Dynamic beam lasers based on coherent beam combining

Abstract

Steering a laser beam is a well-studied method for attaining welds with better quality in reducing pores, spatters, and other defects. However, the steering frequency, the possible shapes, and the total power are limited. Mechanical scanners have speed and power restrictions; diffractive optical elements (DOE) and multi-core lasers have limited shape flexibility. Civan’s Dynamic Beam laser provides a High Power (up to 100 kW), Single Mode, Continuous Wave output with the ability to create arbitrary beam shapes and do beam steering at a speed of 10s of MHz. The Dynamic Beam is derived from using the Coherent Beam Combining (CBC) technology and the Optical Phased Array (OPA) technology. This combination allows to dynamically tailor beam parameters to the required application. The benefits of the Dynamic Beam are significant in many applications such as welding, cutting, drilling, and additive manufacturing. This is due to its ability to have better control of the melt pool and the keyhole, which both affect the quality of products. In cases where the melt pool is not stable, spatter and pores occur and damage the pieces.