Solid-State Light Source Access Resistance Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state light sources (SSLSs) face limitations in fast light modulation due to parasitic parameters and external driver circuits, which result in modulation time constraints, ringing, optical pulse distortions, increased size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state light source with built-in access resistance modulation, featuring a control electrode that modulates the access resistance of the active region, allowing for electromagnetic radiation emission and integrated circuit design to manage modulation voltage, eliminating the need for external modulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external driver circuits are used to modulate light output, then light modulation capability is achieved, but parasitic parameters increase causing modulation time limitations and optical pulse distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light modulation function directly into the SSLS device structure by integrating a control electrode with the active region. This combines the light generation and modulation functions into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate external driver circuits and their associated parasitic parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the modulation function from external circuits and relocates it directly into the semiconductor active region through the control electrode. This removes the harmful parasitic elements from the modulation path while preserving the desired light modulation capability.
2Ease of operation
If external driver circuits are used for light modulation, then modulation function is provided, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control electrode is integrated directly into the semiconductor structure, merging the modulation function with the light-generating component. This eliminates separate external driver circuits and reduces overall system weight.
3Ease of operation
If external light modulators are used, then light modulation is achieved, but optical loss and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control electrode modulates light output directly at the source within the active region, merging modulation and light generation. This eliminates intermediate external modulators that would cause optical losses and additional power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control electrode acts as an intermediary element integrated within the semiconductor structure, enabling direct modulation of the light-generating process without requiring external optical modulators that would introduce additional optical paths and losses.
4Ease of operation
If external light modulators are used, then modulation capability is provided, but device size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control electrode is integrated within the semiconductor active region, merging modulation functionality with the compact light-generating structure. This eliminates the need for separate external modulator components and their associated space requirements.
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 efficient light output modulation without requiring external current or light modulators, reducing parasitic parameters, and minimizing size, weight, and cost while achieving fast modulation times and high power handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a control electrode configured to modulate an access resistance of an access region located on the p-type side and/or an access resistance of an access region located on the n-type side of the active region
Implementation Method 2
an active region configured to emit electromagnetic radiation during operation of the light source; The electromagnetic radiation emitted by these SSLSs can comprise a peak wavelength within any range of wavelengths, including visible light, ultraviolet radiation, deep ultraviolet radiation, infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state light source with built-in access resistance modulation is described. The light source can include an active region configured to emit electromagnetic radiation during operation of the light source. The active region can be formed at a p-n junction of a p-type side with a p-type contact and a n-type side with a n-type contact. The light source includes a control electrode configured to modulate an access resistance of an access region located on the p-type side and/or an access resistance of an access region located on the n-type side of the active region. The solid-state light source can be implemented in a circuit, which includes a voltage source that supplies a modulation voltage to the control electrode to modulate the access resistance(s).