Independent Laser Diode Control for Nominal Current Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser devices with multiple laser diodes typically operate all diodes simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies when application conditions change, requiring different devices for various applications, and failing to maintain diodes in their optimal current range.
Innovation Solution
A method and laser device design allowing for independent control of laser diodes, where the number of diodes operated in the nominal current range is adjusted based on input current or voltage, with some diodes operating in the nominal range and others below it to maximize efficiency, and dynamically switching on additional diodes as input conditions permit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If all laser diodes are operated simultaneously, then the total optical power output is maximized, but the efficiency drops when application conditions change and input current is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser diodes into individually controllable units, allowing selective operation of subsets of diodes based on available input current. This segmentation enables the system to operate only the necessary number of diodes in their nominal current range, avoiding the energy waste of operating all diodes when input current is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of laser diode operation by continuously monitoring input current levels and adjusting the number of active diodes accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high efficiency across varying input conditions by ensuring operated diodes remain within their nominal current range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single laser device is used for multiple applications, then device versatility is improved, but the device cannot maintain optimal efficiency across all applications with fixed design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single laser device with multiple independently controllable diodes that can be adapted to different applications by adjusting the number and configuration of active diodes. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining efficiency through dynamic operational adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (number of active diodes, current distribution) based on application requirements and available input current. This parameter adjustment enables the same physical device to operate efficiently across diverse applications by matching the number of active diodes to the input current capacity.
3Power
If the number of operated laser diodes is increased, then the total optical power increases, but the input current required exceeds what is available for proper operation in nominal current range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor input current levels and automatically adjust the number of active laser diodes accordingly. This feedback control ensures that diodes are operated within their nominal current range while maximizing optical power output given the available input current, eliminating the need for complex manual current distribution management.
4Device complexity
If laser diodes are operated below nominal current range, then device complexity is reduced by operating fewer diodes, but the efficiency and performance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent skips operating diodes that cannot be maintained in their nominal current range given the available input current. By selectively activating only those diodes that can operate efficiently, the system avoids the inefficiency of operating diodes below their nominal current range while still maximizing total optical power output.
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
Enables a single laser device to be used for diverse applications by optimizing the number of diodes in the nominal current range, improving efficiency and reducing the need for multiple devices, while maintaining high performance across varying input conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Laser diodes are also called semiconductor lasers. If the operating current is above the threshold value, the laser diode emits laser radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment of the method of operating a laser device (100) having a plurality of laser diodes (1) which can be controlled independently of one another, wherein controlled laser diodes are each operated with an operating current (I), and wherein each laser diode can be operated for a proper operation in a nominal current range (ΔI), a step A) is carried out in which an input current (I_0) or an input voltage (U_0) is applied to the laser device. Furthermore, a step B) is carried out in which a characteristic value is determined that is representative of a number N of laser diodes that can be operated in the respective nominal current range with the input current applied in step A) or with the input voltage applied in step A). If the characteristic value is representative of N≥1, M laser diodes are controlled in a step C) in such a way that the M laser diodes are each operated in the nominal current range, wherein 1≤M≤N is selected.