Automated Laser Beam Compressor for PIB Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PIB measurement techniques for high-power, large-diameter laser beams are inefficient, requiring outdoor testing and suffering from atmospheric degradation, alignment sensitivity, and labor-intensive processes, which compromise accuracy and safety.
Innovation Solution
A beam quality measurement system that includes a beam compressor assembly and a diagnostic bench with an automated pinhole array and translation stage for precise alignment, enabling PIB measurements in a laboratory setting, reducing atmospheric influence and human intervention, and compensating for surface errors and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If outdoor testing is used for large aperture laser beams, then the beam can be focused several kilometers downrange, but atmospheric degradation and system induced errors reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A beam compressor telescope is introduced as an intermediary device between the large aperture laser beam and the measurement apparatus. The telescope compresses the large diameter beam to a smaller diameter that can be handled by conventional optical components, enabling accurate PIB measurements in a laboratory setting without atmospheric degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a scaled-down version of the original beam by using the beam compressor telescope to reduce the beam diameter while maintaining the beam's optical properties. This compressed beam copy can be measured accurately using standard laboratory equipment
2Measurement precision
If conventional PIB measurement techniques are used with multiple pinholes, then comprehensive beam quality data can be obtained, but the alignment process is time and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-alignment through automated translation stages that move the pinhole array and detector to precisely positioned locations without requiring manual alignment. The system automatically positions components to measure power through multiple pinholes, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment is replaced with automated motorized translation stages and programmable control systems. The automated system precisely positions pinholes and detectors through programmed motion, replacing labor-intensive manual alignment operations
3Ease of operation
If personnel work within the vicinity of active laser areas for pinhole interchange and alignment, then measurement tasks can be performed, but laser safety constraints and extensive precautions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system operates autonomously without requiring personnel to enter hazardous laser areas. Automated translation stages and robotic positioning systems perform pinhole interchange and alignment tasks automatically, eliminating the need for human presence in active laser zones and removing safety hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The hazardous function of manual pinhole handling in active laser areas is extracted and replaced by remote automated systems. The dangerous manual operations are removed from the system and replaced with automated mechanisms that can operate safely without human exposure to high-power laser beams
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 accurate, automated, and efficient PIB measurements for high-power, large-diameter laser beams in a controlled environment, improving safety, reducing costs, and enhancing the precision of beam quality assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a beam compressing telescope that receives the high power laser beam from the input window and reduces the diameter of the high power beam
Implementation Method 2
a lens that focuses the reduced diameter low power beam
Implementation Method 3
a translation stage for moving the pinhole array in three degrees of freedom so as to selectively position the pinholes at a focal point of the lens in the focal plane
Data Source
AI summary
A beam quality measurement system for determining beam quality of a high power laser beam from a laser system by power-in-the-bucket (PIB) measurements in a laboratory environment. The system includes a beam compressor assembly for compressing the diameter of the laser beam, and a diagnostic bench assembly that receives the reduced diameter low power beam from the beam compressor assembly. The bench assembly includes a pinhole array positioned at a focal plane of a lens and that includes a plurality of different sized pinholes and a translation stage for moving the pinhole array. The bench assembly also includes a power meter that receives the focused beam after it has passed through a pinhole in the pinhole array, where the power meter generates a signal that causes the stage to move the pinhole array to position another pinhole when the power meter identifies a maximum power received from one pinhole.