Title: Building a vector model representation of a two-axis laser scanhead using numerical analysis for simulation purposes

Authors: Gregory Eberle; Claus Dold; Konrad Wegener

Addresses: Institute of Machine Tools and Manufacturing, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland ' Inspire AG, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland ' Institute of Machine Tools and Manufacturing, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland

Abstract: A vector model representing laser beam propagation into a two-axis laser scanhead is proposed. The model based on mathematical principles is classified as a stochastic model in which at least one of the input or output variables is probabilistic. The purpose of the model is to understand the behaviour of the scanhead system particularly in relation to the errors incurred from its design and the laser beam. Using this model, simulation looks into reproducing the marking results of a commercially available scanhead, effects of aperture misalignment, 3D ray tracing and Gaussian beam relations.

Keywords: MATLAB; two-axis scanning; galvanometer; laser scanning; laser scanhead; ray tracing; vector model; Gaussian beam; optical distortions; aperture misalignment; laser beam propagation; stochastic modelling; numerical analysis; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIC.2013.057131

International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 2013 Vol.20 No.3, pp.199 - 207

Published online: 27 Sep 2014 *

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