Conductive Optical Assembly Support for VCSEL Safety Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing techniques for miniature optoelectronic modules, such as VCSEL devices, face challenges in achieving precision dimensions and ensuring laser safety due to issues like damage, moisture, or chemical contamination, which can compromise optical performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with electrically conductive leads and recesses for receiving conductive fluid, combined with spacers and adhesive, facilitates precise assembly and electrical connection, enabling detection of damage or contamination without compromising optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is applied within the package using conventional manufacturing techniques, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision deteriorates making it difficult to achieve necessary dimensional standards
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into distinct functional zones: adhesive application areas for bonding and recess areas for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the adhesive areas provide strong bonding while the recess areas maintain precise dimensional control and electrical connectivity without interference from adhesive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection function is extracted from the adhesive application process. Instead of relying on adhesive to provide both mechanical bonding and electrical connection (which compromises precision), the patent uses dedicated recess structures that receive conductive material separately, allowing precise dimensional control to be maintained while still achieving electrical connectivity.
2Power
If high power VCSEL is used to increase optical output, then illumination performance is improved, but laser safety deteriorates causing potential damage to eye or skin
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive structure embedded in the support framework provides continuous electrical monitoring capability. This feedback mechanism can detect changes in electrical properties that may indicate damage to optical components or contamination, allowing the system to respond by reducing or shutting off the high power VCSEL output to maintain safety while preserving illumination performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with integrated conductive material acts as an intermediary between the high power VCSEL and the external environment. It provides both mechanical support and electrical monitoring/clearing pathways, mediating the safety concerns while enabling the high power operation necessary for optimal illumination performance.
3Volume of moving object
If optical structure is made compact to reduce module size, then portability is improved, but detection of damage or contamination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support framework merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: mechanical support for the optical assembly, electrical connection pathways, and damage/contamination detection capability. This consolidation maintains compact module size while embedding sensing functionality that enables damage detection without requiring additional separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures precise positioning and electrical connection of optical assemblies, allowing for straightforward assembly and real-time monitoring of optical integrity to maintain eye-safety and optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive fluid received in the recess maintains the first electrical interface portion of the electrically conductive lead and an electrically conductive structure of an optical assembly supported by the surface in electrical connection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A support structure for mounting an optical assembly above an optoelectronic device, the optical assembly comprising an electrically conductive structure, the support structure comprising: a first surface for supporting an optical assembly; and an electrically conductive lead, wherein said electrically conductive lead comprises: a first electrical interface portion adjacent to the first surface for forming an electrical contact with an electrically conductive structure of an optical assembly supported by the first surface; a second electrical interface portion on a side opposing the first surface, and wherein the electrically conductive lead extends from the first electrical interface portion to the second electrical interface portion so as to maintain an optical assembly supported on the first surface and the second electrical interface portion in electrical contact.