Surface-Emitting Laser Electrode Layout for Low Series Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface-emitting lasers face challenges in reducing series resistance without the need for mesa formation.
Innovation Solution
A surface-emitting laser design that includes a first structure with a first reflector, a second structure with a second reflector, and an active layer between them, where an electrode is provided within the first structure, allowing for current confinement and reduced series resistance without mesa formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mesa structure is formed to reduce series resistance, then series resistance is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrode from the conventional position on the rear surface of the substrate and relocates it to the internal space within the first structure. This extraction of the electrode from its traditional location allows for reduced series resistance without requiring mesa formation, as the electrode can directly contact the active layer through the internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional electrode arrangement (on the rear surface) to a three-dimensional configuration by placing the electrode within the internal space of the first structure. This dimensional change allows the electrode to be positioned closer to the active layer, reducing the current path length and series resistance without requiring lateral mesa structures.
2Reliability
If a mesa structure is formed to reduce series resistance, then series resistance is reduced, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the electrode from the rear surface location and placing it within the internal space, the patent eliminates the need for complex mesa formation processes. The electrode can be formed through standard deposition techniques within the internal space, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving low series resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space is formed in advance during the structure fabrication process, creating a pre-prepared location for the electrode. This preliminary creation of the internal space allows the electrode to be subsequently placed in the optimal position without requiring additional complex processing steps like mesa formation.
3Reliability
If an electrode is provided within the first structure in the internal space, then series resistance is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but current confinement becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a current confinement structure with specific properties in the region where the electrode contacts the active layer. The internal space is designed with particular geometric characteristics and material properties at the local level to ensure effective current confinement, while the rest of the structure maintains its overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space acts as an intermediary structure between the electrode and the active layer. It provides a controlled environment that facilitates both electrical contact (reducing series resistance) and optical confinement (maintaining manufacturing precision). The internal space mediates between the electrical and optical requirements of the device.
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 effectively reduces series resistance and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for mesa formation, while maintaining efficient light emission and current confinement.
Implementation Method 1
a first structure (ST1) including a first reflector (102); a second structure (ST2) including a second reflector (106); and an active layer (104) disposed between the first and second structures (ST1 and ST2)
Implementation Method 2
surface-emitting laser capable of reducing series resistance without requiring the formation of a mesa
Implementation Method 3
an electrode is provided within the first structure (ST1)... effectively reduces series resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The surface-emitting laser according to the present technique includes a first structure including a first reflector, a second structure including a second reflector, and an active layer disposed between the first and second structures. An electrode is provided within the first structure. According to the surface-emitting laser of the present technique, a surface-emitting laser capable of reducing series resistance without requiring the formation of a mesa can be provided.