JP3952867B2 - Laser concentrator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention, for example, condenses semiconductor laser lightThe present invention relates to a laser condensing device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the semiconductor laser light (hereinafter referred to as “laser light”) emitted from the light emitting portion 12 of the active layer 14 of the semiconductor laser (laser diode or the like) is in the traveling direction of the laser light 100. The elliptical laser beam 100 has a major axis fast axis direction and a minor axis slow axis direction. The ellipse becomes larger as the distance from the light emitting unit 12 becomes longer. The semiconductor laser is two-dimensionally arranged in the fast axis direction and slow axis direction, and the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting portions is condensed on the optical fiber to increase the output of the laser beam. A semiconductor laser condensing device is known.
  For example, when a semiconductor laser is used as a light source of a laser processing apparatus, it is necessary to increase the output of laser light used for processing. However, the output intensity of laser light emitted from a single light emitting unit is limited. Therefore, the laser light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units is condensed using the lens group to increase the output of the laser light.
  As a technology of a conventional semiconductor laser condensing device, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-98191, a lens group and an optical fiber are provided. It has been proposed that lenses are arranged in the order of an axial condensing lens and a short axial condensing lens to condense laser light onto an optical fiber and increase the output of the laser light.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In order to efficiently focus the laser beam emitted from the light emitting part of the semiconductor laser onto the optical fiber and increase the output of the laser light, the laser light from more light emitting parts is incident on the thinner optical fiber. It is necessary to increase the density and to enter the incident end face with a smaller incident angle (incident at an angle closer to the right angle with respect to the incident end face).
  The laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 12 travels while spreading in the fast axis direction and the slow axis direction. When condensing laser light that travels while spreading, suddenly condensing with a lens makes it difficult to set the condensing position (incident position on the optical fiber) accurately, and may not be able to condense efficiently. is there. Therefore, once the spread of the laser beam is suppressed and converted into parallel light (substantially uniform width), and then condensed, the condensing position can be easily set and can be efficiently incident on the optical fiber. .
  In a conventional semiconductor laser condensing device (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-98191), in the fast axis direction where the interval between the light emitting portions is relatively wide, the light is once converted into parallel light and then condensed. In the slow axis direction in which the interval between the light emitting portions is relatively narrow, it is difficult to arrange the lenses.
[0004]
  In a conventional semiconductor laser condensing device (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-98191), as shown in FIG. 8, the laser light emitted from each light emitting portion 12 (m, n) of the semiconductor laser array 10 is fasted. The optical fiber 80 (s) is passed through the collimating lens 20 in the axis (major axis direction), through the condensing lens 30 in the fast axis (major axis direction), and further through the condensing lens 70 in the slow axis (minor axis direction). , T). In FIG. 1 to FIG. 10, the coordinate axes are the Z axis as the traveling direction of the laser beam, the X axis as the fast axis direction (long axis direction), and the Y axis as the slow axis direction (short axis direction).
  Note that all the drawings include portions described with dimensions different from the actual dimensions in order to facilitate explanation or to facilitate comparison and the like.
[0005]
  FIG. 9 shows the state of each lens and laser beam in the configuration of FIG. FIG. 9 shows a total of eight laser beams emitted from two light emitting units arranged in the slow axis direction and four laser beams emitted from four light emitting units arranged in the fast axis direction. The laser beam is condensed on one optical fiber. 9A is a view of FIG. 8 viewed from the X-axis direction (viewed from above), and FIG. 9B is a view of FIG. 8 viewed from the Y-axis direction (view from the side). ).
  In a commonly used semiconductor laser array, the width of each light emitting section 12 (Dw in FIG. 9A) is about 0.2 mm in the slow axis direction, and the distance between the light emitting section and the light emitting section (see FIG. Dp) in 9 (A) is about 0.2 mm. Therefore, the width (Din in FIG. 9A) when two light emitting portions adjacent in the slow axis direction are grouped is about 0.6 mm. Further, the divergence angle in the slow axis direction (θiny in FIG. 9A) of the laser light emitted from each light emitting portion is about 3.5 °.
  Further, the interval between the light emitting parts adjacent in the fast axis direction (Dh in FIG. 9B) is about 1.75 mm, and the spread angle in the fast axis direction of the laser light emitted from each light emitting part (FIG. 9 ( The angle θinx) in B) is about 40 °.
[0006]
  For example, two laser beams are condensed in the slow axis direction and four laser beams are condensed in the fast axis direction on the optical fiber 80. Further, the light is condensed so that the incident angle in the slow axis direction (θouty in FIG. 9A) is about 10 ° or less (with a smaller incident angle).
  In this case, in order to condense most efficiently, it is necessary to arrange the slow axis condensing lens 70 before the laser beams emitted from the light emitting units 12 adjacent in the slow axis direction overlap in FIG. 9A. is there. The position where the laser beams overlap is a position about 1.6 mm from the light emitting unit 12. In addition, since the divergence angle is large in the fast axis direction, it is preferable to make parallel light at a position closer to the light emitting unit 12 (when condensing laser light having a larger width by increasing the distance, (Because the incident angle (θoutx) becomes large). Therefore, the fast axis collimating lens 20 is disposed substantially adjacent to the light emitting unit 12.
[0007]
  As described above, it is necessary to dispose the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the slow axis condensing lens 70 between the light emitting portion 12 and about 1.6 mm, which is practically very difficult to realize. 9A and 9B, the fast axis condenser lens 30 is disposed between the fast axis collimator lens 20 and the slow axis condenser lens 70, but the slow axis condenser lens 70 and the optical fiber are disposed. You may arrange | position between 80. However, in this case, since the distance between the fast axis condensing lens 30 and the optical fiber 80 becomes shorter, the incident angle in the fast axis direction (θoutx in FIG. 9B) to the optical fiber 80 increases. Condensation efficiency may be reduced.
[0008]
  In this case, if the focal length (f70) of the slow axis condenser lens 70 is set to the distance from the light emitting unit 12 to the slow axis condenser lens 70 (in this case, about 1.6 mm), the condenser in the slow axis direction is set. Although the light efficiency is optimized, the position of the optical fiber 80 is automatically determined from the slow axis condenser lens 70 to the position of the focal length (f70). That is, the distance from the light emitting unit 12 to the optical fiber 80 (L in FIG. 9A) is about 3.2 mm.
  From the above description, it is necessary to solve the following problems.
  The distance between the slow axis condenser lens 70 and the light emitting unit 12 is short. For this reason, it is difficult to appropriately arrange the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the slow axis condensing 70 within a predetermined distance. Further, the position of the optical fiber 80 is also a short distance from the light emitting unit 12, and if the incident angle (θoutx) in the fast axis direction is reduced, the number of laser beams that can be condensed in the fast axis direction is reduced.
  The present invention has been devised in view of such points, and each laser beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting portions of a semiconductor laser array can be more efficiently focused on an optical fiber and can be easily realized. An object of the present invention is to provide a light collecting device and a light emitting device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To solve the above problems, Described in this embodimentIn the condensing device, for example, each laser beam traveling while spreading in the fast axis direction and the slow axis direction is converted into a substantially uniform width in a predetermined direction (for example, the slow axis direction), and then each laser beam is converted. Condensate. For this reason, each laser beam can be individually converted and condensed without being affected by the presence or absence of overlapping laser beams. For example, if the first lens and the second lens are used in the slow axis direction, it is not necessary to dispose the lens related to the slow axis direction before the laser light overlaps in the slow axis direction, and the lens and light emission related to the slow axis direction are emitted. A sufficient distance from the portion 12 can be ensured.
  Moreover, since the first lens is a single lens (single lens) into which (all) light emitted from a plurality of light emitting units is incident, the first lens can be set to a large diameter and can be easily realized. In addition, the second lens can also be constituted by a single lens, so that it is easy to realize.
  Moreover, since each laser beam is condensed on the area | region for every group (for example, every group of slow axis direction) corresponding to each light emission part, it can condense appropriately.
  For this reason, for example, each laser beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array can be condensed more efficiently and easily realized.
[0010]
In addition, as described in this embodimentIn the condensing device, light (laser light or the like) is emitted in a predetermined direction (for example, a slow axis direction) for each group in a predetermined direction according to a ratio between the focal length of the first lens and the focal length of the second lens. Can be condensed.
  For this reason, for example, each laser beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array can be collected more efficiently, and a target laser beam output can be easily obtained.
[0011]
In addition, as described in this embodimentIn the light emitting device, for example, the first invention of the first invention or the second invention in the minor axis direction (slow axis direction) in order to appropriately collect the laser beam that travels while spreading in the fast axis direction and the slow axis direction. A lens and a second lens are used. Accordingly, it is not necessary to arrange the laser beams before overlapping in the slow axis direction, and a sufficient distance between the lens and the light emitting unit 12 in the slow axis direction can be secured, and the laser beam is supplied to each light emitting unit. Light can be collected appropriately for each corresponding group in a predetermined direction.
  For this reason, for example, each laser beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array can be condensed more efficiently and easily realized.
[0012]
In addition, as described in this embodimentIn the light emitting device, in the long axis direction (fast axis direction), as in the conventional case, the light is once converted into parallel light (with a substantially uniform width) by the third lens and then condensed by the fourth lens. At this time, a single lens (lens condensing in both the slow axis and the fast axis) that combines the second lens that condenses in the slow axis direction and the fourth lens that condenses in the fast axis direction Is used.
  Thereby, since the number of lenses can be reduced, the range in which lenses can be arranged is physically expanded. In addition, the light emitting device can be further simplified.
[0013]
In addition, as described in this embodimentIn the light emitting device, light (laser) in the major axis direction (fast axis direction) according to the ratio between the focal length of the third lens and the focal length of a single lens that serves both as the second lens and the fourth lens. Light etc.) can be collected for each group in the long axis direction. Further, light (laser light or the like) in the minor axis direction (slow axis direction) according to the ratio between the focal length of the first lens and the focal length of a single lens that combines the second lens and the fourth lens. ) Can be collected for each group in the minor axis direction.
  For this reason, for example, each laser beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array can be condensed appropriately and efficiently from both directions in the fast axis direction and the slow axis direction, and the target laser The light output can be obtained more easily.
[0014]
In addition, as described in this embodimentIn the light emitting device, the semiconductor laser light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units is condensed on the incident end face of the optical fiber arranged in the region for each group.
  For this reason, each laser beam emitted from the plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array can be more efficiently focused on the optical fiber, and the target laser beam output can be easily obtained, and the light emission The device can be easily realized.
[0015]
The first invention of the present invention is a laser condensing device as set forth in claim 1.
In the laser condensing device according to claim 1, a plurality of laser beams that travel while spreading in an elliptical shape and whose traveling directions are parallel to each other are emitted, and two-dimensionally in the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the ellipse. A semiconductor laser array having a plurality of laser light emitting units arranged, a long-axis condensing lens group that condenses laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser array in the long-axis direction, and emitted from the semiconductor laser array A short-axis condensing lens group that condenses the laser beam that has been collected in the short-axis direction, and a plurality of laser beams that are collected by the long-axis condensing lens group and the short-axis condensing lens group. A long-axis collimating lens that converts each laser beam emitted from the laser light emitting unit into parallel light with respect to the long-axis direction, and the long-axis collimating lens. Parallel light to direction A laser condensing unit configured by a long-axis condensing lens that condenses each of the converted laser beams for each group in the long-axis direction and in the long-axis direction toward the incident surface of the optical fiber. In the device.
The short-axis condensing lens group includes a short-axis-direction width uniformizing lens that is a cylindrical single lens and a short-axis condensing lens that is a cylindrical single lens.
The short-axis direction width uniformizing lens is disposed at a first focal length position indicating a focal length of the short-axis direction width uniformizing lens from a light emitting surface on which the plurality of laser light emitting units are disposed, and an optical axis is disposed. The center of the width in the minor axis direction of each laser beam emitted from the laser emitting unit when viewed from the major axis direction is arranged on the optical axis. Refracting the traveling direction of the respective laser beams in different directions with respect to the minor axis direction so as to pass through the vicinity of the focal position which is twice the first focal length from the light emitting surface in The width of each laser beam in the minor axis direction is made uniform.
Further, the short-axis direction condensing lens is disposed at a position obtained by adding a second focal length indicating the focal length of the short-axis direction condensing lens to a position twice the first focal length from the light emitting surface. And traveling directions of laser beams refracted in different directions with respect to the minor axis direction so as to pass through the vicinity of the focal position when viewed from the major axis direction. Is refracted in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and is condensed so that the width of each laser beam in the short axis direction becomes small.
A plurality of the optical fibers are disposed on the light collecting surface, which is a position obtained by adding twice the second focal length to a position twice the first focal length from the light emitting surface, and is orthogonal to the optical axis. Each incident surface is arranged.
  In addition, the present inventionThe second invention is claimed in claim 2.As statedLaser concentratorIt is.
In the laser condensing device according to claim 2,Condensing laser light emitted from a plurality of laser light emitting units arranged in a semiconductor laser array using an optical condensing system (such as a lens group) to a smaller number of optical fibers. Can be incident. Since the laser light emitted from the optical fiber is further condensed by the condenser lens, the laser light can be condensed with a smaller diameter, and can be condensed more efficiently, increasing the output of the laser light. Can be made.
[0016]
  In addition, the present inventionThe third invention is claimed in claim 3.As statedLaser concentratorIt is.
In the laser condensing device according to claim 3,The exit surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers are bundled into an arbitrary shape.
  By bundling into an arbitrary shape, the laser light that has passed through the condensing lens can be condensed into a smaller condensing spot (small condensing area) in a desired shape (arbitrary shape).
[0017]
  In addition, the present invention4th-5th invention is set to Claims 4-5.As statedLaser concentratorIt is.
In the laser condensing device according to claim 4,Among a plurality of laser beams emitted from a plurality of laser light emitting units arranged in the major axis direction and the minor axis direction, two or more laser light emitting units (two or more laser light emitting units arranged in the major axis direction) Alternatively, laser light emitted from four or more laser light emitting units (two or more laser light emitting units arranged in the major axis direction and two or more laser light emitting units arranged in the minor axis direction) is used for each light. The light is collected and incident on the fiber. Further, since the laser light emitted from the optical fiber is further condensed by the condenser lens, more laser light can be condensed with a smaller diameter, and the output of the laser light can be increased. it can.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a light emitting device of the present invention.
The semiconductor laser array 10 includes a plurality of light emitting units 12 and two-dimensionally arranges semiconductor lasers having a single light emitting unit, or stacks or arranges array type semiconductor lasers having a plurality of light emitting units in a row. Alternatively, it is composed of a stack type semiconductor laser arranged two-dimensionally. In this embodiment, a stack type laser diode is used. The laser light emitted from each light emitting portion 12 (m, n) of the semiconductor laser array 10 is efficiently condensed and incident on the optical fiber 80 (s, t).
  As shown in FIG. 2, the laser light emitted from the light emitting portion 12 in the active layer 14 of the semiconductor laser array 10 is substantially elliptical in a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction of the laser light 100, and the ellipse is And a major axis direction (fast axis direction) and a minor axis direction (slow axis direction). The ellipse becomes larger as the distance from the light emitting unit 12 becomes longer.
In FIG. 1 to FIG. 10, the coordinate axes are the Z axis, the fast axis direction as the X axis, and the slow axis direction as the Y axis. In addition, all drawings include a portion described in a dimension different from an actual dimension in order to facilitate explanation or to facilitate comparison and the like.
[0019]
[First embodiment]
  The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
  Each laser beam emitted from each light emitting unit 12 of the semiconductor laser array 10 is supplied to a fast axis collimating lens 20, a fast axis condenser lens 30, a slow axis width uniformizing lens 40, and a slow axis condenser lens 50. The laser beam emitted and emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is condensed on the optical fiber 80 (s, t).
  At this time, the plurality of light emitting units are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group is condensed on an optical fiber. For example, when divided into groups each having 4 rows and 2 columns, the laser light of the group (first group) indicated by “SG” in FIG. 1 is focused on the optical fiber 80 (1, 8). Further, “FSG” in FIG. 1 is a group in the fast axis direction in the second group, and “SSG” in FIG. 1 is a group in the slow axis direction in the third group. Note that the second group of laser beams is collected on the optical fiber 80 (1, 7).
[0020]
The fast axis collimating lens 20 (third lens) includes a plurality of semiconductor laser arrays that are stacked (for each “row” of the light emitting units arranged in the Y axis direction) and whose central axis direction is the slow axis direction. (In this case, “four” with respect to the “four rows” light-emitting portions) has a structure in which cylindrical lenses are arranged in the fast axis direction. The fast axis collimating lens 20 makes the widths of the laser beams emitted from the light emitting units 12 substantially uniform in the fast axis direction. In this case, all the laser beams emitted from the light emitting units 12 and having a substantially uniform width in the fast axis direction are all in a slow axis with respect to the traveling direction (Z axis direction) of the laser beam at the time of emission. Parallel when viewed from the direction. Details will be described later.
[0021]
  The fast axis condensing lens 30 (fourth lens) is a cylindrical lens whose central axis direction is the slow axis direction, and condenses each laser beam having a substantially uniform width in the fast axis direction in the fast axis direction. . The light collecting destination is the incident end face of each optical fiber 80. In this example, since the optical fiber 80 (s, t) is one “row” in the slow axis direction, the number of fast axis condenser lenses is also one. When the plurality of optical fibers 80 are two “rows” in the slow axis direction, the fast axis condensing lens 30 may have a structure in which two cylindrical lenses are arranged in the fast axis direction.
[0022]
  The slow axis width uniforming lens 40 (first lens) is a cylindrical lens whose central axis direction is the fast axis direction, and has a single curved surface that is seamless on the incident side and the outgoing side (a plurality of lenses). The laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is made substantially uniform in width in the slow axis direction. In this case, each laser beam emitted from each light emitting unit 12 and having a substantially uniform width in the slow axis direction is from the fast axis direction with respect to the traveling direction (Z axis direction) of the laser beam at the time of emission. Each has a different angle. Details will be described later.
[0023]
  The slow axis condensing lens 50 (second lens) is a cylindrical lens whose central axis direction is the fast axis direction, and condenses each laser beam having a substantially uniform width in the slow axis direction in the slow axis direction. . The condensing destination is the incident end face of the optical fiber 80 (s, t). Similarly to the slow axis width uniforming lens 40, the slow axis condensing lens 50 also has a single seamless curved surface on the incident side and the outgoing side (without being composed of a plurality of lenses). , Single lens).
  In FIG. 1, the fast axis collimating lens 20 (third lensEquivalent to the collimating lens in the long axis direction)And fast axis condenser lens 30 (fourth lens)And corresponds to the long-axis condensing lens)Is the long axis concentrator(Equivalent to the long axis condenser lens group)The slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 (first lensEquivalent to a lens with uniform width in the short axis direction)And a slow axis condenser lens 50 (second lens)Equivalent to a short axis condensing lens)Is the short axis concentrator(Equivalent to short axis condenser lens group)Is configured.
[0024]
  Next, the manner in which the laser light that has passed through each lens is condensed on the optical fiber 80 (s, t) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a view as seen from the fast axis direction, and shows how laser light is refracted and condensed in the slow axis direction. FIG. 3B is a view as seen from the slow axis direction, and shows how laser light is refracted and condensed in the fast axis direction.
  In FIG. 3A, the light emitting units 12 (m, n) are referred to as the light emitting units 12 (1, 1) to 12 (1, 16) from the light emitting unit at the upper end. In FIG. 3A, the optical fibers 80 (s, t) are designated as optical fibers 80 (1, 1) to 80 (1, 8) from the lower end optical fiber.
  Here, each light emitting portion 12 (m, n) of the semiconductor laser array 10 has a width in the slow axis direction (Dw in FIG. 3A) of about 0.2 mm, and an interval in the slow axis direction (FIG. 3). (Dp) in (A) is about 0.2 mm. Therefore, in order to condense laser light emitted from two light emitting units adjacent in the slow axis direction onto one optical fiber, laser light having a width of Din (about 0.6 mm) at the time of emission. Needs to be collected on an optical fiber 80 (s, t) having a diameter of Dout (for example, 0.2 mm).
[0025]
  Next, using FIG. 3A, each laser beam emitted from each light emitting section 12 (m, n) is condensed on the incident end face of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) in the slow axis direction. Will be explained. In FIG. 3A, the focal length of the slow axis width uniforming lens 40 is defined as f40 (Corresponds to the first focal length,For example, the focal length of the slow axis condenser lens 50 is f50 (15 mm).Corresponds to the second focal length,For example, 5 mm).
  Then, the slow axis width uniform lens 40 is disposed at “a position at a distance of f40 from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n)”, and the slow axis condenser lens 50 is disposed at a distance of “f40 + f40 + f50 from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n)”. The optical fiber 80 (s, t) is arranged at a “position at a distance of f40 + f40 + f50 + f50 from the light emitting portion 12 (m, n)”. At this time, the position of each position is slightly corrected due to an error. In each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n), the spread angle in the slow axis direction is θiny (for example, 3.5 °). In addition, in the laser light incident on the optical fiber 80 (s, t), the incident angle in the slow axis direction is θouty (for example, 10 °).
[0026]
  In order to select the slow axis width uniforming lens 40 and the slow axis condenser lens 50, the target optical fiber 80 (s, t) is determined from Din, Dp, Dw, and θiny in the light emitting unit 12 (m, n). The slow axis width uniforming lens 40 and the slow axis condensing lens 50 having the focal lengths f40 and f50 satisfying the number (t) and the diameter (Dout) in the slow axis direction and θouty may be selected.
  In this case, the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the fast axis condensing lens 30 have no influence in the slow axis direction, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0027]
  Each laser beam emitted from each light emitting unit 12 (m, n) has an angle of θ iny (for example, an angle of 3.5 °) with respect to the Z-axis direction, gradually spreads, and eventually overlaps. When the laser beam overlapped in the slow axis direction passes through the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40, the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is disposed at the focal length (f40), so that the width in the slow axis direction is almost equal. It becomes uniform. At this time, each laser beam that has passed through the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 has a different angle with respect to the Z-axis direction, but the width of each laser beam is substantially uniform, and the width is substantially uniform. The center of the width of each laser beam passes through the position of the focal point of the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 (F40 in FIG. 3A).
  Each laser beam that has passed through the slow axis condensing lens 40 has a substantially uniform width when passing through the slow axis condensing lens 50. Therefore, a distance of f50 from the slow axis condensing lens 50 ( The light is condensed on the focal length of the slow axis condensing lens 50.
  Then, the optical fibers 80 (s, t) are arranged and condensed at positions where the respective laser beams are condensed by the slow axis condenser lens 50 (positions at a distance of f50 from the slow axis condenser lens 50). A laser beam is incident. At this time, the laser beam for each group in the slow axis direction is condensed for each group. For example, the laser beams of the light emitting unit 12 (1, 1) and the light emitting unit 12 (1, 2) are collected on the optical fiber (1, 1).
[0028]
  In addition, when the focal length of the slow axis condenser lens 50 is an f50s lens shorter than f50, and this lens 50 is arranged at the position of f40 + f40 + f50s from the light emitting portion 12 (m, n), the slow axis condenser lens 50 is arranged. After passing, the laser beam condensed at the position of the distance f50s behind the slow axis condenser lens 50 becomes dense in the slow axis direction. (Shown in FIG. 4A)
  Conversely, when the slow axis condensing lens 50 has a focal length f50e longer than f50, and this lens 50 is arranged at the position of f40 + f40 + f50e from the light emitting portion 12 (m, n), the slow axis condensing lens 50 After passing through the laser beam, the laser beam condensed at the position of the distance f50e behind the slow axis condenser lens 50 becomes sparse in the slow axis direction. (Shown in FIG. 4B)
[0029]
  Next, by using FIG. 3B, each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is condensed on the incident end face of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) in the fast axis direction. explain. In FIG. 3B, the focal length of the fast axis collimating lens 20 is f20, and the focal length of the fast axis condenser lens 30 is f30. In each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n), the spread angle in the fast axis direction is θinx (for example, 40 °). In addition, in the laser light incident on the optical fiber 80 (s, t), the incident angle in the fast axis direction is θoutx (for example, 10 °). Further, the interval in the fast axis direction of the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is Dh (for example, 1.75 mm).
  In order to select the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the fast axis condenser lens 30, the number of target optical fibers 80 (s, t) in the fast axis direction from Dh and θinx in the light emitting section 12 (m, n). The fast axis collimating lens 20 and the fast axis condenser lens 30 having focal lengths f20 and f30 that satisfy (s), the diameter (Dout), and θoutx may be selected.
  In this case, the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 and the slow axis condensing lens 50 have no influence in the fast axis direction, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0030]
  Each laser beam emitted from each light emitting unit 12 (m, n) has an angle of θinx with respect to the Z-axis direction, gradually spreads, and passes through the fast-axis collimating lens 20 so that the fast-axis collimating lens 20 is in focus. Since the distance is at the position (f20), the width is almost uniform in the fast axis direction. At this time, the laser beams that have passed through the fast axis collimating lens 20 are all substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the widths of the laser beams are substantially uniform.
  Each laser beam that has passed through the fast axis collimating lens 20 is condensed at a distance of f30 from the fast axis condenser lens 30 (focal length of the fast axis condenser lens 30) when passing through the fast axis condenser lens 30. The
  A position where each laser beam is condensed by the fast axis condenser lens 30 (a position at a distance from the fast axis condenser lens 30 to f30, which is a position at a distance from the slow axis condenser lens 50 to f50). However, the optical fiber 80 (s, t) is disposed and the condensed laser light is incident thereon. At this time, laser light for each group in the fast axis direction is condensed for each group. For example, the optical fiber 80 (1, 1) includes a light emitting unit 12 (1, 1), a light emitting unit 12 (2, 1), a light emitting unit 12 (3, 1), and a light emitting unit 12 (4, 1) laser. Light is collected.
[0031]
  Since the divergence angle in the fast axis direction (θinx: 40 °, for example) is sufficiently larger than the divergence angle in the slow axis direction (θiny, eg, 3.5 °), the fast axis collimating lens 20 has the light emitting portion 12 (m , N) are preferably arranged closer to each other. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is disposed at a position substantially in contact with the light emitting unit 12 (m, n).
  Further, the number of optical fibers 80 (s, t) in the fast axis direction (in this case, “s”, which also determines the number of laser beams condensed in the fast axis direction), and the optical fiber 80 ( The focal length f30 of the fast axis condenser lens 30 and the arrangement position of the fast axis condenser lens 30 are determined by the diameters of s, t) (in this case, “Dout”) and θoutx.
  In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, two laser beams are condensed in the slow axis direction and four laser beams are condensed in the fast axis direction on one optical fiber 80, and a total of eight laser beams are collected. The laser beam is condensed.
  In the realized semiconductor laser condensing device, in order to obtain the target output of the laser beam, two laser beams are condensed in the slow axis direction and ten laser beams are condensed in the fast axis direction, for a total of 20 A laser beam having a practical output was obtained by condensing the laser beam of the book.
[0032]
  Next, the difference between the conventional (A) and the present invention (B) will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 5A and 5B show how the laser light is uniformized and condensed in the slow axis direction, and the description of the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the fast axis condensing lens 30 is omitted. ing.
  Since the conventional semiconductor laser condensing device condenses in the slow axis direction before the laser beams emitted from the adjacent light emitting units 12 in the slow axis direction and spread in the slow axis direction as the distance increases, There is a restriction on the distance from the light emitting unit 12 to the optical fiber 80 (L in FIG. 9A).
[0033]
  In the conventional system shown in FIG. 5A, the width in the slow axis direction is made uniform and condensed by a single slow axis condenser lens 70. For this reason, in order to efficiently condense the laser light emitted from the light emitting units 12 (1, 1) to (1, 2) and having a divergence angle of θiny and a distance of Din (about 0.6 mm), It is necessary to arrange the slow axis condensing lens 70 at a position before the laser beams overlap. In order to condense the laser light from the two light emitting units 12 with θ iny of about 3.5 °, it is necessary to set the focal length (f70) of the slow axis condensing lens 70 to about 1.6 mm. Miniaturization is required and difficult to realize.
[0034]
  In FIG. 5A, the laser beams that have passed through the slow axis condensing lens 70 have a substantially uniform width, but are not condensed to reduce the diameter of the emitted light with respect to the incident light. Thus, conventionally, a plurality of laser beams are collected (bundled) without reducing the width of the laser beams in the slow axis direction. It is difficult to reduce the width of the laser light because the width of the laser light incident on the slow axis condenser lens 70 is not uniform.
  Therefore, it is possible to slightly reduce the focal length f70 of the slow axis condenser lens 70 and condense the laser light that has passed through the slow axis condenser lens 70 (to reduce the width of the laser light). Fiber placement can be difficult.
  In FIG. 5A, the following expression is established.
  Dout = 2 * f70 * tan (θiny)
  θouty = arctan [Din / (2 * f70)]
  Dout / Din = tan (θiny) / tan (θouty)
  Usually, since Din and θiny are determined in advance in the semiconductor laser array 10, when the focal length f70 is determined, Dout and θouty are also automatically determined, and Dout and θouty cannot be arbitrarily set.
[0035]
  In the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 5B, the uniforming and condensing of the width in the slow axis direction are performed separately by the slow axis width uniforming lens 40 and the slow axis condensing lens 50. For this reason, the laser beam emitted from the light emitting units 12 (1, 1) to (1, 2) and having a θiny spread angle and a distance of Din (about 0.6 mm) can be efficiently condensed.
  In the present invention, each light emitting section 12 (m, n) is emitted even after laser light emitted from adjacent light emitting sections 12 in the slow axis direction and spreading in the slow axis direction as the distance increases overlaps in the slow axis direction. It is a major feature that each laser beam emitted from () can be condensed in the slow axis direction for each laser beam.
  In FIG. 5B, the following expression is established.
  Dout = (f50 / f40) * Din
  θouty = arctan [(f40 / f50) tan (θiny)]
  Dout / Din = tan (θiny) / tan (θouty) = f50 / f40
  Therefore, Dout and θouty can be arbitrarily set by appropriately selecting the ratio between the focal length f40 of the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 and the focal length f50 of the slow axis condenser lens 50.
[0036]
  Further, the focal length f40 of the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 and the focal length f50 of the slow axis condensing lens 50 can be set appropriately, and the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is set to “position at a distance from the light emitting unit 12 to f40”. And the slow axis condensing lens 50 is disposed at the “position of the distance from the light emitting section 12 to f40 + f40 + f50”, so that the distance from the light emitting section 12 (m, n) to the optical fiber 80 (s, t) is sufficient. The lens group can be arranged without being restricted by the lens diameter or the like.
  Further, since the slow axis width uniforming lens 40 and the slow axis condensing lens 50 can each be constituted by a single cylindrical lens, it is not required to be as small as the (conventional) slow axis condensing lens 70, and is realized more. Is easy.
  Further, since each laser beam that has passed through the slow axis width uniforming lens 40 has a substantially uniform width, it can be condensed for each group in the slow axis direction using the slow axis condensing lens 50, and is appropriately condensed. (The width of the laser beam can be reduced).
[0037]
[Second Embodiment]
  Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the second embodiment of the light-emitting device of the present invention. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.
  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the fast-axis condensing lens 30 and the slow-axis condensing lens 50 are replaced by a bi-axial condensing in the fast axis and the slow axis. An axial condenser lens 60 (for example, a spherical lens) is disposed. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.
[0038]
  Next, the manner in which the laser light that has passed through each lens is condensed on the optical fiber 80 (s, t) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a view as seen from the fast axis direction, and shows how laser light is refracted and condensed in the slow axis direction. FIG. 7B is a view as seen from the slow axis direction, and shows how laser light is refracted and condensed in the fast axis direction.
  With reference to FIG. 7A, it will be described that each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is condensed on the incident end face of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) in the slow axis direction. In FIG. 7A, the focal length of the slow axis width uniforming lens 40 is f40 (for example, 45 mm), and the focal length of the biaxial condenser lens 60 is f60 (for example, 15 mm).
[0039]
  Then, the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is arranged at “a position at a distance of f40 from the light emitting part 12 (m, n)”, and the biaxial condenser lens 60 is “a distance of f40 + f40 + f60 from the light emitting part 12 (m, n)”. The optical fiber 80 (s, t) is arranged at a “position at a distance of f40 + f40 + f60 + f60 from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n)”. In each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n), the spread angle in the slow axis direction is θiny (for example, 3.5 °). In addition, the incident angle to the optical fiber 80 (s, t) in the slow axis direction is θouty (for example, 10 °).
  In order to select the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 and the biaxial condenser lens 60, the target optical fiber 80 (s, t) is determined from Din, Dp, Dw, and θiny in the light emitting unit 12 (m, n). The slow axis width uniforming lens 40 and the biaxial condensing lens 60 having the focal lengths f40 and f60 satisfying the number (t) and the diameter (Dout) in the slow axis direction and θouty may be selected.
  In this case, the fast axis collimating lens 20 has no effect in the slow axis direction, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
  7A is similar to that in FIG. 3A, the description is omitted.
[0040]
  In FIG. 7, when the focal length of the biaxial condenser lens 60 is a lens of f60s shorter than f60, and this lens 60 is arranged at a position of f40 + f40 + f60s from the light emitting portion 12 (m, n), this biaxial collection is performed. After passing through the optical lens 60, the laser beam condensed at a distance of f60s behind the biaxial condenser lens 60 becomes dense in the slow axis direction. (Same as FIG. 4A)
  Conversely, when the focal length of the biaxial condenser lens 60 is a lens of f60e longer than f60, and this lens 60 is arranged at the position of f40 + f40 + f60e from the light emitting part 12 (m, n), this biaxial condenser lens 60 After passing through the laser beam, the laser beam condensed at a distance of f60e behind the biaxial condenser lens 60 becomes sparse in the slow axis direction. (Same as FIG. 4B)
[0041]
  Next, by using FIG. 7B, each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is condensed on the incident end face of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) in the fast axis direction. explain. In FIG. 7B, the focal length of the fast axis collimating lens 20 is f20, and the focal length of the biaxial condenser lens 60 is f60. In each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n), the spread angle in the fast axis direction is θinx. Further, the incident angle of the laser light incident on the optical fiber 80 (s, t) is θoutx (for example, 10 °). Further, the interval in the fast axis direction of the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) is Dh (for example, 1.75 mm).
  In order to select the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the biaxial condenser lens 60, the number of target optical fibers 80 (s, t) in the fast axis direction from Dh and θinx in the light emitting section 12 (m, n). The fast axis collimating lens 20 and the biaxial condenser lens 60 having focal lengths f20 and f60 that satisfy (s), the diameter (Dout), and θoutx may be selected.
  In this case, the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 has no effect in the fast axis direction, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0042]
  When each laser beam that has passed through the fast axis collimating lens 20 passes through the biaxial condenser lens 60, it is condensed at a distance of f60 from the biaxial condenser lens 60 (focal length of the biaxial condenser lens 60).
  Then, the optical fibers 80 (s, t) are arranged and condensed at positions where the respective laser beams are condensed by the biaxial condenser lens 60 (positions at a distance of f60 from the biaxial condenser lens 60). A laser beam is incident. At this time, laser light for each group in the fast axis direction is condensed for each group. For example, the optical fiber 80 (1, 1) includes a light emitting unit 12 (1, 1), a light emitting unit 12 (2, 1), a light emitting unit 12 (3, 1), and a light emitting unit 12 (4, 1) laser. Light is collected.
  Further, the number of optical fibers 80 (s, t) in the fast axis direction (in this case, “s”, which also determines the number of laser beams condensed in the fast axis direction), and the optical fiber 80 ( The focal length f60 of the biaxial condenser lens 60 and the arrangement position of the biaxial condenser lens 60 are determined by the diameter of s, t) (in this case, “Dout”) and θoutx.
[0043]
  In the second embodiment, the number of lenses can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, but in the laser light incident on the optical fiber 80 (s, t), the spread angle θoutx in the fast axis direction. Is relatively large. In order to make θoutx smaller, as shown in FIG. 10A, a plurality of biaxial condenser lenses 60 are arranged in the fast axis direction.
  Also in the first embodiment, θoutx can be made smaller by using a configuration in which a plurality of fast axis condenser lenses 30 are arranged in the fast axis direction as shown in FIG. 10B. Become.
  As described above, the configuration of each lens can be variously changed according to the arrangement of the optical fibers 80 (s, t) to be condensed and the incident angles (θoutx, θouty) to the optical fibers 80 (s, t). To do. Further, the optical fiber (s, t) may be plural or singular, and any number and arrangement can be set, so that it is possible to easily obtain the target laser light output.
[0044]
◆ [Third embodiment]
  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is omitted from the first embodiment. Further, the size of the slow axis condenser lens 50 is large.
  In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the distance between the semiconductor laser array 10 and the optical fiber 80 can be made very large compared to the conventional laser condensing device shown in FIG. 8 (as in the first embodiment). The same). For this reason, the arrangement of the lenses is easy and the incident angle to the optical fiber 80 can be reduced, so that the laser light can be condensed and incident on the optical fiber 80 more efficiently.
  Further, since the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is omitted from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the configuration is simplified as compared with the first embodiment, and each lens or the like is Positioning, adjustment, etc. can be made easier.
[0045]
[overall structure]
  FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the third embodiment.
  In FIG. 11, compared with the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the difference in configuration is that the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is omitted and the size of the slow axis condenser lens 50 is large. There is (above). Further, the arrangement position of the slow axis condenser lens 50 is also different from that of the first embodiment. The manner in which the condensing state of the laser light is different from that of the first embodiment due to the difference in configuration and the arrangement position will be described below.
  The number of optical fibers 80 can be variously changed according to the focal length (f50) of the slow axis condenser lens 50 and the like.
  Further, bundling the emission surface side of the optical fiber 80 and condensing the laser beam emitted from the optical fiber 80 with the condenser lens 120 is also described, but this part will be described later.
  Since others are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
[0046]
[Arrangement of each component and condensing state of laser beam]
  Next, referring to FIG. 12, the arrangement position of the light emitting unit 12, the fast axis collimating lens 20, the fast axis condensing lens 30, the slow axis condensing lens 50, the optical fiber 80, and the condensing state of the laser light (optical fiber). (Condensing state up to 80) will be described. FIG. 12A is a view as seen from the long axis (fast axis (X axis in FIG. 12)) direction. The laser beam is refracted in the short axis (slow axis (Y axis in FIG. 12)) direction. It shows how it collects light. FIG. 12B is a view seen from the short axis (slow axis) direction, and shows how laser light is refracted and condensed in the long axis (fast axis) direction.
  In FIG. 12B, the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 is omitted from FIG. Since the slow axis width uniformizing lens 40 has little influence in the major axis direction, the condensing state of the laser light shown in FIG. 12B is the same as the condensing state of the laser light shown in FIG. (The arrangement positions of the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the fast axis condenser lens 30 are also the same). Therefore, description of FIG. 12B is omitted.
[0047]
  Next, using FIG. 12A, each laser beam emitted from each light emitting section 12 (m, n) is condensed on the incident surface of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) in the slow axis direction. Will be explained. In FIG. 12A, the focal length of the slow axis condenser lens 50 is set to f50 (in this case, for example, 30 mm).
  Then, the slow axis condenser lens 50 is moved away from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) (S₁) ”And the optical fiber 80 (m, n) is“ distance from the slow axis condenser lens 50 (T₁) ”. At this time, S₁And T₁Set. (In the example of FIG.₁, T₁) = (60mm, 60mm))
  1 / S₁+ 1 / T₁= 1 / f50
  At this time, the position of each position is slightly corrected due to an error. Further, in each laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n), the spread angle in the slow axis direction is θiny (for example, 3.5 °). In addition, in the laser light incident on the optical fiber 80 (s, t), the incident angle in the slow axis direction is θouty (for example, 10 °). In order to make the incident angle (θouty) less than a predetermined angle, each optical fiber 80 (s, t) is placed on the YZ plane as shown by a dotted line in the optical fiber 80 (1, 1) in FIG. Thus, each may be rotated at an appropriate angle around the incident surface.
[0048]
  In order to select the slow axis condenser lens 50, the number of target optical fibers 80 (s, t) in the slow axis direction (t) from Din, Dp, Dw, θiny in the light emitting section 12 (m, n) (t ), A focal length (f50) satisfying the diameter (Dout) and θouty, and a slow axis condenser lens 50 may be selected.
  The incident surface of each optical fiber 80 (s, t) has a predetermined distance from the light emitting surface including the plurality of light emitting units 12 (m, n) (in this case, S₁+ T₁) On a straight line on the plane of the distance) and on a straight line substantially parallel to the minor axis direction. Hereinafter, the position where the incident surfaces of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) are arranged is referred to as a “laser focusing position”.
  In this case, the fast axis collimating lens 20 and the fast axis condensing lens 30 have almost no influence in the slow axis direction, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0049]
  Each laser beam emitted from each light emitting unit 12 (m, n) has an angle of θiny (for example, an angle of 3.5 °) with respect to the Z-axis direction, gradually spreads, and eventually overlaps. Since the traveling direction of each laser beam is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the slow axis condensing lens 50, the laser light overlapping in the slow axis direction passes through the slow axis condensing lens 50 and is 1 / S.₁+ 1 / T₁= 1 / f50 holds, the light emitting unit 12 (m, n) to S₁+ T₁Are condensed at a distance of.
  Then, each laser beam is condensed at the slow axis condenser lens 50 (distance S from the light emitting unit 12 (m, n)).₁+ T₁), The incident surface of the optical fiber 80 (s, t) is disposed, and the condensed laser light is incident on each optical fiber 80 (s, t).
  The laser beam is also focused in the “fast axis direction” at this “position where each laser beam is focused by the slow axis focusing lens 50 (laser focusing position)”.
[0050]
● [Condensation of laser light emitted from optical fiber]
  Next, referring to FIG. 13, the laser beam emitted from the optical fiber 80 (m, n) is moved to a predetermined position by the condenser lens 120 (as shown in the third embodiment (FIG. 11)). A state in which light is condensed at (position SM in FIG. 13) will be described. Although not shown, the first embodiment (FIG. 1) and the second embodiment (FIG. 6) similarly collect the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 80 (m, n). The lens 120 can collect light at a predetermined position.
  In addition, the emission surface of the optical fiber 80 (m, n) is bundled in an arbitrary shape as shown in FIGS. 14 (A) and (B). By adopting an arbitrary shape, for example, in the case of laser processing, processing can be performed in a desired shape. Further, the shape to be bundled is not limited to a circle (FIG. 14A), a rectangle (FIG. 14B), or the like, and various shapes can be used. In addition, in the case of bundling, the number of optical fibers can be bundled in various numbers as necessary.
[0051]
  13A and 13B, the predetermined position for condensing the laser light is [position SM], the focal length of the condensing lens 120 is [f120], and from [position SM] to the center of the condensing lens 120. (Distance T in the optical axis direction of the condensing lens 120) [distance T₂] And [Distance T_Three] The distance from the center of the condensing lens 120 to the exit surface of the optical fiber 80 (m, n) (distance in the optical axis direction of the condensing lens 120) [distance S₂] And [Distance S_Three].
  In addition, (S₂, T₂), (S_Three, T_Three) Is set.
  1 / S₂+ 1 / T₂= 1 / f120
  1 / S_Three+ 1 / T_Three= 1 / f120 and S_Three> S₂
  13A and 13B based on the above formula, it is clear that the distance from the exit surface of the optical fiber 80 (m, n) to the center of the condenser lens 120 [distance S_X] Increases, the distance from the center of the condenser lens 120 to [position SM] [distance T_X] Becomes smaller. [Distance T_X] Becomes smaller, the [focused spot distance Sout] on [position SM] becomes smaller. As [Condensing spot distance Sout] is smaller, the laser output per unit area is increased, which is effective for laser processing and the like.
  In this embodiment, a distance T from the condenser lens 120 is used._XThe position [position SM] is a condensing point, but the position at a distance f120 from the condensing lens 120 (the position of the focal length of the condensing lens 120) may be the condensing point.
[0052]
  As described above, when the light emitting device shown in the present embodiment is used, the laser light emitted from each light emitting unit 12 of the semiconductor laser array 10 is condensed using the lens group (optical condensing system). Therefore, the light can be incident on a smaller number of optical fibers. In particular, laser beams in the fast axis direction with good beam quality can be made incident on each optical fiber more effectively, which is effective for laser processing and the like.
  In addition, each laser beam is incident on a smaller number of thinner optical fibers, and the laser beam emitted from the optical fibers is further condensed by the condenser lens 120, so that the laser output can be further increased. It is very effective for laser processing.
[0053]
  The condensing device and the light emitting device of the present invention are not limited to the configuration described in this embodiment, and various modifications, additions, and deletions can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.
  The condensing device and the light emitting device of the present invention can be applied to various devices using laser light such as a laser processing device.
  The numerical values used in the description of the present embodiment are examples, and are not limited to these numerical values. Further, the shape, size, and the like of each lens are not limited to those described in the embodiments and drawings. Each lens used in the present invention may be a flat surface or a curved surface as long as one surface is a curved surface.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,If the laser condensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the condensing device or light emitting device according to the present embodiment is used,Each laser beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting portions of a semiconductor laser array can be more efficiently focused on an optical fiber and can be easily realized.Laser concentrator (Condenser)And a light emitting device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a light emitting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating laser light emitted from a light emitting unit of a semiconductor laser.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement position of each lens and the manner in which laser light that has passed through each lens is condensed in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how laser light that has passed through a slow axis condenser lens 50 is condensed when the slow axis condenser lens 50 is changed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the conventional (A) and the present invention (B) regarding light collection in the slow axis direction;
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second embodiment of a light-emitting device according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement position of each lens and how the laser light that has passed through each lens is condensed in the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional semiconductor laser condensing device.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement position of each lens and the manner in which laser light passing through each lens is condensed in a conventional semiconductor laser condensing device.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the light emitting device of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a third embodiment of a light-emitting device according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement position of each lens and the manner in which laser light that has passed through each lens is condensed in the third embodiment.
13 is a diagram for explaining how laser light emitted from an optical fiber 80 (m, n) is collected at a predetermined position by a condenser lens 120. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a state in which emission surfaces of optical fibers 80 (m, n) are bundled in an arbitrary shape.
[Explanation of symbols]
  10 Semiconductor laser array
  12 (m, n) Light emitting part
  20 fast axis collimating lens
  30 fast axis condenser lens
  40 slow axis width uniform lens
  50, 70 slow axis condenser lens
  60 Biaxial condenser lens
  80 (s, t) optical fiber

Claims (5)

  Provided with a plurality of laser light emitting sections that emit a plurality of laser beams that travel while extending in an elliptical shape and whose traveling directions are parallel to each other, and are arranged two-dimensionally in the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the ellipse A semiconductor laser array;
  A long-axis condensing lens group that condenses the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser array in the long-axis direction;
  A short-axis condensing lens group that condenses laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser array in the short-axis direction;
  A plurality of optical fibers on which the laser beams collected by the long axis condenser lens group and the short axis condenser lens group are incident;
  The long axis condensing lens group converts each laser beam emitted from the laser light emitting unit into parallel light with respect to the long axis direction, and parallel light with respect to the long axis direction. And a long-axis direction condensing lens that condenses each of the laser beams converted into the long-axis group for each group in the long-axis direction and toward the incident surface of the optical fiber. In the optical device,
  The short axis condenser lens group is:
  A short axis width uniform lens that is a single lens with a cylindrical shape,
  Consists of a short-axis condensing lens that is a cylindrical single lens,
  The short axis direction width uniformizing lens is:
  It arrange | positions so that an optical axis may become perpendicular | vertical to the said light emission surface while it arrange | positions in the position of the 1st focal distance which shows the focal distance of the said short axis direction width uniformization lens from the light emission surface in which these laser emission parts are arrange | positioned. Has been
  When viewed from the long axis direction, the center of the width in the short axis direction of each laser beam emitted from the laser light emitting unit is twice the first focal length from the light emitting surface on the optical axis. The direction of travel of each laser beam is refracted in a different direction with respect to the minor axis direction so that it passes through the vicinity of the focal position as a position, and the width of the minor axis direction of each laser beam is uniform. And
  The short axis condensing lens is
  Arranged at a position obtained by adding a second focal length indicating a focal length of the short-axis direction condenser lens to a position twice the first focal length from the light emitting surface, and arranged on the optical axis;
  When viewed from the major axis direction, the traveling directions of the laser beams refracted in different directions with respect to the minor axis direction so as to pass near the focal position are refracted in a direction parallel to the optical axis. And condensing each laser beam so that the width in the minor axis direction is small,
  A position obtained by adding twice the second focal length to a position twice the first focal length from the light emitting surface, and each of a plurality of the optical fibers on a condensing surface orthogonal to the optical axis. The incident surface is arranged,
Laser concentrator. The laser condensing device according to claim 1,
Furthermore, it has a condenser lens,
The condensing lens is arranged to condense laser light emitted from the emission surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers at a predetermined position .
Laser concentrator. The laser condensing device according to claim 2,
Emitting surface of the plurality of optical fibers are bundled into an arbitrary shape,
Laser concentrator. The laser condensing device according to claim 2 or 3,
Laser light emitted from two or more laser light emitting units in the group in the major axis direction is collected and incident on the incident surface of each optical fiber .
Laser concentrator. The laser condensing device according to claim 4,
Laser light emitted from two or more groups of laser light emitting units is further collected and incident on the incident surface of each optical fiber with respect to the group in the major axis direction .
Laser concentrator.

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