Monolithic Laser Array Multiplexing for Individual Source Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monolithic integrated circuit laser multiplexers are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic integrated circuit laser multiplexer that integrates an addressable laser array with a multiplexer on a single semiconductor substrate, allowing individual control of light-emitting sources through a triode laser functionality, reducing the need for external driver circuits and minimizing control interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional separate laser and multiplexer systems are used, then individual laser control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser array and multiplexer into a single monolithic integrated circuit device, where N light-emitting sources are integrated with N transistors on the same semiconductor substrate. This combination eliminates the need for separate external driver circuits while maintaining individual addressability of each laser source through the multiplexer functionality.
2Ease of operation
If external driver circuits are used for laser arrays, then laser control is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer and laser array are fabricated together on a single semiconductor substrate using integrated circuit manufacturing processes. This monolithic integration eliminates the need for separate external driver circuits and reduces manufacturing steps, thereby lowering production costs and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the base for the light-emitting sources, provides the multiplexer functionality through integrated transistors, and serves as the common platform for electrical connections and control signal distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and interconnects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control interfaces are used for laser arrays, then comprehensive control is achieved, but device footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated multiplexer enables a single control interface to address and control all N light-emitting sources through binary addressing schemes. This eliminates the need for multiple separate control interfaces, thereby reducing the number of external connections required and minimizing the device footprint while maintaining full control capability over all laser sources.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a monolithic integrated circuit device comprising an addressable laser array, where the addressable laser array comprises a plurality of N light-emitting sources. Embodiments may also comprise a multiplexer including N transistors, where each of the N transistors are associated with a different one of the plurality of N light-emitting sources. In accordance with various embodiments, each of the N transistors may be operable to address the associated light-emitting source.