Laser Beam Parameter Adjustment via Non-Imaging Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial lasers with a low beam parameter product are limited in their applications due to their inability to perform tasks requiring a higher beam parameter product, as scaling down power does not modify the beam parameter product and increased power can degrade it further.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-imaging refracting optics and Fiber Bragg gratings to redirect and modify the laser beam, increasing the beam parameter product, allowing for the performance of tasks not originally associated with low beam parameter product lasers, by altering the beam waist and divergence angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the beam parameter product is kept low for high beam quality, then cutting performance is improved, but the laser cannot perform welding or other tasks requiring higher beam parameter product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam parameter product adjustable rather than fixed. Through variable focusing optics and beam shaping components, the system can dynamically change the beam parameter product to match different application requirements, enabling the same laser to optimize performance for both cutting (low BPP) and welding (high BPP) operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies parameter changes by modifying the beam parameter product through optical components. By changing optical parameters such as focal length, beam waist position, and divergence angle using adjustable lenses and beam shaping elements, the system transforms a single-parameter laser beam into a multi-mode beam that can adapt to different processing requirements.
2Power
If power is decreased to perform lower power operations, then power appropriateness for welding/cladding is improved, but beam parameter product decreases disqualifying the laser for use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by independently controlling power and beam parameter product through separate mechanisms. Power is adjusted via laser source control, while beam parameter product is modified through optical components (lenses, beam expanders, shaping elements), allowing the system to maintain appropriate power levels for welding while preserving sufficient beam parameter product through optical transformation.
3Reliability
If conventional focusing optics are used, then beam parameter product remains constant, but the laser cannot be used for tasks requiring different beam parameter products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static conventional focusing optics with dynamic beam shaping optics. Adjustable lenses, variable focal length elements, and reconfigurable optical components allow the beam parameter product to be actively modified, enabling the same reliable optical system to adapt to different task requirements for both low and high beam parameter product applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing an optical system that performs multiple functions. The same laser source and optical train can produce different beam parameter products by reconfiguring the optical components, making a single laser system universal for both cutting (requiring low BPP) and welding (requiring high BPP) operations.
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 the use of lasers with initially low beam parameter products to perform tasks requiring higher beam parameter products, expanding their application range without the need for significant power adjustments, by modifying the beam parameter product through optical components.
Implementation Method 1
One or more non-imaging refracting optics may be used to redirect portions of the beam at different angles
Implementation Method 2
The Fiber Bragg grating may include spaced optical components that may be canted at one or more angles relative to the centerline of the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for modifying a beam parameter product of a laser beam. The modified beam parameter product may increase the number of tasks that may be performed using a given laser with its original beam parameter product. By increasing the beam parameter product of a laser, an initial low beam parameter product beam may be used to perform tasks requiring a higher beam parameter product. The beam may be modified to redirect portions of the beam at different angles via one or more non-imaging refracting optical components or by one or more Fiber Bragg gratings.