Laser Component Wavelength Stability via Diode Array Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser components for optical communication face challenges in maintaining stable emission wavelengths due to temperature fluctuations, leading to increased apparatus size and operational costs as they require precise temperature control using Peltier elements.

Innovation Solution

A laser component with multiple laser diodes emitting different wavelengths, where a control unit switches the active laser diode based on environmental temperature changes to maintain a predetermined wavelength, eliminating the need for precise temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precise temperature control using Peltier elements is implemented, then stable emission wavelength is achieved, but apparatus size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission wavelength stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The laser component is divided into multiple independent laser diodes, each emitting a different wavelength. By segmenting the temperature control requirement into discrete wavelength channels, the system can switch between segments based on temperature without controlling all segments simultaneously, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wavelength stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (active laser diode) based on temperature variations. Instead of maintaining constant temperature, the patent adjusts which laser diode is active according to the temperature-emission wavelength relationship, thereby maintaining stable output wavelength through parameter substitution rather than thermal control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If precise temperature control using Peltier elements is implemented, then stable emission wavelength is achieved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission wavelength stabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The laser component is divided into multiple independent laser diodes, each emitting a different wavelength. By segmenting the temperature control requirement into discrete wavelength channels, the system can switch between segments based on temperature without controlling all segments simultaneously, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wavelength stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (active laser diode) based on temperature variations. Instead of maintaining constant temperature, the patent adjusts which laser diode is active according to the temperature-emission wavelength relationship, thereby maintaining stable output wavelength through parameter substitution rather than thermal control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If multiple laser diodes with different wavelengths are arranged in an array, then temperature control complexity is reduced, but wavelength selection control is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control systemVSAvoidwavelength selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control unit that monitors temperature and provides feedback to select the appropriate laser diode. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the active wavelength based on environmental conditions, simplifying operation while maintaining wavelength stability without requiring manual intervention or complex temperature control hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures stable wavelength output over varying temperatures without the need for complex temperature control systems, reducing size and power consumption while maintaining reliable optical communication.

Implementation Method 1

multiple laser devices arranged in an array to include different emission wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS10523357B2Laser component and laser generating apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A laser component includes multiple laser devices arranged in an array to include different emission wavelengths, and a driving unit that, while switching each of the laser devices along the array into a turn-ON-enabled state that enables the laser device to turn to an ON state, brings one of the laser devices that has an emission wavelength corresponding to a predetermined wavelength into an ON state and maintains the ON state.