Apparatus and method of combining multiple laser beams using a negative focal length radial gradient index rod lens

摘要

An apparatus and an improved method of combining multiple laser beams into a single output beam, using a Gradient-Index (GRIN) rod with a negative, radial gradient. Using a rod of sufficient diameter and length, the input angle of a laser could be increased to allow room for a second laser to be placed beside the first laser, such that the beam enters the rod at any point within a certain acceptance cone, and at an angle determined by its place within that cone, ranging from zero degrees to the maximum acceptance angle. This can be used to allow an almost unlimited number of lasers to be use to boost the energy, power, or altering the apparent color of lasers by combining multiple beams along a single axis.