Ring Beam Generator Using Graded-Index Fiber Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser material processing systems face challenges in beam shaping, particularly for high-power lasers, as they require lossless actuation methods to toggle among different beam states, which is difficult due to the high power levels and the need for precise alignment, and existing methods like adiabatic bending can cause stress and breakage in fibers.
Innovation Solution
The use of graded index fibers with periodic reimaging properties to route and steer optical beams through a series of smaller-strength bends, allowing for controlled two-dimensional beam steering and reducing stress on the fibers, enabling the generation of ring-shaped intensity patterns with variable thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adiabatic bending is used to steer the beam, then beam steering capability is achieved, but fiber stress and breakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large-bend adiabatic steering into multiple smaller bends arranged periodically along the fiber. This segmentation reduces the stress on any single bend point while achieving the same overall beam steering capability through the cumulative effect of multiple gentle bends.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic bending of the fiber with a bend period matched to the pitch of the graded index fiber. This periodic action creates a series of resonant bends that efficiently steer the beam while distributing mechanical stress uniformly along the fiber length, preventing localized stress concentration and breakage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam shaping components are added to toggle among different beam states, then beam shaping capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the fiber's own periodic bending structure to perform beam shaping functions. The graded index fiber with matched bend period inherently provides beam steering and shaping capabilities without requiring external beam shaping components, making the fiber itself serve the dual purpose of light transmission and beam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the graded index fiber multi-functional by designing it to simultaneously perform light transmission, beam steering, and beam shaping. The periodic bending structure with matched pitch enables the fiber to toggle among different beam states (different steering angles and focal positions) without requiring separate actuation mechanisms for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for high-power laser components, then beam quality is maintained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam steering and shaping functions into the fiber structure itself through periodic bending. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment-critical components and assemblies, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining beam quality through the inherent stability of the fiber-bend system.
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 approach allows for efficient beam shaping with reduced stress on the fibers, improved manufacturability, and the ability to produce beams with varying properties suitable for different materials and processing techniques, while maintaining high beam quality and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a graded index fiber, coupled between the input fiber and the process fiber, arranged to receive the beam from the input fiber and to transmit the beam into the ring-shaped outer core of the process fiber
Implementation Method 2
graded index fibers with periodic reimaging properties to route and steer optical beams through a series of smaller-strength bends
Implementation Method 3
a second beam shifter arranged to receive the beam from the first beam shifter and to add skew to the beam that is launched into the ring-shaped outer core of the process fiber
Implementation Method 4
a laser source (e.g., one or more fiber laser modules), an optical coupler unit, a delivery fiber (typically 10-50 meters in length and included in a delivery cable that may be pluggable on one or both ends), and a processing head
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly may comprise an input fiber to provide a beam, a process fiber comprising a ring-shaped outer core surrounded by a cladding, and a first beam shifter arranged to receive the beam from the input fiber and to shift the beam spatially to illuminate the ring-shaped outer core of the process fiber. The optical assembly may further comprise a second beam shifter arranged to receive the beam from the first beam shifter and to add skew to the beam that is launched into the ring-shaped outer core of the process fiber.