Multi-Mode Waveguide Laser Combining With Relaxed Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoelectronic semiconductor devices face challenges in achieving efficient laser beam combining with high alignment sensitivity, leading to efficiency losses, speckle, and coherent artifacts due to single mode waveguides and feedback issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-mode waveguide with a mode-mixer and optional scattering structures to relax LD alignment tolerances, reduce feedback, and minimize spatial coherence, combined with anti-reflection coatings and engineered waveguide designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single mode waveguides are used for laser beam combining, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing precision and efficiency are worsened due to high alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveguide mode parameter from single mode to multi-mode operation. This parameter change fundamentally alters the coupling characteristics, allowing for relaxed alignment tolerances while maintaining efficient laser beam combining. The multi-mode waveguide accepts a broader range of input angles and positions, directly resolving the contradiction between alignment precision requirements and manufacturing efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If single mode waveguides are used, then beam quality is improved, but harmful factors increase due to speckle and coherent artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational mode parameter from single mode to multi-mode. This parameter change fundamentally alters the spatial coherence characteristics of the output beam. Multi-mode operation inherently reduces spatial coherence, which directly suppresses speckle formation and coherent artifacts while maintaining acceptable beam quality for the application.
3Loss of energy
If tight alignment tolerances are imposed, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to compensating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveguide mode parameter to multi-mode operation, which fundamentally alters the coupling acceptance characteristics. This parameter change enables high coupling efficiency to be achieved with relaxed alignment tolerances, thereby eliminating the need for complex compensating alignment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If alignment tolerances are relaxed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but coupling efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveguide mode parameter from single mode to multi-mode. This parameter change fundamentally alters the coupling characteristics, enabling the system to maintain high coupling efficiency even with relaxed alignment tolerances. The multi-mode waveguide's broader acceptance cone and mode field distribution directly enable this improved ease of manufacture without sacrificing 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
This approach enables high efficiency laser beam combining with relaxed alignment tolerances, reduced speckle and coherent artifacts, and cost-effective fabrication, suitable for augmented and virtual reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one multi-mode waveguide is configured to guide the laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
anti-reflection coatings and engineered waveguide designs
Implementation Method 3
optional scattering structures to relax LD alignment tolerances, reduce feedback, and minimize spatial coherence
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic semiconductor device comprises a carrier, a first semiconductor laser configured to emit a first laser radiation and applied on the carrier, and a multi-mode waveguide configured to guide the first laser radiation and also applied on the carrier, wherein the multi-mode waveguide comprises at least one furcation and a plurality of branches connected by the at least one furcation.