Non-Symmetric Core Fiber Beam Shaping With Mapped Divergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems using free-space optics face issues such as high cost, inefficiency, misalignment, contamination, and vulnerability to environmental factors, which degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
Employing a multimode divergence-preserving fiber with short-focal-length lenses at the input and output, eliminating free-space optics and using fiber-coupled lenses to transmit and shape laser beams without free-space components, allowing for structured beam generation and high-power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics (lenses, mirrors) are used to adjust laser beam magnification, then beam shaping capability is achieved, but system cost increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces free-space optical systems (mechanical/optical components like lenses and mirrors) with a fiber-optic-based system. The fiber optic bundle directly transmits shaped beams from the laser source to the workpiece, eliminating the need for external optical components and their associated mounting, alignment, and support structures, thereby reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic bundle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits the laser beam, shapes the beam profile, and delivers the shaped beam to the workpiece. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate optical components (lenses for shaping, mirrors for direction, etc.), reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics are used to adjust laser beam magnification, then beam shaping capability is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive free-space optical components (precision lenses, mirrors, mounts, and alignment mechanisms) with a relatively simple fiber optic bundle. The fiber optic system is less expensive to manufacture, more tolerant of misalignment, and eliminates the need for costly optical components while achieving the same beam shaping function
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic bundle acts as a disposable or easily replaceable component that performs the beam shaping function. Rather than investing in expensive, precision optical components that require careful handling and alignment, the system uses a more economical fiber optic solution that can be readily replaced if needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics are used to adjust laser beam magnification, then beam shaping capability is achieved, but optical loss increases (efficiency decreases)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces free-space optical systems with a fiber-optic-based system that guides light through total internal reflection within the fiber bundle. This eliminates the optical losses associated with free-space components such as lens surfaces, mirror reflections, and alignment tolerances, thereby improving optical efficiency and reducing energy loss
4Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics are used to adjust laser beam magnification, then beam shaping capability is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to misalignment and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces free-space optical components with a fiber optic bundle that is inherently resistant to misalignment and contamination. The fiber optic system maintains stable beam transmission without requiring precise alignment adjustments or protective measures against environmental factors, thereby significantly improving system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic bundle acts as a flexible transmission medium that can withstand misalignment and environmental factors. The flexible nature of the fiber bundle allows it to maintain optical transmission stability without the rigid alignment requirements of free-space optics, improving reliability in various operating conditions
5Adaptability or versatility
If free-space optics are used to adjust laser beam magnification, then beam shaping capability is achieved, but system performance degrades due to thermal lensing and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces free-space optical systems with a fiber-optic-based system that is immune to thermal lensing and environmental factors. The fiber optic bundle maintains stable beam transmission characteristics regardless of temperature changes or environmental conditions, thereby improving beam stability and eliminating the performance degradation associated with thermal effects in free-space optics
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 approach reduces system complexity and cost, enhances stability and reliability, and enables efficient delivery of structured laser beams for industrial applications like cutting, welding, and additive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first GRIN lens configured to transform the input transverse spatial intensity distribution of the input beam into an intermediate beam with a divergence distribution
Implementation Method 2
a second GRIN lens configured to transform the divergence distribution of the intermediate beam into an output transverse spatial intensity distribution of an output beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical beam delivery system configured to provide a divergence distribution mapped from an azimuthally non-symmetric core shape includes a step-index fiber configured to provide an initial beam, the step-index fiber having the azimuthally non-symmetric core shape and a lens coupled to the step-index fiber to receive therefrom the initial beam and convert it to a modified beam having the mapped divergence distribution.