Laser Line Generator with Cylindrical Lens and Diffraction Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser technologies struggle to produce laser beams with cross-sectional distributions other than disc-like or elliptical, and there is a need for economical and minimally complex methods to achieve alternative patterns such as planar or line-like distributions.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical systems comprising a laser emitter, collimation optics, and line generator optics, including diffraction gratings and cylindrical lenses, to shape and collimate laser beams into planar or line-like patterns with rectangular cross-sections, allowing for the creation of collimated beams that can strike targets as a line or rectangular region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser emitters are used, then laser beams with disc-like or elliptical cross-sections are produced, but the ability to produce planar or line-like cross-sectional patterns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (beam shaping, collimation, and pattern generation) into an integrated optical system that processes the laser beam through a sequence of optical elements. The cylindrical lens and diffraction grating work together in a unified optical path to transform the Gaussian beam into a planar line pattern, achieving versatile cross-sectional patterns while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical elements (cylindrical lens and diffraction grating) that mediate the transformation from a conventional Gaussian beam to a planar line pattern. These intermediary components perform specific functions: the cylindrical lens shapes the beam cross-section, and the diffraction grating collimates and distributes the light, enabling pattern transformation without requiring a complete redesign of the laser emitter itself.
2Shape
If optical systems are added to transform laser beams, then planar or line-like patterns are achieved, but apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam transformation function into distinct optical components, each performing a specific task. The cylindrical lens handles beam shaping in one dimension, while the diffraction grating manages collimation and angular distribution. This segmentation allows for modular design and optimization of each component independently, achieving the desired planar cross-sectional shape while managing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves cross-sectional pattern transformation by changing key optical parameters of the laser beam through the optical system. The cylindrical lens modifies the beam's spatial distribution parameters, creating an elliptical intermediate pattern. The diffraction grating then changes the angular and spatial parameters through diffraction, producing the final planar line pattern with controlled width and collimation, thereby achieving shape transformation through parameter modification rather than fundamental design changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If Gaussian distribution laser beams are used, then typical disc-like patterns are produced, but economical production of alternative patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a diffraction grating that utilizes the inherent properties of light and diffraction physics to automatically generate the planar line pattern from the input beam. The grating structure itself performs the pattern transformation function through its periodic geometry, requiring no active control or additional complex components. This self-service approach leverages fundamental optical phenomena to achieve pattern versatility while maintaining manufacturing economy, as the grating is a passive, static component that can be manufactured using standard techniques.
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 the economical production of laser beams with desired cross-sectional patterns, suitable for applications like ink drop detection, by transforming typical Gaussian distribution laser beams into collimated, planar, or line-like beams with elongated width-wise and flattened thickness-wise dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating configured to disperse the collimated laser beam into an expanding planar laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical lens configured to collimate the expanding planar laser beam in a fast axis
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam emission is collimated by optics. The collimated beam is shaped into an expanding planar laser beam by line generator optics. The expanding planar laser beam is collimated by other optics such that a beam having a generally rectangular cross-section is derived. The resulting beam can be used in ink drop detection and/or other applications.