Distributed Bragg Reflector Laser Diode Air Gap Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing methods for distributed Bragg reflector laser diodes face challenges in minimizing heating and cooling interference, which affects the performance and efficiency of the optical apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating a recess region in the lower clad of the distributed Bragg reflector laser diode with an air gap between the laser diode and the cooling device, using gratings and upper electrodes to manage thermal efficiency and reduce interference between heating and cooling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cooling device is directly attached to the lower clad of the distributed Bragg reflector laser diode, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but heating and cooling interference occurs which degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
An air gap is introduced as an intermediary thermal insulator between the cooling device and the lower clad of the laser diode. This air gap reduces direct thermal coupling, minimizing heating and cooling interference while maintaining effective heat removal from the laser diode structure.
2Reliability
If thermal insulation is enhanced between the cooling device and laser diode, then heating and cooling interference is minimized, but thermal management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air gap is selectively positioned only in specific regions where thermal isolation is most beneficial for reducing heating and cooling interference. This localized thermal insulation approach maintains effective heat management in critical areas while providing thermal isolation where needed, balancing insulation benefits with thermal management requirements.
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
This approach effectively minimizes heating and cooling interference, enhancing the thermal efficiency and performance of the optical apparatus by using the air gap as a heat insulating material and optimizing the thermal isolation of the wavelength tunable section.
Implementation Method 1
an air gap between the cooling device and the distributed Bragg reflector laser diode... using the air gap as a heat insulating material
Implementation Method 2
The cooling device may include a thermocouple
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a cooling device with a lower clad disposed thereon; a waveguide disposed on the lower clad and including an active waveguide to define a gain section and a passive waveguide to define a wavelength-tunable section; gratings disposed in the lower clad of the wavelength-tunable section; an upper clad disposed on the waveguide; a first upper electrode disposed on the upper clad of the gain section; and a second upper electrode disposed on the upper clad of the wavelength-tunable section. The lower clad of the wavelength-tunable section has a recess region to expose an upper surface of the cooling device, the recess region forming an air gap-having a height of 10 μm to 80 μm from the upper surface of the cooling device. The gratings are formed in a depth of at least 5 μm from a bottom surface of the lower clad of the recess region.