Laser Beam Parameter Product Control via Input Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser systems require frequent adjustments to the output optical system or optical fiber to change the beam parameter product (BPP), which is time-consuming and expensive, and can damage fragile components, making it necessary to find alternative methods for varying the BPP without altering the output beam.
Innovation Solution
The BPP of a laser system is varied by manipulating one or more input laser beams coupled into an optical fiber, using techniques such as beam splitting, polarization alteration, and focusing adjustments with deformable mirrors or gradient-index lenses to control the beam quality and spot size at the input, allowing for controllable variation of the output beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the output optical system or optical fiber is swapped out or adjusted to change the beam parameter product, then the beam quality and spot size can be modified for different processing applications, but the process becomes time-consuming, expensive, and risks damage to fragile optical components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting the output beam parameters by modifying the output optical system, the patent inverts the approach by manipulating the input laser beam parameters (beam quality, spot size, divergence) before coupling into the optical fiber. This allows BPP variation without touching the fragile output components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss/damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using beam combining technology where multiple input beams with different parameters are combined and coupled into a single optical fiber. The optical fiber acts as a mediator that transforms the manipulated input beams into a controllable output beam, enabling BPP adjustment without direct modification of the output optical system
2Adaptability or versatility
If the output optical system is adjusted to change the beam parameter product, then different beam qualities can be achieved for various applications, but the cost increases and fragile components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the adjustment location from the output end to the input end of the optical system. By manipulating input beam parameters (quality, spot size) before fiber coupling, the system achieves beam quality control without exposing fragile output components to adjustment risks, thus eliminating component damage risk while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary manipulation of the input laser beam parameters (beam quality, spot size, divergence) before the beam enters the optical fiber. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-set the desired beam characteristics, avoiding the need for costly and risky adjustments to the output optical system during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input beams with different parameters are combined and coupled into an optical fiber, then the beam parameter product can be controllably varied, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single optical fiber that serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmission medium and the transformation element that converts combined input beams with different parameters into a controllable output beam. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity compared to having separate systems for each beam parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses beam combining technology where multiple input beams are combined to create a composite beam that carries the desired parameter information. This copying approach allows the system to achieve complex beam parameter control through simpler individual beam manipulation and combination, rather than requiring complex direct control of the output beam
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 enables flexible adjustment of the laser beam's focus spot and quality without modifying the output optical system, reducing costs and preventing damage to components, while allowing for precise control of the beam parameter product for various processing applications like welding and cutting.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that focuses the laser light from the fiber onto the workpiece to be processed
Implementation Method 2
using techniques such as beam splitting, polarization alteration, and focusing adjustments with deformable mirrors or gradient-index lenses to control the beam quality and spot size at the input
Implementation Method 3
the laser light from which is coupled into an optical fiber (or simply a 'fiber')
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system alters a spatial power distribution of a radiation beams before the beam is coupled into an optical fiber or delivered to a workpiece.