Laser Module Collimating Lens Curvature Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser modules with multiple laser diodes and an optical fiber face limitations in coupling efficiency due to uniform collimation lengths and curvatures of collimating lenses, leading to varying incident angles and spot sizes that decrease the overall power of the output laser beam.
Innovation Solution
The laser module is configured with laser diodes and collimating lenses arranged in descending order of optical path length, where at least one collimation length and curvature differs from a standard setting, optimizing the collimation lengths and curvatures to reduce incident angles and improve coupling efficiency by adjusting the positions and curvatures of the collimating lenses and the optical path lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform collimation lengths and curvatures are used for all collimating lenses, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the coupling efficiency between laser beams and optical fiber deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each collimating lens have different collimation lengths and curvatures according to its specific position in the array. The collimation length and curvature of each lens are individually optimized based on the optical path length from its corresponding laser diode to the optical fiber, thereby achieving high coupling efficiency for each beam while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the collimation lengths and curvatures of collimating lenses as key parameters. By adjusting these parameters for each lens based on its position and the corresponding optical path length, the system optimizes coupling efficiency without requiring complex additional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If different collimation lengths and curvatures are used for each collimating lens, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each collimating lens have different collimation lengths and curvatures according to its specific position in the array. The collimation length and curvature of each lens are individually optimized based on the optical path length from its corresponding laser diode to the optical fiber, thereby achieving high coupling efficiency for each beam while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by breaking the uniformity of the lens array. Instead of using identical lenses for all positions, the system employs lenses with asymmetrically varied collimation lengths and curvatures that correspond to the different optical path lengths, creating an optimized but non-uniform configuration.
3Ease of operation
If uniform collimation lengths are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the output laser beam power is reduced due to lower coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the collimation lengths and curvatures of collimating lenses as key parameters. By adjusting these parameters for each lens based on its position and the corresponding optical path length, the system optimizes coupling efficiency without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the intermediate step of using uniform collimation lengths that would require complex adjustments to achieve optimal coupling. By directly implementing position-specific collimation lengths and curvatures, the system rushes through the optimization process and achieves high coupling efficiency and output power without iterative adjustments.
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 configuration enhances the coupling efficiency between laser beams from diodes and the optical fiber, resulting in a more powerful output laser beam by optimizing the collimation and curvature settings, thereby addressing the inefficiencies of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
n collimating lenses SLi provided in the respective optical paths so as to be distant from the respective laser diodes LDi and from the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module, includes: an optical fiber; n laser diodes LDi (i=1, 2, . . . , n) arranged in an order corresponding to a descending order of optical path lengths LOi of optical paths respectively extending from the laser diodes LDi to the optical fiber; and n collimating lenses SLi respectively disposed in the optical paths to be distant from the respective laser diodes LDi and from the optical fiber. When a distance from each of the laser diodes LDi to a corresponding one of the collimating lenses SLi is defined as a collimation length LCi, at least one of a collimation length LC1 and a collimation length LCn differs from a certain distance SL that is set with respect to each of the collimating lenses SLi.