Multi-Beam Solid Laser Fiber Coupling Without Switching Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state lasers face challenges in achieving high output power due to the thermal lens effect in laser crystals under high repetition rate conditions, and current coupling methods are complex and costly, making it difficult to couple multiple laser beams into a single optical fiber simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state laser system is designed with a laser emitting module comprising multiple integrated laser emitting units, a reflection module, a refraction module, and a coupling module, which allows for the parallel and independent emission of laser beams. These beams are then reflected, refracted, and coupled into a transmission fiber, eliminating the need for motorized switching and reducing the complexity of the optical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple laser beams are coupled using motorized switching, then laser output power can be increased, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coupling process into spatially separated segments: the laser emitting units remain fixed and independent, while only the optical fiber is positioned to receive all beams simultaneously. This eliminates the need for complex motorized switching mechanisms that would otherwise be required to sequentially couple multiple beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specific optical arrangement with reflection and refraction modules that act as intermediaries to guide multiple laser beams from fixed emitting units to a single optical fiber. This intermediary optical system enables simultaneous coupling without requiring mechanical switching components.
2Power
If multiple discrete optical elements are used for beam coupling, then laser output power can be increased, but the number of optical elements and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple discrete optical elements into an integrated optical arrangement where reflection and refraction modules work together as a unified system. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate optical components while maintaining the capability to couple multiple laser beams simultaneously into a single fiber.
3Ease of operation
If motorized switching is used to couple laser beams, then beam coupling can be achieved, but adjustment difficulty and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the laser beams through motorized switching to achieve coupling, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the beams fixed and moving/positioning the optical fiber to receive all beams simultaneously. This inversion eliminates the need for complex multi-dimensional spatial adjustments and motorized switching mechanisms.
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 system effectively increases laser output power while simplifying the structure and operation, enabling efficient coupling of multiple laser beams into a single optical fiber, thereby reducing production costs and improving integration.
Implementation Method 1
the reflection module comprises a first reflection unit and a second reflection unit arranged sequentially along the direction of the optical path, wherein the first reflection unit and the second reflection unit are sequentially disposed on a propagation path of the laser beams, and are configured to sequentially reflect the laser beams to a refraction module
Implementation Method 2
the refraction module is coaxially arranged with the second reflection unit, and is configured to adjust the outgoing angle of the received laser beams reflected by the second reflection unit, and direct the adjusted laser beams to the coupling module
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a solid-state laser and a solid-state laser system, including a laser emitting module, a reflection module, a refraction module, a coupling module and a transmission fiber arranged sequentially along a direction of an optical path. The laser emitting module includes at least four laser emitting units integrated in a same integrated chamber, and the laser beams emitted by each laser emitting unit are parallel and independent to each other. The reflection module includes a first reflection unit and a second reflection unit arranged sequentially along the direction of the optical path. The refraction module is coaxially arranged with the second reflection unit, and is configured to adjust the outgoing angle of the laser beams, and direct the laser beams adjusted by the refraction module to the coupling module. The coupling module is configured to couple at least four laser beams to enter the transmission fiber.