Systems and methods for laser systems with variable beam parameter product utilizing thermo-optic effects
AssigneeTeradiode, Inc.
InventorsParviz Tayebati, Francisco Villarreal-Saucedo, Bien Chann, Dat Nguyen, Michael Deutsch
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Abstract
In various embodiments, a beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system alters a spatial power distribution of a radiation beam, via thermo-optic effects, before the beam is coupled into an optical fiber or delivered to a workpiece.
Claims23
A beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system for receiving and altering a spatial power distribution of a radiation beam from a beam source and focusing the radiation with the altered spatial power distribution onto a workpiece, the system comprising:
- a thermo-optic element for receiving the radiation beam and propagating the radiation beam toward the workpiece;
- spaced apart from the thermo-optic element, a heat source for heating portions of the thermo-optic element to alter refractive indices thereof, thereby forming an optical distortion pattern within the thermo-optic element;
- one or more first optical elements for receiving heat from the heat source and directing the heat to the thermo-optic element, whereby the optical distortion pattern is formed within the thermo-optic element;
- focusing optics for receiving the radiation beam from the thermo-optic element and focusing the radiation beam on the workpiece;
- and
- a controller for controlling the thermo-optic element and/or the heat source to achieve a target altered spatial power distribution on the workpiece, the target altered spatial power distribution resulting at least in part from interaction between the radiation beam and the optical distortion pattern within the thermo-optic element.
A method of manipulating a radiation beam from a beam source, the method comprising:
- generating heat at a heat source different from the beam source and spaced away from a thermo-optic element;
- directing at least a portion of the heat from the heat source to the thermo-optic element, thereby forming an optical distortion pattern within the thermo-optic element;
- receiving the radiation beam from the beam source with the thermo-optic element, a spatial power distribution of the radiation beam being altered in response to the optical distortion pattern within the thermo-optic element;
- and
- focusing the radiation beam with the altered spatial power distribution toward a workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.