Monolithic laser diode array with one metalized sidewall

US6266353A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Barry L. Freitas · Livermore, US
• Jay A. Skidmore · San Jose, US
• John P. Wooldridge · Livermore, US
• Mark Emanuel · Fremont, US
• Stephen A. Payne · Castro Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 30, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 24, 2001
• Expiry date: Jul 30, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S5/4018
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A monolithic, electrically-insulating substrate that contains a series of notched grooves is fabricated. The substrate is then metalized so that only the top surface and one wall adjacent to the notch are metalized. Within the grooves is located a laser bar, an electrically-conductive ribbon or contact bar and an elastomer which secures/registers the laser bar and ribbon (or contact bar) firmly along the wall of the groove that is adjacent to the notch. The invention includes several embodiments for providing electrical contact to the corresponding top surface of the adjacent wall. In one embodiment, after the bar is located in the proper position, the electrically conductive ribbon is bent so that it makes electrical contact with the adjoining metalized top side of the heatsink.