Laser Module Aperture Optimization for Beam Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser modules with surface-emitting laser elements have inadequate convergence of light beams due to large spacings between apertures in the collimating lens array, resulting in reduced brightness of the light beam emitted from the fiber.
Innovation Solution
A laser module design featuring photonic crystal surface-emitting laser elements, a collimating lens array with apertures that allow 94.0% to 99.5% of incident light energy to pass through, and a condenser lens to converge light beams, optimizing the energy transmission rate and aperture sizes to enhance beam convergence and brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the apertures in the collimating lens array are spaced apart to allow light beams to contact each other, then the convergence of the light beam emitted from the fiber is improved, but the energy transmission rate through the apertures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the aperture size parameter to be 0.6-0.85 times the Gaussian beam radius, and positions apertures to pass 94.0%-99.5% of incident light energy. This parameter optimization allows light beams to contact each other for improved convergence while maintaining high energy transmission rate, resolving the contradiction between convergence improvement and energy loss.
2Power
If multiple light beams are coupled to one optical fiber, then the power output of the laser module is increased, but the convergence of the light beam emitted from the fiber decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a collimating lens array with multiple apertures to process multiple light beams separately, then uses a condenser lens to converge them onto a single optical fiber. The segmentation of the collimating lens array allows independent optimization of each beam path, enabling high convergence while coupling multiple beams to maintain high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser lens acts as an intermediary between the collimating lens array and the optical fiber. It converges the collimated light beams from multiple apertures and couples them into the single optical fiber, enabling multiple beams to be combined while maintaining high convergence and brightness.
3Loss of energy
If the apertures of the collimating lens array are designed to pass a high percentage of incident light energy, then the energy transmission rate is improved, but the aperture size must be optimized which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges: aperture size of 0.6-0.85 times the Gaussian beam radius and energy transmission rate of 94.0%-99.5%. These standardized parameter specifications simplify the design process while ensuring high energy transmission, avoiding the need for complex iterative optimization.
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 design achieves a higher brightness of light beams emitted from the fiber compared to conventional lasers, improving beam convergence and quality for applications like material processing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photonic crystal surface-emitting laser elements arranged on a coplanar surface and each emitting a light beam
Implementation Method 2
a collimating lens array having a plurality of apertures that form collimating lenses to collimate the light beams emitted from the plurality of photonic crystal surface-emitting laser elements
Implementation Method 3
a condenser lens configured to converge the light beams collimated by the collimating lens array
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module includes: a photonic crystal surface-emitting laser element; a collimating lens array for producing a parallel optical beam; a condenser lens for condensing the optical beam; and an optical fiber which receives the optical beam on one end and transmits the optical beam to the outside. In the collimating lens array, an aperture portion corresponding to a collimating lens allows passage of the optical beam with an energy of not less than 94.0% and not more than 99.5% with respect to 100% of the energy of the optical beam incident on the collimating lens array.