Optical Combiner Waveguide Channels High Power Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical combiners using diode laser arrays suffer from inefficient energy density due to circular packing of optical fibers, leading to reduced power density and alignment challenges, along with issues like counter-propagating reflections and instability in high-power laser emitters.
Innovation Solution
An optical combiner utilizing waveguide channels formed by two substrates with higher refractive index than air, where optical energy is combined or split through a series of waveguide combiners, minimizing reflections and improving energy transfer efficiency by using thin film coatings to enhance waveguide characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical fibers are arranged in circular packed arrangement, then the number of emitters can be set at hexagonal lattice numbers for optimal packing, but the energy density is reduced because only the fiber core carries optical energy while the cladding area is inactive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguide channels are merged into a single output waveguide channel through waveguide combiners, combining optical energy from multiple diode laser emitters into one consolidated beam, thereby maintaining high energy density while accommodating multiple emitters
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional circular packing of fibers to a three-dimensional integrated waveguide structure where channels are routed through the substrate thickness, enabling efficient combining without the energy density loss associated with fiber cladding areas
2Manufacturing precision
If refractive lenses are used to focus optical energy into fiber cores, then coupling efficiency is improved, but precise alignment of each lens and emitter is problematic and difficult to manufacture repeatably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical alignment system of discrete lenses with each emitter with an integrated waveguide channel system where light is guided through etched channels in the substrate, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment of individual optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the optical path through etched channels, and integrates the combining function through waveguide combiners, replacing multiple separate alignment-critical components with a single robust structure
3Use of energy by moving object
If micro lenses are used to couple optical energy, then focusing capability is improved, but surface reflection of optical energy back to the diode laser emitter causes instability of the high Q diode laser cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide channel acts as an intermediary between the diode laser emitter and the combined output, guiding optical energy away from the emitter through total internal reflection at the waveguide boundaries, thereby preventing harmful reflections from returning to the laser cavity while maintaining efficient energy transfer
4Loss of energy
If optical energy is coupled into optical fibers, then energy transfer is achieved, but optical energy reflected from the air/fiber interface couples back to the laser and disrupts cavity operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the air/fiber interface coupling mechanism with direct waveguide channel coupling where the waveguide is in optical contact with the diode laser emitter, eliminating air interfaces and the associated reflections that disrupt laser operation
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
The solution effectively combines or splits optical power with minimal loss, achieving higher energy density and stability by reducing reflections and alignment issues, thus enhancing the performance of high-power diode laser arrays.
Implementation Method 1
the first substrate and second substrate having surfaces which are joined to form an air or vacuum optical waveguide channel for guiding and combining or dividing optical energy, the waveguide channels formed from the first and second substrate, which have a higher refractive index than air or vacuum within the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the substrates optionally coated with one or more individual, or tuned, pairs of thin film depositions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical power combiner, or splitter, is formed from a first substrate and a second substrate, each substrate having a substantially planar joining surface, at least one substrate having a plurality of waveguide channels formed such as by etching, the plurality of waveguide channels coupled to a waveguide channel combiner having a plurality of waveguide channel apertures, the optical combiner having a single channel aperture on an opposite side from the plurality of waveguide channel apertures, the single channel aperture coupled to a single waveguide channel of zero or greater length, and to an edge opposite the plurality of waveguide channels.