IL259364B - Methods and systems for modulating a laser beam - Google Patents

Methods and systems for modulating a laser beam

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Publication number
IL259364B
IL259364B IL259364A IL25936418A IL259364B IL 259364 B IL259364 B IL 259364B IL 259364 A IL259364 A IL 259364A IL 25936418 A IL25936418 A IL 25936418A IL 259364 B IL259364 B IL 259364B
Authority
IL
Israel
Prior art keywords
cbc
seed
interference
laser
laser beam
Prior art date
Application number
IL259364A
Other languages
Hebrew (he)
Other versions
IL259364A (en
Inventor
Shekel Eyal
Vered Ran
Vidne Yaniv
Urbach Benayahu
Original Assignee
Civan Advanced Tech Ltd
Shekel Eyal
Vered Ran
Vidne Yaniv
Urbach Benayahu
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Civan Advanced Tech Ltd, Shekel Eyal, Vered Ran, Vidne Yaniv, Urbach Benayahu filed Critical Civan Advanced Tech Ltd
Priority to IL259364A priority Critical patent/IL259364B/en
Publication of IL259364A publication Critical patent/IL259364A/en
Priority to EP22189911.5A priority patent/EP4123849A1/en
Priority to SG11202010950RA priority patent/SG11202010950RA/en
Priority to US17/054,776 priority patent/US11287722B2/en
Priority to KR1020207035962A priority patent/KR20210005954A/en
Priority to CN202310082313.5A priority patent/CN115986529A/en
Priority to KR1020237018635A priority patent/KR20230084611A/en
Priority to JP2020564235A priority patent/JP2021524060A/en
Priority to EP19803083.5A priority patent/EP3794691A4/en
Priority to CN201980045970.4A priority patent/CN112385098A/en
Priority to PCT/IL2019/050536 priority patent/WO2019220430A2/en
Priority to EP23220662.3A priority patent/EP4336681A3/en
Priority to KR1020227043669A priority patent/KR102609262B1/en
Priority to CN202310082282.3A priority patent/CN116053911A/en
Priority to IL278602A priority patent/IL278602B2/en
Priority to US17/579,609 priority patent/US11762260B2/en
Publication of IL259364B publication Critical patent/IL259364B/en
Priority to JP2022187263A priority patent/JP7451656B2/en
Priority to JP2024001137A priority patent/JP2024038286A/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/10—Beam splitting or combining systems
    • G02B27/1006—Beam splitting or combining systems for splitting or combining different wavelengths
    • G02B27/102—Beam splitting or combining systems for splitting or combining different wavelengths for generating a colour image from monochromatic image signal sources
    • G02B27/1026—Beam splitting or combining systems for splitting or combining different wavelengths for generating a colour image from monochromatic image signal sources for use with reflective spatial light modulators
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Lasers (AREA)
  • Semiconductor Lasers (AREA)

Description

P-574982-IL METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MODULATING A LASER BEAM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"
[001] The ability to manipulate beams emerging from lasers, laser beam arrays and fiber optic arrays has become important in a variety of fields, including: welding, cutting, surveying, garment industry, laser nuclear fusion, communication, laser printing, CDs and optical discs, spectroscopy, heat treatment, barcode scanners, laser cooling, tracking and targeting technologies. Applications of lasers, in these and other related fields, frequently require high speed activating and deactivating of the laser beam. id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"
[002] Presently, the methods used for manipulating (activating/deactivating) fiber optic beams require the manipulation of the power of the laser systems. For example turning "on" / turning "off" (shutting) the seed beam device, or transferring / blocking the seed beam, or turning off current thereof. These power manipulations are relatively slow (in the range of 1-5 KHz), for example due the spontaneous emission time of the fiber lasers, and can damage some of the components of the laser system when the laser emits amplified spontaneous emissions. id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"
[003] There is a long-felt need for a method and/or an apparatus that can allow a high rate manipulation (activation/deactivating) of high power laser beams, which may be used for example during beam scans and other fast material processing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"
[004] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam is provided by a laser system comprising at least one seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and to selectively provide an amplified laser beam; the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) optical connections with: the seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference, at a CBC point; and P-574982-IL - at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; the method comprising steps of:• activating the laser beam by controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, at the CBC point, thereby providing the laser beam;• deactivating the laser beam by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive beam interference at the CBC point, thereby preventing the laser beam. id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"
[005] According to some embodiments, the step of activating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"
[006] According to some embodiments, the step of deactivating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive interference comprises controlling half of the tuned phase modulators to add a half phase (n) to their beams. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"
[007] According to some embodiments, the step of deactivating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive interference comprises modifying some of the tuned phase modulators. id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"
[008] According to some embodiments, each of the tuned phase modulators is differently modified. id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"
[009] According to some embodiments, the method further comprising a step of tuning the laser beam, by modifying some of the phase modulators, which were tuned to provide maximum beam intensity, the modifying is configured to cause the intensity of the laser beam to equal to a predetermined percentage of the maximum intensity. id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"
[0010] According to some embodiments, the step of deactivating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the beam interference with minimum intensity. id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"
[0011] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam, provided by a laser system comprising:2 P-574982-IL - at least one seed laser device;- a fast optical modulator (FOM), configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and modulate a bandwidth thereof;- a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive the modulated seed beam and accordingly provide an amplified laser beam;the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the FOM to provide the seed beam with a first (narrow) bandwidth (Aro1) configured to enable a constructive interference, at a CBC point of the CBC system, thereby providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the FOM to provide the seed beam with a second (wide) bandwidth (Aro2, where Aro2 > Aro1) configured to disable a constructive interference, at the CBC point, thereby preventing the laser beam. id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"
[0012] According to some embodiments, wherein the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) optical connections with: the modulated seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at the CBC point; and- at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators;and wherein the step of activating further comprises controlling the phasemodulators to provide the constructive beam interference. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"
[0013] According to some embodiments, wherein the step of controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"
[0014] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam, provided by a laser system comprising:- a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive a seed laser beam and accordingly provide an amplified laser beam;3 P-574982-IL - a first seed laser device, configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (X1);- a second seed laser device, configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (X2), different from the first wavelength (X2^ ta); and- an optical switch, configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the CBC system;the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) optical connections with: the linked (first or second) seed laser beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference a CBC point; and- at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators;the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the CBC system and controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, thereby providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to the CBC system, thereby disabling the constructive beam interference and preventing the laser beam. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"
[0015] According to some embodiments, the controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"
[0016] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising:- a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive a seed laser beam and accordingly provide an amplified laser beam; P-574982-IL - a first seed laser device, configured to provide a first seed laser beam having a first bandwidth (Aro1);- a second seed laser device, configured to provide a second seed laser beam having a second bandwidth (Aro2), larger than the first wavelength (Aro2 > Aro1); and- an optical switch, configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the CBC system;wherein the first bandwidth (Aro1) is configured to enable a constructive beam interference, at a CBC point of the CBC system, and wherein the second bandwidth (Aro2) is configured to disable a constructive beam interference, at the CBC point; the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the first seed laser beam to the CBC system, thereby enabling a constructive interference and providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the second seed laser beam to the CBC system, thereby disabling a constructive interference and preventing the laser beam. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"
[0017] According to some embodiments, the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) opticalconnections with: the linked (first or second) seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, optionally and at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at the CBC point; and- at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at theCBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; and wherein the step of activating further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"
[0018] According to some embodiments, the controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, with maximum intensity.
P-574982-IL id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"
[0019] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam, provided by a laser system comprising:- a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive a seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam;- a first seed laser, configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (X1);- a second seed laser, configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (X2), different from the first wavelength (X2^ X1);- an optical switch, configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the CBC system; and- a dichroic mirror, configured to receive the amplified laser beam, transmit beams having the first wavelength (X1) to output of the laser system, and reflect beams having the second wavelength (X2), therefore selectively provide the output laser beam;the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling optical switch to link the first seed beam to the CBC system, thereby transferring and providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling optical switch to link the second seed beam to the CBC system, thereby reflecting and averting the laser beam. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"
[0020] According to some embodiments, the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) optical connections with: the linked (first or second) seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, a CBC point; and- at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators;and wherein the method further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, at the CBC point, at least during the step of activating.
P-574982-IL id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"
[0021] According to some embodiments, the controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity. id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"
[0022] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising:- a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA), configured to receive a seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam;- a first seed laser, configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (A,!);- a second seed laser, configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (A2), different from the first wavelength (k2^ A1);- an optical switch, configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the MOPA; and- a dichroic mirror, configured to receive the amplified laser beam, transmit beams having the first wavelength (A1) to output of the laser system, and reflect beams having the second wavelength (A2), therefore selectively provide the output laser beam;the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling optical switch to link the first seed beam to the MOPA, thereby transferring and providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling optical switch to link the second seed beam to the MOPA, thereby reflecting and averting the laser beam. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"
[0023] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising:- at least one seed laser device;- an optical polarization combiner (OPC), configured to receive a seed laser beam of the seed laser device and to modulate polarization directions thereof; wherein the modulation comprises providing the seed beam with at least two polarization P-574982-IL components, wherein one of the polarization components comprising a predetermined polarization direction (P1);- a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive the polarization modulated seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; and- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beams having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to output of the laser system and reflect beams having other polarization directions, thereby selectively provide the laser beam;the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) larger than 50% of the overall intensity of the seed laser beam, thereby providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal or smaller than 50% of the overall intensity of the seed laser beam, thereby averting the laser beam. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"
[0024] According to some embodiments, the method further comprising a step of tuning the laser beam, by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal to a predetermined percentage of the overall intensity of the seed laser beam. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"
[0025] According to some embodiments, the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) optical connections with: the polarization modulated seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at a CBC point; and- at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; P-574982-IL and wherein the method further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, at the CBC point, at least during the step of activating id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"
[0026] According to some embodiments, the OPC comprises:- a beam splitting assembly, configured to receive an input beam with a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first beam (B1(I1,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second beam (B2(I2,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first and second intensities (I1+I2) equals to the intensity of the input beam;- a polarization convertor, configured to receive one of the beam splitting assembly output beams (B1 or B2) and to convent its polarization (from S to P, or from P to S, therefore P1^P2, B2(I2, P2)); and- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and to combine them into a third beam, provided as an input to the CBC system; or, a coupler configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)), combine them, and split them into two output beams, wherein only one of the two output beams is provided as an input to the CBC system. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"
[0027] According to some embodiments, the beam splitting assembly comprises:- a beam splitter, configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams;- a phase modulator, configured to modulate the phase of one of the two beams;- a coupler, configured to receive the two beams (after modulating the phase of one of the beams) and to provide their interference at two locations, thereby to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2,P1));- an electronic controller, configured to monitor one of the two interference locations (optionally via a TAP and a diode) and control the phase modulator to P-574982-IL accordingly enable a constructive or a destructive beam interference, at the monitored location, and wherein the non-monitored interference location is thereby provided with a destructive or a constructive beam interference, respectively;and wherein the steps of controlling the OPC comprising controlling the phasemodulator (via controller). id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"
[0028] In some embodiments a method is provided for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising:- at least one seed laser device;- at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC), configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and to modulate polarization directions thereof; wherein the modulation comprises providing the seed beam with at least two polarization components, wherein one of the polarization components comprising a predetermined polarization direction (P1);- a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA), configured to receive the modulated seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; and- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beams having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to output of the laser system and reflect beams having other polarization directions, thereby selectively provide the laser beam;the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) larger than 50% of the overall intensity of the beam, thereby providing the laser beam;■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal or smaller than 50% of the overall intensity of the beam, thereby averting the laser beam. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"
[0029] In some embodiments a laser system is provided configured for modulating a laser beam comprising:- at least one seed laser device;10 P-574982-IL - at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC), configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and to modulate polarization directions thereof; wherein the modulation comprises providing the seed beam with at least two polarization components, wherein one of the polarization components comprising a predetermined polarization direction (P1);- a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive the polarization modulated seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam;- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beams having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to output of the laser system and reflect beams having other polarization directions, therefore selectively provide the laser beam; and- an electronic controller configured to:■ activate the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) larger than 50% of the overall intensity of the beam, therefore provide the laser beam;■ to deactivate the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal or smaller than 50% of the overall intensity of the beam, therefore avert the laser beam. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"
[0030] According to some embodiments, the CBC system comprising:- plurality of phase modulators configured in (direct or indirect) optical connections with: the polarization modulated seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at a CBC point; and- at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators to provide the constructive interference, at a CBC point. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"
[0031] According to some embodiments, the OPC comprises: P-574982-IL - a beam splitting assembly, configured to receive an input beam with a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first beam (B1(I1,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second beam (B2(I2,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first and second intensities (I1+I2) equals to the intensity of the input beam;- a polarization convertor, configured to receive one of the beam splitting assembly output beams (B1 or B2) and to convent its polarization (from S to P, or from P to S, therefore P1^P2, B2(I2, P2)); and- a polarization beam splitter configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and to combine them into a third beam, provided as an input to the CBC system; or, a coupler configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)), combine them, and split them into two output beams, wherein only one of the two output beams is provided as an input to the CBC system.
P-574982-IL id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"
[0032] According to some embodiments, the beam splitting assembly comprises:- a beam splitter, configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams;- a phase modulator, configured to modulate the phase of one of the two beams;- a coupler, configured to receive the two beams (after modulating the phase of one of the beams) and to provide their interference at two locations, thereby to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2,P1));- an electronic controller, configured to monitor one of the two interference locations (optionally via a TAP and a diode) and control the phase modulator to accordingly enable a constructive or a destructive beam interference, at the monitored location, and wherein the non-monitored interference location is thereby provided with a destructive or a constructive beam interference, respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"
[0033] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"
[0034] Fig. 1schematically illustrates a prior art example for a coherent beam combining (CBC) system; id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"
[0035] Fig. 2schematically illustrates a laser system comprising a seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"
[0036] Fig. 3schematically illustrates a laser system comprising a seed laser device, a fast optical modulator (FOM) and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; P-574982-IL id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"
[0037] Fig. 4schematically illustrates a laser system comprising two seed laser devices each providing seed beam with a different wavelength, an optical switch and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"
[0038] Fig. 5schematically illustrates a laser system comprising two seed laser devices each providing seed beam with a different bandwidth, an optical switch and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to modulate an amplified laser beam; id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"
[0039] Fig. 6Aschematically illustrates a laser system comprising two seed laser devices each providing seed beam with a different wavelength, an optical switch, a dichroic mirror and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"
[0040] Fig. 6Bschematically illustrates a laser system comprising two seed laser devices each providing seed beam with a different wavelength, an optical switch, a dichroic mirror and a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA), all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"
[0041] Fig. 6Cschematically illustrates another laser system comprising two seed laser devices each providing seed beam with a different wavelength, an optical switch, a dichroic mirror and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"
[0042] Fig. 7Aschematically illustrates a laser system comprising a seed laser device, an optical polarization combiner (OPC), a polarization beam splitter (PBS) and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"
[0043] Fig. 7Bschematically illustrates a laser system comprising a seed laser device, an optical polarization combiner (OPC), a polarization beam splitter (PBS) and a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA), all configured for modulating an amplified laser beam; id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"
[0044] Fig. 8Aschematically illustrates an optical polarization combiner (OPC); and id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"
[0045] Fig. 8Bschematically illustrates another optical polarization combiner (OPC). id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"
[0046] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of P-574982-IL some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Claims (27)

P-574982-IL Version 2 What is claimed is: CLAIMS
1. A method for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising at least one seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and to selectively provide an amplified laser beam; the CBC system comprising: plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference, at a CBC point; and at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; the method comprising steps of: ■ activating the laser beam by controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, at the CBC point, thereby providing the laser beam; ■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive beam interference at the CBC point, thereby preventing the laser beam.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of activating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of deactivating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive interference comprises controlling half of the tuned phase modulators to add a half phase (π) to their beams. P-574982-IL Version 2
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of deactivating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive interference comprises modifying some of the tuned phase modulators.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein each of the tuned phase modulators is differently modified.
6. The method according to claim 2, further comprising a step of tuning the laser beam, by modifying some of the phase modulators, which were tuned to provide maximum beam intensity, the modifying is configured to cause the intensity of the laser beam to equal to a predetermined percentage of the maximum intensity.
7. The method according to claim 1, the step of deactivating by controlling the phase modulators to provide the destructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the beam interference with minimum intensity.
8. A method for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising: at least one seed laser device; a fast optical modulator (FOM), configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and modulate a bandwidth thereof; a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive the modulated seed beam and accordingly provide an amplified laser beam; the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the FOM to provide the seed beam with a first bandwidth (Δω1) configured to enable a constructive interference, at a CBC point of the CBC system, thereby providing the laser beam; ■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the FOM to provide the seed beam with a second bandwidth (Δω2, where Δω2 > Δω1) configured to disable a constructive interference, at the CBC point, thereby preventing the laser beam.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the CBC system comprising: P-574982-IL Version 2 plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the modulated seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at the CBC point; and at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; and wherein the step of activating further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity.
11. A method for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising: a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive a seed laser beam and accordingly provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser device configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser device, configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2), different from the first wavelength (λ2≠ λ1); and an optical switch configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the CBC system; the CBC system comprising: plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the linked seed laser beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference a CBC point; and41 P-574982-IL Version 2 at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the CBC system and controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, thereby providing the laser beam; ■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to the CBC system, thereby disabling the constructive beam interference and preventing the laser beam.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity.
13. A method for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising: a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive a seed laser beam and accordingly provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser device configured to provide a first seed laser beam having a first bandwidth (Δω1); a second seed laser device, configured to provide a second seed laser beam having a second bandwidth (Δω2), larger than the first wavelength (Δω2 > Δω1); and an optical switch configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the CBC system; wherein the first bandwidth (Δω1) is configured to enable a constructive beam interference, at a CBC point of the CBC system, and wherein the second bandwidth (Δω2) is configured to disable a constructive beam interference, at the CBC point; P-574982-IL Version 2 the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the first seed laser beam to the CBC system, thereby enabling a constructive interference and providing the laser beam; ■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical switch to link the second seed laser beam to the CBC system, thereby disabling a constructive interference and preventing the laser beam.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the CBC system comprising: plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the linked seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, optionally and at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at the CBC point; and at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; and wherein the step of activating further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, with maximum intensity.
16. A method for modulating a laser beam, provided by a laser system comprising: a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive a seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); P-574982-IL Version 2 a second seed laser, configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2), different from the first wavelength (λ2≠ λ1); an optical switch configured to link only one of the first and second seed beams to the CBC system; and a dichroic mirror configured to receive the amplified laser beam, transmit beams having the first wavelength (λ1) to output of the laser system, and reflect beams having the second wavelength (λ2), therefore selectively provide the output laser beam; the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling optical switch to link the first seed beam to the CBC system, thereby transferring and providing the laser beam; ■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling optical switch to link the second seed beam to the CBC system, thereby reflecting and averting the laser beam.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the CBC system comprising: plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the linked seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, a CBC point; and at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; and wherein the method further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, at the CBC point, at least during the step of activating.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference comprises tuning the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference with maximum intensity. P-574982-IL Version 2
19. A method for modulating a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising: at least one seed laser device; an optical polarization combiner (OPC), configured to receive a seed laser beam of the seed laser device and to modulate polarization directions thereof; wherein the modulation comprises providing the seed beam with at least two polarization components, wherein one of the polarization components comprising a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive the polarization modulated seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; and a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beams having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to output of the laser system and reflect beams having other polarization directions, thereby selectively provide the laser beam; the method comprising steps of:■ activating the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) larger than 50% of the overall intensity of the seed laser beam, thereby providing the laser beam; ■ deactivating the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal or smaller than 50% of the overall intensity of the seed laser beam, thereby averting the laser beam.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of tuning the laser beam, by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal to a predetermined percentage of the overall intensity of the seed laser beam.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the CBC system comprising: P-574982-IL Version 2 plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the polarization modulated seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at a CBC point; and at least one control circuitry, configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators; and wherein the method further comprises controlling the phase modulators to provide the constructive beam interference, at the CBC point, at least during the step of activating.
22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the OPC comprises: a beam splitting assembly, configured to receive an input beam with a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first beam (B1(I1,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second beam (B2(I2,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first and second intensities (I1+I2) equals to the intensity of the input beam; a polarization convertor configured to receive one of the beam splitting assembly output beams (B1 or B2) and to convent its polarization; and a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and to combine them into a third beam, provided as an input to the CBC system; or, a coupler configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)), combine them, and split them into two output beams, wherein only one of the two output beams is provided as an input to the CBC system.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the beam splitting assembly comprises: P-574982-IL Version 2 a beam splitter configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams; a phase modulator configured to modulate the phase of one of the two beams; a coupler configured to receive the two beams and to provide their interference at two locations, thereby to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2, P1)); an electronic controller, configured to monitor one of the two interference locations and control the phase modulator to accordingly enable a constructive or a destructive beam interference, at the monitored location, and wherein the non-monitored interference location is thereby provided with a destructive or a constructive beam interference, respectively; and wherein the steps of controlling the OPC comprising controlling the phase modulator.
24. A laser system configured for modulating a laser beam comprising: at least one seed laser device; at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC), configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and to modulate polarization directions thereof; wherein the modulation comprises providing the seed beam with at least two polarization components, wherein one of the polarization components comprising a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, configured to receive the polarization modulated seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beams having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to output of the laser system and reflect beams having other polarization directions, therefore selectively provide the laser beam; and an electronic controller configured to:47 P-574982-IL Version 2 ■ activate the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) larger than 50% of the overall intensity of the beam, therefore provide the laser beam; ■ to deactivate the laser beam by controlling the OPC to provide the beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal or smaller than 50% of the overall intensity of the beam, therefore avert the laser beam.
25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the CBC system comprising: plurality of phase modulators configured in optical connections with: the polarization modulated seed beam, plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner; all arranged to enable a constructive beam interference, at a CBC point; and at least one control circuitry configured to monitor the beam interference, at the CBC point, and to accordingly control at least one of the of phase modulators to provide the constructive interference, at a CBC point.
26. The system according to claim 24, wherein the OPC comprises: a beam splitting assembly configured to receive an input beam with a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first beam (B1(I1,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second beam (B2(I2,P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first and second intensities (I1+I2) equals to the intensity of the input beam; a polarization convertor configured to receive one of the beam splitting assembly output beams (B1 or B2) and to convent its polarization; and a polarization beam splitter configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and to combine them into a third beam, provided as an input to the CBC system; or, a coupler configured 48 P-574982-IL Version 2 to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second converted output beam (B2(I2, P2)), combine them, and split them into two output beams, wherein only one of the two output beams is provided as an input to the CBC system.
27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the beam splitting assembly comprises: a beam splitter configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams; a phase modulator configured to modulate the phase of one of the two beams; a coupler configured to receive the two beams and to provide their interference at two locations, thereby to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2, P1)); an electronic controller configured to monitor one of the two interference locations and control the phase modulator to accordingly enable a constructive or a destructive beam interference, at the monitored location, and wherein the non-monitored interference location is thereby provided with a destructive or a constructive beam interference, respectively.
IL259364A 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 Methods and systems for modulating a laser beam IL259364B (en)

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IL259364A IL259364B (en) 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 Methods and systems for modulating a laser beam
CN202310082282.3A CN116053911A (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beam method and system
EP19803083.5A EP3794691A4 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
PCT/IL2019/050536 WO2019220430A2 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
US17/054,776 US11287722B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
KR1020207035962A KR20210005954A (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beam method and system
CN202310082313.5A CN115986529A (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beam method and system
KR1020237018635A KR20230084611A (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
JP2020564235A JP2021524060A (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beam method and system
EP22189911.5A EP4123849A1 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
CN201980045970.4A CN112385098A (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beam method and system
SG11202010950RA SG11202010950RA (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
EP23220662.3A EP4336681A3 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
KR1020227043669A KR102609262B1 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-13 Laser beams methods and systems
IL278602A IL278602B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2020-11-10 Laser beams methods and systems
US17/579,609 US11762260B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2022-01-20 Laser beams methods and systems
JP2022187263A JP7451656B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2022-11-24 Laser beam method and system
JP2024001137A JP2024038286A (en) 2018-05-14 2024-01-09 Laser beam method and system

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US20110267671A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2011-11-03 Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. Combining multiple laser beams to form high repetition rate, high average power polarized laser beam
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US20110267671A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2011-11-03 Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. Combining multiple laser beams to form high repetition rate, high average power polarized laser beam
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