Multi-Wavelength VCSEL Array for Compact Atomic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional navigation and guidance systems in GNSS-deprived or weak regions require large, expensive, and power-hungry edge-emitting laser devices, which are unsuitable for miniaturized systems needed for mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A device incorporating a multiple-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array on a PCB or substrate, with upstream optics for collimation and measurement circuitry for analyzing the output beam, providing a compact and cost-effective solution for emitting laser radiation at multiple wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional edge-emitting lasers in brass butterfly packages are used, then sufficient optical power is achieved, but the device becomes large, expensive, and power-hungry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical powerVSAvoiddevice size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the laser system into multiple individual VCSEL elements arranged in an array on a substrate. Each VCSEL emits at a specific wavelength, and by segmenting the system into multiple controllable elements, the patent achieves sufficient total optical power while maintaining a compact form factor that avoids the large brass butterfly package structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-wavelength VCSEL array where a single device can emit at multiple different wavelengths simultaneously or independently. This universal source replaces the need for multiple separate single-wavelength laser sources, reducing overall system size, cost, and power consumption while maintaining sufficient optical power output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pump-probe laser systems are used, then laser radiation at multiple wavelengths is achieved, but the system becomes too large and heavy for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple wavelength capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple laser wavelength sources into a single VCSEL array structure on one substrate. By combining what would traditionally be separate pump and probe laser sources into one integrated multi-wavelength array, the patent dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining the capability to deliver multiple wavelengths for quantum sensing applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single VCSEL is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but optical power is insufficient for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidoptical power

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the laser source into multiple VCSEL elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sufficient total optical power by combining the output of multiple elements while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of identical, standardized VCSEL components mounted on a common substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 offers a significantly more affordable and compact alternative to traditional brass "butterfly" type packages, providing sufficient optical power for applications like quantum gyroscope systems while minimizing size and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a set of first VCSELs emitting first VCSEL radiation at a first wavelength, and (b) a set of second VCSELs emitting second VCSEL radiation at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser emission: Laser

Implementation Method 2

upstream optics to (a) collimate the first VCSEL radiation emitted by the first VCSEL set and (b) collimate the second VCSEL radiation emitted by the second VCSEL set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a vapor cell to receive the collimated first VCSEL radiation and the collimated second VCSEL radiation and to provide an output beam as a function of the received collimated first VCSEL radiation and collimated second VCSEL radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic excitation and emission: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12266908B2Device including a multiple-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 MICROCHIP TECH CALDICOT LTD

AI summary

A device includes a multiple-wavelength (e.g., dual wavelength) vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array including a first VCSEL set including one or more first VCSEL to emit first VCSEL radiation at a first wavelength, and a second VCSEL set including one or more second VCSEL to emit second VCSEL radiation at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. The device includes upstream optics to upstream optics to (a) collimate the first VCSEL radiation emitted by the first VCSEL set and (b) collimate the second VCSEL radiation emitted by the second VCSEL set. The device also includes a vapor cell to receive the collimated first VCSEL radiation and the collimated second VCSEL radiation and to provide an output beam as a function of the received collimated first VCSEL radiation and collimated second VCSEL radiation, and measurement circuitry to analyze the output beam provided by the vapor cell.