Laser oscillator

• US 7,502,392 B2
• Filed: 09/08/2004
• Issued: 03/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Nomura, Ryoji, Shimomura, Akihisa
• Primary Examiner(s): Harvey; Minsun
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen; Tuan N.
• Application Number:
  US10/935,178
• Publication Number:
  US 20050058162A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,644 Days
• Field of Search: 359/624, 438/149, 372/87, 372/101, 257/94, 257/91, 257/79
• US Class Current: 372/9
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/02212 Can-type, e.g. TO-CAN housings with emission along or parallel to symmetry axis
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/02345 Wire-bonding
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/04256 characterised by the configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/04257 having positive and negative electrodes on the same side of the substrate
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/1039 Details on the cavity length
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/18388 Lenses
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/36 comprising organic materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/423 having a vertical cavity

Abstract

The present invention provides a laser oscillator using an electroluminescent material that can enhance directivity of emitted laser light and resistance to a physical impact. The laser oscillator has a first layer including a concave portion, a second layer formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion, and a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion, wherein the second layer is planarized, an axis of laser light obtained from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer, the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion, and a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

Claims

1. A laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

the light emitting element includes a first electrode, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

5. A laser oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the laser light transmits through the second layer.

6. A laser oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the electroluminescent layer comprises an organic compound.

2. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

the light emitting element includes a first electrode, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

3. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

the light emitting element includes a first electrode, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

4. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

the light emitting element includes a first electrode, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

7. A laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the first electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

11. A laser oscillator according to claim 7, wherein the electroluminescent layer comprises an organic compound.

8. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the first electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

9. An LCD comprising

a laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the first electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

10. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the reflective film; and

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the first electrode toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer, and

wherein the second layer is located between the reflective film and the light emitting element.

12. A laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

13. A laser pointer comprising

a laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

14. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

15. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

16. A laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a first reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first reflective film;

a second reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the second reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the second reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein the first reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer.

17. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a first reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first reflective film;

a second reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the second reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the second reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein the first reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer.

18. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a first reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first reflective film;

a second reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the second reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the second reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein the first reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer.

19. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a first reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer formed over the first reflective film;

a second reflective film formed over the second layer; and

a light emitting element formed over the second reflective film to overlap the concave portion,

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the second reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the second reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second reflective film toward the concave portion;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion; and

wherein the first reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer.

20. A laser oscillator comprising:

a light emitting element formed over a first layer; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the first layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

21. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a light emitting element formed over a first layer; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the first layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

22. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a light emitting element formed over a first layer; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the first layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

23. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a light emitting element formed over a first layer; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the first layer, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

24. A laser oscillator comprising:

a reflective film formed over a first layer;

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

25. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a reflective film formed over a first layer;

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

26. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a reflective film formed over a first layer;

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

27. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a reflective film formed over a first layer;

a light emitting element formed over the reflective film; and

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the second layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the light emitting element includes a first electrode formed over the reflective film, an electroluminescent layer formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the electroluminescent layer;

wherein light generated in the electroluminescent layer is oscillated between the reflective film and the second electrode, thereby emitting laser light from the second electrode toward the convex portion; and

wherein the second layer has a curved surface in the convex portion.

28. A laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion,

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

29. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion,

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

30. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion,

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

31. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion,

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

32. A laser oscillator comprising:

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the reflective film;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap with the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

33. A laser pointer comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the reflective film;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap with the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

34. An LCD comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the reflective film;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap with the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.

35. A projector comprising:

a laser oscillator comprising;

a first layer having a concave portion;

a reflective film formed over the first layer to cover the concave portion;

a second layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed over the reflective film;

a light emitting element formed over the second layer to overlap with the concave portion; and

a third layer that is light-transmitting and that is formed to cover the light emitting element,

wherein the third layer has a convex portion to overlap the light emitting element;

wherein the first layer has a curved surface in the concave portion;

wherein the third layer has a curved surface in the convex portion;

wherein the reflective film has a curved surface in the concave portion of the first layer;

wherein an optical axis of laser light emitted from the light emitting element intersects with a planarized surface of the second layer; and

wherein a refractive index of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer.