Self-scanning Light Source Head with Thyristor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source heads for image forming apparatuses, such as printers, face challenges in reducing wire bondings and achieving efficient lighting control, particularly in self-scanning LED printer heads where LEDs and thyristors are simultaneously produced on a GaAs substrate.
Innovation Solution
A self-scanning light source head is developed, comprising a substrate with surface emitting semiconductor lasers arranged in an array and at least one thyristor acting as a switching element to selectively turn ON and OFF the light emission of the lasers, integrated with a dielectric multilayer film on the light-emitting surface for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If LEDs and thyristors are simultaneously produced on a GaAs substrate to reduce wire bondings, then wire bonding quantity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (surface emitting semiconductor lasers, thyristors for switching control, and dielectric multilayer films for optical control) into a single integrated light source head structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate wire bondings to connect these components, directly reducing wire bonding quantity while maintaining functional complexity through integrated design
2Productivity
If surface emitting semiconductor lasers are used with thyristor switching elements, then lighting control efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thyristor switching elements are directly integrated with the surface emitting semiconductor lasers, enabling the system to control its own light emission without external control circuitry. The dielectric multilayer films further enable optical feedback mechanisms, allowing the device to self-regulate light output timing and intensity, thereby enhancing lighting control efficiency while minimizing additional complexity
3Speed
If integrated light source head configuration is used, then optical writing speed increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light source head is segmented into distinct functional modules (laser arrays, thyristor switching regions, dielectric multilayer film layers) that can be independently fabricated and then precisely aligned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately during manufacturing, reducing the overall precision requirements compared to fabricating the entire integrated structure in a single process
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 configuration reduces wire bondings, enhances lighting control efficiency, and achieves high-speed optical writing with low power consumption and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining high directivity and light utilization efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
surface emitting semiconductor lasers arranged in an array on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
at least one thyristor disposed on the substrate and serving as a switching element selectively turning ON and OFF light emission of the surface emitting semiconductor lasers
Data Source
AI summary
A self-scanning light source head comprising: a substrate, surface emitting semiconductor lasers arranged in an array on the substrate, and at least one thyristor disposed on the substrate and serving as a switching element selectively turning ON and OFF light emission of the surface emitting semiconductor lasers, and an image forming apparatus using the same are provided.