Freeform beam splitting system design for generating an array of identical sub-beams

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Optical Engineering
• Freeform Optics

Background:

• Laser beam splitting is crucial for applications like laser processing.
• Freeform optics offer advanced beam shaping capabilities but are less explored for beam splitting.
• Existing methods may face challenges in ensuring consistency and managing diffraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate novel freeform optical systems for laser beam splitting.
• To achieve consistent laser spot generation through an intermediate Gaussian sub-beam array.
• To reduce diffraction effects in laser beam splitting applications.

Main Methods:

• Designing freeform optical systems to convert input beams into Gaussian sub-beam arrays.
• Utilizing two system configurations: two plano-freeform lenses, or a plano-freeform lens with a compound lens.
• Employing ray mapping and double-surface construction based on irradiance distributions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated two effective freeform beam splitting systems.
• Verified the generation of identical discrete spots on the target plane.
• Confirmed the reduction of diffraction effects by using larger Gaussian sub-beams.

Conclusions:

• The proposed freeform optics approach enables consistent laser processing via uniform Gaussian sub-beams.
• The intermediate Gaussian sub-beam array design effectively mitigates diffraction.
• The developed systems offer a promising solution for advanced laser beam splitting.