Ridge Laser Temperature Sensing Without External Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser devices require additional temperature sensors or thermistors for monitoring the temperature of the emitting structure, which complicates the setup and increases size, and they often need external photodiodes for intensity monitoring, adding complexity and optical elements.
Innovation Solution
The laser device integrates a ridge structure that functions both as a radiation emitter and temperature sensor by alternating its connection to a power source and current source, allowing temperature measurement without external sensors, and uses cross-talk between ridge structures for intensity monitoring without photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors or thermistors are used to monitor the temperature of the emitting structure, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge structure is designed to serve dual functions: as the laser emitting structure and as the temperature sensing element. By utilizing the ridge structure itself for temperature monitoring through voltage measurement, the patent eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the existing ridge structure by integrating a voltage sensing circuit that measures the voltage across the ridge structure. This merging of functions allows temperature monitoring to be performed using the same structural element that generates laser radiation, avoiding additional components
2Measurement precision
If external photodiodes are used for intensity monitoring, then intensity monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and optical element requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge structure is designed to perform multiple functions including laser emission and intensity monitoring. By using the ridge structure itself as the sensing element and measuring its electrical characteristics, the patent achieves intensity monitoring without requiring external photodiodes or additional optical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical detection method (using photodiodes to detect light intensity) with an electrical measurement method (measuring voltage or current characteristics of the ridge structure). This substitution eliminates the need for optical elements and simplifies the detection system
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate components are used for temperature and intensity monitoring, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated system where the ridge structure serves as both the laser source and the sensing element. By combining temperature and intensity monitoring capabilities within the same structural element and using unified electrical measurement circuits, the patent simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining monitoring accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge structure is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides laser emission, temperature sensing, and intensity monitoring capabilities. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes
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 solution enables a compact setup with integrated temperature and intensity monitoring, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying production, while improving signal quality and reducing errors due to temperature differences and aging effects.
Implementation Method 1
The ridge structure can be configured to emit laser radiation once it is provided with enough power to enable lasing
Implementation Method 2
The sense circuitry can be configured to measure a voltage. The sense circuitry can be configured to measure the voltage across the ridge structure
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device is provided, the laser device includes at least one ridge structure that is configured to emit laser radiation, a sense circuitry, a power source, and a current source, wherein the ridge structure has a first side and a second side, the first side is connectable with the power source, the current source and the sense circuitry are connected with each other, and the second side is connectable with the current source and the sense circuitry. Furthermore, a method for operating a laser device is provided.