VCSEL Array Gate Layer for Synchronized 3D Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting element arrays lack synchronization in ON/OFF operations, leading to inefficiencies in three-dimensional sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting component with a substrate and plural light-emitting elements, such as VCSELs, are configured to be switched ON/OFF together through a gate layer with a thickness greater than the emitted light wavelength, utilizing a drive portion with transfer thyristors and coupling diodes for synchronized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in an array for 3D sensing, then the sensing capability is improved, but the synchronization control of ON/OFF operations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting elements are electrically connected in parallel to a common gate electrode, merging their control functions into a single gate structure. This allows all light-emitting elements to be switched ON/OFF simultaneously through a single control signal, resolving the synchronization control difficulty while maintaining the array configuration for enhanced 3D sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The common gate electrode serves multiple functions: it controls the ON/OFF state of all light-emitting elements simultaneously, provides uniform threshold voltage adjustment across the array, and enables synchronized operation for time-of-flight measurements. This multi-functional design simplifies the control system while maintaining array functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If a thin gate layer is used in the light-emitting element, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the synchronization control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gate layer thickness is optimized to a specific range (50-200 nm) that balances manufacturing precision with control effectiveness. This parameter optimization ensures that the gate layer is thin enough for precise manufacturing while maintaining sufficient electrical field strength for reliable synchronization control of the light-emitting elements
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
Enhances synchronization and efficiency in light-emitting operations, improving performance in three-dimensional sensing and optical measurement applications.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple light-emitting elements whose threshold voltages or threshold currents can be controlled from an external source are arranged linearly, two-dimensionally, or three-dimensionally. Electrodes for controlling the threshold voltages or the threshold currents of the individual light-emitting elements are electrically connected with each other.
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting component including a substrate and plural light-emitting elements that are disposed on the substrate and emit light in a direction intersecting with a surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting component includes a substrate and plural light-emitting elements that are disposed on the substrate and emit light in a direction intersecting with a surface of the substrate and that are switched ON/OFF together. The plural light-emitting elements include a gate layer, the gate layer performing control so that the plural light-emitting elements are switched ON/OFF together, a film thickness of the gate layer being greater than a wavelength of light emitted from the plural light-emitting elements.