Patents Assigned to Princeton Optronics
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Publication number: 20150311673Abstract: A new VCSEL design is presented to achieve high output power and high brightness with a strong selection of a linear polarization state in high speed pulsing operation. Higher output power is achieved by including multiple gain segments in tandem, in the gain region. To achieve single mode operation with high output power, an extended cavity three reflector design is presented. High degree of polarization selectivity is achieved by a linear grating deployed with the third reflector, such that lasing is allowed only in a preferred linear polarization state. A polarization selective reflector including a linear grating is designed to impart strong polarization selectivity for a preferred linear polarization state. The polarization selective reflector used as the third reflector in an extended cavity VCSEL device, exhibits strong polarization selection for a preferred linear polarization state during high speed pulsing including in the gain switching resonance regime.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2015Publication date: October 29, 2015Applicant: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Qing Wang, Jean-Francois Seurin, Chuni L Ghosh, Laurence S Watkins
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Publication number: 20150255955Abstract: A set of VCSEL fabrication methods has been invented which enhance the performance and long time reliability of VCSEL devices and arrays of devices. Wafer bow caused by growing a large number of epitaxial layers required to fabricate VCSEL device generates strain and results in bowing/warping of the device wafer. The stress so generated is eliminated by applying a stress compensation layer on the substrate to a surface opposite to the epitaxial layer surface. New oxidation equipment designs and process parameters are described which produce more precision apertures and reduce stress in the VCSEL device. An ultrathin fabrication procedure is described which enables high power VCSELs to be made for high power operation at many different wavelengths. A low temperature electrical contacting process improves VCSEL long term reliability.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Qing Wang, Jean-Francois Seurin, Chuni L. Ghosh, Laurence S. Watkins
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Patent number: 9038883Abstract: A process to bond VCSEL arrays to submounts and printed circuit boards is provided. The process is particularly suited to large area thin and ultra-thin VCSEL arrays susceptible to bending and warping. The process integrates a flatness measurement step and applying appropriate combination of pressure prior to bonding the VCSEL array to the submount or a printed circuit using a vacuum flux-less bonding process. The process is very promising in making very good quality bonding between the VCSEL array and a submount or a printed circuit board. The process is applied to construct optical modules with improved flatness that may be integrated with other electronic components in constructing optoelectronic systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Qing Wang, Jean-Francois Seurin, Chuni Lal Ghosh, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20140247841Abstract: Optical pump modules comprising VCSEL and VCSEL array devices provide high optical power for configuring fiber optic gain systems such as fiber laser and fiber amplifier particularly suited for high power operation. Pump modules may be constructed using two reflector or three reflector VCSEL devices optionally integrated with microlens arrays and other optical components, to couple high power pump beams to a fiber output port. The pump module having a fiber output port is particularly suited to couple light to an inner cladding of a double-clad fiber, often used to configure high power fiber laser and fiber amplifier. The pump modules may be operated in CW, QCW and pulse modes to configure fiber lasers and amplifiers using single end, dual end, and regenerative optical pumping modes. Multiple-pumps may be combined to increase pump power in a modular fashion without significant distortion to signal, particularly for short pulse operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Princeton Optronics IncInventors: Jean-Francois Seurin, Qing Wang, Laurence Watkins, Chuni Lal Ghosh
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Patent number: 8824519Abstract: Optical pump modules comprising VCSEL and VCSEL array devices provide high optical power for configuring fiber optic gain systems such as fiber laser and fiber amplifier particularly suited for high power operation. Pump modules may be constructed using two reflector or three reflector VCSEL devices optionally integrated with microlens arrays and other optical components, to couple high power pump beams to a fiber output port. The pump module having a fiber output port is particularly suited to couple light to an inner cladding of a double-clad fiber, often used to configure high power fiber laser and fiber amplifier. The pump modules may be operated in CW, QCW and pulse modes to configure fiber lasers and amplifiers using single end, dual end, and regenerative optical pumping modes. Multiple-pumps may be combined to increase pump power in a modular fashion without significant distortion to signal, particularly for short pulse operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Jean-Francois Seurin, Qing Wang, Laurence Watkins, Chuni Lal Ghosh
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Publication number: 20140218898Abstract: VCSEL arrays with planar electrical contacts readily adaptable for surface mounting are provided. Monolithic VCSEL arrays are configured in array patterns on two and three-dimensional surfaces for configuring optical illuminator modules. Illuminator modules are easily expandable by increasing the array size or by modularly arranging more arrays with or without a transparent substrate, in different shapes by tiling array modules monolithically on a common substrate, or by tiling small modules. The surface mountable illuminator modules are easily assembled on a thermally conductive surface that may be air or liquid cooled for efficient heat dissipation. Array modules may be integrated with other electronic circuits such as current drivers, sensors, controllers, processors, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Jean F. Seurin, Chuni L. Ghosh, Qing Wang, Laurence S. Watkins
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Publication number: 20140139467Abstract: Touch screen sensor systems that incorporate VCSELs or VCSEL arrays to provide illumination beams for sensing the position of objects such as a finger or stylus in a two dimensional space is provided. Normally the touch sensor is used with a display screen so that objects in the display screen are identified by positioning a finger or stylus at the object's position. The invention describes improved illumination methods using VCSELs that realize higher resolution in position sensing. VCSELs can also be integrated with detectors on a common substrate which provides both illumination and detection functions for the touch sensor system. Different methods to suitably couple light from VCSEL arrays directly, or through guided light paths such as fibers and waveguide arrays are provided to configure a touch sensor in different applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Chuni L. Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin, Laurence S. Watkins
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Patent number: 8675706Abstract: Illuminator module comprising VCSEL arrays with planar electrical contacts, readily adaptable for surface mounting, is provided. Monolithic VCSEL arrays are configured in array patterns on two and three-dimensional surfaces. Illuminator modules are easily expandable by increasing the array size or by modularly arranging more arrays with or without a transparent substrate. Different shapes of illuminator modules may be configured by tiling array modules monolithically on a common substrate, or by tiling small modules. The surface mountable illuminator modules are easily assembled on a thermally conductive surface that may be air or liquid cooled for efficient heat dissipation. Array modules may be integrated with other electronic circuits such as current drivers, sensors, controllers, processors, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Princeton Optronics Inc.Inventors: Jean F Seurin, Chuni L Ghosh, Qing Wang, Laurence Watkins
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Patent number: 8576885Abstract: Optical pump modules using VCSEL arrays are provided to pump optical gain media for achieving high power laser output in CW, QCW and pulse operation modes for operation. Low divergence and symmetric far-field emission from VCSELs are particularly suitable for compact arrays. VCSEL arrays configured as laser pump modules are operable at high temperatures with practically no degradation over a long period of time. VCSEL pump modules are adaptable for side- or end-pumping configurations to pump high power lasers in CW, QCW and pulse mode. Power output from VCSEL pump modules is scalable. Incorporating microlens arrays with the VCSEL arrays improve brightness of the pump modules. High power and high temperature operation of VCSEL modules make it suitable for making compact high power solid state lasers that are operable in small spaces such as, ignition of internal combustion engines, stationary power generation engines and pulsed detonation engines.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Robert van Leeuwen, Yihan Xiong, Jean F Seurin, Chuni L Ghosh, Bing Xu
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Patent number: 7065112Abstract: A wavelength locker comprising a semiconductor or air gap etalon is used to monitor and maintain the output wavelength of a coherent radiation source. Said etalon may be fabricated from a commercially available silicon wafer, with individual regions of the wafer, each functioning as a separate etalon, etched or otherwise processed to produce different thicknesses. Illumination by the coherent radiation source generated transmitted signal intensities that are detected and processed to determine the output wavelength of the coherent radiation source. A wavelength tuner is then used to maintain or vary the output wavelength based on continuous measurements of etalon signal intensity.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Laurence S. Watkins, Qing Wang, Raymond William Simpson, Steven R Leffler
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Patent number: 6888871Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device with improved power and beam characteristics. The VCSEL device contains one VCSEL or an array of VCSELs. Each VCSEL has a corresponding integrated microlens, and a heat sink is attached to the device side of the VCSEL device. The heat sink allows improved heat dissipation, and therefore provides improved power characteristics of the VCSEL device output laser beam. The microlens or microlens array allows easier and more compact focussing of the VCSEL device output laser beam. The VCSEL device can be used in a variety of optical systems, and its improved power and focusing characteristics provide a compact, low power, low cost laser system.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Kaiyan Zhang, Jiamin Zhang, Chuni L. Ghosh, Laurence S. Watkins
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Publication number: 20040228375Abstract: A wavelength locker comprising a semiconductor or air gap etalon is used to monitor and maintain the output wavelength of a coherent radiation source. Said etalon may be fabricated from a commercially available silicon wafer, with individual regions of the wafer, each functioning as a separate etalon, etched or otherwise processed to produce different thicknesses. Illumination by the coherent radiation source generated transmitted signal intensities that are detected and processed to determine the output wavelength of the coherent radiation source. A wavelength tuner is then used to maintain or vary the output wavelength based on continuous measurements of etalon signal intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Laurence S. Watkins, Qing Wang, Raymond William Simpson, Steven R. Leffler
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Patent number: 6788715Abstract: An IAU laser is stabilized to reduce intensity fluctuations. The laser comprises an IAU gain medium disposed in an optical resonance cavity and a multiphoton absorbing medium disposed in the cavity to reduce intensity fluctuations. A pump source to excite the gain medium is coupled to the cavity. In operation, the multiphoton absorbing material absorbs primarily at high intensity levels, effectively increasing the loss at high intensities. In an advantageous embodiment, the active medium comprises erbium-doped glass and the multiphoton absorber comprises a body of semiconductor exhibiting two-photon absorption at the emission wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Princeton OptronicsInventors: Robert Van Leeuwen, Thomas Oh