Multi-Core Fiber Laser Coupler for Beam Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber laser devices are limited in their ability to produce multiple beam modes and require complex spatial transformations to switch between them, leading to increased costs and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber laser coupler with a multi-beam-mode energy transmission fiber, featuring a circular core and coaxial annular cores with fluorine-doped layers, coupled with an adjustable collimating and focusing lens group for real-time switching of beam modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex spatial optical transformations are used to obtain different beam modes, then multiple beam modes can be generated, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transmission fiber is segmented into multiple independent cores (circular core and annular cores), each capable of transmitting a specific beam mode. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple beam modes through a single fiber structure without requiring complex spatial optical transformations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core energy transmission fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can transmit Gaussian beams, flat-top beams, and annular beams through its different cores. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate laser systems or complex optical transformations for each beam mode, reducing both system complexity and cost while providing diverse beam mode capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate lasers are used for each beam mode, then different beam modes can be obtained, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple beam mode transmission capabilities are merged into a single energy transmission fiber by incorporating multiple cores (circular and annular) within one fiber structure. This merging allows a single laser system to provide multiple beam modes through the different cores, eliminating the need for separate lasers for each beam mode and significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core energy transmission fiber acts as a universal medium that can carry different beam modes (Gaussian, flat-top, annular) simultaneously or independently. This universal capability allows one laser system to serve multiple functions by simply switching which core is active, replacing the need for multiple dedicated laser systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time switching between beam modes is implemented, then beam mode flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic switching between different beam modes by allowing real-time selection of which fiber core to activate. The adjustable collimating lens group and focusing lens group can dynamically redirect the laser beam to different cores based on the required beam mode, providing real-time adaptability without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable collimating lens group and focusing lens group act as intermediaries that facilitate real-time beam mode switching. These lenses can be adjusted to couple the laser beam into different fiber cores, enabling smooth transitions between beam modes without direct complex switching mechanisms at the fiber level.
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 independent real-time switching between different beam modes with a simpler structure, improving the versatility and efficiency of fiber laser devices.
Implementation Method 1
A fluorine-doped layer is disposed between the circular fiber core and an adjacent annular fiber core, and another fluorine-doped layer is also disposed between every two adjacent annular fiber cores
Implementation Method 2
The laser shaping and coupling device includes an adjustable collimating lens group and an adjustable focusing lens group. The adjustable collimating lens group and the adjustable focusing lens group can horizontally move along a direction of a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber laser coupler, comprising a laser input optical cable, a laser shaping and coupling device, and a multi-beam-mode energy transmission fiber (205). The multi-beam-mode energy transmission fiber (205) comprises a circular fiber core (105) and annular fiber cores (106, 107), and each annular fiber core (106, 107) is coaxial with the circular fiber core (105). A fluorine-doped layer (109) is disposed between the circular fiber core (105) and the annular fiber core (106, 107), and the fluorine-doped layer (109) is also disposed between adjacent annular fiber cores (106, 107). An adjustable collimating lens group (203) and an adjustable focusing lens group (204) of the laser shaping and coupling device can horizontally move along a direction of a laser beam in a housing of the laser shaping and coupling device. The laser shaping and coupling device is configured to couple and input the laser beam input by the laser input optical cable into different fiber cores of the multi-beam-mode energy transmission fiber (205), and obtain output laser beams of different beam modes. The optical fiber laser coupler of the present application can independently implement real-time switching between different beam modes by combining different fiber core structures of the multi-beam-mode energy transmission fiber by means of the laser shaping and coupling device.