VCSEL Array Laser Device Configurable Intensity Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser devices require specialized optics and careful alignment to achieve desired intensity distributions in the working plane, limiting flexibility and scalability in applications such as material processing and medical uses, where specific beam profiles are needed.
Innovation Solution
A laser device comprising an array of large area VCSELs with adjustable near-field intensity distributions, where the shape of the emission area or aperture determines the intensity profile, allowing different profiles to be generated using the same optics by varying the geometrical shapes of the VCSELs, and switchable VCSELs enable dynamic adjustment of beam profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If specialized optics are used to generate desired intensity distribution, then the intensity distribution in the working plane is improved, but the device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the VCSEL emission areas (squares, circles, triangles, hexagons, etc.) to directly generate different intensity distributions in the working plane. By varying the shape parameters of the emitting regions, the system achieves different beam profiles without changing the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical system serves multiple functions by imaging different geometric shapes of VCSEL emission areas to produce various intensity distributions. The same optics can generate square, circular, triangular, hexagonal, and other intensity profiles by simply changing which VCSELs are activated, making the system universal and adaptable to different application requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If specialized optics are used for each intensity distribution, then the intensity distribution is improved, but the adaptability and versatility of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different intensity distributions by selectively activating different groups of VCSELs with different geometric emission patterns. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to adapt to various application requirements in real-time without physical changes to the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser array is segmented into multiple independently controllable VCSEL units, each with a specific geometric emission area. By selectively activating different segments (VCSELs) and their combinations, the system can generate various intensity distributions, providing high adaptability and versatility.
3Illumination intensity
If beam homogenizers with lens arrays are used, then the intensity uniformity is improved, but the alignment precision requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple VCSELs with identical or geometrically related emission patterns (squares, circles, triangles, hexagons) that are imaged by the optics to create overlapping intensity distributions in the working plane. This copying and superposition approach achieves intensity homogenization without requiring precise alignment of complex lens arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple VCSEL beams with different geometric patterns are merged and superimposed in the working plane through the imaging optics. The combination of these copied and overlapped intensity distributions creates a homogeneous overall intensity profile, simplifying the system compared to traditional beam homogenizers.
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 flexible and reliable generation of various intensity distributions in the working plane without the need for custom optics, allowing for precise control of laser beam profiles in applications like printing, material processing, and medical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an array of vertical cavity surface emission lasers (VCSELs)
Implementation Method 2
the laser radiation emitted by the active layers of all VCSELs or of subgroups of VCSELs of the array superimposes in the working plane
Implementation Method 3
one or several optics designed and arranged to image the active layers of the VCSELs of said array to a working plane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laser device comprising an array of several large area VCSELs (101) and one or several optics (201, 202) designed and arranged to image the active layers of the VCSELs (101) of said array to a working plane (501) such that the laser radiation emitted by the active layers of all VCSELs (101) or of subgroups of VCSELs (101) of the array superimposes in the working plane (501). The proposed laser device allows the generation of a desired intensity distribution in the working plane without the need of an optics specially designed for this intensity distribution or beam profile.