Multiplane Light Conversion Device for High-Power Laser Beam Shaping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for modifying laser beam parameters, particularly defocusing and shape, suffer from limited control precision, high energy losses, and incompatibility with high-power sources due to absorption-based mechanisms and the slowness and expense of spatial light modulators.
Innovation Solution
A multiplane light converter (MPLC) device that applies unitary transformations to a laser beam by a succession of elementary transformations, allowing independent control of transverse position, angle of incidence, and rotation, operating in reflection to avoid absorption and enable high-power compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If absorption-based devices (plates with apertures) are used to modify beam shape, then the desired beam shape is obtained, but significant energy loss occurs and temperature rise damages the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multiplane conversion device as an intermediary that performs unitary transformations on the beam through successive elementary transformations. This mediator converts the beam parameter variations without absorption, avoiding energy loss while achieving the desired shape modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the absorption-based mechanical system (plates with apertures) with a multiplane conversion system that uses optical transformations. This substitution eliminates the harmful absorption mechanism while maintaining the beam shaping function.
2Measurement precision
If spatial light modulators (SLMs) are used to spatially modulate the beam, then beam parameters can be controlled, but the device is slow and relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transformation process into multiple planes, each performing a specific elementary transformation. This segmentation allows for high-speed operation while maintaining precise control, as each plane can be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a slow, comprehensive modulation approach.
3Measurement precision
If parameters of the second type (e.g., defocusing) are controlled with high precision, then accurate beam shaping is achieved, but control frequency is limited to low values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system dynamic by enabling rapid switching between different beam parameters through the multiplane conversion device. The automated means can vary parameters at high frequency, and the device responds dynamically to produce the desired beam shapes without the speed limitations of conventional high-precision control methods.
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 precise and continuous control of laser beam shape and focus with high frequency, overcoming limitations of existing devices by converting easily controllable parameters into desired beam shapes without significant energy loss, making it suitable for high-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
a multiplane conversion device for applying a unit transformation to a light beam by a succession of elementary transformations
Implementation Method 2
automated means, arranged upstream of the multiplane conversion device, and capable of varying the transverse position and/or the angle of incidence of the beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for alternating between different specific shapes of a light beam (6) generated by a light source, the device comprising a multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) device which is used to apply a unitary transformation to a light beam by means of a succession of elementary transformations and is arranged facing the light source so that the light beam (6) is emitted into the multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) device along a reference axis, said device for alternating between different specific shapes comprising automated means arranged upstream of the multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) device and designed to vary the transverse position and/or the angle of incidence of the beam (6) in relation to the reference axis and/or to vary the angle of rotation of the beam (6) about the reference axis; the multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) device being designed to transform a variation of the transverse position and/or the angle of incidence and/or the angle of rotation of the beam (6) into a modification of the specific shape of the light beam (6).