Topological VCSEL Array for Coherent High-Power Surface Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser array systems face challenges in achieving high-power coherent laser emission due to incoherent lasing at different frequencies, low coherence, and susceptibility to disorder and defects, leading to inefficient coupling into optical media.
Innovation Solution
A topological laser array configuration utilizing vertically emitting VCSEL units with proper coupling between lasing units, forming a topological edge state that ensures coherent, stable emission perpendicular to the emitting surface, reducing nonlinear interactions and maintaining coherence despite defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional laser arrays are used to increase power output, then the power emitted increases, but the coherence properties deteriorate and the system becomes susceptible to disorder and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the laser array into multiple individual VCSEL elements that are spatially separated and independently pumped, yet optically coupled through evanescent fields. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall power output while maintaining individual coherence, which is then preserved in the collective emission due to the topological protection of the edge states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where individual VCSEL elements (first level) are grouped into arrays (second level), which themselves are arranged to form topological edge states (third level). This nested organization allows the system to maintain coherence at multiple scales, with the topological structure providing robustness against disorder at the element level while enabling high power output at the array level.
2Power
If the number of laser elements is increased to overcome power limitations, then the power output increases, but the coherence between emitters is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces evanescent optical fields as an intermediary mechanism that couples neighboring VCSEL elements without requiring direct physical contact or complex coupling structures. This intermediary coupling field preserves the phase relationship between emitters, maintaining coherence even as the number of elements increases, while the topological edge state structure ensures this coherence is protected against disorder.
3Power
If conventional coupling methods are used between laser units, then power can be combined, but nonlinear interactions occur at high intensities causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional in-plane coupling to vertical coupling through the third dimension by utilizing evanescent fields extending perpendicular to the VCSEL surfaces. This dimensional change allows power combination while keeping the optical intensity at any single point below damage thresholds, as the energy is distributed across multiple spatial dimensions rather than concentrated in a single plane.
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 system achieves high-power, coherent laser emission with robustness to defects and environmental variations, enabling efficient coupling into optical media without damaging waveguides or couplers.
Implementation Method 1
gain layer between reflecting layers and configured to emit laser light from the top or bottom surface of the VCSEL
Implementation Method 2
neighboring emitters are coupled to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A laser source is presented a plurality of unit cells of a selected number of partially physically coupled lasing units arranged within a plane and configured to form a topological structure, wherein each of the lasing units is configured to emit radiation component substantially perpendicular to said plane, said plurality of the unit cells comprising at least a first sub-array of the unit cells located in a first region interfacing with a second region of a different type than said first region, thereby defining an arrangement of optically coupled lasing units along an interface region between the first and second adjacent regions, forming at least one topological state along a topological path within said interface region.