Edge-Emitting Laser Module with Vertical Reflection and Planar Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TO-CAN package laser diodes are costly and voluminous, while surface-emitting lasers have low power and limited wavelength options, and existing laser modules face high assembly costs and time-consuming adjustments due to independent emitting and receiving modules with misaligned optical axes.
Innovation Solution
A laser module integrating an edge-emitting laser component, a reflecting component, and a laser receiving module on a loading board, where the edge-emitting laser and reflecting components form a laser emitting module, allowing vertical laser emission and easy adjustment of optical axes to reduce volume, cost, and increase wavelength options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TO-CAN package laser diode is used for vertical laser emission, then laser emission function is achieved, but cost and volume are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser module into separate functional components: an edge-emitting laser component mounted on a first substrate, and a receiving module mounted on a second substrate. These segmented modules are then integrated on a loading board, allowing independent optimization of each component while reducing overall module volume compared to conventional TO-CAN packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the conventional vertical mounting orientation to a planar integration approach on a loading board. The laser component and receiving module are arranged on the same plane with their optical axes aligned horizontally, enabling compact two-dimensional layout instead of three-dimensional vertical stacking, thereby reducing module volume.
2Volume of stationary object
If surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is used, then volume is reduced, but laser power and wavelength options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an edge-emitting laser component that can operate at multiple wavelengths including 780nm, 808nm, 850nm, and 980nm. This universal laser component design allows the same module structure to support different wavelength applications, providing versatility while maintaining compact volume through planar integration.
3Reliability
If independent laser emitting module and receiving module are used, then functional performance is achieved, but assembly cost and time increase due to optical axis alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features directly into the loading board structure, including positioning holes and guide structures that pre-align the laser component and receiving module during assembly. This preliminary action ensures automatic optical axis alignment, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment processes while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified fixation structure on the loading board. The positioning holes and guide structures provide automatic mechanical alignment, substituting for time-consuming manual optical alignment procedures and reducing assembly complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional laser module structure is used, then laser emission is achieved, but module volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser component and receiving module into a single integrated module mounted on a common loading board. Both components share the same structural platform and are positioned with their optical axes aligned on the same plane, combining multiple functions into one compact unit and reducing overall module volume.
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
The solution minimizes module size, reduces assembly costs and time, and enhances wavelength and power selection by integrating components on a common plane, allowing for easy alignment of optical axes and reducing the volume of the module.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting component (30) arranged in front of the edge emitting laser component (20) on the loading board (10) for the first laser beam (L1) to be reflected vertically
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module, comprising: a loading board; an edge emitting laser component arranged on the loading board, and the edge emitting laser component emits a first laser beam; a reflecting component arranged in front of the edge emitting laser component on the loading board for the first laser beam to be reflected vertically, and the edge emitting laser component and reflecting component become a laser emitting module; and a laser receiving module arranged closed to the edge emitting laser component on the loading board to receive the first laser beam reflected from above.