Laser Beam Quality Control via Output Ratio Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining apparatuses require complex drive systems and precise positioning of optical elements to modulate beam quality, leading to instability and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus that uses two laser light sources with different propagation characteristics, an output ratio control unit, a multiplexing optical system, and an optical fiber to modulate beam quality without moving optical elements, achieving stable and cost-effective control of beam quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are moved to modulate beam quality, then beam quality can be controlled, but device complexity increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system with an optical field superposition system. Instead of moving optical elements mechanically to change beam quality, the invention uses two laser beams with different propagation characteristics that are superimposed in the optical field. By controlling the output ratio of these beams, beam quality is modulated without any mechanical movement, thus eliminating the drive system and improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation characteristics parameter of the laser beams by using two different laser light sources with distinct propagation properties. By adjusting the output ratio parameter between these two beams, the overall beam quality parameter is controlled. This parameter-based control approach replaces the need for mechanical position adjustment, solving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are precisely positioned to modulate beam quality, then beam quality control is achieved, but installation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates mechanical positioning requirements by substituting the mechanical system with an optical field superposition system. Beam quality modulation is achieved through optical field interference and superposition of two laser beams with different propagation characteristics, rather than through precise mechanical positioning of optical elements. This fundamentally improves installation stability as no precise mechanical positioning is needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical drive systems are used for beam quality control, then beam quality can be adjusted, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical drive systems with a simpler optical field superposition system. By using two laser light sources with different propagation characteristics and controlling their output ratio, beam quality control is achieved without mechanical actuators, positioners, or complex positioning mechanisms, thereby significantly reducing apparatus cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls beam quality by changing the output ratio parameter between two laser beams rather than through mechanical adjustment. This parameter-based control approach eliminates the need for expensive mechanical drive systems and precision positioning equipment, making the apparatus more cost-effective while maintaining beam quality control capability.
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 stable and cost-effective modulation of beam quality by controlling the output ratio of the laser beams entering the optical fiber, allowing for flexible machining without the need for complex drive systems or precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber including a core and a cladding, the optical fiber having an entrance and an exit, the first laser beam and the second laser beam being input to the entrance after passing through the multiplexing optical system, the first laser beam and the second laser beam being emitted from the exit
Implementation Method 2
a multiplexing optical system to multiplex the first laser beam and the second laser beam
Implementation Method 3
a condensing optical system to perform machining of a workpiece by concentrating, on the workpiece, the beam emitted from the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining apparatus includes an output ratio control unit that changes an output ratio between a first laser beam and a second laser beam having different propagation characteristics; a superimposing optical system that multiplexes the first laser beam and the second laser beam; an optical fiber in which beam propagation characteristics of a combined laser beam at an exit varies depending on the output ratio, the combined laser beam being a laser beam obtained by combination of the first laser beam and the second laser beam; and a condensing optical system that performs machining of a workpiece by concentrating, on the workpiece, the beam emitted from the optical fiber.