Laser Diode Wavelength Stabilizer Using Junction Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules face challenges in stabilizing laser light wavelengths due to changes in ambient temperature and laser diode deterioration, requiring complex structures and additional components like etalon filters, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength stabilizer that maintains the junction temperature of a laser diode using a thermoelectric cooler, controlled by a system measuring current, voltage, and temperature, without the need for additional components like etalon filters, thereby stabilizing the laser light wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components such as an etalon filter are used for wavelength stabilization, then wavelength stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the etalon filter component from the wavelength stabilization system. Instead of using the traditional etalon filter method, the invention uses only the thermoelectric cooler to maintain junction temperature, thereby simplifying the device structure while achieving wavelength stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric cooler is given a dual function: it not only controls the temperature for optimal laser operation but also serves as the primary mechanism for wavelength stabilization by maintaining constant junction temperature. This eliminates the need for separate wavelength stabilization components.
2Reliability
If additional components such as an etalon filter are used for wavelength stabilization, then wavelength stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the etalon filter component from the system, thereby reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing cost. The wavelength stabilization function is achieved solely through temperature control of the laser diode junction.
3Reliability
If junction temperature is constantly maintained using thermoelectric cooler, then wavelength stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the junction temperature and adjusts the thermoelectric cooler accordingly. This ensures wavelength stability while optimizing energy consumption by only applying cooling power when necessary to maintain the target temperature.
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 simplifies the optical module structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and effectively stabilizes laser light wavelengths even with laser diode deterioration or ambient temperature changes, making it suitable for WDM or DWDM applications.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric cooler allowing the laser diode to be mounted thereon, and adjusting the temperature of the laser diode under control of the controller
Implementation Method 2
The laser diode may include a substrate being in contact with the thermoelectric cooler and exchanging heat with the thermoelectric cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength stabilizer that performs wavelength stabilization using thermal characteristics of a laser diode without using additional components such as an etalon filter, and an optical module including the wavelength stabilizer, are proposed. The wavelength stabilizer for the optical module stabilizes the wavelength of laser light outputted from the laser diode and includes a controller constantly maintaining a junction temperature of the laser diode. The controller may constantly maintain the junction temperature of the laser diode through a thermoelectric cooler.