Fiber-Tip Coupler Sensing for Non-Perturbing Laser Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems for laser beam characteristics in fiber-optics systems are either disruptive to the beam, difficult to implement, or limited in power handling, particularly for high-power applications, as they require external optical elements that can perturb the beam or have power limitations.
Innovation Solution
The development of fiber-tip-coupler sensing systems that utilize a specially designed angle-cleaved endcap and multi-tap fibers to non-perturbatively sense and control laser beam characteristics, including power, polarization, and phase, at the delivery fiber tip, allowing for in-situ monitoring and control without affecting the beam's parameters, and capable of handling kW-class laser power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external optical elements are used for sensing laser beam characteristics, then sensing capability is provided, but the beam is perturbed and power handling is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary fiber-optic sensing system that couples to the laser beam without directly intercepting it. The sensing probe fiber acts as an intermediary medium, allowing measurement of beam characteristics through evanescent field coupling or back-reflected light analysis, thereby avoiding direct beam obstruction and perturbation while maintaining sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical external optical elements (lenses, mirrors, beam splitters) with a fiber-optic based sensing mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components that physically interfere with the beam, using instead optical field interactions through the fiber tip that do not disrupt beam propagation
2Measurement precision
If external optical elements are used for sensing, then laser beam characteristics can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function directly into the fiber-optic delivery system by integrating a sensing probe fiber with the main laser beam delivery fiber. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external sensing apparatus, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the integrated fiber-tip sensing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber-optic sensing probe is designed to measure multiple laser beam characteristics (power, intensity distribution, beam quality parameters) simultaneously through a single integrated device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate sensing components, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensing systems are used, then sensing is possible, but they are difficult to implement for high-power applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fiber-optic sensing probe that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The fiber tip sensing mechanism uses standard fiber-optic components that are commercially available and relatively inexpensive compared to high-power rated external optical sensors, making the system easier to manufacture and implement for high-power applications where component durability is critical
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 fiber-tip-coupler sensing systems provide low insertion loss, non-disruptive monitoring and control of laser beam characteristics, suitable for various fiber types, including LMA and PM fibers, enabling effective stabilization and quality evaluation of high-power fiber systems without perturbing the beam, thus preventing catastrophic events and maintaining desired laser beam states.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber itself may have a core and cladding areas having slightly different refractive index based on the material of their construction. Both the fiber core and cladding may provide guiding of laser light components known as modes
Implementation Method 2
fiber-tip-coupler sensing systems that utilize a specially designed angle-cleaved endcap and multi-tap fibers to non-perturbatively sense and control laser beam characteristics
Implementation Method 3
Laser beams propagate in fibers and fiber-optics systems over certain distances prior to being transmitted into air or other media through a tip of the fiber end-section
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing method for in-situ non-perturbing measurement of characteristics of laser beams at the exit of the laser beam delivery fiber tips include measuring power of a laser beam transmitted through delivery fiber tip in fiber-optics systems. A sensing devices for in-situ non-perturbing sensing and control of multiple characteristics of laser light transmitted through light delivery fiber tips includes a fiber-tip coupler comprised of a shell with enclosed delivery fiber having a specially designed angle-cleaved endcap and one or several tap fibers that are specially arranged and assembled at back side of the endcap and other variations. Methods and system architectures for in-situ non-perturbing control of characteristics of laser beams at the exit of the laser beam delivery fiber tips include fiber-tip couplers and sensing modules that receive laser light from tap fibers, and systems for optical processing to enhance light characteristics suitable for in-situ measurement.