Heat Sink Patents (Class 372/36)
  • Publication number: 20120082176
    Abstract: A packaging method for forming a conduction cooled package (CCP) laser is provided and includes soldering a semiconductor laser device on the first heat spreader; and then bonding the first heat spreader on the second spreader via an Al/Ni nano-laminated foil. Moreover, a CCP laser is also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ARIMA LASERS CORP.
    Inventors: Szutsun Simon OU, Po-Wen HSIAO, Chia-Hung HSIEH, Hui-Ping YANG, Ying-Feng HSU
  • Publication number: 20120076162
    Abstract: A device to be positioned between a heat source and a heat sink may transform infrared electromagnetic (IR-EM) energy exchanged therebetween from a first form to a second form. The device may include a pair of layers facing each other and having dielectric material with molecular excitability characteristics to produce the second form of IR-EM energy. The pair of layers may define a gap therebetween. The device may include a conversion circuit configured to convert the second form of IR-EM energy into electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giovanni GIRLANDO
  • Patent number: 8145067
    Abstract: An optical transmitter includes a light source that outputs light superposed with a pilot signal having a predetermined frequency; an optical modulating unit that modulates the light from the light source according to an input electric signal; a detecting unit that detects a high-output-side maximum value of signal light output from the optical modulating unit, a fluctuation width of the high-output-side maximum value, and a fluctuation width of a low-output-side minimum value; a bias-potential adjusting unit that adjusts a bias potential of an electric signal to be input to the optical modulating unit based on the detected maximum value; and an amplitude adjusting unit that adjusts an amplitude of the electric signal to be input to the optical modulating unit based on the fluctuation width of the high-output-side maximum value and the fluctuation width of the low-output-side minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Akira Nagayama, Kazuyoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8132919
    Abstract: A beam alignment chamber extending in a length direction comprising a base having a front edge, and two side edges, first and second opposed side walls connected to the base, and extending along the length of the base, a front wall located at the front edge of the base having an output opening. The beam alignment chamber further comprises a plurality of arrays of light sources disposed to direct light beams through the first or second side walls, and a plurality of reflectors mounted on the base, each having independent yaw and pitch adjustments, each reflector being paired with a corresponding array of light sources, the base-mounted reflectors being disposed to direct the light beams along the length of the beam alignment chamber through the output opening forming an aligned two-dimensional array of parallel light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Harland, Barry D. Silverstein, James R. Kircher
  • Patent number: 8135288
    Abstract: A photonic system and method are provided. The system includes an optical source configured to generate a carrier signal; and a modulator configured to modulate the carrier signal with a radio frequency, (“RF”) input signal to generate a modulated signal. The system also includes an optical filter configured to filter the modulated signal to generate a vestigial sideband modulated signal; and an optical detector configured to demodulate the vestigial sideband signal to generate an RF output signal. The system further includes a wavelength controller module configured to set an operating parameter of the optical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James D. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20120051377
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port and a light reflecting film formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji-Hao Liang, Teruo Koike
  • Patent number: 8126026
    Abstract: A two-beam semiconductor laser device 10 includes: a two-beam semiconductor element LDC having a first and a second semiconductor laser elements LD1 and LD2 that can be driven independently and that are formed integrally on a substrate; and a submount 63 having, mounted on a front part thereof, the two-beam semiconductor laser element LDC with the light-emitting face thereof directed forward and having a first and a second electrode pads 64 and 65 connected to electrodes 61 and 62 of the first and second semiconductor laser element LD1 and LD2 by being kept in contact therewith. The first and second electrode pads 64 and 65 are formed to extend farther behind the two-beam semiconductor laser element LDC, and wires 14 and 16 are wire-bonded behind the two-beam semiconductor laser element LDC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Watanabe, Kouji Ueyama, Shinichirou Akiyoshi
  • Patent number: 8126025
    Abstract: A laser light source apparatus includes a first laser array light source that emits first-wavelength light, and a second laser array light source that emits second-wavelength light, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength. The first laser array light source includes a first fundamental wave laser array that produces first fundamental wave light having a first original wavelength, and a first wavelength conversion element that wavelength-converts the first fundamental wave light into the first-wavelength light. The second laser array light source includes a second fundamental wave laser array that produces second fundamental wave light having a second original wavelength different from the first original wavelength, and a second wavelength conversion element that wavelength-converts the second fundamental wave light into the second-wavelength light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Takeda
  • Patent number: 8121167
    Abstract: A dual wavelength laser device including a cap, a header, a first laser chip and a second laser chip. The cap includes a cap body and a lens embedded on the cap body. The header forms an accommodating space with the cap. The first laser chip is arranged in the accommodating space and emitting a first laser beam toward the lens. The second laser chip is arranged in the accommodating space and emitting a second laser beam toward the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Truelight Corporation
    Inventors: Jin-Shan Pan, Shang-Cheng Liu, Cheng-Ju Wu, Chang-Cherng Wu
  • Patent number: 8111730
    Abstract: An optoelectronic (OE) package or system and method for fabrication is disclosed which includes a silicon layer with a wiring layer. The silicon layer has an optical via for allowing light to pass therethrough. An optical coupling layer is bonded to the silicon layer, and the optical coupling layer includes a plurality of microlenses for focusing and or collimating the light through the optical via. One or more first OE elements are coupled to the silicon layer and electrically communicating with the wiring. At least one of the first OE elements positioned in optical alignment with the optical via for receiving the light. A second OE element embedded within the wiring layer. A carrier may be interposed between electrical interconnect elements and positioned between the wiring layer and a circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Russell A. Budd, Paul Fortier, Frank R. Libsch
  • Publication number: 20120027036
    Abstract: An optical device including: a carrier having a first area and a second area, both edges of the second area having a wall of a step, one edge of the second area being adjacent to the first area, the first area having a first thickness, the second area having a second thickness larger than the first thickness; and a first optical component mounted on the first area of the carrier, the second area of the carrier being an absence area of a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC DEVICE INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Nakazawa, Haruo Yonetani
  • Patent number: 8101957
    Abstract: An optical semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate, an optical semiconductor region and a heater. The optical semiconductor region is provided on the semiconductor substrate and has a width smaller than that of the semiconductor substrate. The heater is provided on the optical semiconductor region. The optical semiconductor region has a cladding region, an optical waveguide layer and a low thermal conductivity layer. The optical waveguide layer is provided in the cladding region and has a refractive index higher than that of the cladding region. The low thermal conductivity layer is provided between the optical waveguide layer and the semiconductor substrate and has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the cladding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eudyna Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20120008655
    Abstract: A heat sink enabled to prevent structural deterioration of an inner wall of a flow channel caused by corrosion a semiconductor laser device are provided. The heat sink includes a main body, a flow channel which is provided in the main body, and inside which a cooling medium passes through, and a passivation film covering an inner-wall surface of the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Niwa
  • Patent number: 8094694
    Abstract: Circuit arrangements for the operation of a pulse laser diode and methods for operating a pulse laser diode include a current source to supply a direct current to the pulse laser diode. The circuit arrangement can provide operation of the pulse laser diode that can be stable and without unintentional shifts in wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Rudolf Behringer, Josip Maric, Stefan Morgott
  • Patent number: 8089995
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates adjusting the wavelengths of lasers via temperature control. This system includes a chip with an active face upon which active circuitry and signal pads reside. A thermal-control mechanism provides localized thermal control of two lasers mounted upon the active face of the chip. By individually controlling the temperature of the lasers, the thermal-control mechanism controls the wavelengths emitted by each respective laser. By creating a temperature gradient that causes a temperature difference between two or more lasers, the system can cause the lasers to emit different wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy, John E. Cunningham, Bruce M. Guenin, Howard L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20110305253
    Abstract: A semiconductor laser module includes a semiconductor laser section, a light selecting section, and an optical converting section. The semiconductor laser section includes a semiconductor laser substrate, a plurality of semiconductor laser elements mounted on the semiconductor laser substrate, and a first temperature adjusting element for adjusting temperature of the semiconductor laser elements. The light selecting section includes a light selecting element substrate and a light selecting element mounted on the light selecting element substrate and optically connected to the semiconductor laser elements, which selects laser light output from at least one of the semiconductor laser elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Go KOBAYASHI, Tatsuya KIMOTO, Toshio KIMURA, Takeshi AKUTSU, Kazutaka NARA
  • Patent number: 8076693
    Abstract: A heat spreader for an LED can include a thermally conductive and optically transparent member. The bottom side of the heat spreader can be configured to attach to a light emitting side of the LED. The top and/or bottom surface of the heat spreader can have a phosphor layer formed thereon. The heat spreader can be configured to conduct heat from the LED to a package. The heat spreader can be configured to conduct heat from the phosphors to the package. By facilitating the removal of heat from the LED and phosphors, more current can be used to drive the LED. The use of more current facilitates the construction of a brighter LED, which can be used in applications such as flashlights, displays, and general illumination. By facilitating the removal of heat from the phosphors, desired colors can be better provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgelux, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei Shi
  • Patent number: 8073028
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a surface emitting laser and a ceramic package. The surface emitting laser has a common electrode on the back surface thereof and is mounted on the ceramic package via the common electrode. The common electrode of the surface emitting laser is electrically connected to a mount portion of the ceramic package. The mount portion is electrically connected to a back-surface electrode on the back surface of the ceramic package. The mount portion is also thermally connected to a back-surface heat-dissipating electrode on the back surface of the ceramic package via a penetrating electrode that penetrates the ceramic package. The surface emitting laser is spaced apart from the penetrating electrode in order to prevent inclination in light-emitted direction. The back-surface heat-dissipating electrode prevents destruction of a soldered portion when the light emitting apparatus is mounted on a substrate by soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8068525
    Abstract: To achieve a solid-state laser element capable of outputting a high-power laser, in a planar waveguide type solid-state laser element that causes a plurality of fundamental laser beams to oscillate in a direction of an optic axis within a flat plate-like laser medium, and forms a waveguide structure in a thickness direction of the laser medium, which is a direction perpendicular to a principal surface of the flat plate-like laser medium, the laser medium is separated in a principal-surface width direction of the laser medium, which is a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optic axis and the thickness direction of the laser medium, by a groove extending in the direction of the optic axis within the laser medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shuhei Yamamoto, Takayuki Yanagisawa, Yasuharu Koyata, Yoshihito Hirano
  • Patent number: 8068745
    Abstract: A circuit controlling the gain of an amplifier in an optical transmitter used for optical communication, including a detection circuit for measuring the power of the RF input to a laser; a gain controller or controlling a gain of an amplifier, and a switch connected to the gain controller, wherein the gain controller is adapted, in response to an activation of a switch, to: (i) automatically vary gain of the amplifier, and (ii) set the gain of the amplifier at a level corresponding to a reduction in the noise and/or distortion associated with the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Emcore Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Edward Olson, Nghia Kha, Hy Thai, Todd Kellison, Frank Berardi
  • Patent number: 8068524
    Abstract: A submount for a semiconductor laser. The submount has a layer of silicon carbide (SiC) and a layer of aluminum nitride (AlN) deposited on the layer of SiC. The submount is bonded to the InP-based laser by a hard solder applied to the AlN layer. Preferably, the thickness of the AlN layer is ten to twenty microns, the thickness of the SiC layer is two hundred fifty microns, and the solder is a gold-tin (AuSn) eutectic. The semiconductor laser may be a quantum cascade laser (QCL). Similar combinations of submount materials can be found for other semiconductor laser material systems and types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Pranalytica, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Kumar N. Patel, Arkadiy Lyakh, Alexei Tsekoun, Richard Maulini
  • Publication number: 20110286483
    Abstract: A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Deri, Jack Kotovsky, Christopher M. Spadaccini
  • Publication number: 20110286482
    Abstract: A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Deri, Jack Kotovsky, Christopher M. Spadaccini
  • Publication number: 20110268143
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes a pump light source, a gain structure, and an out-coupling mirror. The gain structure is comprised of InGaN layers that have resonant excitation absorption at the pump wavelength. Light from the pump light source causes the gain structure to emit light, which is reflected by the out-coupling mirror back to the gain structure. A distributed Bragg reflector causes internal reflection within the gain structure. The out-coupling mirror permits light having sufficient energy to pass therethrough for use external to the device. A frequency doubling structure may be disposed between the gain structure and the out-coupling mirror. Output wavelengths in the deep-UV spectrum may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: André Strittmatter, Christopher L. Chua, Peter Kiesel, Noble M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8050302
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion laser light source includes: an element temperature switching section that switches a temperature of the wavelength conversion element according to a harmonic wave output value as set in an output setting device, and the element temperature switching section for switching a temperature of a wavelength conversion element according to a harmonic wave output level as set in the output setting device, wherein the element temperature switch section includes an element temperature holding section that holds the wavelength conversion element at the temperature as switched by the element temperature switching section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Furuya, Shinichi Shikii, Kazuhisa Yamamoto, Koichi Kusukame
  • Patent number: 8050307
    Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
  • Patent number: 8031751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitride semiconductor laser device having a structure in which two or more of nitride semiconductor laser elements, having at least a first electrode on a first main surface of a first conductive type conductive substrate, having at least a first conductive type nitride semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second conductive type nitride semiconductor layer, and a second electrode on a second main surface of the conductive substrate, and having a stripe-waveguide structure parallel to the first main surface, are arranged in a direction parallel to the first main surface and a direction perpendicular to the direction of light that is emitted from the stripe waveguide structure in the nitride semiconductor laser device, and the first sub-mount and the first electrode of the nitride semiconductor laser element are electrically and heat-conductively connected, and the second sub-mount and the second electrode of the nitride semiconductor laser element are electrically and heat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Yamasaki, Kei Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110222567
    Abstract: A TO-can header assembly is provided that has improved heat dissipation and thermal resistance characteristics. The TO-can header assembly includes a relatively large ceramic heat dissipation block that functions as both a carrier for the laser diode and as a heat dissipation device. The ceramic heat dissipation block is in contact with the upper mounting surface of the header to allow a relatively large amount of heat to quickly pass from the laser diode through the heat dissipation block and into the upper mounting surface of the header. The cylindrical side wall of the header is smooth, rather than notched, and at least a substantial portion of the smooth cylindrical side wall is in continuous contact with an external heat sink device. Heat moves rapidly from the header into the external heat sink device where it is dissipated, thereby reducing the thermal resistance of the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES FIBER IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Marco Scofet, Luigi Tallone, Stefano Genisio
  • Patent number: 8018980
    Abstract: A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Deri, Jack Kotovsky, Christopher M. Spadaccini
  • Publication number: 20110211604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface-emitting semiconductor laser having a vertical resonator, comprising a substrate base section (1) and a mesa (M) arranged on and/or at the substrate base section, the mesa substantially comprising, viewed perpendicular to the substrate base section: at least one part of a first doting region (2) facing the substrate base section, at least one part of a second doping region (4) facing away from the substrate base section, and an active region (3) arranged between the first and the second doping regions, said active region having at least one active layer (A) with a laser-emitting zone, emitting substantially perpendicular to the active layer, characterized in that the mesa (M) comprises in at least one partial section of the side flank thereof at least one constriction (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITÄT ULM
    Inventor: Ralf-Hendrik Roscher
  • Patent number: 8007114
    Abstract: A projector includes a housing, a projection lens, a receiving member, an optical engine, a light source module, a heat sink, and a fan. The housing includes a bottom wall and four sidewalls, the bottom wall and the four sidewalls together define a receiving space. One of the sidewalls a number of first vents, the other three sidewalls define a number of second vents. The projection lens is located at an intersecting corner of the sidewalls. The receiving member includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The optical engine is received in the second receiving portion. The light source module is received in the first receiving portion. The heat sink is located at an intersecting corner of the sidewalls. The fan is located at an intersecting corner of the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Fu Chen, Yi-Ping Hsieh, Tsung-Je Chiu
  • Patent number: 8000360
    Abstract: Laser diodes (120) emit laser beams along a vertical YZ plane at different distances from the YZ plane. The beams are collimated in their fast and slow axes, and are redirected by turning mirrors (162) to form a beam stack (130C) traveling along the XZ plane. The beam stack is turned by about 90°, then converged by a focusing lens (174) into an optical fiber (180). A compact assembly is thus provided. Each laser diode (120.i), its collimating optics (154.i, 158.i, i=1, 2, . . . ) and its turning mirror (162.i) are rigidly attached to a flat, heat-spreading surface (144.i) and thus remain aligned with each other in thermal cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Victor Faybishenko
  • Publication number: 20110194578
    Abstract: A laser light-source apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with: a laser-driving circuit board, thermal insulators that are placed on the laser-driving circuit board; a heat receiving plate that is placed on the thermal insulators and thermally insulated from the laser-driving circuit board, a laser light-source module that is installed on the heat receiving plate so as to be thermally connected to the heat receiving plate and is also electrically connected to the laser-driving circuit board so as to be driven thereby, and a heat sink that is thermally connected to the heat receiving plate via a heat pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Tatsuro HIROSE, Taisuke Murata, Kazuo Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 7991028
    Abstract: A high-powered diffraction limited diode pumped solid-state source optically end pumps a compact, widely tunable solid state material. Imaging of the collimated pump beam into the tunable medium produces ideal volumetric overlap producing high conversion efficiencies. Fully integrated pump source provides pump energy at or near the peak absorption wavelength. Birefringent elements placed intracavity are used for linewidth narrowing and tuning of the laser wavelength. Tunable active medium is placed in linear cavity arrangement utilizing a confocal or hemispherical arrangement. Mode waist is minimized in crystal such that there is optimal overlap with pump source while simultaneously maximizing extraction efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Bruno
  • Patent number: 7991033
    Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) includes a semiconductor substrate, a lower reflecting mirror formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a mesa structure. The mesa structure includes an active layer, a selective oxidization layer that includes a current confined structure, and an upper reflecting mirror. A lower electrode is connected to the semiconductor substrate, and an upper electrode is connected to the upper reflecting mirror. The VCSEL emits laser light perpendicularly to the plane of the semiconductor substrate when an electric current flows between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The semiconductor substrate is inclined with respect to (100) plane. The active layer includes a quantum well layer having a compressive strain with respect to the substrate, and a spacer layer. The spacer layer has either a compressive strain or a tensile strain with respect to the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Hara, Morimasa Kaminishi
  • Patent number: 7991029
    Abstract: A cut-out portion of a ground conductor is located in a region where a header faces a flexible board from the junction of a signal pin and a signal line and faces the signal line. The size of the cut-out portion is determined so that the impedance of the signal pin is matched to the impedance of the signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aruga
  • Publication number: 20110182309
    Abstract: A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Deri, Jack Kotovsky, Christopher M. Spadaccini
  • Publication number: 20110173870
    Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: DAYLIGHT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Day, David F Arnone
  • Publication number: 20110176566
    Abstract: A compact semiconductor laser pumped solid-state laser device is provided that can suppress unnecessary parasitic oscillation in a microchip and efficiently extract energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: INTER-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CORPORATION, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF NATURAL SCIENCES
    Inventors: Masaki Tsunekane, Takunori Taira
  • Publication number: 20110176567
    Abstract: A VCSEL array device formed of a monolithic array of raised VCSELs on an electrical contact and raised inactive regions connected to the electrical contact. The VCSELs can be spaced symmetrically or asymmetrically, in a manner to improve power or speed, or in phase and in parallel. The VCSELs include an active region positioned between two mirrors generating a pulsed light operating at a frequency of at least 1 GHz. The VCSELs having an output power of at least 120 mW. The raised VCSELs and raised inactive regions are positioned between the electrical contact and an electrical waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Trilumina Corporation
    Inventor: John Joseph
  • Patent number: 7975493
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) in an optical transceiver. A TEC system includes a processor that interacts with a power supply and a TEC controller to prevent inrush current. The power supply is switched by the processor and turned on only at a particular time. The power supply has a relatively large time constant such that it ramps slowly to its full value. In the meantime, the processor and TEC controller cause the temperature to ramp to a target value by repeatedly incrementing or decrementing a target value over time and by controlling when the maximum available voltage can be applied to the TEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo Saad, Jiashu Chen, Saied Ansari
  • Patent number: 7972034
    Abstract: A laser light source includes: a laser array in which plural emitters are arranged; and a submount having first and second surfaces facing in opposite directions. The laser array is provided on the first surface. A distance between the first surface and the second surface of the submount varies along an array arrangement direction of the laser array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiko Takagi
  • Patent number: 7965747
    Abstract: A laser light source apparatus includes a laser light source; a heat exchanger that includes a plurality of cooling fins and that cools the laser light source; a driving circuit that drives the laser light source; a housing including an intake port and an exhaust port; and an air-cooling fan that is attached to the housing and that discharges air taken in from the intake port to the exhaust port. The cooling fins are arranged at a position opposed to the intake port to be stacked up on each other at predetermined intervals and a pitch between the cooling fins is equal to or less than a minimum width of the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Kumano
  • Patent number: 7965748
    Abstract: A laser pump cavity includes a heat sink holder with a central through hole, a plurality of slot portions, and a plurality of single emitters. The single emitter includes a heat sink and a single core disposed on the heat sink. The slot portions are uniformly spaced and surround the through hole. The single emitters are connected end to end, thereby forming at least one single emitter array. The at least one single emitter array is disposed in corresponding slot portions with each single core facing the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Shenzhen Han's Laser Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gang Pu, Gang Xiao, Jianfei Chen, Yanqing Yang, Yunfeng Gao
  • Publication number: 20110142087
    Abstract: The invention relates, among other things, to a method for the assembly of a semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component on mutually opposing sides is joined in a first and a second bonded connection with a heat-conducting body each. For this purpose, the heat-conducting bodies are joined in a third bonded connection in the region of the sections thereof extending away from the semiconductor element, wherein a spacer, which with regard to the third connection is disposed on the opposite side of the semiconductor component between the heat-conducting bodies, in conjunction with the requirement that the joining zone thickness of the third connection is greater than that of the first or the second joining zone, ensures that defined joining zone thicknesses in the bonded connection are maintained during the joining process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: JENOPTIK LASER GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Schroeder, Dirk Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 7962044
    Abstract: An optical transmitter is disclosed having a temperature stabilization system for an optical filter for maintaining constant the frequency response of the filter. The filter is mounted within a housing having a substantially higher thermal conductivity. The housing may include a copper-tungsten alloy and extend along the optical axis of the filter. The housing is in thermal contact with a thermo-electric cooler (TEC) and a temperature sensor. The TEC and temperature sensor are electrically coupled to a controller which adjusts the temperature of the TEC according to the output of the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin McCallion, Michael Deutsch, Parviz Tayebati, Saeid Azemati
  • Patent number: 7961768
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor laser device capable of improving the properties of a laser beam and reducing the cost for optical axis adjustment is provided. This integrated semiconductor laser device comprises a first semiconductor laser element including a first emission region and having either a projecting portion or a recess portion and a second semiconductor laser element including a second emission region and having either a recess portion or a projecting portion. Either the projecting portion or the recess portion of the first semiconductor laser element is fitted to either the recess portion or the projecting portion of the second semiconductor laser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Izu, Tsutomu Yamaguchi, Hiroki Ohbo, Ryoji Hiroyama, Masayuki Hata, Kiyoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 7959297
    Abstract: A digital image projector includes a light assembly configured to project light along a light path from at least one laser array light source, the projected light having an overlapping far field illumination in a far field illumination portion of the light path; a temporally varying optical phase shifting device configured to be in the light path; an optical integrator configured to be in the light path; a spatial light modulator located downstream of the temporally varying optical phase shifting device and the optical integrator in the light path, the spatial light modulator configured to be located in the far field illumination portion of the light path; and projection optics located downstream of the spatial light modulator in the light path, the projection optics configured to direct substantially speckle free light from the spatial light modulator toward a display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Gary E. Nothhard
  • Patent number: 7957439
    Abstract: A laser diode package includes a laser diode, a cooler, and a metallization layer. The laser diode is used for converting electrical energy to optical energy. The cooler receives and routes a coolant from a cooling source via internal channels. The cooler includes a plurality of ceramic sheets and a highly thermally-conductive sheet. The ceramic sheets are fused together and the thermally-conductive sheet is attached to a top ceramic sheet of the plurality of ceramic sheets. The metallization layer has at least a portion on the thermally-conductive sheet. The portion is electrically coupled to the laser diode for conducting the electrical energy to the laser diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space & Missions
    Inventors: Edward F. Stephens, Steven M. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20110122905
    Abstract: A system for self-aligning assembly and packaging of semiconductor lasers allows reduction of time, cost and testing expenses for high power density systems. A laser package mounting system, such as a modified TO-can (transistor outline can), has modifications that increase heat transfer from the active laser to a heat exchanger or other heat sink. A prefabricated heat exchanger assembly mounts both a laser package and one or more lenses. Direct mounting of a fan assembly to the package further minimizes assembly steps. Components may be physically and optically aligned during assembly by clocking and other indexing means, so that the entire system is self-aligned and focused by the assembly process without requiring post-assembly adjustment. This system can lower costs and thereby enable the use of high powered semiconductor lasers in low cost, high volume production, such as consumer items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SEMINEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Bean, John J. Callahan