Laser Submount with Varying Thickness for Uniform Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor laser arrays experience temperature differences along their array arrangement direction, leading to varying oscillation wavelengths and reduced laser output when used with wavelength conversion elements or external resonant mirrors, as heat is harder to dissipate at the center than at the ends, causing inefficiencies in laser oscillation and output.
Innovation Solution
A laser light source with a submount having varying distances between its surfaces along the array arrangement direction, combined with a base plate and joining member of different thermal conductivities, ensures uniform temperature distribution among emitters, allowing for equal oscillation wavelengths and improved laser output. Additionally, incorporating wavelength conversion and selection elements helps match oscillation wavelengths with external resonant mirrors for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a semiconductor laser array is used to increase output at a specific oscillation wavelength, then the total laser output should increase, but the oscillation wavelengths differ among light exiting regions due to temperature differences, causing the laser output to decrease at the specific wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The submount is designed with non-uniform thickness along the array arrangement direction, creating different thermal conductivity characteristics at different positions. The thinner regions provide better heat dissipation, while thicker regions provide thermal insulation, allowing each light exiting region to maintain its oscillation wavelength within a specific range for efficient wavelength conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the submount (thickness) to control thermal conductivity distribution. By varying the thickness from uniform to non-uniform, the thermal conductivity parameter changes spatially, enabling temperature control that maintains oscillation wavelengths within the efficient conversion range across all light exiting regions
2Power
If an external resonant mirror is used to achieve efficient laser oscillation at a specific wavelength, then the laser output should be maximized, but the oscillation wavelengths differ among light exiting regions due to temperature differences, making it impossible to match all oscillation wavelengths with the resonant mirror wavelength, causing total output to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The submount's non-uniform thickness creates localized thermal characteristics that ensure all light exiting regions operate at temperatures producing oscillation wavelengths within the resonant mirror's efficient reflection range, enabling all regions to be effectively matched with the external resonant mirror
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a thermal equipotential condition where all light exiting regions are maintained within a temperature range that produces oscillation wavelengths suitable for resonant mirror matching, effectively equalizing the wavelength output characteristics across the array
3Ease of manufacture
If the submount has a uniform thickness to simplify manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is easier, but temperature differences along the array arrangement direction cause varying oscillation wavelengths and reduced laser output
Solution Approach 1:
The submount is designed with non-uniform thickness along the array arrangement direction, creating different thermal conductivity characteristics at different positions. The thinner regions provide better heat dissipation, while thicker regions provide thermal insulation, allowing each light exiting region to maintain its oscillation wavelength within a specific range for efficient wavelength conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the submount (thickness) to control thermal conductivity distribution. By varying the thickness from uniform to non-uniform, the thermal conductivity parameter changes spatially, enabling temperature control that maintains oscillation wavelengths within the efficient conversion range across all light exiting regions
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 maintains uniform temperature and oscillation wavelengths across the semiconductor laser array, enhancing laser output efficiency and reducing temperature-related inefficiencies, especially when used with wavelength conversion and selection elements, thereby improving overall performance in illumination and display devices.
Implementation Method 1
A coefficient of thermal conductivity of the submount may be smaller than a coefficient of thermal conductivity of the joining member. Thereby, the coefficient of thermal conductivity from the submount to the base can be easily improved.
Implementation Method 2
A semiconductor laser element generates heat at the time of light irradiation
Implementation Method 3
Especially, when the array is used in combination with a wavelength conversion element, since the wavelength conversion element performs efficient conversion at a wavelength, there is a problem that the laser output from the light exiting region that oscillates at another wavelength decreases.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light source includes: a laser array in which plural emitters are arranged; and a submount having first and second surfaces facing in opposite directions. The laser array is provided on the first surface. A distance between the first surface and the second surface of the submount varies along an array arrangement direction of the laser array.