Semiconductor Laser Wavelength Bandwidth Control for Color Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor lasers oscillating in longitudinal multimode face challenges in preventing color shift during colored light generation, particularly in head-up display devices, due to large wavelength bandwidths and temperature dependencies, which affect color reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A light source device utilizing semiconductor lasers with a narrowed wavelength bandwidth of ≤15 nm, where intensities ≥-20 dB relative to the peak, allows approximation to single wavelength oscillation, enabling stable color representation by estimating the proxy wavelength based on ambient and self-temperature dependencies, and adjusting emission light intensities accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If semiconductor laser oscillates in longitudinal multimode, then higher power output is achieved, but color shift occurs due to large wavelength bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidcolor reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the wavelength bandwidth to be 15 nm or less and managing the number of longitudinal modes to be 3 or fewer. This selective parameter control allows the system to maintain high power output while preventing color shift, as the narrow bandwidth ensures stable color representation even in multimode operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through temperature control mechanisms that actively manage the semiconductor laser's operating conditions. By controlling temperature variations, the system maintains stable wavelength characteristics and prevents color shift while preserving high power output capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If semiconductor laser oscillates in longitudinal multimode, then higher power output is achieved, but wavelength stability deteriorates due to temperature dependency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidwavelength stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by establishing specific constraints on wavelength bandwidth (15 nm or less) and longitudinal mode count (3 or fewer). These parameter controls enable the system to achieve wavelength stability comparable to single-mode operation while maintaining the power advantages of multimode operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through temperature control systems that monitor and adjust the semiconductor laser's operating temperature. This feedback mechanism compensates for temperature-induced wavelength shifts, maintaining stable wavelength characteristics and preventing color drift during high-power operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If wavelength bandwidth is narrowed to ≤15 nm, then color reproducibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to temperature control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproducibilityVSAvoidtemperature control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by setting the wavelength bandwidth to 15 nm or less, which directly improves color reproducibility. This parameter constraint is achieved through controlled temperature management, balancing the trade-off between color accuracy and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach effectively prevents color shift, ensuring high color reproducibility and stability in head-up display devices without increasing device size, by treating the semiconductor laser as if it operates in longitudinal single mode, allowing accurate representation of unique colors.

Implementation Method 1

semiconductor laser that oscillates in the longitudinal multimode and in which a width of a wavelength band with an intensity equal to or more than -20 dB relative to a peak intensity in a spectrum distribution of output light is equal to or less than 15 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulated emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3449539B1Semiconductor laser, light source device, image forming apparatus, image display device, object device, and colored-light generation method
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3449539B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3449539B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3449539B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A semiconductor laser is for generating colored light. The semiconductor laser oscillates in a longitudinal multimode. A width of a wavelength band with an intensity equal to or more than -20 dB relative to a peak intensity in a spectrum distribution of output light is equal to or less than 15 nm. A light source device may include The semiconductor laser; a wavelength estimating device configured to estimate a wavelength λ of light from the semiconductor laser; and an emission-light intensity setting unit configured to set an emission light intensity of the semiconductor laser in accordance with an estimation result by the wavelength estimating device.