Surface-Emitting Laser Structure for Stable Current and Light Confinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface emitting lasers face challenges in manufacturing with high yield and effective current and light confinement, particularly in AlGaAs-based compound semiconductors, where the oxidation confinement structure's variability affects yield and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surface emitting laser design incorporating a resonator with first and second multilayer film reflectors and confinement portions, where a joint portion exists within the resonator or between structures, with specific confinement layers and recesses to control current and light confinement, enhancing manufacturing yield and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oxidation confinement structure is used in AlGaAs-based compound semiconductors, then current and light confinement is achieved, but manufacturing yield deteriorates due to variability in the oxidation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from oxidized AlAs to AlGaAs-based quantum wells with controlled composition ratios. By adjusting the aluminum composition ratio and quantum well depth, the invention achieves stable current and light confinement without relying on oxidation processes, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining confinement effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including AlGaAs quantum wells combined with AlGaAs barrier layers and multilayer film reflectors. This composite approach creates stable confinement properties through material composition control rather than post-growth oxidation, resolving the contradiction between confinement reliability and manufacturing yield
2Productivity
If conventional surface emitting laser structures are used, then basic laser function is achieved, but manufacturing yield and performance are limited due to insufficient current and light confinement control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the active region into multiple quantum well layers separated by barrier layers, with each layer having specific thickness and composition ratios. This segmentation allows independent optimization of current confinement and light confinement functions, achieving both high manufacturing yield and reliable confinement performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different AlGaAs composition ratios within the active layer. The quantum well regions have lower aluminum content for light emission, while barrier regions have higher aluminum content for confinement, achieving superior current and light confinement control that improves both yield and performance
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 design allows for improved current and light confinement, leading to a surface emitting laser with enhanced manufacturing yield and performance by precisely controlling the confinement regions, reducing light scattering loss and improving mode shape.
Implementation Method 1
a first structure including a first multilayer film reflector; a second structure including a second multilayer film reflector; and a resonator disposed between the first and second structures
Implementation Method 2
a first confinement portion that confines a current is provided in at least one of a first constituent portion on one side or a second constituent portion on another side of the joint portion
Implementation Method 3
The first confinement portion and a portion surrounded by the first confinement portion may be formed by a compound semiconductor, and the first confinement portion may have a larger band gap than a portion surrounded by the first confinement portion
Implementation Method 4
a second confinement portion that confines at least light of a current or light is provided in at least one of the first or second constituent portion
Implementation Method 5
The second confinement portion may be a layer provided on at least one of the first or second joint surface and existing in a circular recessed portion. The layer may be a low refractive index layer having a lower refractive index lower than a refractive index of a portion of the first constituent portion and/or the second constituent portion inside the recess
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides a surface emitting laser that can be manufactured with an excellent yield and has a configuration of confining a current and light. The present technology provides a surface emitting laser including a first structure including a first multilayer film reflector, a second structure including a second multilayer film reflector, and a resonator disposed between the first and second structures and including an active layer, in which a joint portion exists in at least one of inside the first structure, inside the second structure, inside the resonator, between the resonator and the first structure, or between the resonator and the second structure, and a first confinement portion that confines a current is provided in at least one of first or second constituent portion joined at the joint portion, and a second confinement portion that confines at least light of a current or light is provided in at least one of the first or second constituent portion.