Tunable Laser Using Vernier Effect Comb Mirror

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tunable lasers face challenges in achieving wide wavelength tuning ranges with complex tuning mechanisms and high power consumption, particularly in semiconductor tunable lasers like sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector (SGDBR) lasers.

Innovation Solution

The development of a tunable laser with a comb reflector and a broadband mirror, utilizing a Vernier effect between cavity modes and comb reflector modes, allows for wide wavelength tuning with fewer control elements, enabling electrical or thermal tuning of reflection peaks to select desired lasing wavelengths, and is configured with a gain medium and optional phase section for enhanced optical path manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector (SGDBR) lasers are used to achieve wide wavelength tuning, then wavelength tuning range is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength tuning rangeVSAvoidtuning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The comb reflector is divided into multiple discrete reflective elements or teeth arranged in a periodic structure. This segmentation creates multiple reflection peaks at different wavelengths, enabling wide tuning range while simplifying the overall tuning mechanism by replacing complex continuous gratings with discrete comb elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The Vernier effect is used as an intermediary mechanism between the comb reflector modes and the laser cavity modes. By exploiting the interaction between these two sets of modes with slightly different spacing, the patent achieves wide wavelength tuning through a simplified mechanism that doesn't require complex tuning elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector (SGDBR) lasers are used to achieve wide wavelength tuning, then wavelength tuning range is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength tuning rangeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic tuning mechanisms such as thermal tuning or electrical tuning of the comb reflector to shift the reflection peaks. These dynamic mechanisms require minimal power compared to traditional SGDBR approaches, as they only need to adjust the refractive index or physical dimensions of the comb elements rather than reconfiguring entire grating structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the comb reflector (such as temperature, refractive index, or physical dimensions) to shift the reflection peaks and achieve wavelength tuning. These parameter changes require minimal energy input compared to the complex carrier injection or thermal management required by SGDBR lasers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If Vernier effect is used between cavity modes and comb reflector modes, then wavelength tuning range is improved, but control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength tuning rangeVSAvoidmode overlap precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The comb reflector is designed with specific local characteristics - the tooth profile, spacing, and dimensions are optimized to create sharp, well-defined reflection peaks. This local quality enhancement ensures precise mode overlap with the laser cavity modes, reducing the precision requirements for control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The comb reflector structure is pre-designed and fabricated with precise geometric parameters before operation. The Vernier effect is built into the structure through careful selection of comb period and cavity length, so that the mode overlap conditions are predetermined and easier to control during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design simplifies the tuning mechanism, reduces power consumption, and achieves continuous wavelength tuning over a significant range with fewer control elements, enhancing the operational efficiency and flexibility of the tunable laser.

Implementation Method 1

achieve a wide wavelength tuning range by utilizing a Vernier effect between cavity modes of the laser cavity and the modes of the comb reflector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVernier effect:

Implementation Method 2

The reflective comb mirror is configured to be electrically or thermally tuned such that at least one of the plurality of reflection peaks overlaps with one of the plurality of cavity modes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal tuning: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

a laser cavity formed between a broadband mirror and a comb reflector. The laser cavity includes a gain section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStimulated emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11251584B2Tunable laser

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 FREEDOM PHOTONICS LLC

AI summary

A tunable wavelength laser comprising a laser cavity formed by a broadband mirror and a comb mirror. The laser cavity comprising a gain region. The laser cavity is configured such that a non-integer number of cavity modes of the laser cavity are between two consecutive reflection peaks of the comb mirror.