Optical System for Fiber Laser Lifetime Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for fiber lasers face limitations in increasing output power and fail to consider the lifetime of the device, leading to potential deterioration due to focused light beams.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a glass material with a refractive index of 1.7 or higher, featuring a first optical element with a toroidal surface and a second optical element with multiple lens elements arranged to collect and emit light beams from multiple light emitting parts, preventing light from entering the optical fiber at a single point and reducing mold deterioration during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light beams are collected into a single point in the optical fiber, then light collection efficiency is improved, but the fiber lifetime deteriorates due to focused stress and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system segments the concentrated light beam into multiple discrete light beams that enter the optical fiber at different positions. The light collecting unit includes multiple light collecting portions that redirect light from different regions of the light source to different entry points on the fiber, preventing concentration at a single point while maintaining overall collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are designed with different optical properties to achieve both efficient collection and distributed coupling. The light collecting unit has spatially varying characteristics that redirect light from specific source regions to specific fiber entry points, creating a non-uniform but optimized light distribution pattern that protects the fiber while maintaining productivity.
2Power
If multiple light emitting parts are used to increase output power, then laser output capability is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system merges the functions of multiple light sources and multiple optical paths into a single integrated optical unit. The light collecting unit combines multiple light collecting portions that work together to couple light from multiple emitting parts into the optical fiber, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high output power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality where the same optical components serve multiple purposes. The light collecting unit not only collects light from multiple sources but also distributes it to multiple fiber entry points, while the optical unit simultaneously performs coupling and spatial distribution functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components for each function.
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 optical system extends the lifetime of the fiber laser by distributing light beams across a wider area, reducing focal point stress on the fiber and minimizing mold damage during injection molding, while maintaining effective light collection and manufacturing feasibility.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system (13) which includes a first optical element (14) and a second optical element (15)... configured to collect light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting parts (ep)
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an optical system that lengthens the lifetime of a fiber, an optical system 13 guides light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting parts ep into a single optical fiber 12, the plurality of light emitting parts ep are arranged to be aligned along a first direction d1, and the optical system 13 allows the light beams emitted from the plurality of light emitting parts ep to have different light collection centers which are offset from each other at least in a second direction d2.