Method and apparatus for aligning a laser diode, and laser diode system produced thereby
US5111476A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 5, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/024
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for mounting a laser diode in an existing TO-5 structure within a cylindrical heat sink so that the laser beam can be focused, aimed and collimated in a mechanically repeatable manner in about 45 seconds. The basis for so doing lies in the use of an alignment apparatus to align the beam of a laser diode within its TO-5 heat sink structure with a lens that has been placed within a second heat sink, and thereby to form an aimed laser optic system (ALOS). The apparatus is constructed using processes that leave several compressive forces acting within itself, whereby the structure is constrained to adopt configurations that are essentially identical upon each installation of a laser diode. An interference fit of the TO-5 heat sink flange against the second heat sink provides an additional degree of heat sinking, thereby permitting the diode to be operated at temperatures of up to 130 deg. F. without damage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.