Laser Diode Chip with Integrated Heater for Wavelength Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser diode chips exhibit temperature-dependent emission wavelengths, leading to instability, especially in applications where temperature control is not feasible, causing issues with spectral filtering and signal-to-noise ratio in metrology applications.
Innovation Solution
A laser diode chip design incorporating a heating element, preferably a conductor track made from the same material as the p-contact, is integrated to allow targeted heating of the active layer, ensuring stable emission wavelengths by controlling temperature through electrical energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a temperature control system is used to stabilize emission wavelength, then wavelength stability is improved, but heating power requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into two independent parts: a heating element integrated directly on the laser diode chip for localized temperature control, and a separate temperature control unit that regulates the heating element. This segmentation allows precise temperature stabilization with minimal heating power while maintaining wavelength stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a temperature control system is used to stabilize emission wavelength, then wavelength stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the laser diode chip structure, being formed from the same metal layer that serves as the p-contact. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating component mounting and reduces system complexity while achieving effective localized temperature control for wavelength stabilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heating element is formed from a separate metal layer, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal layer serving as the p-contact is given dual functionality: it provides both electrical contact and heating element functions. By patterning specific regions of this multi-functional layer, the invention achieves heating capability without adding manufacturing steps, thereby reducing manufacturing effort while maintaining design flexibility.
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 provides stable emission wavelengths with low heating power requirements, enabling efficient and agile temperature control, reducing parasitic heat paths and manufacturing effort, and maintaining performance comparable to chips without heating elements.
Implementation Method 1
A laser diode chip design incorporating a heating element, preferably a conductor track made from the same material as the p-contact, is integrated to allow targeted heating of the active layer, ensuring stable emission wavelengths by controlling temperature through electrical energy conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser diode chip is described, comprising including:an n-type semiconductor region, a p-type semiconductor region, and an active layer arranged between the n-type semiconductor region and the p-type semiconductor region, an n-type contact and a p-type contact,at least one heating element arranged on a side of the laser diode chip facing the p-type semiconductor region, the heating element functioning as a resistance heater, andat least one metallic seed layer, wherein the heating element comprises a part of the seed layer, and wherein the p-type contact is arranged on a further part of the seed layer.