Fiber Combiner Input Port Dump for Reverse Beam Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power laser systems face challenges in efficiently managing and removing reverse-propagating beams, which can damage optical components and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a beam dump comprising two halves with inlets for receiving and directing light, allowing for the diffusion, absorption, or redirection of light energy, thereby safely managing reverse-propagating beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ports in a fiber combiner are left unused, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful reverse-propagating beams can damage optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam dump function from the main combiner body by providing separate input ports specifically coupled to beam dumps. This allows unused or protected ports to be isolated from the main combining function while still safely handling reverse-propagating beams through dedicated dump components.
Solution Approach 2:
Beam dumps serve as intermediary components between the combiner input ports and the external environment. These intermediaries safely intercept and dissipate reverse-propagating beams before they can cause damage to sensitive optical components, while allowing the main combiner to focus on its primary function of combining forward-propagating beams.
2Reliability
If beam dumps are added to manage reverse-propagating beams, then component safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combiner system into distinct functional modules: main combiner ports for beam combining, separate protected input ports for beam dumping, and dedicated beam dump components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam dump components serve multiple functions: they protect against reverse-propagating beams, provide additional input ports for system flexibility, and can be configured in various geometries (hexagonal, square, triangular) to accommodate different combiner arrangements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If all input ports are used for high power beams, then energy utilization is maximized, but safety risks from reverse propagation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful reverse-propagating beams into a manageable situation by providing dedicated beam dump ports. Reverse-propagating beams that would otherwise damage components are instead directed to designated dump ports where they can be safely dissipated, effectively turning a safety risk into a controlled energy discharge path.
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 effectively removes optical energy from reverse-propagating beams, preventing damage to optical components and enhancing safety by directing high power light away from sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
The interior of the beam dump may be configured to multiply reflect and diffuse a beam received at an input port
Implementation Method 2
The interior of the beam dump may be configured to multiply reflect and diffuse a beam received at an input port and remove the beam through absorption
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~4
AI summary
An apparatus includes a plurality of input fibers including one or more signal fibers and one or more beam dump fibers, a signal combiner having an input end coupled to the plurality of input fibers so as to couple portions of one or more signal beams respectively propagating in one or more of the signal fibers to form a combiner beam, an output fiber coupled to an output end of the signal combiner so as to receive the combiner beam, and a beam dump coupled to at least one of the one or more beam dump fibers so as to receive a light beam propagating from the output fiber that is associated with the combiner beam.