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C. Brecher, R. Schmitt, P. Loosen, V. Guerrero, N. Pyschny, A. Pavim, A. Gatej
Optics and Lasers in Engineering, Volume 50, Issue 2, February 2012
Abstract
Nowadays, the assembly of laser systems is dominated by manual operations, involving elaborate alignment by means of adjustable mountings. From a competition perspective, the most challenging problem in laser source manufacturing is price pressure, a result of cost competition exerted mainly from Asia. From an economical point of view, an automated assembly of laser systems defines a better approach to produce more reliable units at lower cost. However, the step from today’s manual solutions towards an automated assembly requires parallel developments regarding product design, automation equipment and assembly processes.
This paper introduces briefly the idea of self-optimizing technical systems as a new approach towards highly flexible automation. Technically, the work focuses on the precision assembly of laser resonators, which is one of the final and most crucial assembly steps in terms of beam quality and laser power. The paper presents a new design approach for miniaturized laser systems and new automation concepts for a robot-based precision assembly, as well as passive and active alignment methods, which are based on a self-optimizing approach. Very promising results have already been achieved, considerably reducing the duration and complexity of the laser resonator assembly. These results as well as future development perspectives are discussed.
Additional information
The micromanipulator (Commander6) in the photo has been developed by Fraunhofer IPT, specifically for the passive and active alignment of optical components. It is a 6DOF parallel mechanism with flexure joints and piezo actuators. The achieved motion resolution of the device is below 10nm (or 5 µrad) within a workspace of +/- 1mm and +/- 3°.
Beyond the presented assembly process for resonator mirrors, Fraunhofer IPT has successfully automated several different alignment tasks of micro optics in laser systems, e.g. fast-axis-collimation (FAC) lenses or pump optics. Sample videos of the alignment processes can be found on our website.
Video Link:
The Commander6 manipulator is an ideal solution to enhance large-workspace positioners, e.g. SCARA-robots or gantry systems, with additional degrees-of-freedom for optics alignment processes. Together with Rohwedder Micro Assembly GmbH, the device has been integrated into the MicRohCell compact® micro assembly platform and is now industrially available.
For more information about the micromanipulator or the assembly platform, please get in contact with the corresponding author of the paper (or: [email protected]) or visit:
http://www.rohwedder.de/Micro-assembly-solution-MicRohCell-sup-R-sup-c.17.0.html?&L=1&cat=1&topic=17
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