Optical Switch for Electrically and Optically Pumped Laser RGB Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser systems are limited in generating multi-colored light, particularly red, green, and blue (RGB) wavelengths efficiently, which is essential for applications like image projectors, as they often require additional wavelength conversion steps and lack compact, cost-effective solutions for green laser sources.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical system that includes electrically and optically pumped semiconductor lasers, with a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch and optical components, allows for the efficient generation of RGB light by directing laser light from one source to another to produce desired wavelengths, eliminating the need for additional conversion steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional laser systems are used to generate multi-colored light, then wavelength conversion steps are required, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources (electrically pumped semiconductor laser and optically pumped laser) into a single integrated system that can generate multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The optical switch merges the light paths of both lasers, allowing seamless switching between wavelengths without requiring separate conversion steps, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-colored light generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically pumped laser serves multiple functions: it can be pumped by the electrically pumped semiconductor laser to generate green light, or it can directly emit red light. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wavelength conversion components, reducing device complexity while providing versatile multi-colored light output.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrically pumped semiconductor lasers are used, then green laser generation is difficult, but using optically pumped lasers adds system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The optically pumped laser uses the electrically pumped semiconductor laser as its pump source, meaning the system uses its own component (the semiconductor laser) to enable the green light generation function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external pump sources or complex additional systems, making green laser generation achievable while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the optically pumped laser by using it in two different modes: either as a green laser when pumped by the semiconductor laser, or as a red laser when directly excited. This parameter change approach allows the same physical component to serve different functions without requiring separate devices, thereby easing manufacturing constraints while controlling system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate lasers are used for RGB, then wavelength precision is good, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optically pumped laser is designed to perform multiple wavelength functions (green and red output) within a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of laser sources needed while maintaining precise wavelength control, as the same high-precision laser cavity and gain medium are used for both wavelengths through controlled pumping and emission transitions.
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 compact, efficient, and cost-effective generation of RGB or white light, bridging the 'green gap' in semiconductor laser technology, suitable for handheld display units and other applications by directly producing the required wavelengths without the need for additional conversion.
Implementation Method 1
Laser light of a first wavelength is generated from an electrically pumped source
Implementation Method 2
A semiconductor laser is a laser in which the active medium is a semiconductor. A common type of semiconductor laser is formed from a p-n junction, a region where p-type and n-type semiconductors meet. The semiconductor laser is powered by injecting electrical current into the gain region.
Implementation Method 3
the laser light directed in the second direction is used to generate laser light with a second wavelength at the optically pumped laser source
Implementation Method 4
Light generating system and method... where light of one wavelength can be used to generate light of another wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes an electrically pumped laser light source and an optically pumped laser light source. An optical switch is located in a light path of the electrically pumped laser light source such that when the optical switch is in a first position light from the electrically pumped laser light source is directed toward the optically pumped laser light source and when the optical switch is in a second position light from the electrically pumped laser light source is directed away from the optically pumped laser light source.