Laser Beam Launcher and Waveguide for Multi-Feature Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser material processing systems using optical fibers struggle to create output laser beams with multiple beam features, such as a combination of a spike and rings, which are necessary for various applications like cutting, drilling, and welding, as they typically produce single beam features that are not suitable for these processes.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam delivery system incorporating an optical beam launcher device with a beam splitting optic that splits the laser beam into multiple sub-beams, which are then transmitted to different regions of the waveguide assembly's input lens, allowing for the creation of output laser beams with multiple features by adjusting the beam splitting optic's position within the transmission path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional optical fiber system is used to deliver laser beams, then the system structure is simple, but the output laser beam can only have single beam features which are not suitable for various processing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple sub-beams using a beam splitting optic, where each sub-beam corresponds to a different beam feature (spike, rings, etc.). This segmentation allows the system to generate complex multi-feature beam patterns from a single input laser beam, thereby improving beam feature versatility without requiring multiple separate laser sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitting optic is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser source and the workpiece. This optic manipulates the laser beam to create multiple sub-beams with different spatial distributions, enabling versatile beam features while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure compared to using multiple independent laser systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitting optic is introduced to create multiple beam features, then the beam feature versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitting optic serves multiple functions: it splits the input laser beam into multiple sub-beams, controls the spatial distribution of each sub-beam, and enables generation of different beam features (spike, rings, combinations) by adjusting the relative positions of sub-beams. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate optical components or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning of the beam splitting optic and control of sub-beam alignment. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to switch between different beam feature configurations on-demand, providing versatility while keeping the physical system configuration relatively simple through software-controlled adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sub-beams are transmitted to different regions of the input lens, then the beam feature control precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the positions and intensities of the generated beam features. This feedback information is used to adjust the beam splitting optic and sub-beam alignment in real-time, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring precise beam feature control without requiring extremely high initial manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls beam features by changing operational parameters (such as the relative positions of the beam splitting optic and sub-beams) rather than relying solely on fixed manufacturing precision. This allows for flexible adjustment of beam characteristics and reduces the stringency of manufacturing tolerance requirements while maintaining high control precision.
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 the generation of output laser beams with multiple features, such as a spike and rings, facilitating diverse applications like cutting, drilling, and welding by effectively distributing the laser power across different areas, enhancing processing capabilities beyond what conventional systems can achieve.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitting optic that is configured to: cause a laser beam that is input into the optical beam launcher device to be split into a first laser sub-beam and a second laser sub-beam
Implementation Method 2
the waveguide assembly is configured to transmit the first laser sub-beam and the second laser sub-beam from the input lens of the waveguide assembly to an output lens of the waveguide assembly via a waveguide of the waveguide assembly
Implementation Method 3
cause the first laser sub-beam to transmit to a first region of an input lens of the waveguide assembly, and cause the second laser sub-beam to transmit to a second region of the input lens of the waveguide assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam delivery system includes an optical beam launcher device and a waveguide assembly. The optical beam launcher device includes an optical relay system that includes a beam splitting optic that is configured to cause a laser beam that is input into the optical beam launcher device to be split into a first laser sub-beam and a second laser sub-beam, cause the first laser sub-beam to transmit to a first region of an input lens of the waveguide assembly, and cause the second laser sub-beam to transmit to a second region of the input lens. The waveguide assembly is configured to transmit the first laser sub-beam and the second laser sub-beam from the input lens to an output lens of the waveguide assembly, wherein the first laser sub-beam and the second laser sub-beam transmit from the waveguide assembly and form an output laser beam.