Semiconductor Laser Module Segmented Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing power consumption in DWDM optical communication networks, particularly with advancements like 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps digital coherent communication, poses a challenge for semiconductor laser modules used as signal light sources, as conventional modules consume excessive power due to inefficient temperature adjustment methods.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor laser module design that employs separate temperature-adjusting elements for the DFB laser element and the semiconductor optical amplification element, utilizing high thermal conductivity materials and a Peltier element for precise temperature control, thereby reducing overall power consumption by optimizing heat management and minimizing unnecessary cooling of the optical amplification element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single temperature-adjusting element is used for both the semiconductor laser element and the semiconductor optical element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power consumption increases due to inefficient temperature control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature adjustment function is segmented into two independent temperature-adjusting elements: a first temperature-adjusting element for the semiconductor laser element and a second temperature-adjusting element for the semiconductor optical element. This segmentation allows each element to be controlled independently, optimizing power consumption by cooling only the laser element while allowing the optical element to operate at ambient temperature, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single temperature-adjusting element is used for both elements, then the device structure is simpler, but the temperature control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature control system is divided into two independent control loops with separate temperature-adjusting elements. The first temperature-adjusting element precisely controls the semiconductor laser element's temperature to maintain stable laser oscillation wavelength, while the second temperature-adjusting element independently controls the semiconductor optical element. This segmentation enables precise temperature control for each component without interference, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and temperature control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the semiconductor optical element is cooled along with the laser element, then the temperature control is simplified, but the power consumption increases due to unnecessary cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature management system is segmented such that the first temperature-adjusting element is dedicated to the semiconductor laser element and the second temperature-adjusting element is dedicated to the semiconductor optical element. This allows the laser element to be actively cooled for stable operation while the optical element operates at ambient temperature without unnecessary cooling, reducing overall power consumption by eliminating redundant cooling of the optical element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different temperature control strategies are applied to different parts of the system: the semiconductor laser element receives active temperature control and cooling to maintain stable laser oscillation, while the semiconductor optical element operates at ambient temperature. This local differentiation of temperature management quality optimizes power consumption by applying cooling only where necessary for functional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 achieves lower power consumption by allowing independent temperature control of the DFB laser and semiconductor optical amplification elements, reducing total power consumption by approximately 0.2 W compared to using a single temperature-adjusting element, while maintaining stable operation and wavelength control.

Implementation Method 1

a Peltier element for precise temperature control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing high thermal conductivity materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9203212B2Semiconductor laser module

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A semiconductor laser module includes: a semiconductor laser element having at least one semiconductor laser; a first support member on which the semiconductor laser element is mounted; a first temperature-adjusting element adjusting a temperature of the first support member; a semiconductor optical element having a semiconductor optical amplifier amplifying a laser light outputted from the semiconductor laser element; and a second support member on which the semiconductor optical element is mounted.