Oblique Lens Optical Unit for Compact Multi-Beam Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam coupling devices for laser processing machines have complex optical designs and large configurations due to the need for precise alignment and focusing of multiple light beams, which limits the degree of freedom in design and increases device size.
Innovation Solution
The optical unit features a configuration with oblique lens portions arranged at different pitches on either end face, allowing for improved control of light beam direction and condensation, reducing device size by intersecting the optical axis and arrangement directions, and incorporating a BTU and SAC to guide and collimate light beams effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional optical system with a coupling lens at focal length is used for wavelength beam combining, then precise beam alignment and coupling can be achieved, but the device size increases and design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the coupling lens from the optical system, eliminating the need for a separate coupling lens component. The optical unit directly guides multiple light beams without requiring the coupling lens to be positioned at the focal length, thereby reducing device size while maintaining beam coupling capability through the specialized optical unit structure with multiple lens portions at different pitches
Solution Approach 2:
The optical unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides multiple light beams from different sources, focuses them without requiring a separate coupling lens, and enables wavelength beam combining. The single optical unit structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate optical components, reducing overall device size while maintaining precise beam control
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate optical components are used for guiding and coupling light beams, then precise beam control can be achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single integrated optical unit. Instead of using separate components for beam guidance, focusing, and coupling, the optical unit combines these functions in one structure with multiple lens portions arranged at different pitches, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precise beam control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical unit is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs beam guidance, focusing, and wavelength beam combining operations. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized optical elements, simplifying the overall optical system while maintaining precise beam control
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 enhances the degree of freedom in optical design, allowing for more compact beam coupling devices that maintain high beam quality by efficiently guiding and coupling multiple light beams, thereby reducing the overall size of the laser processing machine.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit (4) including a plurality of lens portions (51) through which a plurality of light beams are transmitted
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction element (25) to diffract a plurality of light beams incident from a light source (3) via the optical unit (4), for coupling the light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit for guiding a plurality of light beams, includes a plurality of lens portions through which the plurality of light beams are transmitted. The plurality of lens portions are arranged in an arrangement direction that intersects an optical axis direction along which the light beams are transmitted. Each of the lens portions is inclined with respect to a thickness direction intersecting the optical axis direction and the arrangement direction. The optical unit has both end faces in the optical axis direction with a pitch at which the lens portions are arranged in one end face being smaller than a pitch at which the lens portions are arranged in another end face.