Laser Beam Profile Feedback Control for Optical Path Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser devices experience fluctuations in the beam profile of laser light due to deviations in the optical path, which affects the accuracy and consistency of laser processing.

Innovation Solution

A laser device equipped with a control unit that continuously monitors the beam profile and adjusts the optical system, specifically the position and angle of the second reflecting mirror and the condensing lens, to maintain a desired beam profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical system is used to guide laser light to the object, then the laser processing can be performed, but the beam profile fluctuates due to optical path deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam profile stabilityVSAvoidbeam profile accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the beam profile is detected by a profile detection unit and fed back to a control unit. The control unit then adjusts the optical system (specifically the second reflecting mirror and condensing lens) to correct deviations and maintain the desired beam profile, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the optical system dynamic by enabling continuous adjustment of the second reflecting mirror and condensing lens positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to optical path deviations in real-time, maintaining beam profile accuracy despite environmental changes or mechanical instabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the optical system components are fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the beam profile cannot be corrected when optical path deviation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam profile controlVSAvoidoptical system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities for the second reflecting mirror and condensing lens, allowing them to move to correct beam profile deviations. This dynamic element adds complexity but enables precise beam profile control when optical path deviations occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback control system continuously monitors the beam profile and automatically adjusts the optical components to maintain desired specifications. This closed-loop control adds structural complexity but ensures high manufacturing precision by correcting deviations in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring and adjustment is implemented, then the beam profile stability is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam profile stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback control where the profile detection unit monitors the beam profile and the control unit adjusts the optical system accordingly. This feedback mechanism improves beam profile stability by continuously correcting deviations, though it increases control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting beam profile deviations and adjusting its own optical components without external intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability while minimizing the need for external control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces fluctuations in the beam profile, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of laser processing by continuously adjusting the optical system to match the desired beam profile.

Implementation Method 1

a laser source configured to emit laser light LB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

an optical system configured to irradiate the object with the laser light emitted from the laser source, and capable of changing a beam profile of the laser light projected on the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the optical system, specifically the position and angle of the second reflecting mirror and the condensing lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4074454B1Laser device and method for controlling laser device
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4074454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4074454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4074454B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A laser source (101) emits laser light (LB). An optical system (102) is configured to irradiate an object (20) with the laser light (LB) emitted from the laser source (101), and capable of changing a beam profile of the laser light (LB) projected onto the object (20). A profile detection unit (103) detects the beam profile of the laser light (LB) emitted from the optical system (102) to the object (20). A control unit (14) controls the optical system (102) in each predetermined control cycle so that the beam profile detected by the profile detection unit (103) is a desired beam profile.