Compact Mid-IR laser

US7873094B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Daylight Solutions, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Timothy Day · San Jose, US
• David F. Arnone · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 15, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 18, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 22, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S5/3401
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another. A small diameter aspheric lens may have a diameter of 10 mm or less and is positioned to provided a collimated beam output from the quantum cascade laser. The housing is hermetically sealed to provide a rugged, light weight portable MIR laser source.