Multi-Plane Beam Scanning for Fast High-Power Laser Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the spatial dimensions of high-power laser beams are limited by their inability to accurately determine beam parameters directly in the focus area due to high power densities, which cause thermal effects and reduce measuring accuracy, and require lengthy scanning times.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a beam scanner with sampling areas that extract linear or strip-shaped light samples from cross-sections of the laser beam, using a movement device for relative movement between the beam and scanner, and a light sensor to record temporally variable signals, allowing for precise measurement of beam dimensions without altering the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scanning methods are used to measure high-power laser beams, then beam parameters can be determined, but thermal effects occur due to high power densities that reduce measuring accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary light information from the high-power beam using a photodiode that detects light intensity without absorbing significant energy. The measurement system takes out the minimal required light samples from the beam path, avoiding the thermal effects that plague conventional scanning methods while still obtaining accurate beam parameter data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a photodiode as an intermediary detection element that converts light intensity into electrical signals without significantly interacting with the high-power beam. This intermediary approach allows measurement of beam parameters while preventing direct thermal interaction between the measurement system and the high-power laser beam.
2Measurement precision
If conventional scanning methods are used to measure beam caustic, then spatial dimensions can be determined, but measuring time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the photodiode at the beam focus area before measurement begins. By pre-positioning the detector at the critical measurement zone, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming continuous scanning, achieving rapid measurement of beam caustic parameters while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the conventional slow scanning process by directly measuring at key positions using a rapidly movable photodiode. The system rushes through the measurement process by capturing beam parameters at critical points without performing exhaustive sequential scanning, dramatically reducing measuring time while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If detectors are used to measure high power density beams, then beam parameters can be measured, but no known detector can handle the required power densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a photodiode that can be easily replaced if damaged by high power densities. Rather than using expensive, complex detectors designed to withstand extreme conditions, the system uses a simple, inexpensive photodiode that can be quickly swapped out, maintaining measurement capability while avoiding the reliability issues of pushing expensive detectors beyond their limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts minimal light energy from the high-power beam for measurement purposes, taking only enough photons to generate a detectable electrical signal in the photodiode. This extraction approach allows the use of standard photodiodes rather than specialized high-power detectors, as the measured power level is kept well within safe operating limits.
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 direct, high-precision measurement of laser beam dimensions in the focus area with short measuring periods, avoiding thermal effects and lengthy scanning, suitable for high-power beams, and conforms to ISO 11146 standards.
Implementation Method 1
The sampling areas have a light-scattering structuring
Implementation Method 2
The sampling areas have a light-deflecting structuring
Implementation Method 3
The light sensor is configured for the detection of at least a portion of the sampled light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the direct determination of spatial dimensions of a light beam with high precision and short measuring period, which are also suitable for the measuring of laser beams with high power in the range of the beam focus. For this purpose, an apparatus is proposed that includes a beam scanner, at least one light sensor, a movement device for the execution of a relative movement between the light beam and the beam scanner, and a device for the signal recording of a temporally variable signal of the light sensor. The beam scanner comprises at least one scanning body with at least three sampling areas, which extends along sampling lines. The sampling areas are configured for the extraction of linear or strip-shaped light samples from a cross-section of the light beam. Several scanning surfaces are defined by the sampling lines of the sampling areas, each spanned by a movement vector of the relative movement. At least three scanning surfaces have a non-zero distance from one another in the direction of the axis of the light beam. The light sensor is configured for the detection of at least a portion of the sampled light extracted by the sampling areas from the cross-section of the light beam.