Laser Mirror Layout for Precise Multi-Beam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light-emitting devices using semiconductor laser elements face challenges in aligning the traveling direction of laser beams with the designed direction, leading to deviations that can reduce the effectiveness of combining multiple laser beams into a high-power beam.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device configuration featuring a substrate, a semiconductor laser element, a first mirror member with an inclined reflective surface, a cover, and a second mirror member with a reflective surface positioned above the first, where the laser beam is reflected to change its direction, allowing for precise alignment and combination of multiple laser beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a semiconductor laser element is used to emit laser beams, then high-power laser output can be achieved, but deviation between the traveling direction of the laser beam and the designed traveling direction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser beam powerVSAvoidbeam direction alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent cover with a light-shielding film is introduced as an intermediary component between the semiconductor laser element and the external environment. The light-shielding film on the facing surface of the cover blocks stray light and reflections, while the cover itself transmits the laser beam. This intermediary structure enables precise alignment of the laser beam traveling direction with the designed direction, reducing deviation without affecting the high-power output capability of the semiconductor laser element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If multiple laser beams are combined to increase power output, then high-power laser beam can be emitted, but alignment accuracy between beams becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombined laser beam powerVSAvoidbeam alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the semiconductor laser element, transmits the laser beam with minimal deviation, and provides a mounting surface for the light-shielding film that reduces stray light. This multi-functional design enables effective combination of multiple laser beams by maintaining precise alignment accuracy while achieving high-power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively reduces beam deviation, enabling the efficient combination of multiple laser beams into a high-power output, improving the alignment accuracy to less than 1°, thereby enhancing the output of the combined light.

Implementation Method 1

The first reflective surface reflects the laser beam to change a traveling direction of the laser beam to a direction away from the mounting surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The second reflective surface reflects the laser beam reflected by the first reflective surface to further change the traveling direction of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4312325A1Light-emitting device
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 NICHIA CORP
  • EP4312325A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4312325A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4312325A1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

A light-emitting device includes: a substrate having a mounting surface; a semiconductor laser element supported by the mounting surface; a first mirror member supported by the mounting surface and having a first reflective surface oriented obliquely upward; a cover that has a facing surface facing the mounting surface of the substrate, has an upper surface positioned on a side opposite to the facing surface, and is positioned above the semiconductor laser element and the first mirror member; and a second mirror member supported by the upper surface of the cover and having a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface reflects a laser beam to change a traveling direction of the laser beam to a direction away from the mounting surface of the substrate. The cover transmits the laser beam reflected by the first reflective surface. The second reflective surface reflects the laser beam reflected by the first reflective surface.