Laser Pulse Combining with Rotating Reflector Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser systems face challenges in efficiently combining laser pulses from multiple devices along a single optical path without complex controllers or rotating mirrors.

Innovation Solution

A linear array of laser devices with parallel or co-axial optical axes emits laser pulses along a single optical path using stationary and motorized reflectors, synchronized by a controller to ensure uninterrupted beam delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rotating mirrors and complex controllers are used to combine laser beams, then laser pulses from multiple devices can be combined along a single optical path, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser pulse combination efficiencyVSAvoidcontroller and rotating mirror system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the laser pulse train into separate time slots, with each laser device operating at different time intervals. This temporal segmentation allows multiple laser devices to share a common optical path without requiring complex beam combining mechanisms like rotating mirrors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-coordinates the operation timing of each laser device before pulses are emitted. By establishing the pulse train sequence in advance and assigning specific time slots to each device, the system eliminates the need for real-time beam switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple laser devices operate simultaneously on the same optical path, then productivity increases, but beam synchronization and temporal coordination become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser pulse emission rateVSAvoidbeam synchronization timing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic operation of laser devices in a predetermined sequence, where each device fires at regular time intervals within a pulse train. This periodic temporal pattern ensures that multiple devices can operate at high productivity while maintaining precise synchronization without temporal conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If a linear array of laser devices with parallel optical axes is used, then the apparatus design is simplified, but the precision of beam alignment along the single optical path decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical alignment systemVSAvoidbeam alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-aligns the parallel optical axes of all laser devices during assembly to converge on the common optical path. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when pulses are emitted at different times, they all travel along the correct path to the target without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Simplifies the laser apparatus design by eliminating the need for complex controllers and rotating mirrors, enabling efficient and synchronized emission of laser pulses along a single optical path.

Implementation Method 1

The laser apparatus includes a stationary reflector and a motorized reflector for reflecting pulses from the laser devices along the single optical path towards the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3864725B1Laser apparatus and method of operation therefor
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LUMENIS LTD
  • EP3864725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3864725B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3864725B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Laser apparatus (10) including laser devices (LD1, LD2,,...) for emitting laser pulses, a motorized laser pulse reflection arrangement continuously rotated at a uniform angular velocity for reflecting laser pulses along a single optical path (11) toward a target (12) and a controller (14) synchronized with the motorized laser pulse reflection arrangement for individually firing the laser devices for emitting a train of laser pulses reaching the target without obstruction by the motorized laser pulse reflection arrangement.