Laser Beam Coupler Path Control for Fiber Output Profile Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining devices require complex and expensive position controllers to adjust the condensing lens for precise changes in beam profile, which is cumbersome and costly for achieving desired machining outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes optical path changing means, such as movable optical members, within the beam coupler to alter the beam profile of the coupled laser beam without adjusting the condensing lens position, allowing for easier adjustment of beam profiles to match machining requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the condensing lens is adjusted to change the beam profile, then the beam profile can be changed to match machining requirements, but the position controller becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the beam profile adjustment function from the condensing lens position control system. Instead of adjusting the condensing lens position, the patent introduces a separate optical element (such as a cylindrical lens or astigmatic lens) that can be rotated or moved independently to change the beam profile. This separation allows beam profile adjustment without requiring complex position control of the condensing lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms for the optical elements. By rotating a cylindrical lens around the optical axis or moving an astigmatic lens along the optical path, the beam profile can be dynamically changed between different shapes (e.g., from circular to elliptical) without mechanical repositioning of the condensing lens, thereby simplifying the control system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the position of the condensing lens is precisely controlled to adjust beam profile, then desired beam profiles can be achieved, but the position controller becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary optical element (cylindrical lens or astigmatic lens) that mediates between the condensing lens and the beam profile requirement. This intermediary element handles the profile shaping function, allowing the condensing lens to maintain a fixed, simple position while still achieving precise beam profile control through the rotation or movement of the intermediary optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
By using rotational or linear movement of the intermediary optical element instead of precise positional control of the condensing lens, the system achieves the same level of beam profile precision with a simpler, less expensive control mechanism. The dynamic parameter (rotation angle or linear position of intermediary element) is easier to control precisely than the condensing lens position.
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 simplifies the control of beam profiles, reducing the need for precise and costly position controllers, enabling more efficient and reproducible laser machining with desired quality by changing the optical paths of laser beams to suit various machining tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a beam coupler (12) that couples a plurality of laser beams (LB1 to LB4) emitted respectively from the plurality of laser modules (11) to form a coupled laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a condensing lens unit (20) that condenses the coupled laser beam to have a given beam diameter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A laser oscillator includes a plurality of laser modules, beam coupler (12) that couples a plurality of laser beams (LB1 to LB4) emitted from the plurality of laser modules to form a coupled laser beam, beam coupler (12) emitting the coupled laser beam, and a condensing lens unit having a condensing lens, the condensing lens unit condensing the coupled laser beam to have a given beam diameter and guiding the condensed coupled laser beam to a transmission fiber. Beam coupler (12) has optical members (OC1 to OC4) configured to change optical paths of laser beams (LB1 to LB4). By changing the optical paths of laser beams (LB1 to LB4) by optical members (OC1 to OC4,) a beam profile of the coupled laser beam emitted from the transmission fiber is changed without adjusting a position of the condensing lens.