VCSEL Array Pumping Solid-State Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power Diode-Pumped Solid-State (DPSS) lasers face design limitations in controlling beam properties due to the complexity, cost, and size issues associated with edge-emitting laser arrays, which are impractical for external cavity arrangements and result in inefficient optical pumping and beam shaping.
Innovation Solution
The use of addressable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays for efficient optical pumping of solid-state materials, allowing for precise control of pump power intensity, beam profile, size, shape, and propagation direction without the need for lenses or fiber optics, by enabling monolithic and intra-cavity pumping configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If edge-emitting laser arrays are used for pumping, then high power output can be achieved, but device complexity and size increase due to required lenses and fiber optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical coupling components (lenses and fiber optics) from the system by using surface-emitting laser elements that directly emit light onto the solid-state material, eliminating the need for intermediate optical components while maintaining high power output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system of edge-emitting lasers with lenses and fiber optics with a simplified surface-emitting laser array that uses vertical light emission, substituting a complex mechanical optical system with a more straightforward geometric configuration
2Power
If edge-emitting laser arrays are used, then high power can be delivered, but ease of operation deteriorates due to critical mechanical alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the critical alignment requirement by extracting the light emission from the edge of the laser diode and positioning it at the surface, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment between the laser edge and the solid-state material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional edge-emission geometry by using surface emission, where light is emitted perpendicular to the laser chip surface rather than from the edge, fundamentally changing the coupling geometry to improve ease of operation
3Ease of manufacture
If edge-emitting lasers with large gaps are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to create controlled pumping patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser array into individually addressable surface-emitting elements, allowing independent control of each element or group of elements to create precise pumping patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability where different regions of the laser array can be selectively activated or deactivated, enabling time-varying pumping patterns that adapt to different operational requirements
4Use of energy by moving object
If fiber optic bundles are used to couple edge-emitting lasers, then optical coupling is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fiber optic coupling system by using surface-emitting lasers that directly illuminate the solid-state material, removing the intermediate fiber optic bundle and associated alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the fiber optic bundle intermediary by establishing direct optical coupling between the surface-emitting laser elements and the solid-state material, eliminating the need for the fiber optic mediator
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 approach enhances the quality and adaptability of the laser beam by achieving uniform optical power density, reducing complexity and cost, and enabling precise control over beam characteristics, including transverse profile and propagation direction, while improving output power and packing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an array of surface emitting laser (SEL) elements that are used to pump a solid state laser
Implementation Method 2
addressable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) elements
Data Source
AI summary
An array of Surface Emitting Laser (SEL) elements can be used to efficiently pump a disk or rod of solid-state laser glass or crystal, or harmonic-generating crystal. Placing the laser array chip against or near the surface of this solid-state material provides very high and uniform optical power density without the need for lenses or fiber-optics to conduct the light from typical edge-emitting lasers, usually formed in a stack of bars. The lasers can operate in multi-mode output for highest output powers. Photolithography allows for an infinite variety of connection patterns of sub-groups of lasers within the array, allowing for spatial contouring of the optical pumping power across the face of the solid-state material. The solid-state material may be pumped either within (intra-cavity) or externally (extra-cavity) to the SEL laser array.