Semiconductor Ring Laser Asymmetric Gain Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor ring lasers face instability due to unintentional asymmetries in the closed loop laser cavity, leading to imbalanced optical powers of counter-propagating waves, which affects their performance in applications like telecommunication and LIDAR.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor ring laser with a closed loop laser cavity and an optical gain device comprising non-identical, electrically isolated optical gain segments allows for independent control of round-trip gains for counter-propagating waves, breaking symmetry and enabling unidirectional operation by controlling the balance between optical powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a closed loop laser cavity is used in a semiconductor ring laser, then the laser does not require on-chip or facet reflectors and fabrication is simplified, but unintentional asymmetries in the optical path cause imbalanced optical powers of counter-propagating waves leading to unstable optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intentional asymmetry through non-identical optical gain segments (different lengths, gain coefficients, or configurations) to counterbalance unintentional asymmetries in the optical path. This deliberate asymmetric design compensates for fabrication errors and external feedback effects, stabilizing the optical power balance between clockwise and counter-clockwise propagating waves while maintaining the reflector-free cavity structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements active feedback control by independently controlling the optical gain segments through separate electrical contacts. This allows real-time adjustment of gain distribution to compensate for power imbalances caused by unintentional asymmetries, external feedback, or scattered radiation, thereby stabilizing the optical performance while preserving the simplified closed-loop cavity design
2Reliability
If optical gain segments are made non-identical and electrically isolated, then improved control of the balance between optical powers of counter-propagating waves is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical gain device into multiple discrete gain segments that are optically interconnected but electrically isolated through separate contacts. This segmentation allows independent control of each segment to achieve precise optical power balance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates seamlessly with the ring laser cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different segments of the optical gain device, with each segment having tailored characteristics (length, gain coefficient, or configuration) optimized for its specific position in the optical path. This local differentiation enables precise control of optical power balance without requiring complete redesign of the entire gain device structure
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 improves the directional operation and stability of the semiconductor ring laser, increasing optical output power and reducing linewidth, while minimizing the footprint and costs by eliminating the need for external feedback arms.
Implementation Method 1
a closed loop laser cavity provided with an optical output coupler that acts as a power tap to extract a part of the optical power that is generated in the closed loop laser cavity as a result of stimulated emission of photons
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor ring laser including a closed loop laser cavity and an optical gain device that is optically interconnected with the closed loop laser cavity. The optical gain device includes a first optical gain segment and a second optical gain segment. The first optical gain segment and the second optical gain segment being non-identical, optically interconnected with each other, and electrically isolated from each other. A PIC including a semiconductor ring laser and to an opto-electronic system that includes a PIC. The opto-electronic system can be one of a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a coherent transmitter, a coherent receiver and a coherent transceiver. The opto-electronic system can for example, but not exclusively, be used for telecommunication applications, LIDAR or sensor applications.