Semiconductor Laser Array Layout for Lower Voltage and Thermal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices face challenges in reducing electric power consumption and driving voltage, particularly in minimizing thermal interference and wire length between semiconductor lasers.
Innovation Solution
The light source device is designed with first and second semiconductor laser elements arranged alternately on a base portion, along with power supply terminals and reflecting members, to reduce wire length and thermal interference, allowing for a decrease in driving voltage by optimizing the placement and spacing of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If semiconductor laser elements are arranged closely to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but thermal interference between lasers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device alternates between first semiconductor laser elements and second semiconductor laser elements in the array, creating segmented groups with different thermal characteristics. This segmentation allows heat from one group to be distributed and managed separately, reducing cumulative thermal interference while maintaining compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different regions of the laser array. Specifically, first reflecting members are positioned for first semiconductor laser elements while second reflecting members are positioned for second semiconductor laser elements, creating locally optimized thermal and optical paths that reduce overall thermal interference in the compact device.
2Temperature
If power supply terminals are positioned far from semiconductor laser elements to reduce interference, then thermal interference is reduced, but wire length increases and driving voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power supply terminals are segmented and distributed among the alternating laser groups. First power supply terminals serve first semiconductor laser elements while second power supply terminals serve second semiconductor laser elements, allowing short wire connections within each segment while maintaining thermal separation between adjacent lasers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions power supply terminals in the lateral direction between adjacent laser elements rather than only in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional repositioning allows terminals to be closer to lasers (reducing wire length) while still maintaining thermal separation through the alternating arrangement pattern.
3Power
If wire length between power supply terminals and semiconductor lasers is reduced, then driving voltage is reduced, but device complexity increases due to alternating arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of alternating laser elements and their corresponding reflecting members into a unified alternating pattern. First semiconductor laser elements with first reflecting members alternate with second semiconductor laser elements with second reflecting members, creating a regular repeating unit that simplifies manufacturing despite the alternating configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating pattern of first and second laser elements with their respective reflecting members creates a repeating modular unit. This copying approach allows the complex alternating arrangement to be manufactured by repeatedly placing identical modular units, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired short wire lengths and low driving voltage.
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 configuration effectively reduces the driving voltage and minimizes thermal interference, leading to a more efficient and compact light source device with improved power management.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first semiconductor laser elements is configured to emit laser light in a first optical axis direction perpendicular to the array direction
Implementation Method 2
The one or more second semiconductor laser elements are each configured to emit laser light in a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the array direction and opposite to the first optical axis direction
Implementation Method 3
The first reflecting members are spaced apart from the first semiconductor laser elements in the first optical axis direction
Implementation Method 4
The one or more second reflecting members are spaced apart from the one or more second semiconductor laser elements in the second optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a base portion, first semiconductor laser elements, one or more first power supply terminals, first reflecting members, one or more second semiconductor laser elements, one or more second power supply terminals, and one or more second reflecting members. The one or more first power supply terminals are each disposed respectively in a region interposed between adjacent ones of the first semiconductor laser elements in an array direction. The one or more second semiconductor laser elements are each configured to emit laser light in a second optical axis direction opposite to a first optical axis direction of the first semiconductor laser elements. At least one of the one or more second reflecting members is disposed in a region interposed between adjacent ones of the first reflecting members in the array direction.