Laser Diode Control Circuit Merging Pump and Switch Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Q-switch laser control systems require complex control circuits with high transit times and are prone to inadvertent triggering due to high voltage rise during pumping, necessitating separate control of the pump and switch areas.
Innovation Solution
A laser diode configuration with a shared cathode and two voltage potentials, along with low-resistance resistors and NMOS switches, allows for simplified control using a single control circuit, enabling quick switching and ensuring eye safety with short, low-energy pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control circuits are used for pump area and switch area, then reliable control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of pump area and switch area into a single control circuit by using a shared cathode connection. The control circuit includes a single switch that controls both the pump current path and the switch current path through the common cathode, eliminating the need for separate high-side and low-side switches and their associated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control circuit performs multiple functions: it controls pump current flow to the pump area, controls switch current flow to the switch area, and provides a common reference potential for both areas. The shared cathode serves as a universal connection point that enables one switch to control two distinct current paths.
2Ease of operation
If complex control circuits with level adjustment and floating supply voltage are used, then separate control of pump and switch areas is achieved, but transit times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates level adjustment circuits and floating supply voltage requirements by merging the control of both areas into a single circuit referenced to a common cathode potential. This single-reference architecture removes the need for complex voltage level translation and reduces the number of switching operations required.
3Productivity
If high rates of voltage rise during pumping are used, then pumping efficiency is improved, but inadvertent triggering of laser pulse occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current paths by using separate diodes for pump area and switch area while sharing the cathode. This segmentation allows independent control of pump current and switch current, enabling high pumping rates without inadvertently triggering the switch area, as the switch remains controlled by a separate current path.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If quick switching is implemented to ensure eye safety, then pulse duration is reduced, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves quick switching for eye safety by merging the control functions into a single circuit with a shared cathode. This unified control architecture reduces the number of switching operations and control signals needed, enabling fast pulse generation without requiring complex multi-switch control circuits.
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 simplifies the control circuit, reduces switching times, and ensures efficient and safe laser pulse generation by eliminating the need for separate control of the pump and switch areas, achieving quick switching and minimizing energy in laser pulses.
Implementation Method 1
The gain region of the lasers includes a pump area in which the energy is generated and stored, and a switch area that releases the stored energy
Implementation Method 2
According to the present invention, a resistor is electrically connected to the first anode and to the second anode
Implementation Method 3
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first switch and the second switch are designed as NMOS transistors
Implementation Method 4
In another embodiment of the present invention, storage capacitors are provided which provide, include, hold constant, or stabilize the first voltage potential and the second voltage potential
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating a laser pulse. The device includes a laser diode that includes a first diode and a second diode, so that the laser diode includes a first anode, a second anode, and a cathode. The device further includes a first voltage potential that is electrically connected to the second anode, a second voltage potential that has a lower value than the first voltage potential, a first switch that is electrically connected to the first anode and to the second voltage potential, and a second switch that is electrically connected to the cathode and to the second voltage potential. A resistor is electrically connected to the first anode and to the second anode.