Surface-Emitting Laser Component for High-Density Pixel Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor laser components face challenges in achieving high brightness and resolution due to design limitations, particularly with edge emitting laser diodes, which are difficult to arrange closely and require complex adjustments with external deflection mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A surface-emitting semiconductor laser component with integrated resonator mirrors and a compact design, allowing for a small distance between laser units, enabling high resolution and brightness without external deflection mirrors, and facilitating cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If edge emitting laser diodes are used to achieve high brightness, then brightness is improved, but device complexity increases due to difficulty in arranging them closely and requiring external deflection mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser units with their respective resonator mirrors into a single integrated semiconductor component. The resonator mirrors are formed within the semiconductor layer sequence itself, merging functions that would traditionally require separate external components. This integration eliminates the need for external deflection mirrors while maintaining high brightness output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from lateral emission (edge emitting) to vertical emission by forming resonator mirrors that reflect light in the vertical direction through the semiconductor layer sequence. This dimensional change allows for more compact arrangement of laser units and eliminates the need for external deflection mirrors, reducing device complexity while maintaining brightness.
2Manufacturing precision
If external deflection mirrors are used to achieve high resolution, then resolution is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator mirrors are integrated directly into the semiconductor layer sequence, combining the functions of light generation and light direction control within the same component. This eliminates external deflection mirrors and their associated adjustment mechanisms, achieving high resolution through the precise positioning of integrated mirrors rather than external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor component is designed to be self-aligning, where the resonator mirrors are automatically positioned relative to the laser units through the epitaxial growth process. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex external adjustments, achieving high resolution through inherent structural precision rather than external calibration.
3Quantity of substance
If laser units are arranged closely to achieve high pixel density, then pixel density is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges laser units in a vertical stack configuration rather than lateral arrangement, enabling high pixel density through the vertical dimension. The resonator mirrors are positioned at different vertical levels within the semiconductor layer sequence, allowing closely spaced laser units to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances while achieving high effective pixel density.
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 compact design achieves high pixel density and brightness with simplified mounting, efficient electrical driving, and reduced production costs, suitable for applications like projection devices and augmented displays.
Implementation Method 1
each laser unit comprises a laser resonator having a resonator axis, an output coupling mirror, a first resonator mirror and a second resonator mirror
Implementation Method 2
By way of example, Fresnel reflection that occurs at the output coupling surface is sufficient to provide a sufficiently high reflectivity
Implementation Method 3
The semiconductor laser component can be provided for emitting coherent electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic semiconductor laser component may include at least two laser units. The semiconductor laser component may have an output coupling surface configured to generate electromagnetic radiation in the semiconductor laser component. Each laser unit may include a laser resonator having a resonator axis, an output coupling mirror and a first and a second resonator mirror with a primary section of the resonator axis running laterally therebetween. The output coupling mirror may be formed by a partial region of the output coupling surface. Along the primary section of the resonator axis at least one contact strip is arranged on the output coupling surface, and extends to a metallic connection surface. The laser units may be aligned in such a way that the primary sections of the resonator axes run parallel to one another and the output coupling mirrors face one another.