Resistive Heating Element for Laser Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lasers used in fiber optic communication systems face performance degradation due to operation outside their optimal temperature range, leading to reduced reaction speed, communication bandwidth, and power output, especially at colder temperatures, limiting their operational range.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a resistive heating element on the substrate with the laser and control circuitry to adjust current flow and heat generation, allowing the laser to maintain an optimal operating temperature across a wider range, from −40° C. to 90° C., by activating the heating element when ambient temperatures drop below the predetermined range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the laser operates at colder temperatures, then the laser can operate in a wider temperature range, but the reaction speed decreases and communication bandwidth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidreaction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a resistive heating element to actively control the temperature parameter of the laser. The heating element converts electrical energy to thermal energy, allowing the laser to operate at warmer temperatures even when the ambient environment is cold. This maintains the laser's reaction speed and communication bandwidth while enabling operation across a wider temperature range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resistive heating element acts as an intermediary between the electrical power source and the laser. It mediates the temperature control by generating heat that transfers to the laser through the substrate, allowing indirect thermal management without direct contact with the laser structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the laser operates at colder temperatures, then the laser can operate in a wider temperature range, but the optical power output is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidoptical power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The resistive heating element changes the temperature parameter of the laser by converting electrical energy to thermal energy. This allows the laser to maintain its optimal operating temperature and corresponding optical power output even when the ambient temperature is below the laser's optimal range, thereby extending the operational temperature range without sacrificing power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a resistive heating element is added to control laser temperature, then the laser can operate in a wider temperature range, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidheating control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resistive heating element is merged with the substrate that already supports the laser. By integrating the heating element into the existing substrate structure rather than adding a separate complex thermal management system, the patent reduces the overall device complexity while still achieving extended temperature range operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the laser and simultaneously acts as a thermal pathway from the resistive heating element to the laser. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables lasers to maintain optimal performance and operational stability across a broader temperature range, enhancing reaction speed and communication bandwidth while ensuring the laser operates within its optimal temperature conditions, thus extending its usable range.

Implementation Method 1

Current flow through the resistive heating element converts electrical energy to thermal energy which increases in the operating temperature of the laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A resistive heating element is disposed on the substrate with the laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9172209B2Resistive heating element for enabling laser operation

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

Heating resistor used to control laser operation. A laser package, such as a Transmitter Optical Subassembly (TOSA) includes a substrate. A laser is disposed on the substrate. A resistive heating element is disposed on the substrate with the laser. Control circuitry is connected to the resistive heating element. The control circuitry is configured to cause current flow through the resistive heating element based on temperature conditions. Current flow through the resistive heating element causes an increase in the operating temperature of the laser. This can be used to increase the effective operating temperature range of a laser.