Laser Line Optics for Super-Gaussian Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to achieve a super-Gaussian intensity distribution with a large depth of field and highest intensity in the working plane, as previous solutions result in insufficient separation and quick decay of the intensity distribution, limiting the depth of field and line width.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an objective and a focusing system that images a super-Gaussian intensity distribution from the near field of the beam transformation device into the working plane, while keeping the Gaussian-like far field distribution outside the desired depth of field, using a long focal length objective and cylindrical lenses to achieve a slow change in the super-Gaussian profile along the optical axis, thereby maximizing the depth of field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a narrow laser line with Gaussian intensity distribution is used to achieve small line width, then the line width FWy is reduced, but the depth of field becomes insufficient and thermal side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the intensity distribution parameter from Gaussian to super-Gaussian profile using a beam transformation device. This parameter change allows achieving a flattened top intensity distribution that maintains narrow line width while extending depth of field and reducing thermal side effects through the modified intensity profile shape
2Manufacturing precision
If a beam transformation device is used to achieve super-Gaussian intensity distribution, then the intensity profile is improved, but the separation between super-Gaussian and Gaussian distributions is insufficient causing quick decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telecentric projection system as an intermediary between the beam transformation device and the working plane. This projection system with specific magnification ratios creates sufficient spatial separation between the super-Gaussian intensity distribution and the Gaussian far-field distribution, preventing quick decay and extending the effective depth of field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a telecentric projection system that operates in a different optical dimension (spatial scaling) to resolve the overlap issue. By applying dimensional transformation through projection with specific magnification, the patent separates the intensity distributions along the optical axis, maintaining the super-Gaussian profile over an extended depth range
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 solution achieves a significant increase in the depth of field and maintains the highest intensity in the working plane, allowing for broader applications with reduced thermal side effects and improved productivity.
Implementation Method 1
an objective acting in a second direction Y corresponding to the transverse direction of the line and a focusing device acting in the second direction Y and arranged behind the objective, the objective and the focusing device imaging into the working plane a plane behind the beam transformation device in which the light in the second direction Y has an intensity distribution with a super-Gaussian profile
Data Source
AI summary
Device for generating a linear intensity distribution in a working plane (20), comprising at least one laser light source (11), optics (14) which shape the light (12) emitted by the at least one laser light source (11) in a first direction (X) and/or in a second direction (Y), a beam transformation device (13) increasing the beam quality factor (Mx2) with respect to the first direction (X) and decreasing the beam quality factor (My2) with respect to the second direction (Y), as well as an objective (17) acting in the second direction (Y) and a focusing device (18) acting in the second direction (Y), which is arranged behind the objective (17), wherein the objective (17) and the focusing device (18) image into the working plane (20) a plane (19) behind the beam transformation device (13) in which the light (12) in the second direction (Y) has an intensity distribution with a super-Gaussian profile or with a profile similar to a super-Gaussian profile.