Multi-Head Laser Apparatus Synchronous Power Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser systems with multiple output heads face challenges in scaling total system output power without compromising essential parameters like pulse duration, PRF, pulse energy, and peak power, especially when trying to simultaneously process multiple targets, as splitting the amplified output reduces power and introduces performance variations between separate lasers.
Innovation Solution
A laser apparatus with a master oscillator, beam splitter, and multiple optically coupled output heads, where the beam splitter divides the signal into sub-signals for amplification, allowing for synchronized and wavelength-converted outputs that can be directed to multiple locations without spatial overlap, enabling power scaling and efficient processing of multiple targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the amplified output from a single MOPA laser source is split to provide multiple laser beams, then multiple locations can be processed simultaneously, but the available power for each process operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single amplified beam into multiple separate beams using beam splitters, creating multiple independent output heads. Each output head receives a portion of the amplified signal and processes a different location simultaneously, enabling parallel processing while maintaining adequate power levels at each output through optimized beam splitting ratios and multiple amplifier stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical amplifier structure where multiple amplifiers are nested in series, with each amplifier stage receiving the signal from the previous stage. This nested arrangement allows the system to build up total power before splitting, ensuring that even after division into multiple beams, each output maintains sufficient power for effective processing.
2Power
If multiple complete laser systems are used to avoid power reduction, then sufficient power is available for each output, but the system consumes additional space, is costly and introduces performance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple amplifier systems into a single integrated MOPA architecture, where multiple amplifiers share a common master oscillator and control system. This merging approach maintains high power output across multiple beams while reducing overall system complexity, cost, and space requirements compared to using completely separate laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal amplifier system where a single master oscillator and control unit serve multiple output heads simultaneously. This multi-functional architecture allows one system to perform the work of multiple independent systems, eliminating performance variations between separate lasers while maintaining adequate power at each output through the shared amplification infrastructure.
3Power
If the output power of the laser source is increased to compensate for reduced power due to beam splitting, then power per output can be maintained, but it is difficult to scale total system output power without making architectural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic amplifier architecture where the gain and output power of each amplifier stage can be independently adjusted and optimized. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt total output power levels by modifying amplifier parameters rather than requiring architectural changes, providing flexible power scaling while maintaining adequate power distribution across all output heads.
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 allows for significant power scaling with synchronized outputs, optimizing pulse repetition frequency and pulse width for different applications, enhancing throughput and minimizing dwell time, while maintaining efficient wavelength conversion and reducing the need for complex pulse-picking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter coupled to the master oscillator... The beam splitter divides a signal from the master oscillator into two or more sub-signals
Implementation Method 2
an optical power amplifier optically coupled between the beam splitter and the coupling optics... amplifies the power of the master signal
Implementation Method 3
Each output head includes coupling optics optically coupled to the beam splitter... The coupling optics are configured such that optical outputs from the two or more output heads do not spatially overlap at a target
Implementation Method 4
The master oscillator may include a modulator configured to pulse an optical output of the master oscillator, whereby optical outputs of the two or more output heads are pulsed and substantially synchronous with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Laser apparatus and methods involving multiple amplified outputs are disclosed. A laser apparatus may include a master oscillator, a beam splitter coupled to the master oscillator, and two or more output heads optically coupled to the beam splitter. The beam splitter divides a signal from the master oscillator into two or more sub-signals. Each output head receives one of the two or more sub-signals. Each output head includes coupling optics optically coupled to the beam splitter. An optical power amplifier is optically coupled between the beam splitter and the coupling optics. Optical outputs from the two or more output heads do not spatially overlap at a target. The master oscillator signal may be pulsed so that optical outputs of the output heads are pulsed and substantially synchronous with each other.