Laser Beam Segmentation for Homogeneous Linear Intensity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices struggle to generate a homogeneous linear intensity distribution using fundamental mode lasers due to the production of strong interference fringes when their radiation is superimposed, which is not suitable for applications requiring coherent beam shaping.

Innovation Solution

The device employs fundamental mode fiber lasers that do not superimpose their radiation, utilizing a configuration without multi-lens homogenizers and incorporating transformation components like Powell lenses to convert Gaussian distributions into top-hat distributions, ensuring energy redistribution without coherent superimposition, thereby avoiding disruptive interference fringes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fundamental mode lasers are used with multi-lens homogenizers to create linear intensity distribution, then homogeneous light field can be generated, but strong interference fringes are produced due to coherent superimposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of intensity distributionVSAvoidinterference fringes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the coherent laser beam into multiple spatially separated partial beams using beam splitting optics, arranging them in a specific pattern (e.g., hexagonal or triangular lattice) rather than superimposing them. This segmentation prevents coherent interference while maintaining intensity homogeneity through geometric arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary optical system (beam splitting and spatial arrangement optics) between the fundamental mode laser and the target plane. This intermediary transforms the coherent beam into spatially separated partial beams, mediating the transition from coherent to effectively incoherent superimposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If multi-mode lasers are used for homogenization and superimposition, then homogeneous linear intensity distribution is achieved with minimal interference, but the device cannot utilize the high beam quality and brilliance of fundamental mode lasers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference fringesVSAvoidbeam quality and brilliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the high-quality fundamental mode laser beam into multiple partial beams with reduced individual intensity, arranging them spatially to prevent interference. This allows utilization of the source's high beam quality while avoiding the interference problem through geometric distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from one-dimensional superimposition (which causes interference) to two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial arrangement of partial beams. By adding spatial dimensions to the beam arrangement, interference is eliminated while maintaining intensity distribution control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If laser beams are superimposed to create linear intensity distribution, then line focus can be achieved, but disruptive interference fringes are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinear intensity distributionVSAvoidinterference fringes
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the laser beam into multiple partial beams arranged in a linear or near-linear pattern, where the segments are spatially separated rather than overlapped. This creates a line-shaped intensity distribution through geometric arrangement rather than coherent superimposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces asymmetric spatial arrangement of partial beams (e.g., offset positions, non-uniform spacing) to prevent coherent interference patterns while maintaining the overall linear distribution shape. The asymmetric positioning disrupts the phase relationships that would otherwise create interference fringes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This approach allows for the creation of a linear intensity distribution with a high aspect ratio, enabling new intensity ranges in line focus applications with reduced interference, suitable for various technical uses, and allowing operation at high power levels.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating transformation components like Powell lenses to convert Gaussian distributions into top-hat distributions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transformation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

ensuring energy redistribution without coherent superimposition, thereby avoiding disruptive interference fringes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy redistribution:

Data Source

PatentEP2981387B1Device for generating laser radiation having a linear intensity distribution
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 LIMO GMBH
  • EP2981387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2981387B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for generating laser radiation (3) having a linear intensity distribution (11), comprising a plurality of laser light sources for generating laser radiation (3) and optical means for transforming laser radiation (3) exiting from the laser light sources into laser radiation (14) that has a linear intensity distribution (11) in a working plane (9), wherein the laser light sources are constructed as fundamental mode lasers and the device is designed such that each of the laser beams (3) exiting from the laser light sources does not overlap with itself.