Laser Beam Coupling with Polarization Combining for Higher Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor lasers have low heat dissipation, limiting their maximum optical power to about 5 W, which is insufficient for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A laser coupling device comprising multiple laser units, convex lenses, and optical components such as half-wave plates and polarization beam combiners to combine and converge laser beams, enhancing optical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If semiconductor laser is used for engraving and cutting materials, then reliability and low-cost are improved, but optical power is limited to about 5 W due to low heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser system into multiple independent laser units (at least two), each capable of operating within its heat dissipation limits. By segmenting the total power requirement across multiple units, the system achieves higher aggregate optical power without overloading the heat dissipation capacity of a single laser source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the output beams from multiple laser units using optical combining techniques (such as polarization beam combining or spatial beam combining) to produce a single high-power laser beam. This merging process integrates the power from multiple low-power sources while managing their thermal outputs separately.
2Power
If multiple laser units are combined to increase optical power, then power output is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical components such as polarization beam combiners and half-wave plates that serve multiple functions: they combine beams from different laser units, manage polarization states, and enable scalable addition of more laser units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines laser beams in the polarization dimension by using orthogonally polarized beams from different laser units. This allows combining multiple beams without requiring complex spatial arrangement, as the combination occurs through polarization state management rather than purely spatial overlap, simplifying the optical path design.
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
The device outputs laser beams with higher optical power, suitable for various industrial processes like cutting and engraving, by concentrating energy density and beam waist diameter.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first convex lens, arranged on optical paths of the laser beams and configured to converge the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a half wave plate, arranged on an optical path of the second laser beam, and configured to change a polarization state of the second laser beam
Implementation Method 3
a polarization beam combiner, arranged on optical paths of the first laser beam and the third laser beam, and configured to combine the first laser beam and the third laser beam into a fourth laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laser coupling device, which includes a plurality of laser units, configured to emit laser beams; and at least one first convex lens, arranged on optical paths of the laser beams and configured to converge the laser beam. The laser coupling device can emit laser beam with a high power.