Microlens Beam Combining for Fast Laser Deflection and Beam Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser beam combination technologies face challenges in maintaining beam quality while facilitating fast deflection and splitting of laser beams, particularly in applications requiring precise alignment and power distribution.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize a splitting device, phase setting devices, and a beam combining device with microlens arrays to adjust the phase of coherent laser beams based on grid positions, allowing for diffractive beam deflection and splitting into defined orders of diffraction, using a control device to optimize phase settings for efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional beam combination methods are used, then beam quality can be maintained, but fast deflection and splitting capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam deflection speedVSAvoidbeam quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam combination function into multiple microlens arrays, each handling specific spatial regions. This segmentation allows independent phase control for each microlens array, enabling fast beam deflection while maintaining overall beam quality through coordinated operation of all arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic phase control using programmable phase modulators that can rapidly adjust phase profiles in response to control signals. This dynamic capability enables fast beam deflection and splitting while the control system maintains beam quality through real-time optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If phase adjustment is performed without considering grid position arrangement, then device operation is simpler, but beam combination efficiency and power distribution are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam combination efficiencyVSAvoidphase control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device receives information about grid position arrangements and adjusts phase settings accordingly. This feedback loop optimizes beam combination efficiency by adapting phase profiles to the specific spatial configuration of input beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes phase parameters based on grid position arrangements to optimize beam combination. By dynamically adjusting phase parameters according to the spatial configuration, the system achieves high combination efficiency without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If laser beams are combined without diffractive elements, then alignment is simpler, but deflection and splitting capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam deflection capabilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical beam deflection systems with diffractive optical elements and phase modulation. This substitution provides equivalent or superior deflection and splitting capabilities while reducing mechanical complexity and improving response speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses diffractive elements to change the spatial distribution parameters of combined beams, enabling versatile deflection and splitting. By controlling diffraction orders through phase modulation, the system achieves high adaptability without complex mechanical arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 virtually complete maintenance of beam quality with fast deflection and splitting capabilities, enabling precise alignment and variable power distribution among combined laser beams.

Implementation Method 1

combine the plurality of coherent laser beams to form at least one combined laser beam that is diffracted into an order of diffraction that differs from the zeroth order of diffraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS12555973B2Apparatus, laser system and method for combining coherent laser beams

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TRUMPF LASER GMBH CO KG

AI summary

An apparatus for combining a plurality of coherent laser beams includes a splitting device configured to split an input laser beam into the plurality of coherent laser beams, a plurality of phase setting devices configured to adjust a respective phase of one of the plurality of coherent laser beams, and a beam combining device configured to combine the plurality of coherent laser beams, which emanate from a plurality of grid positions of a grid arrangement. The beam combining device includes a microlens arrangement having at least two microlens arrays. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to adjust a respective phase of a respective one of the plurality of coherent laser beams and/or vary a respective phase of a respective one of the plurality of coherent laser beams.