components, reducing complexity and improving reliability for high-power laser applications
2Measurement precision
If fiber bending is applied to steer the beam, then beam positioning is achieved, but fiber stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam steering function into discrete bending zones along the fiber length. Multiple actuators apply controlled bends at different positions along the fiber, allowing precise beam positioning while distributing and reducing the stress magnitude at any single location compared to a single large bend
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the fiber core to create a graded index profile. This parameter change enables the fiber to guide and steer light through its inherent optical properties rather than relying solely on mechanical bending, reducing the stress required for beam positioning while maintaining precision
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 allows for efficient, lossless beam steering and shaping in high-power laser systems, reducing stress on the fiber and improving manufacturability, making it compatible with standard imaging process heads and enabling cost-effective, reliable beam scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a graded index fiber with a series of smaller-strength bends, utilizing periodic reimaging properties to route and steer optical beams within the fiber
Implementation Method 2
a graded index fiber with a series of smaller-strength bends, utilizing periodic reimaging properties to route and steer optical beams within the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An in-fiber beam scanning system may comprise an input fiber to provide a beam, a feeding fiber comprising an imaging bundle with multiple cores embedded in a first cladding that is surrounded by a second cladding, and an in-fiber beam shifter that comprises a first multibend beam shifter coupled to the input fiber, a graded index fiber following the first multibend beam shifter, and a second multibend beam shifter following the graded index fiber and coupling into the feeding fiber. In some implementations, the first multibend beam shifter is actuated by a first amount and the second multibend beam shifter is actuated by a second amount to shift the beam in two dimensions and deliver the beam into one or more target cores in the imaging bundle.