Beam shaping for two-dimensional laser array by a computational model

Abstract

The application of two-dimensional array laser source is more and more popular. Currently, many methods have been proposed for the collimation of laser beams; however, there is still a lack of research for the collimation of array laser sources so far. This paper presents a collimating method for array laser source. Through the calculation of the lens surfaces, the shape of the illumination spot on the target can be directly controlled, and the diameter of the lens can be directly constrained by setting the initial point coordinates. In this method, the edge-ray principle is used to simplify the extended light source model. The size and intensity distribution of the light spot irradiated by the light source to the target position were simulated by establishing a ray tracing model. The whole process was calculated using MATLAB software. The corresponding lens model can be obtained by fitting discrete coordinate points using Solid Works. Finally, the optical design software ZEMAX is used for simulation test. After shaping the laser light source with a luminous diameter of 1 mm, a circular and uniform spot is obtained at 100 m. For the point light source model, the divergence angle of 0.28° is achieved. Furthermore, an annular spot is also realized by setting the laser irradiation range, which provide a new solution for customized laser lighting.