Optical: systems and elements – Optical frequency converter
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-01
2001-05-29
Lee, John D. (Department: 2874)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical frequency converter
C372S022000, C372S050121
Reexamination Certificate
active
06239901
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to lasers, and more particularly, to lasers that are pumped by a light source having a wavelength different from that of the light emitted by the laser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One class of light source based on a solid-state laser consists of a hybrid structure that combines an excitation light source and a solid-state laser. The excitation light source emits light that differs in wavelength from that of the solid state laser. For example, this type of source is utilized to provide wavelength conversions. In addition, by passing the light from the laser light source through a nonlinear optical crystal, devices that generate multiple wavelengths such as the second harmonic of the solid-state laser may be fabricated. Such lasers are described in Introduction to Optical Electronics by Amnon Yariv (third edition, published in 1985, 1976, 1971 by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.; translated into Japanese by Kunio Tada and Takeshi Kamiya, Nov. 25, 1988, published by Maruzen), and hence, will not be discussed in detail here.
There are a number of problems which add to the cost of constructing such light sources. First, the excitation light source and solid-state laser are fabricated separately. These components must be placed in exact positions relative to one another. This alignment step substantially increases the cost of fabrication. In addition, the resulting device is substantially larger than the solid-state laser. It is advantageous to provide as compact a device as possible.
Second, once aligned, the components must be protected from mechanical vibrations that can alter the alignment of the components. In prior art devices, the components must be mounted on a vibration isolating base. This base further increases the complexity, cost, and size of the final devices, and hence, detracts from the commercial use of such devices.
Broadly, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved hybrid laser device.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a light source device in which the excitation source and solid-state laser are fabricated on the same substrate in precise alignment with one another.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a light source constructed from a light emitting device and a light conversion device. The light-emitting device emits light of a first wavelength and includes a semiconductor device on a surface of a substrate. The light conversion device includes a portion of the substrate. The light conversion device receives the light of the first wavelength and emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The substrate includes a crystal of a fluorescent material doped with an activator. The light emitting device is preferably a light emitting diode or a laser diode. In one embodiment of the invention, the light emitting device is constructed in a groove in the substrate such that light generated by the light emitting device enters the wall of the groove. Embodiments of the invention for generating second-harmonic light may be constructed by including a waveguide structure in the substrate and alternating polarized regions formed in the substrate perpendicular to the light propagation direction.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 35215 (1996-04-01), Waarts et al.
patent: 4528464 (1985-07-01), Chemla et al.
patent: 4862473 (1989-08-01), Yano et al.
patent: 4951293 (1990-08-01), Yamamoto et al.
patent: 5007694 (1991-04-01), Yamamoto et al.
patent: 5208827 (1993-05-01), Sagawa et al.
patent: 5379311 (1995-01-01), McFarlane et al.
Moulton, P. F., “Spectroscopic and Laser Characteristics of Ti:Al2O3” Solid State Laser Material, vol. 3, No. 1/Jan. 1986, Journal of the Optical Society of America B, pp. 125-133.
Cronemeyer, D. C., “Optical Absorption Characteristics of Pink Ruby”, Journal of the Optical Society of America, vol. 56, No. 12, Dec. 1996, pp. 1703-1706.
Nakamura, Shuji et al., “High-Power, Long-Lifetime InGaN Multi-Quantum-Well-structure Laser Diodes”, Japan Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 36, 1997, pp. L1059-L1061, Part 2, No. 8, Aug. 15, 1997.
Nakamura, Shuji et al., “InGaN-Based Multi-Quantum-Well-Structure Laser diodes”, Japan Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 35, 1996, pp. L74-76, Part 2, No 1B, Jan. 15, 1996.
Fejer,Martin M., et al., Quasi-Phase-Matched Second Harmonic Generation: Tuning and Tolerances, IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, vol. 28, No. 11, Nov. 1992, pp. 2631-2654.
Fan, Tso Yee et al., “Diode Laser-Pumped Solid-State Lasers”, IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, vol. 24,No. 6, Jun. 1988, pp. 895-912.
Agilent Technologie,s Inc.
Lee John D.
LandOfFree
Light source utilizing a light emitting device constructed... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Light source utilizing a light emitting device constructed..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Light source utilizing a light emitting device constructed... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2463885