Abstract: A nonmonolithic, multiple wavelength laser array having closely spaced lasing elements which are accurately spaced both in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the laser beams and along the optical axes. The laser array includes a plurality of lasing elements mounted on a high thermal conductivity spacer. The spacer has a front surface angled relative to the optical axes of the lasing elements, and parallel mounting surfaces. The mounting surfaces and front surfaces join to form front edges. The laser elements mount such that the front facet of each lasing element is aligned with an associated front edge. Beneficially, either the spacer is electrically conductive, or the spacer is coated with a layer of conductive material.The laser array can be used in a printer to offset the laser elements to correct for the wavelength dependency of the printer's optical system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 22, 1993
Date of Patent:
November 19, 1996
Assignee:
Xerox Corporation
Inventors:
Gregory J. Kovacs, R. Donald Yingling, Jr. deceased, Tibor Fisli