Phase-Shifting Reflector Beam Positioner for High-Power AOD Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional half-wave plates used for polarization rotation in acousto-optic devices are expensive and unsuitable for high-power laser applications like CO2 laser-based materials processing, necessitating a cost-effective alternative.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis beam positioner incorporating a phase-shifting reflector, such as a half-wave or quarter-wave phase-shifting reflector, to rotate the plane of polarization of laser light, allowing for compact and efficient two-dimensional scanning without the need for expensive half-wave plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional half-wave plates are used for polarization rotation, then the polarization rotation function is achieved, but the cost increases and suitability for high-power laser applications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for high-power laser applicationsVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive conventional half-wave plates with a more cost-effective phase-shifting reflector assembly that uses a standard mirror combined with acousto-optic modulation. This substitution directly addresses the cost issue while maintaining the polarization rotation function through dynamic phase control rather than static optical plate material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes the static mechanical/optical system of conventional half-wave plates with a dynamic system using acousto-optic interaction. By using sound waves to modulate the refractive index of a medium, the system achieves polarization rotation through dynamic phase shifting rather than through fixed optical material properties, improving suitability for high-power laser applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional half-wave plates are used for polarization rotation, then the polarization rotation function is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization rotation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phase-shifting reflector assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mirror for beam reflection and a phase-shifting element for polarization rotation. The acousto-optic medium simultaneously functions as the refractive index modulation layer and the phase control element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining full polarization rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves polarization rotation by dynamically changing the phase shift parameter through acoustic wave modulation. By controlling the frequency and amplitude of the acoustic wave, the system can adjust the phase shift to achieve different polarization states. This parameter-based control replaces the need for multiple fixed optical elements, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and cost-effective polarization rotation for high-power laser applications, facilitating compact and reliable two-dimensional scanning in laser-based materials processing systems.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-axis beam positioner incorporating a phase-shifting reflector, such as a half-wave or quarter-wave phase-shifting reflector, to rotate the plane of polarization of laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

acousto-optic deflector (AOD) to diffract the laser light so as to deflect the beam path within a first one-dimensional scan field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcousto-optic effect: Acousto-optic Effect

Implementation Method 3

The transducer 104 is generally a piezoelectric transducer, and is operative to vibrate in response to an input RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250343388A1Acousto-optic system having phase-shifting reflector

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 ELECTRO SCI IND INC

AI summary

A beam positioner for deflecting a beam path, along which a diffracted beam of linearly polarized laser light is propagatable, within a two-dimensional scan field, the beam positioner includes a first acousto-optic deflectors (AOD) to deflect the beam path within a first one-dimensional scan field extending along a first axis of the two-dimensional scan field, a second AOD to deflect the beam path within a second one-dimensional scan field extending along a second axis of the two-dimensional scan field, a phase retarder arranged between the first AOD and the second AOD and within the beam path along which the beam of laser light is propagatable from the first AOD and a mirror arranged between the first AOD and the second AOD and within the beam path along which the beam of laser light is propagatable from the first AOD.