MOEMS Light-Emitting Unit With Integrated Capping Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a continuous demand for more compact and robust micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) components, particularly in applications where space is limited, and existing solutions require additional redirecting mirrors that increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A MOEMS light-emitting unit with a substrate hosting a light-emitting device, a swiveling light-deflecting device, and a capping device featuring a reflective first cap section and a transparent second cap section, which redirects and deflects the laser beam without additional mirrors, allowing for a compact and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional redirecting mirrors are used to redirect the laser beam, then the laser beam can be redirected onto the light-deflecting device, but the size of the light-emitting unit increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser beam redirection function into the capping device itself. The capping device includes a first cap section with a reflective coating that redirects the laser beam onto the light-deflecting device, eliminating the need for separate redirecting mirrors. This integration reduces the overall size and component count of the light-emitting unit while maintaining the required optical functionality.
2Reliability
If additional redirecting mirrors are used to redirect the laser beam, then the laser beam can be redirected onto the light-deflecting device, but production costs and production effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the redirection mirror function with the capping device into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need to manufacture, procure, and assemble separate redirecting mirrors, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process. The reflective coating is applied directly to the first cap section, which can be produced using standard molding and coating techniques.
3Volume of moving object
If the light-emitting device and light-deflecting device are positioned close together to reduce size, then the dimensions of the light-emitting unit are reduced, but alignment precision and optical calibration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by integrating the light-emitting device, light-deflecting device, and capping device as a pre-aligned module. The devices are positioned and aligned during the manufacturing process with very tight tolerances (less than 1 micrometer), and this alignment is maintained throughout production. The capping device is designed to be positioned at a specific distance (e.g., 50 micrometers) from the light-deflecting device, ensuring optimal optical alignment without requiring additional calibration by the user.
4Ease of operation
If the capping device is made transparent to allow laser beam exit, then the laser beam can exit through the cap, but the cap provides less protection against contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different sections of the capping device have different optical properties. The first cap section has a reflective coating to redirect the laser beam, while the second cap section is transparent or translucent to allow the deflected laser beam to exit. This selective transparency allows the cap to provide protection against contamination while still enabling the necessary optical functions in different 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
The solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly light-emitting unit with precise laser beam emission and reduced scattering, eliminating the need for additional mirrors and optical calibration, while protecting the devices from contamination and damage.
Implementation Method 1
The capping device has a reflective first cap section and a transparent second cap section. The first cap section is designed to redirect the laser beam emitted by the light-emitting device onto the light-deflecting device.
Implementation Method 2
The second cap section is at least partially transparent or translucent for a wavelength of the laser beam, allowing the deflected laser beam to exit through the second cap section.
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting unit, comprising a substrate and a light-emitting device, which is situated on the substrate (2) and is designed to emit a laser beam. A swiveling light-deflecting device is situated on the substrate. A capping device is situated on the substrate and covers the light-emitting device and the light-deflecting device, the capping device having a first cap section and a transparent second cap section. The first cap section is designed to redirect the laser beam emitted by the light-emitting device onto the light-deflecting device. The light-deflecting device is designed to deflect the redirected laser beam in such a way that deflected laser beam is able to exit through second cap section.