Unitary Optics for Laser Beam Stack Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling the size of a laser beam stack are complex and require precise alignment, limiting the number of laser diodes that can be combined due to beam spacing constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of unitary optics, such as spherical or cylindrical singlets, that can alter laser beam spacing in a laser beam stack, allowing for simple alignment and adjustment of beam compressors to reduce or increase beam spacing based on orientation, enabling more efficient combination of laser diodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to control beam stack size, then beam spacing can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and requires precision alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (beam compression and alignment reference) into a single unitary optical component. The beam compressor includes integrated reference surfaces that provide both the optical power needed for beam compression and serve as alignment references, eliminating the need for separate alignment components and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam compressor is designed with self-aligning features where the reference surfaces are built into the optical component itself. These reference surfaces automatically provide alignment cues during assembly, allowing the component to self-align with the laser beam stack without requiring external alignment tools or complex procedures.
2Quantity of substance
If laser diodes are spaced apart to form a beam stack, then each diode can operate independently, but the number of beams that can be combined is limited by beam stack size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a beam compressor with specific optical power parameters to change the spatial distribution of beams in the stack. By adjusting the compression ratio and optical parameters of the beam compressor, the beam stack dimensions are reduced, allowing more beams to be packed into a smaller space while maintaining independent operation of each laser diode.
3Power
If more laser diodes are combined to increase power, then available optical power increases, but beam spacing constraints limit the number of beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses beam spacing constraints by introducing compression in a specific dimension (fast axis) while maintaining beam separation in the orthogonal dimension. This dimensional differentiation allows increased beam density in one direction without compromising the independent operation and spacing requirements in the other direction, enabling more beams to be combined for higher total power.
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 the effective compression or expansion of laser beam stacks, enhancing the number of laser diodes that can be combined while simplifying the alignment process, thereby increasing the available optical power.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface having a first curvature and a second surface having a second curvature... an incoming beam propagating parallel to the optical axis and displaced from the optical axis to the transmissive optical substrate is transmitted by the transmissive optical substrate so as to propagate parallel to the optical axis and displaced from the optical axis by a distance that is based on the displacement of the incoming beam from the optical axis, the first curvature, and the second curvature
Data Source
AI summary
Beam compressors include separated surfaces having positive and negative optical powers. A surface spacing is selected so that a collimated beam input to the beam compressor is output as a collimated beam. In some examples, beam compressors are situated to compress a laser beam stack that includes beams associated with a plurality of laser diodes. Beam compression ratios are typically selected so that a compressed beam stack focused into an optical waveguide has a numerical aperture corresponding to the numerical aperture of the optical waveguide.