Wavelength Beam Combining Layout for Low-Loss Coaxial Laser Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength beam combining devices suffer from significant optical loss when combining laser beams with different peak wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength beam combining device that utilizes a first optical component to separate laser beams into orthogonal polarization states, followed by polarization conversion elements to align polarization directions, and diffraction elements to coaxially combine the beams, using a single diffraction grating to minimize optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diffraction gratings are disposed in series on an optical path to combine laser beams with different peak wavelengths, then wavelength beam combining is achieved, but optical loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength beam combining process into two independent paths: a first path for first polarization beams and a second path for second polarization beams. Each path has its own diffraction grating, allowing them to operate independently and reduce cumulative optical loss compared to series configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization state as an additional dimension to separate the beam combining paths. By using orthogonal polarization states (first and second polarization directions) to distinguish between different beam paths, the system avoids the need for series diffraction gratings and reduces optical loss.
2Productivity
If laser beams with different peak wavelengths are combined coaxially, then output and brightness increase, but polarization alignment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of the second polarization beams using polarization conversion elements, converting them to match the polarization state of the first polarization beams. This parameter transformation simplifies the subsequent combining process and reduces alignment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Polarization conversion elements act as intermediaries between the second polarization beams and the first polarization beams. These elements transform the polarization state of the second beams, enabling easier combination with the first beams without direct complex alignment between orthogonal polarization states.
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 device effectively combines laser beams with different peak wavelengths with minimal loss, enhancing output and power density through efficient polarization and diffraction techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical component configured to separate the plurality of laser beams into a plurality of first polarization beams linearly polarized in a first polarization direction and a plurality of second polarization beams linearly polarized in a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
a first polarization conversion element configured to convert the plurality of second polarization beams into a plurality of third polarization beams linearly polarized in the first polarization direction
Implementation Method 3
a first diffraction element configured to receive, at the first diffraction position, the plurality of first polarization beams reflected by the plurality of first mirrors and diffract the plurality of first polarization beams to form a first wavelength-combined beam in which the plurality of first polarization beams are coaxially combined
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength beam combining device for combining laser beams having different peak wavelengths includes: a first optical component separating the laser beams into first polarization beams linearly polarized in a first polarization direction and second polarization beams linearly polarized in a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction; a first polarization conversion element converting the second polarization beams into third polarization beams linearly polarized in the first polarization direction; first and second mirrors reflecting the first and third polarization beams, respectively; a first diffraction element receiving the first polarization beams and diffracting them to form a first wavelength-combined beam coaxially combined; a second diffraction element receiving the third polarization beams and diffracting them to form a second wavelength-combined beam in which the third polarization beams are coaxially combined; and a second optical component on which the first and second wavelength-combined beams are incident.