Laser Module Beam Combining With Inclined Emitter Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser modules that multiplex beams from multiple semiconductor laser light sources are large in size due to the arrangement of light sources in a perpendicular line direction, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization and beam alignment.
Innovation Solution
A laser module design that includes semiconductor laser light sources emitting beams at an angle relative to the perpendicular line, with mirrors to redirect and condense beams, utilizing a polarization beam combiner or dichroic mirror to multiplex and align beams efficiently, reducing the module's size and improving beam parameter product (BPP).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If light source units are arranged in a perpendicular line direction with stepwise positioning to uniform optical path lengths, then beam alignment is achieved, but the apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional perpendicular line arrangement to a two-dimensional planar configuration. Multiple light sources are arranged on the same plane with inclined emission directions, eliminating the need for stepwise positioning in the vertical direction while maintaining uniform optical path lengths through angular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the emission angle parameter of the light sources from perpendicular (90°) to inclined angles (e.g., 45° or other angles between 0° and 90°). This parameter modification allows the light sources to be positioned on the same plane while still achieving uniform optical path lengths to the combining beam splitter, thereby reducing apparatus size without compromising beam alignment.
2Power
If multiple semiconductor laser light sources are used to achieve high output, then power is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple semiconductor laser light sources and their optical paths into a single integrated module structure. The light sources are positioned on a common substrate with unified optical components (combining beam splitter, condensing lens) to merge their outputs, achieving high power while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The combining beam splitter serves multiple functions: it multiplexes beams from different light sources, redirects inclined beams to a common optical axis, and maintains uniform optical path lengths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high output.
3Manufacturing precision
If light sources emit in perpendicular direction, then optical path uniformity is achieved, but space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the light source arrangement from a vertical one-dimensional space to a horizontal two-dimensional plane. By emitting at inclined angles, the light sources utilize the planar space more efficiently, achieving uniform optical path lengths without requiring vertical stacking, thus improving space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs asymmetric inclined emission angles rather than symmetric perpendicular emission. This asymmetric configuration allows the optical paths from multiple light sources to converge uniformly at the combining beam splitter while arranging sources in a compact planar layout, optimizing both optical path uniformity and space utilization.
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
The design achieves a compact laser module with high output and uniform beam alignment, reducing costs and improving temperature control and reliability of the semiconductor laser light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror provided parallel to the first perpendicular line and configured to reflect the first beam emitted in the first direction from the first semiconductor laser light source
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror configured to transmit the first beam reflected by the first mirror in a second direction different from the first direction and reflect the second beam emitted from the second semiconductor laser light source in the second direction
Implementation Method 3
a light condensing optical system configured to condense the first beam and the second beam from the second mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module that includes a first substrate, a first semiconductor laser light source provided at the first substrate and emitting a first beam in a first direction inclined at a first angle larger than 0° and smaller than 90° with respect to a first perpendicular line of an emission surface, a second semiconductor laser light source provided at the first substrate and emitting a second beam in the first direction, a first mirror provided parallel to the first perpendicular line and configured to reflect the first beam emitted in the first direction, a second mirror configured to transmit the first beam reflected by the first mirror in a second direction different from the first direction and reflect the second beam in the second direction, and a light condensing optical system condensing the first beam and the second beam from the second mirror.