Optimizing Laser Beam Expansion for Long-Distance Scanning Applications

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter moapz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Beam Laser Laser beam
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and optimization of a laser beam expander intended for long-distance scanning applications, specifically for projecting a scanned image onto a wall at a distance of 50 meters. Participants explore the geometry involved in using rotary prism mirrors and the necessary optics for achieving the desired image size and clarity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in creating a laser expander that can scan a 3m x 3m area from a distance of 50m using two rotary prism mirrors for movement in the x and y directions.
  • Another participant suggests placing the prism surfaces confocal to the focal point of an f-theta lens, indicating that the problem is geometrical and referencing commercial solutions.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the previous suggestion and requests clarification on optics or laser beam references.
  • One participant describes their setup involving two rotary prism-pair mirrors and explains how the scanning process works to create a rectangle from the scanned lines, seeking help with lens selection for magnifying the image to be projected at a distance of 50m.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the divergence of the scanned beam and questions the distance from the mirror at which the scanned line is generated, suggesting a focus on angles rather than linear sizes.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the distance from the mirror for creating the scanned image and inquires whether a laser pointer pen could be used for initial testing, as well as the necessity of a lens for magnification over a distance of 60m.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the optimal approach for the laser expander design, and multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the geometry, optics, and practical implementation of the scanning system.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear assumptions about the divergence of the laser beam, the specific requirements for lens selection, and the practical feasibility of using a laser pointer pen for initial trials.

moapz
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
i want to create laser expander, that scan the wall; with 3m x 3m dimension and 50m distance from this expander. and using with two Rotary Prism mirrors; one for "x" movement and another for "y" move.
is there anyone help me.
 
Science news on Phys.org
This is a fairly standard problem: place the prism surfaces confocal to the focal point of an f-theta lens:

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2961

Then it's all geometry. In fact, there are commercial solutions: look around and copy their design.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Andy Resnick said:
This is a fairly standard problem: place the prism surfaces confocal to the focal point of an f-theta lens:

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2961

Then it's all geometry. In fact, there are commercial solutions: look around and copy their design.

thanks andy.
can you introduce reference for optic or laser beam?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
moapz said:
thanks andy.
can you introduce reference for optic or laser beam?

I don't understand what you mean.
 
I have 2 rotary prism-pair mirrors.
first, laser beam illuminate and encounter to first rotary prism mirror (make it like Cone with 5face). it help beam to scan X line. (line width is 1cm)
now this scanned line,reflected to other prism (like cylinder but with face,5face) and this line scanned again for scanning Y axis. and now we have 1x1 rectangle.
i want to magnifying this 1cmx1cm solid picture, by using Correct lenses for presentation. this image should be create in 50m far from this machine. and it's image should be at least 2.5mx2.5m.

i don't have enough knowledge about find focal length or using correct lens for magnifying this picture for create far image !
 
Last edited:
It's just geometry- for example, you say the scanning mirror generates a 1 cm line, how far from the mirror is the 1 cm line? Clearly, as you get farther and farther away, the size of the line (rectangle) will increase.

What I am asking about is the *divergence* of the scanned beam. Instead of linear sizes, think about the angles- through what angle is the beam scanned?
 
Andy Resnick said:
It's just geometry- for example, you say the scanning mirror generates a 1 cm line, how far from the mirror is the 1 cm line? Clearly, as you get farther and farther away, the size of the line (rectangle) will increase.

What I am asking about is the *divergence* of the scanned beam. Instead of linear sizes, think about the angles- through what angle is the beam scanned?

sorry,but problem is here. i don't know how far from mirror it can be created.
i saw this project : http://hackedgadgets.com/2006/07/10/home-built-laser-projector/"
can i use "Laser Pointer Pen" (for first try) for laser?
and should i use lens for magnification, for 60m long?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Graduate The coherence length is much longer than the manufacturer claims
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad Debug help: optical laser interference setup fails to work
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Michelson interferometer dimensions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Optics for High Resolution Laser Imaging: Finding the Best Path
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Interference of a fat laser beam: Tilting wave peaks
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Efficient Laser Beam Expansion Techniques for Optimal Illumination
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
8K
Graduate Collimating beam with optical axis
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
High School Understanding the Basics of Lasers: A Comprehensive Walkthrough
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
MATLAB How to calculate stress on a beam using MATLAB?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad How Does the Balloon Analogy Explain the Expansion of the Universe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K