Device and method for transforming optical beams

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for optically transforming at least a radiation beam having a width extending in the plane X-Y. The device including optical elements provided with optically active interfaces, arrange in the radiation path. So as to obtain a more homogeneous intensity distribution in the output radiation beam and minimize internal losses, the invention includes at least one optical element in the form of a continuous angular transformation element including an optical interface having, along the x axis, an inclination continuously varying in the radiation direction, relative to the Y axis. The invention further concerns a method for continuously transforming a beam width extending in the X-Y plane, at least in the direction X, with defined divergence distribution.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for optical beam transformation of one or more ray bundles having an oblong beam cross-section in the x-y-plane using optical elements that have optically active interfaces arranged around the beam path, whereby at least one optical element is a continuous angle transformation element, that has an optical interface that, along the x-axis, has a continuously varying inclination in a beam direction relative to the y-axis, wherein in front of the angle transformation element a laser source is arranged, which is a laser bar that has a linear light emission surface stretched out in an x-direction, wherein a light output surface, and thereby a beam-cross section maintains a curved course and wherein a local inclination angle for a given x-coordinate is dependent at such point on a local deviation, Δy, of the beam source from a linear course.  
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the angle transformation element has a nonlinear inclination progression.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1  characterized in that the angle transformation element is designed as a refractive element.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1  characterized in that the angle transformation element is designed as a reflective element.