Power monitoring approach for VCSELS and VCSEL arrays

US11848538B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• VIXAR, INC. · US

Inventors

• Klein L. Johnson · Windom, US
• David Sandquist · Saint Paul, US
• Mary Brenner · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 29, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 19, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 29, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an approach for monitoring the output power of a VCSEL or VCSEL array in a relatively compact, low profile package. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured with a photodiode for monitoring output power of one or more VCSELs. In some embodiments, one or more VCSEL devices may be arranged over or on a photodetector, such that the photodetector is configured to detect light emitted through a bottom of the VCSEL. In such embodiments, the VCSEL device may have a patterned bottom metal layer and/or an etched substrate to allow light to pass below or behind the VCSEL to the photodiode. In other embodiments, a photodetector may be arranged on a submount adjacent one or more VCSELs, and may be configured to detect light reflected via a diffuser in order to monitor output power.