Mirror-Based Multi-Spot Laser Optics for High-Power Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser material processing technologies face limitations in generating multiple spots with adjustable power and position, especially at high power levels above 10 kW, due to complex mirror systems, limited adjustment capabilities, and issues with optics durability.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a series of mirrors with displacement and angle adjustment mechanisms allows for variable beam shaping, enabling the generation of multiple spots with adjustable power and position by reflecting and focusing a collimated laser beam using a combination of mirrors, minimizing optical system size and maintaining a small beam diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If refractive elements are used to generate double focus, then adjustable intensity and distance between foci is achieved, but usable power is limited to about 10 kW
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces refractive elements with a purely reflective optical system using mirrors and beam splitters. This substitution eliminates the power limitations of refractive materials while maintaining the ability to generate multiple foci with adjustable parameters, enabling operation at laser powers exceeding 10 kW.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical system combining multiple mirror surfaces and beam splitting elements. This composite approach distributes the optical function across several components, each handling a portion of the laser beam, thereby managing high power loads more effectively than a single refractive element could handle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second mirror with two different mirror surfaces is used to create double focus, then beam intensity and spot position are adjustable, but the distance between mirror and workpiece depends on desired spot distance and service life is limited by droplets and vapors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple independent mirror surfaces and beam splitters rather than using a single complex mirror. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned at an optimized distance from the workpiece, improving service life while maintaining full adjustment capability for spot position and intensity through independent control of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters as intermediary elements that divide and redirect the laser beam to multiple foci. These intermediaries enable flexible spot positioning and intensity control without requiring the second mirror to be positioned close to the workpiece, thereby extending optics service life by reducing exposure to droplets and vapors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors are arranged to reflect laser beam to multiple foci, then power distribution and spot position are adjustable, but gap between mirrors is disadvantageous for high laser power application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reflected beam paths and direct beam paths into a unified optical configuration where mirrors and beam splitters work together to direct all beams through a common focusing path. This merging eliminates gaps between optical components that would be exposed to the laser beam, enabling high power applications while maintaining independent power distribution control through the coordinated action of multiple components.
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
The solution allows for cost-effective and long-lasting high-power laser processing with adjustable spot positions and power distribution, reducing the complexity and maintenance needs of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a collimation optics (85) arranged between the entry aperture and the arrangement of mirrors (21-24) for transformation of the divergent light beam (97) into a collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror (21) with a mirror surface (25) only on a side facing the laser beam and arranged at least partially in a collimated laser beam (90) for reflection of a partial beam (91)
Implementation Method 3
focusing optics (87) arranged behind the third mirror (23) for focusing of the reflected partial beam (91) of the laser beam and the unreflected partial beam (92) of the collimated laser beam with at least one double focus (99)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for generating a multiple spot during laser material processing. According to the present invention, the power distribution is selected by pushing at least a first mirror into the laser beam. The light beam always falls on only one side of the mirror, so that the mirror can be produced easily and economically.