Laser Module Control for Output Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser apparatuses with multiple modules face instability in optical output due to a 'notch' phenomenon when changing the number of active laser modules, causing drops in combined laser beam intensity and affecting machining precision.
Innovation Solution
A laser apparatus with a control system that adjusts the power supply to existing modules before changing the number of active modules, ensuring a stable output by maintaining the second optical output command for a predetermined period, thereby compensating for power delay and preventing the notch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of laser-oscillating laser modules is increased, then the optical output range is expanded, but a notch phenomenon occurs causing the combined laser beam output to drop greatly relative to the command value
Solution Approach 1:
The control section starts supplying power to the newly selected laser module before the number of oscillating modules is officially changed. This preliminary power supply action ensures that the module is ready to oscillate immediately when needed, preventing the notch phenomenon while enabling flexible output range adjustment
2Productivity
If the number of laser-oscillating laser modules is changed, then the optical output is adjusted, but there is a delay time in power supply start causing output instability
Solution Approach 1:
Power supply to the new laser module is initiated in advance before the actual module count change occurs. This preliminary power supply eliminates the delay time that would otherwise cause output instability, allowing rapid and stable output adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If power supply is started to a new laser module, then the number of oscillating modules is increased, but the delay time causes a great drop in measured output value
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply to the newly selected laser module is started before the number of oscillating modules is changed. This preliminary action ensures that the module is already powered and ready to contribute to the combined output, preventing the great drop in measured output value and maintaining measurement accuracy
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 stabilizes the combined laser beam output, reducing machining errors and precision issues by eliminating or minimizing the notch effect during changes in the number of oscillating laser modules.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of laser modules; a laser power source section configured to drive each of the plurality of laser modules; a combiner configured to combine laser beams emitted by the plurality of laser modules
Data Source
AI summary
A laser apparatus including plural laser modules, and capable of preventing a defect occurring when a number of the modules to be driven is changed. The apparatus includes plural laser modules, an optical output command section for generating a first optical output command with respect to a combined laser beam from a combiner, and a laser module selection/command section for selecting a laser module to be driven and generating a second optical output command for each laser module. The laser module selection/command section outputs the second optical output command, in a period from when the number is changed to when a predetermined period of time elapses, to at least one of the laser modules that has been laser-oscillating before the number is changed, such that the combined laser beam having an output corresponding to the first optical output command is outputted only by the at least one laser module.