High-precision detection of laser focal position based on image processing forming by microlens array

Abstract

Many practical uses have been proven by purposely controlling light propagation to achieve adequate non-contact effects on materials. Delivering high-power light into a small region on the materials’ surfaces, known as light focusing, allows us to perform several processing methods, such as laser cutting, welding, or scanning. One of the major goals in laser focusing includes the ability of the system to attain fast and precise focusing on the target surface. To enhance the precision and efficiency of focal point detection in laser processing, a simulation study of laser beam focusing with the use of a microlens array is presented. The effects of the microlens array on laser beam focusing are examined by applying geometrical optics to calculations and then verified by image processing simulated data in OpticStudio. Our findings show that microlens array-based laser beam focusing increases laser system performance significantly with a simulated result of up to 2.9% different from the calculations, and that simulation modelling can be a valuable tool for refining optical models in laser focusing.