Telecentric Divergence Control via Focal Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing divergence-changing devices for electromagnetic beams lack the ability to adjust divergence in a variably adjustable manner, particularly in applications like laser material processing where rapid focus changes are necessary to achieve efficient energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
A divergence-changing device with a substantially telecentric optical arrangement, comprising a ray source, a telecentric optical system with a first and second system region, and a ray-deflecting device at the first focal point, allowing the beam to be imaged with a divergence change independent of the incident angle, and a ray-folding device for further deflection, enabling adjustable focus and divergence control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional beam focusing system is used, then the focal point can be adjusted, but the adjustment speed is slow and cannot keep up with high-speed beam scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic focusing by moving the focal point along the beam path through angular deflection of the beam at the focal point, rather than mechanically adjusting the lens position. This dynamic approach enables rapid focus changes that match high-speed scanning rates, directly resolving the speed bottleneck in conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical adjustment of lens position with optical deflection using a deflector (such as a galvanometer mirror or acousto-optic device). This substitution eliminates slow mechanical movement and enables electronic control of focus position, achieving the required adjustment speed for high-productivity applications
2Productivity
If the focal distance is changed rapidly, then processing efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs beam scanning in the conventional sense and also controls the focal position by deflecting the beam at the focal point. This multi-functionality allows rapid focus adjustment without adding separate focusing mechanisms, thereby increasing productivity while minimizing the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls focus position by changing the angular parameter of beam deflection rather than changing physical distances or lens positions. This parameter change approach simplifies the control mechanism and reduces system complexity while enabling rapid focus adjustment for improved processing efficiency
3Productivity
If the beam divergence is not adjusted, then the system is simpler, but energy transmission efficiency decreases at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic divergence adjustment where the beam divergence is changed in real-time by deflecting the beam at the focal point, creating a dynamic focus that moves along the beam path. This dynamic approach maintains optimal energy transmission efficiency at varying distances without requiring complex mechanical divergence adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical divergence adjustment mechanisms with optical deflection methods. By using a deflector to change the beam angle at the focal point, the system achieves effective divergence control without complex mechanical parts, thereby improving energy transmission efficiency while keeping the divergence adjustment mechanism relatively simple
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 precise and efficient adjustment of the divergence of electromagnetic beams, allowing for optimal energy transmission and processing efficiency by changing the focus of the beam dynamically, independent of the angle of incidence.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially telecentric arrangement having an optical system which has a first focal point, a first system region and a second system region, and having a ray-deflecting device arranged in or closely adjacent to the first focal point
Implementation Method 2
a ray-deflecting device arranged in or closely adjacent to the first focal point and which is arranged and designed in such a way that the beam of rays from the ray source hits the ray-deflecting device
Implementation Method 3
a ray-folding device which is designed such that it deflects the beam of rays imaged by the first system region of the optical system to the second system region of the optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A divergence-changing device, comprising a ray source, a substantially telecentric arrangement, having an optical system, which has a first focal point and a first system region and a second system region, and having a ray-deflecting device, which is designed such that the beam of rays from the ray source hits the ray-deflecting device, wherein the main ray would hit/hits the ray-deflecting device at the first focal point or close to the first focal point, and that the ray-deflecting device can feed the beam of rays from the ray source to the first system region at different angles of incidence, wherein the beam of rays imaged by the first system region is deflected onto the second system region by a ray-folding device, wherein the beam of rays is imaged by the second system region such that the beam of rays hits the ray-deflecting device again and leaves the divergence-changing device with a constant position.