Fiber Laser Cladding Notch for Process Light Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber laser systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and analyzing process light due to bulk sensing devices on cutting heads and combiner systems that struggle to collect light across all wavelengths, limiting operational flexibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A process light collection system with a notch in the outermost cladding layer of a feeding optic fiber and a collection optic fiber that captures and transmits process light for analysis, allowing for the determination of light characteristics without adding bulk to the cutting head and improving wavelength coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If bulk sensing devices are mounted on cutting heads to collect process light, then light collection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational flexibility deteriorate due to added bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is extracted from the cutting head by utilizing the feeding optic fiber itself as the sensing medium. A notch is created in the cladding layer of the feeding optic fiber to enable process light collection, eliminating the need for separate bulk sensing devices on the cutting head while maintaining light collection capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If combiner systems are used to collect process light, then light collection is improved, but wavelength coverage and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding optic fiber serves dual functions: delivering the laser beam to the workpiece and collecting process light for sensing. The notch in the cladding layer enables the fiber to collect process light across all wavelengths without the wavelength limitations of combiner systems, providing universal applicability.
3Device complexity
If process light is collected through existing fiber structures without modification, then system simplicity is maintained, but light collection efficiency and sensing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire fiber structure, a localized notch is created in the cladding layer at a specific position. This local modification enables effective process light collection while maintaining the overall simplicity of the fiber structure and minimizing impact on system design.
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
Enables efficient collection and analysis of process light across various wavelengths, reducing operational limitations and enhancing the flexibility and accuracy of fiber laser systems by minimizing distortion and heat-related issues, while providing a compact solution for light sensing.
Implementation Method 1
A notch in an outermost cladding layer of a feeding optic fiber may be provided to release process light
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments may include a fiber laser having an input end to receive source light from a light source and an output end including: a feeding optic fiber including a cladding layer and an interior surrounded by the cladding layer, wherein the interior emits a beam at an end of the feeding optic and the cladding layer receives process light at the end of the feeding optic, the process light generated by processing of a workpiece by the beam; and a notch or other discontinuity in an outer surface of a side of the cladding layer, the surface discontinuity to release a portion of the process light, the apparatus further comprising: a collection optic fiber having a first end to capture a sample of the released process light and a second end to provide the captured sample to a sensor. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.