Laser Device Wavelength Dispersive Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser processing devices with multiple laser diodes face a challenge in maintaining device size due to the addition of optical components like dispersive and spectroscopic elements for beam intensity detection, leading to increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A laser device configuration using multiple laser diodes, a partial reflective mirror, and a wavelength dispersive element to combine and direct laser beams, with an output detecting unit to monitor beam intensity without additional optical components, allowing for compact design and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical components such as dispersive element and spectroscopic element are added to detect laser beam intensity, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wavelength dispersive element (diffraction grating) with the output detecting unit to create an integrated detection system. The dispersive element separates wavelengths and directs different wavelength components to different detection positions, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths without requiring separate spectroscopic instruments. This merging approach enables intensity detection across multiple wavelengths while avoiding the need for additional bulky optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength dispersive element serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam combiner in the resonator cavity and simultaneously functions as a wavelength separator for the detection system. The same diffraction grating that combines laser beams for oscillation also disperses them for intensity detection, eliminating the need for separate dispersive and spectroscopic elements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing precise multi-wavelength detection without increasing device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser diodes with different wavelengths are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single wavelength dispersive element (diffraction grating) to handle multiple wavelength beams from different laser diodes. This single element performs both beam combining and wavelength separation functions, simplifying the optical system compared to using separate components for each wavelength. The unified approach maintains multi-wavelength adaptability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating disperses different wavelengths into different spatial directions, adding a spatial dimension to wavelength management. This allows multiple wavelength beams to be simultaneously directed to different detection positions without requiring complex switching mechanisms or separate optical paths for each wavelength, thereby simplifying the system architecture.
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 configuration prevents device size increase, reduces the number of expensive components, and enables stable, wavelength-specific intensity detection and control, thereby managing output effectively while minimizing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength dispersive element placed in the resonator, to combine parts of the laser light beams outputted by the laser diodes with each other, emit the laser light beams obtained by the combination as a first laser light beam toward the partial reflective mirror
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of laser diodes to generate laser light beams having their respective wavelengths different from each other; a partial reflective mirror by which a resonator is formed along with the laser diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device includes a plurality of laser diodes that generate laser light beams having different wavelengths from each other, a partial reflective mirror constituting a resonator along with the laser diodes, a wavelength dispersive element set in the resonator, which combines parts of the laser light beams outputted by the laser diodes to each other, emits the combined parts of the laser light beams as a first laser light beam toward the partial reflective mirror, and emits other parts of the laser light beams as second laser light beams in directions different from the direction toward the partial reflective mirror, and an output detecting unit detecting intensities of the second laser light beams.