Polarization Beam Combiner Layout With Interleaved Emitter Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam combining devices for high power laser diodes are bulky, complex to assemble, and complicate heat dissipation due to their three-dimensional structure, which hinders efficient polarization beam combining and optical alignment.
Innovation Solution
A compact beam combining light source with a support base featuring interleaved rows of light emitters and collimating reflectors, where the second row of collimating reflectors is positioned between the first row of light emitters and collimating reflectors, allowing for staggered emitter arrangements and efficient heat dissipation, enabling polarization beam combining without blocking the first emitter beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a three-dimensional multi-level support structure is used for beam combining, then polarization beam combining can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and assembly/alignment becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional multi-level support structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration. The interleaved rows of light emitters and collimating reflectors are arranged in the same plane, eliminating the need for vertical stacking and multi-level platforms. This dimensional reduction simplifies the overall device structure while preserving the beam combining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the light emitters and collimating reflectors into a unified planar array structure where components are interleaved in alternating rows. This merging of previously separate three-dimensional elements into a coordinated two-dimensional arrangement reduces structural complexity and facilitates easier assembly and alignment.
2Reliability
If a three-dimensional multi-level support structure is used for beam combining, then polarization beam combining can be achieved, but heat dissipation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging light emitters and collimating reflectors in a two-dimensional planar configuration with interleaved rows, the patent improves heat dissipation geometry. This layout provides better thermal pathways and surface area for heat transfer compared to compact three-dimensional stacking, allowing more efficient heat removal from the light emitters.
3Area of stationary object
If the second row of collimating reflectors is positioned between the first row of light emitters and collimating reflectors, then the device footprint is reduced, but beam blocking may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical components into interleaved rows, with light emitters and collimating reflectors arranged in alternating sequences. This segmentation allows the second row of collimating reflectors to be positioned in the space between the first row of light emitters and their corresponding reflectors without blocking beams, as the interleaved structure creates separate optical pathways for each row.
Solution Approach 2:
The interleaved row arrangement in two dimensions creates spatial separation that prevents beam blocking while reducing footprint. The alternating pattern of emitters and reflectors in adjacent rows allows compact positioning without compromising optical path integrity.
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 simplifies assembly and alignment, reduces the device footprint, and enhances heat dissipation while maintaining high optical power and brightness, making it suitable for applications like fiber laser pumping.
Implementation Method 1
a first row of beam collimating reflectors mounted upon the support base for collimating each of the first emitter beams in a plane of the slow axis thereof, and for re-directing the first emitter beams to mutually align the fast axes thereof
Implementation Method 2
a first row of light emitters mounted upon the support base for emitting a plurality of first emitter beams
Implementation Method 3
combining the first and second combined beams into a polarization combined beam of light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to sources of optical radiation wherein polarized radiation from first (301) and second (302) rows of light emitters (20a-f) is first collimated and combined into two combined beam using first (311) and second (312) rows of collimating and beam re-directing elements (26a-f), respectively, and then polarization multiplexed in a polarizer (86) with the help of a half-wave plate (85) to form a polarization-multiplexed output beam. In order to reduce the footprint, emitters of the first (301) and second (302) emitter rows are disposed in an interleaved, staggered arrangement, and the second row (312) of collimating and beam re-directing elements is disposed in a space between the first emitter (301) row and the first row (311) of collimating and beam re-directing elements. The multiplexed output beam is focused (88) into an optical fibre (99).