Mid-IR Singlet Lens Coupling Quantum Well Lasers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mid-IR lenses with high numerical apertures and short focal lengths are not available, leading to light loss and inefficiency in coupling with quantum well gain medium based lasers due to aperture clipping, especially for transverse modes, where a significant portion of optical energy is off-axis.
Innovation Solution
Development of mid-IR lenses with numerical apertures greater than 0.7 and focal lengths less than 10 millimeters, combined with specialized mounting systems for thermal and vibrational stability, to efficiently couple quantum well gain medium based lasers, aligning the emission facet with the lens focus for improved beam collimation and reduced off-axis energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional mid-IR lenses are used with quantum well gain medium based lasers, then the system can be assembled with available components, but significant light loss occurs due to aperture clipping and insufficient coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing lenses with specific numerical aperture values greater than 0.7 and focal lengths less than 10 millimeters, optimizing these parameters to match the divergent beam characteristics of quantum well gain medium lasers and eliminate aperture clipping losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through specialized mounting systems that pre-align the laser emission facet with the lens focus before operation, ensuring optimal coupling efficiency and preventing misalignment losses from the outset
2Reliability
If lenses with larger numerical apertures and shorter focal lengths are designed, then coupling efficiency with quantum well lasers improves, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves manufacturing challenges by specifying achievable parameter ranges (numerical aperture greater than 0.7, focal length less than 10 millimeters) that balance performance requirements with current mid-IR lens fabrication capabilities using materials like zinc selenide and germanium
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized mounting systems as intermediary components that facilitate precise alignment and coupling between the laser and lens, reducing the manufacturing tolerance requirements for the lenses themselves while maintaining high coupling efficiency
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 solution achieves a highly collimated output beam with increased on-axis intensity, reducing light loss and improving coupling efficiency, enabling more effective use of laser energy in portable and mobile optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
lenses having a high transmission for mid-IR spectra... which transmit these wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.