Multi-Clad Fiber Coupling for Switchable Laser Beam Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating laser beams with specific profile characteristics are complex and limited in adaptability, particularly when applications require a single wavelength or different beam profiles, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in laser machining systems.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a multi-clad fiber, such as a double-clad fiber, where the laser beam is selectively coupled into the inner fiber core or outer ring core, or both, to achieve varying beam profile characteristics, allowing for easy adaptation to different applications without the need for additional optical elements, using adjustable deflection optics or beam dividers to control the coupling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components or systems are used to generate different beam profiles, then beam profile characteristics can be changed, but device complexity increases and adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single optical fiber with multiple cladding layers that can guide laser beams with different wavelengths and beam profiles simultaneously. The multi-clad fiber structure enables one component to perform multiple functions: guiding different wavelengths (e.g., 1064nm and 532nm), supporting different beam profiles (Gaussian and top-hat), and eliminating the need for multiple separate optical systems. This universal approach resolves the contradiction by achieving beam profile adaptability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple cladding layers are concentrically arranged around a single core. The inner cladding layer guides one wavelength/beam profile while the outer cladding layer guides another wavelength/beam profile. This nesting allows different optical functions to be embedded within a single fiber structure, enabling versatile beam profile generation without requiring multiple separate optical components or systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different laser sources or optical components are replaced to change beam characteristics, then beam profile can be adjusted, but resetting work and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-clad fiber structure allows a single optical component to handle multiple beam characteristics by selecting different cladding layers for coupling. Operators can switch between different beam profiles and wavelengths by changing coupling conditions rather than physically replacing components, significantly reducing resetting time while maintaining full adaptability for different laser machining applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic switching between different beam profiles and wavelengths by adjusting coupling conditions (such as coupling angle or position) rather than static component replacement. This dynamic approach allows rapid reconfiguration of beam characteristics during operation, eliminating the time-consuming process of physically replacing optical components while maintaining adaptability for various applications.
3Device complexity
If a single wavelength laser source is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but beam profile adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the optical fiber structure (different cladding layers with different properties) rather than changing the laser source parameters. By varying which cladding layer is used for coupling, the system can achieve different beam profiles and effective wavelengths from a single laser source, maintaining system simplicity while achieving beam profile versatility through fiber structure parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-clad fiber acts as an intermediary that transforms a single wavelength laser beam into multiple effective beam profiles and wavelengths. The fiber's multiple cladding layers serve as intermediate structures that can guide and shape the beam differently, allowing a simple single-wavelength laser source to produce versatile beam characteristics through the mediating effect of the multi-clad fiber structure.
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 flexible generation of laser beams with desired profile characteristics, reducing complexity and increasing adaptability for various applications, such as laser cutting and welding, by allowing switching between high-quality sharp focus and uniform intensity distribution with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber with one inner fiber core and at least one outer ring core
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating a laser beam with different beam profile characteristics are provided. In one aspect, a method includes coupling an input laser beam into one fiber end of a multi-clad fiber, in particular a double-clad fiber and emitting an output laser beam from the other fiber end of the multi-clad fiber. To generate different beam profile characteristics of the output laser beam, the input laser beam is electively coupled either at least into the inner fiber core of the multi-clad fiber or at least into at least one outer ring core of the multi-clad fiber, or a first sub-beam of the input laser beam is coupled into at least into the inner fiber core of the multi-clad fiber and a second, different sub-beam of the input laser beam is coupled at least into the at least one outer ring core of the multi-clad fiber.