Laser Beam Inspection Using Threshold Rings for Distortion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current M2 measurement methods lack sufficient resolution to detect subtle distortions in the Gaussian distribution of laser beams, rendering them unreliable for assessing the accuracy of laser oscillators in laser processing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus and method that includes a dimming plate, an imaging unit with multiple pixels, processing means to analyze the dimmed laser beam, and a display unit to show the processed image with inner, intermediate, and outer rings, allowing for precise calculation and display of deviation between ring centers, thereby assessing the beam's accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If M2 measurement is used to observe the spot shape condensed by a beam condenser, then the measurement can be performed, but the resolution is insufficient to detect subtle distortions in the Gaussian distribution of the laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser beam intensity distribution into multiple concentric rings (inner ring, intermediate ring, outer ring) with different thresholds. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of the equal beam by analyzing the center positions of each ring, thereby detecting subtle distortions in the Gaussian distribution that would be invisible in conventional spot shape observations.
2Reliability
If conventional M2 measurement is performed, then the spot shape can be observed, but the accuracy is only for reference and lacks reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from observing the two-dimensional spot shape to measuring the one-dimensional equal beam distribution by introducing multiple threshold rings. This dimensional transformation enables reliable detection of Gaussian distribution characteristics, as the center positions and widths of the concentric rings provide quantitative metrics for assessing beam quality and distortion.
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 high-accuracy detection of the Gaussian distribution of laser beams, ensuring reliable inspection and determination of the laser oscillator's accuracy by displaying the deviation between ring centers, thus improving the reliability of laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
a dimming plate that dims a laser beam immediately after the laser beam is emitted from the laser oscillator
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit that images, with a plurality of pixels, the laser beam dimmed by the dimming plate
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus for a laser oscillator includes a dimming plate that dims a laser beam immediately after the laser beam is emitted from the laser oscillator; an imaging unit that images, with a plurality of pixels, the laser beam dimmed by the dimming plate; a processing unit that processes an image captured by the imaging unit; and a display unit that displays the image processed by the processing unit. The processing unit has at least two thresholds of an inner ring and an outer ring used for partitioning the intensity of the laser beam.