Low inductance laser diode arrays, laser diode array assemblies, and fabrication thereof
AssigneeLaser Diode Array, Inc.
InventorArthur A. Karpinski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A laser diode array, having one or a plurality of electrically mounted laser diode bars, in which current paths through the array are sufficiently parallel and close together to result in a substantial reduction of inductance. As a result, higher duty cycles at lower pulse widths are possible. In some embodiments, a heatsink is provided as part of an overall assembly. The heatsink may provide part or all of a return portion of the current path for the array. Alternatively, the heatsink may be insulated from the rest of the array. The array itself may be fabricated in any of a number of known manners.
Claims36
A low-inductance laser diode array comprising:
- at least one electrically mounted laser diode bar;
- a first current path, having a cathode connection point, and extending in a first direction along said array;
- and
- a second current path, having an anode connection point, and extending in a second direction along said array, said first and second directions being substantially parallel to each other,
- wherein said first and second current paths are separated substantially by a thickness of said array.
A low-inductance laser diode array assembly comprising:
- a laser diode array comprising:
- at least one electrically mounted laser diode bar;
- a first current path, having a cathode connection point, and extending in a first direction along said array;
- and
- a second current path, having an anode connection point, and extending in a second direction along said array, said first and second directions being substantially parallel to each other,
- wherein said first and second current paths are separated substantially by a thickness of said array;
- said assembly further comprising a heatsink on which said laser diode array is mounted.
A method of forming a low-inductance laser diode array, said method comprising:
- mounting at least one laser diode bar electrically;
- providing a first current path, having a cathode connection point, and extending in a first direction along said array;
- and
- providing a second current path, having an anode connection point, and extending in a second direction along said array, said first and second directions being substantially parallel to each other,
- wherein said first and second current paths are separated substantially by a thickness of said array.
A method of forming a low-inductance laser diode array assembly, said method comprising:
- forming a laser diode array by a method comprising:
- mounting at least one laser diode bar electrically;
- providing a first current path, having a cathode connection point, and extending in a first direction along said array;
- and
- providing a second current path, having an anode connection point, and extending in a second direction along said array, said first and second directions being substantially parallel to each other,
- wherein said first and second current paths are separated substantially by a thickness of said array;
- said method further comprising mounting said laser diode array on a heatsink.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.