Wavelength-Tunable Laser Thermal Isolation via Segmented Mount Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength-tunable semiconductor lasers face challenges in accurately controlling the lasing wavelength due to temperature detection errors caused by heat from the heater affecting the thermistor, leading to inaccurate refractive index changes in the optical waveguide.
Innovation Solution
The optical semiconductor device includes a wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser chip with a heater on one optical waveguide and a temperature sensor on a separate area, with a wire connecting the heater to another area, maintaining a significant distance between the sensor and the heater, allowing for accurate temperature detection and control of the lasing wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermistor is arranged near the SG-DR region to detect temperature, then the temperature detection position is convenient, but the thermistor is subjected to heat from the heater and wire causing temperature detection error
Solution Approach 1:
The mount carrier surface is divided into distinct functional areas: a first area for mounting the temperature sensor away from heat sources, and a second area for mounting the heater and wire connections. This spatial segmentation isolates the temperature sensor from thermal interference while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount carrier serves as an intermediary thermal management structure, providing thermally conductive pathways that route heat away from the temperature sensor area. The mount carrier mediates between the heater's thermal output and the temperature sensor's detection function, preventing direct thermal coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heater is provided on the SG-DR region surface to change refractive index, then wavelength selection is enabled, but the heater and its wire cause heat interference with the temperature sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The mount carrier surface is divided into distinct functional areas: a first area for mounting the temperature sensor away from heat sources, and a second area for mounting the heater and wire connections. This spatial segmentation isolates the temperature sensor from thermal interference while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mount carrier are assigned different thermal properties and functions: the first area has low thermal coupling to maintain accurate temperature sensing, while the second area has high thermal conductivity to support heater operation. This local differentiation allows simultaneous wavelength tuning and accurate temperature measurement.
3Volume of moving object
If the temperature sensor is placed close to the heater for compact design, then device size is reduced, but temperature detection accuracy deteriorates due to heat from heater and wire
Solution Approach 1:
The mount carrier surface is divided into distinct functional areas: a first area for mounting the temperature sensor away from heat sources, and a second area for mounting the heater and wire connections. This spatial segmentation isolates the temperature sensor from thermal interference while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than placing the temperature sensor in close proximity to the heater in the same local region, the solution utilizes the two-dimensional surface of the mount carrier to position components in different areas. This dimensional approach maintains compact overall device size while achieving thermal isolation through spatial distribution.
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 enables precise control of the lasing wavelength by minimizing heat interference with the temperature sensor, ensuring accurate detection and adjustment of the refractive index, thereby stabilizing the emission wavelength.
Implementation Method 1
a heater is provided on a surface of one of the SG-DR regions. It is possible to change the temperature of an optical waveguide of the SG-DR region where the heater is provided, with heat generated by the heater.
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to control the lasing wavelength to be a desirable one by controlling the refractive index of the optical waveguide of the SG-DR segments, with use of a temperature control device providing heat to whole of a semiconductor laser.
Implementation Method 3
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-186645 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) discloses a method of feedback control according to a detection result of a resistance of a thermistor arranged on a predetermined position of the temperature control device.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical semiconductor device includes a wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser chip, a mount carrier, a first temperature sensor and a wire. The wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser chip has a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide. The second optical waveguide has a heater on a surface thereof and is optically coupled to the first optical waveguide. The mount carrier is for mounting the wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser chip, and has a first area arranged at a surface of the mount carrier of the first optical waveguide side when the wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser chip is mounted. The first temperature sensor is mounted on the first area. The wire couples between the heater and a second area arranged at a surface of the mount carrier of the second optical waveguide side when the wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser chip is mounted.