Laser Source With Optical Switching For Industrial Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser sources for industrial processes, such as welding and cutting of metallic materials, often require different beam qualities and powers, which are difficult to adjust, necessitating multiple sources for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A single laser source with an optical switching and addressing unit that allows for selective generation of laser beams with different characteristics by routing laser beams from diode sources to either a high-power, lower-quality outlet or a lower-power, higher-quality outlet, using a movable mirror or diffraction grating to converge beams of different wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single laser source is used for multiple industrial applications, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide different beam qualities and powers for different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the laser beam into multiple paths using beam splitting optics. A single laser source generates a beam that is then split into first and second beams with different qualities and powers, which can be independently directed to different outlets for various industrial applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the laser beam by introducing controlled turbulence or distortion in one of the beam paths. This modifies the beam quality and power characteristics to produce different output beams from the same source, enabling adaptation to different application requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical amplification is used to improve beam quality, then beam quality increases, but power loss occurs due to dispersion in the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary optical element (such as a turbulence-inducing component or beam shaping optic) in the beam path that modifies beam characteristics without requiring long optical fiber transmission. This allows beam quality improvement while minimizing the power loss associated with fiber dispersion.
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
Enables a single laser source to be used across multiple industrial applications, reducing the need for multiple sources and allowing for flexible adaptation to different processing requirements without replacing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of laser diodes for generating a plurality of laser beams
Implementation Method 2
an optical amplification unit, including a plurality of amplifier modules configured to be pumped with said laser beams emitted by said diodes and to emit outgoing laser beams having a higher beam quality
Implementation Method 3
an optical path selecting device for selectively directing said laser beams emitted by said diodes towards said first optical line or towards said second optical lines
Implementation Method 4
using a movable mirror or diffraction grating to converge beams of different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A laser source for industrial operations including a first laser outlet and a second laser outlet. The laser source is switchable to selectively provide at the first laser outlet a high beam quality and relative low power or at the second laser outlet with a higher power and lower beam quality to better accommodate the particular process. In one example, a selector addressing unit includes movable mirrors to selectively direct the generated laser beams to either the first laser outlet or the second laser outlet. In another example the laser source is used in an industrial plant to provide laser beams to a plurality of processing cells. The laser source operable to selectively provide a laser beam having desired or optimum qualities for the particular processing cell.