Thin planar package for cooling an array of edge-emitting laser diodes

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868246

Mundinger, David C ^[1]; Benett, William J ^[2]

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1. Stockton, CA
2. Livermore, CA

A laser diode array is disclosed that includes a plurality of planar assemblies and active cooling of each assembly. The laser diode array may be operated in a long duty cycle, or in continuous operation. A laser diode bar and a microchannel heat sink are thermally coupled in a compact, thin planar assembly having the laser diode bar located proximate to one edge. In an array, a number of such thin planar assemblies are secured together in a stacked configuration, in close proximity so that the laser diodes are spaced closely. The cooling means includes a microchannel heat sink proximate to the laser diode bar to absorb heat generated by laser operation. To provide the coolant to the microchannels, each thin planar assembly comprises passageways that connect the microchannels to inlet and outlet corridors. Each inlet passageway may comprise a narrow slot that directs coolant into the microchannels and increases the velocity of flow therethrough. The corridors comprises holes extending through each of the assemblies in the array. The inlet and outlet corridors are connected to a conventional coolant circulation system. The laser diode array with active cooling has applications as an optical pump for high power solid state lasers, or by mating the diodes with fiber optic lenses. Further, the arrays can be useful in applications having space constraints and energy limitations, and in military and space applications. The arrays can be incorporated in equipment such as communications devices and active sensors.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5105430
• OSTI ID: 868246
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

planar
package
cooling
array
edge-emitting
laser
diodes
diode
disclosed
plurality
assemblies
active
assembly
operated
duty
cycle
continuous
operation
bar
microchannel
heat
sink
thermally
coupled
compact
located
proximate
edge
secured
stacked
configuration
close
proximity
spaced
closely
means
absorb
generated
provide
coolant
microchannels
comprises
passageways
connect
inlet
outlet
corridors
passageway
comprise
narrow
slot
directs
increases
velocity
flow
therethrough
holes
extending
connected
conventional
circulation
applications
optical
pump
power
solid
lasers
mating
fiber
optic
lenses
arrays
useful
space
constraints
energy
limitations
military
incorporated
equipment
communications
devices
sensors
stacked configuration
space applications
active cooling
power solid
diode bar
optical pump
laser operation
laser diodes
assembly comprises
cooling means
continuous operation
close proximity
heat sink
fiber optic
laser diode
diode array
duty cycle
heat generated
flow therethrough
thermally coupled
microchannel heat
space constraints
planar package
spaced close
spaced closely
emitting laser
inlet passage
active sensors
located proximate
channel heat
optic lens
narrow slot
coolant circulation
optic lenses
holes extending
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