Laser Diode Thermal Management with Insulating Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser systems face thermal management and electrical insulation challenges due to increased operating temperatures from higher current driving, which affect reliability and beam quality.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system for laser diodes using highly conductive electrodes and a thermally conductive mount with an electrically insulating layer, such as aluminum nitride, to prevent electrical conduction while maintaining thermal conductivity, coupled with a housing body that allows for liquid cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If laser diodes are driven at increasingly higher currents to achieve higher laser output power, then the laser output power is improved, but the operating temperature increases causing thermal-management issues and reliability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management function by introducing a separate thermally conductive mount that is electrically isolated from the electrodes. This allows the heat dissipation path to be separated from the electrical conduction path, enabling independent optimization of both thermal management and electrical insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermally conductive mount between the laser diode and the heat sink. This mount acts as a mediator that transfers heat efficiently while providing electrical insulation, thus resolving the conflict between thermal management and electrical isolation requirements.
2Temperature
If thermally conductive materials are used to manage heat, then thermal conductivity is improved, but electrical conductivity also increases causing electrical insulation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures, specifically a thermally conductive mount made of electrically insulating materials. This composite approach allows the system to achieve high thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical insulation, as the mount is specifically designed to conduct heat but block electrical current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the thermal management system have different properties. The thermally conductive mount has high thermal conductivity but low electrical conductivity, creating a localized property distribution that simultaneously satisfies both thermal management and electrical insulation requirements.
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 solution effectively manages thermal issues and provides electrical insulation, enabling the creation of high-brightness, low beam parameter product laser systems with improved reliability and beam quality.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating layer provides thermal conductivity between the mount and the electrode facing the mount
Implementation Method 2
electrically insulating layer between the mount and the electrode facing the mount... materials with a high electrical resistivity, or 'electrically insulating materials,' have an electrical resistivity of at least 1×108 ohm·meter (Ω·m)
Implementation Method 3
a thermally conductive mount (that may be liquid cooled)
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a laser apparatus includes a beam emitter, first and second mounts disposed on opposing sides of the beam emitter and in electrical and thermal contact therewith, and a housing body for conducting heat away from the beam emitter.