Rotatable Laser Polarization Compensation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling laser radiation polarization in laser cutting machines require multiple optical elements to compensate for phase shifts caused by deflecting mirrors, leading to incomplete circular polarization at the cutting head.
Innovation Solution
A device with a phase-shifting element and a deflecting element, where both are positioned on separate rotatable partial bodies, allowing for adjustment of the phase shifts by rotating the device about a common axis, thereby optimizing circular polarization without additional optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple deflecting mirrors are used to guide the laser beam, then the laser radiation can be directed to the cutting head, but phase shifts occur that reduce the circular polarization degree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase-shifting element and deflecting element into a single integrated device with two rotatable partial bodies. This merging allows the device to compensate for phase shifts from multiple deflecting mirrors in the laser path while maintaining a compact structure with minimal optical elements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high circular polarization and avoiding device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rotatable partial bodies that can be rotated about a common axis to dynamically adjust the phase compensation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to optimize circular polarization degree for different beam trajectories and deflecting mirror configurations without requiring additional fixed optical elements
2Reliability
If a phase-shifting element is used to convert linear polarization to circular polarization, then circular polarization is achieved, but phase shifts from subsequent deflecting mirrors degrade the polarization quality
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the phase-shifting element and deflecting element into one integrated device, the patent simplifies alignment and adjustment operations. The unified structure ensures proper optical path alignment while the rotatable design provides a single adjustment mechanism rather than multiple separate alignments, improving ease of operation while maintaining high circular polarization degree
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable design with common axis of rotation provides a feedback mechanism where the operator can adjust the phase compensation by rotating the partial bodies until optimal circular polarization is achieved at the cutting head, making the system easier to operate and align
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 solution ensures high circular polarization at the cutting head by compensating for phase deviations using minimal optical elements, maintaining the direction and position of the laser radiation while optimizing polarization, thus enhancing the quality of the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
an ideal phase shift mirror generates a phase shift of 90° between a polarization component (s polarization), which is aligned perpendicularly to an incidence plane, and a polarization component (p polarization) which is aligned parallel to the incidence plane
Implementation Method 2
The circularly polarized laser radiation generated using the phase-shifting element is reflected on an element which deflects laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for influencing the polarization of laser radiation using a phase-shifting element (5) and an element (7) deflecting the laser radiation. The phase-shifting element (5) is disposed in the region of an outer side (4) of a first partial body (2) and the deflecting element t(7) is disposed in the region of an outer side (6) of a second partial body (3), wherein the first partial body (2) and the second partial body (3) can be rotated about a common axis of rotation (14) through an angle of rotation (α) which can be predetermined.