Temperature regulating laser diode assembly
US5640407A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/02415
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved laser diode assembly includes a laser diode unit which is mounted directly on a compact thermoelectric cooler, which is mounted on a heat sink. A thermally insulating gasket, mounted around the thermoelectric cooler, seals the thermoelectric cooler from the ambient environment, thereby preventing condensation from forming on the cold face of the thermoelectric cooler. A bushing concentrically positions the laser diode unit in the proper optical alignment with respect to the optical assembly, while thermally and electrically insulating the laser diode. A thermally conductive gasket, mounted around the circumference of the laser diode window, returns heat from the heat sink to the window to prevent condensation from forming on the window. The laser diode is the only component cooled by the thermoelectric cooler. Since a portion of the heat transferred by the thermoelectric cooler is utilized to warm the laser diode window, a separate heating element is not required. This increases the overall efficiency of the laser diode assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.