Semiconductor Laser Emission Face Pattern Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems for rescue and identification beacons face challenges in being portable, rugged, and capable of extended operation while avoiding complex optical alignment and unnecessary emission detection, particularly in environments with electronic interference or damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight laser system with a semiconductor laser, drive circuit, user input system, and controller, housed in a rugged and thermally efficient enclosure that emits a divergent beam without requiring precise optical alignment, using a super-pulse driving scheme to manage power and heat, and incorporating a user-friendly interface for operation under challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If beam shaping optics are added to create patterned emission, then emission pattern precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes beam shaping optics from the system entirely. Instead of using external optical components to create patterned emission, the invention uses the natural divergence characteristics of the semiconductor laser's emission face to produce the desired emission patterns, thereby eliminating complex optical alignment requirements and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor laser's emission face is designed to inherently produce patterned emission through its geometric dimensions. The emission face size and shape directly determine the beam divergence and resulting emission pattern, allowing the laser to self-generate the required patterns without external optical components
2Measurement precision
If precise optical alignment is required, then emission accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor laser automatically produces accurate patterned emission based on its emission face geometry. The system self-regulates the beam divergence and pattern formation without requiring external alignment adjustments, making the device easy to operate while maintaining emission accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates alignment-sensitive optical components from the system. By using the laser's inherent divergence characteristics, the invention removes the need for precise optical alignment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining emission accuracy through geometric design
3Reliability
If rugged housing is added to protect components, then reliability is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes vulnerable optical components that would require protective housing. By eliminating beam shaping optics and alignment mechanisms, the invention reduces the number of components needing protection, thereby achieving ruggedness with minimal additional weight and size
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor laser serves multiple functions: it generates the beam, creates the emission pattern, and requires minimal protective housing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and weight while maintaining reliability through the inherent robustness of solid-state laser technology
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 system provides reliable, rugged, and efficient laser emissions with reduced weight and size, enabling easy use by field operatives, even under adverse conditions, while minimizing detection risks and maintaining operational readiness.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor laser having an emission face, a drive circuit adapted to supply electric energy to the semiconductor laser to cause the semiconductor laser to emit a beam
Implementation Method 2
the emission face of the semiconductor laser is sized to cause a divergence in the beam to create a patterned emission with a predetermined shape without passing the beam through beam shaping optics
Data Source
AI summary
Laser systems are provided with a semiconductor laser having an emission face, a drive circuit adapted to supply electric energy to the semiconductor laser to cause the semiconductor laser to emit a beam; a user input system adapted to sense a user input action; a controller adapted to control the drive circuit based upon the sensed user input action; a housing within which the laser is positioned and having an opening with a window through which the semiconductor laser can emit the beam. The semiconductor laser is positioned to emit the beam through the window and the emission face of the semiconductor laser is sized to cause a divergence in the beam to create a patterned emission with a predetermined shape without passing the beam through beam shaping optics.