Nanowire Laser Array Phase Coupling via Dielectric Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches to phase coupling of nanowire lasers are prone to drift and instability due to the use of external components, and lack integration and active control of phase changes in light transmission between laser devices in arrays.
Innovation Solution
An array of nanowire devices with integrated phase coupling, where each device comprises a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) with LED core-shell structures and p-side electrodes, and a dielectric layer for electrical isolation, allowing for robust phase control and stability by sharing light between adjacent nanowires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external (non-integrated) components are used for phase coupling of nanowire lasers, then the system can achieve phase coupling functionality, but the system becomes prone to drift and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase coupling pathway directly into the laser structure by integrating a dielectric layer between adjacent nanowire lasers. This allows light to be shared between lasers while maintaining stable phase relationships, eliminating the need for external coupling components and thereby improving reliability while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer as an intermediary component between adjacent nanowire lasers. This dielectric layer serves as a mediator that enables controlled light sharing and phase coupling between lasers, providing a stable and integrated solution that avoids the drift and instability issues associated with external components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple longitudinal-mode control is implemented on laser bars, then mode control is achieved, but the laser width is limited to hundreds of microns and active phase control is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser system into an array of individual nanowire lasers, each capable of independent operation. By integrating a dielectric layer between these segmented lasers, the system enables active phase control across the array while maintaining the ability to scale to larger effective apertures, thereby achieving both phase control capability and extended area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple longitudinal-mode control in a single dimension to two-dimensional phase control across an array of nanowire lasers. The integrated dielectric layer enables phase manipulation in the lateral dimension, allowing active control of phase changes across the laser array and expanding the system's adaptability beyond the limitations of conventional laser bars.
3Power
If nanowire LEDs are operated at high current density to achieve lasing, then stimulated emission is obtained, but the system lacks integrated phase coupling and active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nanowire lasers into an integrated array with a shared dielectric coupling layer. This merging of individual laser devices into a coordinated array enables high-power output through constructive interference while the integrated structure provides stable phase relationships, thereby achieving both high power and operational stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated dielectric layer between adjacent nanowire lasers creates a feedback mechanism that enables active control of phase relationships. This feedback allows for stabilization of the lasing operation and maintenance of coherent phase relationships across the array, improving operational stability while preserving the high power output capability.
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 integrated phase coupling pathway enhances stability and allows for active control of phase changes, resulting in a high-power, coherent light output from the nanowire laser array, behaving like a single large-aperture laser with improved operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
When a GaN nanowire LED is operated at high current density the light output of the LED will change from spontaneous to stimulated emission. That is, the nanowire LED will become a nanowire laser.
Implementation Method 2
A dielectric is disposed on the plurality of LED core-shell structures, with each nanowire core disposed through the dielectric to connect with an n-side semiconductor
Implementation Method 3
The integrated phase coupling pathway enhances stability and allows for active control of phase changes, resulting in a high-power, coherent light output from the nanowire laser array
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, the present teachings include an array of nanowire devices. The array of nanowire devices comprises a readout integrated circuit (ROIC). An LED array is disposed on the ROIC. The LED array comprises a plurality of LED core-shell structures, with each LED core-shell structure comprising a layered shell enveloping a nanowire core, wherein the layered shell comprises a multi-quantum-well (MQW) active region. The LED array further comprises a p-side electrode enveloping the layered core-shell structure and electrically connecting the ROIC, wherein each p-side electrode has an average thickness ranging from about 100 nm to about 500 nm. A dielectric layer is disposed on the plurality of LED core-shell structures, with each nanowire core disposed through the dielectric to connect with an n-side semiconductor that is situated on the dielectric.