Reconfigurable Emitter Array for Dynamic Light Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emitter arrays of vertical-emitting devices, such as VCSELs, are not reconfigurable to change light emission patterns without replacing the entire array, leading to increased costs and complexity in manufacturing and usage for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable emitter array design where vertical-emitting devices are arranged in a uniform pattern, with metal interconnects and electrical contacts that allow for individual powering of subsets of devices, enabling different emission patterns without requiring a new array, facilitated by co-located electrical contacts that provide mechanical support and extend to a consistent height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform pattern of vertical-emitting devices is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to create different emission patterns is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform array of vertical-emitting devices is segmented into independently controllable subsets through the use of electrical contacts and interconnects. Each subset can be selectively activated to create different emission patterns, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and pattern flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-pattern emitter array to a dynamic, reconfigurable array. By using electrical contacts and interconnects to selectively power different subsets of devices, the emission pattern can be dynamically changed without physical reconfiguration, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arrays with specific patterns are manufactured, then emission pattern versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A single uniform emitter array is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively activating different subsets of vertical-emitting devices. The array can generate various emission patterns (e.g., 2D patterns, linear patterns, single emitter patterns) without requiring multiple specialized arrays, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical structure of the array to achieve different patterns, the system changes the operational parameters by selectively powering different subsets of devices through electrical contacts and interconnects. This allows a single array structure to produce multiple emission patterns, avoiding the need for multiple complex arrays.
3Reliability
If electrical contacts are co-located with VCSELs and extend to greater height, then mechanical support and electrical connection are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact structure merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support for the array, establishes electrical connections to individual VCSELs, and enables selective powering of device subsets. This integration improves reliability while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An emitter array may comprise a plurality of vertical-emitting devices. The plurality of vertical-emitting devices may be in a two-dimensional pattern of vertical-emitting devices. The emitter array may further comprise a plurality of electrical contacts on a surface of the emitter array. Each of the plurality of electrical contacts may be co-located with and electrically connected to a corresponding vertical-emitting device of the plurality of vertical-emitting devices. The plurality of electrical contacts may provide mechanical support over the plurality of vertical-emitting devices. The plurality of electrical contacts may extend to approximately a same height. A subset of the plurality of vertical-emitting devices may be powered via a corresponding subset of the plurality of electrical contacts.