Laser component

A laser component includes a housing, a laser chip arranged in the housing, and a conversion element for radiation conversion arranged in the housing wherein the conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip. A method of producing such a laser component includes providing component parts of the laser component including a laser chip, a conversion element for radiation conversion and housing parts, and assembling the component parts of the laser component such that a housing is provided within which the laser chip and the conversion element are arranged, wherein the conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a laser component comprising a housing and a laser chip as well as a method of producing a laser component.

BACKGROUND

Semiconductor light sources such as, for example, light emitting diodes or laser diodes are increasingly being used for lighting applications. This concerns, for example, headlights of motor vehicles.

In one known configuration referred to as LARP (Laser Activated Remote Phosphor), one or a plurality of laser components are used to generate a blue laser radiation. Such a laser component typically comprises a TO housing (Transistor Outline), within which a laser chip is situated. The blue light radiation is projected onto a separate sheet-shaped conversion element via optical elements such as, for example, lenses or integrators. The conversion element is situated at a distance from the laser component(s). With the aid of the conversion element, the blue light radiation may be at least partly converted such that a white light radiation may be generated. A thermal energy that arises as power loss during the radiation conversion may substantially be dissipated in a lateral direction of the conversion element.

It could therefore be helpful to provide an improved laser component and a corresponding method of producing a laser component.

SUMMARY

We provide a laser component including a housing, a laser chip arranged in the housing, and a conversion element for radiation conversion arranged in the housing, wherein the conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip.

We also provide a method of producing the laser component including a housing, a laser chip arranged in the housing, and a conversion element for radiation conversion arranged in the housing, wherein the conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip, including providing component parts of the laser component including a laser chip, a conversion element for radiation conversion and housing parts, and assembling the component parts of the laser component such that a housing is provided within which the laser chip and the conversion element are arranged, wherein the conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Our laser component may comprise a housing, a laser chip arranged in the housing, and a conversion element for radiation conversion, the conversion element being arranged in the housing. The conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip.

The laser component comprises an integrated conversion element. The conversion element is situated together with a laser chip in a housing of the laser component. In this way, the laser chip and the conversion element may be reliably protected against external influences. The conversion element is arranged with respect to the laser chip such that the conversion element may be irradiated with a laser radiation generated by the laser chip, also called primary light radiation hereinafter, during operation of the laser component. With the aid of the conversion element, the primary light radiation may be at least partly converted. As a result, the conversion element and hence the laser component may emit radiation that may comprise primary and secondary, that is to say non-converted and converted, radiation portions.

The laser component comprising the conversion element integrated in the housing may be realized more compactly and in a manner saving more space than a conventional LARP construction. Furthermore, the conversion element may be positioned at a small distance from the laser chip. During operation of the laser component, it is possible in this way to generate a small luminous spot having high power density on the conversion element such that radiation emission from the laser component with high luminance is possible. The use of an optical element between the laser chip and the conversion element is not necessary for this purpose.

Further possible details and examples that may be considered for the laser component are described with greater scrutiny below.

The laser radiation generated by the laser chip may be a blue light radiation, for example. The entire radiation emitted by the laser component, which radiation may comprise a converted radiation portion besides the blue light radiation, may be a white light radiation, for example. In this way, the laser component may be employed, for example, in a headlight of a motor vehicle.

The conversion element may comprise a phosphor layer. The radiation conversion may be effected with the aid of the phosphor layer. The phosphor layer may comprise one phosphor or a plurality of different phosphors that convert primary light radiation into one or a plurality of different secondary light radiations. This may involve, for example, a yellow, a green and/or a red light radiation. The phosphor layer may be a ceramic layer.

The conversion element may be configured in a plate-shaped or laminar fashion and have a planar configuration. The conversion element may be provided for a mode of operation in transmission. In this case, the conversion element may have a side facing the laser chip and may be irradiated with the laser radiation. Via an opposite side thereto of the conversion element, light emission, that is to say emission of primary and secondary radiation portions, may be carried out.

During the radiation conversion, a thermal energy may be generated as power loss in the phosphor layer of the conversion element. The laser component may be configured to the effect that the heat may be dissipated in an efficient manner. Thermally governed changes in the conversion properties and the luminance may be suppressed as a result. Efficient dissipation of heat may be achieved with the aid of the examples explained below.

The phosphor layer of the conversion element may comprise a thermally conductive material with one phosphor or a plurality of different phosphors embedded therein. As a result, it is possible for the heat generated in the phosphor layer already to be distributed in the phosphor layer. This may be fostered by use of a thermally conductive material having a high thermal conductivity. These include aluminum nitride, for example.

The conversion element may comprise a thermally conductive layer that dissipates heat from the phosphor layer. The thermally conductive layer may be thermally coupled to the phosphor layer and a further component part of the laser component. In this way, the thermally conductive layer may bring about heat spreading and serve as a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated in the phosphor layer and feed it to the further component part of the laser component. The thermally conductive layer may be formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity, for example, from a metallic material such as copper, for example. Efficient dissipation of heat may be fostered in this way.

Apart from a metal, the thermally conductive layer may also be formed from some other material. By way of example, a configuration composed of ceramic, diamond, sapphire or a basic or matrix material with embedded carbon nanotubes is possible.

The conversion element may be configured such that the phosphor layer is partly concealed by the thermally conductive layer. In this case, the phosphor layer may be irradiated with laser radiation of the laser chip in a region in which the phosphor layer is not concealed by the thermally conductive layer. The following example may be taken into consideration in this context.

The thermally conductive layer may comprise a frame-shaped configuration having an opening. In this example, the phosphor layer may be irradiated with laser radiation of the laser chip via the opening of the thermally conductive layer. The frame shape of the thermally conductive layer, as a result of which the point at which heat arises may be laterally enclosed, enables efficient heat spreading and heat dissipation to be fostered.

The conversion element may comprise a reflective layer arranged on the phosphor layer. The phosphor layer may be irradiated with laser radiation of the laser chip via the reflective layer. In this case, the reflective layer may be situated on a side of the phosphor layer facing the laser chip. Backscattering of radiation from the conversion element in the direction of the laser chip may be suppressed or minimized with the aid of the reflective layer. Radiation emission with high luminance may be fostered in this way. The reflective layer may be configured such that light radiation having a wavelength in the range of the laser radiation may be transmitted by the reflective layer, thereby introduced into the phosphor layer and at least partly converted, and that the reflective layer is highly reflective for light radiation having a different or greater wavelength, that is to say for conversion radiation generated in the phosphor layer.

If the conversion element is configured with a phosphor layer, a reflective layer and an thermally conductive layer, the phosphor layer may be coated with the reflective layer on a side facing the laser chip. The thermally conductive layer may be arranged on the reflective layer and may thereby be thermally coupled to the phosphor layer via the reflective layer. Alternatively, the thermally conductive layer may be arranged directly on the phosphor layer or on a side of the phosphor layer facing the laser chip and may thereby be directly thermally coupled to the phosphor layer. In this case, the reflective layer may be situated in a region on the phosphor layer in which the phosphor layer is not concealed by the thermally conductive layer. In a frame-shaped configuration of the thermally conductive layer such as was described above, the reflective layer may be arranged on the phosphor layer within the opening of the thermally conductive layer.

The conversion element may additionally comprise a further thermally conductive layer. The further thermally conductive layer may likewise be used to dissipate heat from the phosphor layer. The phosphor layer is arranged between the thermally conductive layer and the further thermally conductive layer. Efficient dissipation of heat may be fostered further by this construction.

The two thermally conductive layers may be situated on both sides of the phosphor layer and thermally coupled thereto. Furthermore, the two thermally conductive layers may be arranged on opposite sides of the conversion element. These may be the side facing the laser chip and is irradiatable with the laser radiation of the laser chip and the side of the conversion element opposite thereto and is used for light emission.

Features and details mentioned above with regard to the thermally conductive layer may be analogously applied to the further thermally conductive layer. Individual or a plurality of the examples mentioned below may be present in this context. The further thermally conductive layer may be formed from a metal or some other material, for example, ceramic, diamond, sapphire or a basic or matrix material with embedded carbon nanotubes. The further thermally conductive layer may be arranged directly on the phosphor layer or on a side of the phosphor layer facing away from the laser chip. The conversion element may be configured such that the phosphor layer is partly covered by the further thermally conductive layer. Light emission from the conversion element or from the phosphor layer may be carried out in a region in which the phosphor layer is not concealed by the further thermally conductive layer. For this purpose, the further thermally conductive layer may comprise a frame-shaped configuration having an opening. In this example, the light emission may be carried out via the opening of the further thermally conductive layer.

The conversion element may comprise a soldering surface. The soldering surface may be configured in the form of a metallic layer and be arranged on the thermally conductive layer. In this configuration, the conversion element may be secured in the housing via a soldering connection. In this case, the conversion element may mechanically and thermally connect to a further component part of the laser component with the aid of the soldering surface and by a solder. The soldering connection enables reliable securing of the conversion element, and fosters efficient dissipation of heat for the conversion element. Depending on the configuration of the laser component, the conversion element may comprise only one, or else a plurality of or two soldering surfaces.

The laser chip may be an edge emitting laser chip. In this configuration, the laser chip comprises a lateral emission facet via which the laser radiation may be emitted from the laser chip. Adjoining the emission facet, the laser chip may comprise two opposite longitudinal sides, which may form a top side and an underside of the laser chip. The laser radiation may be emitted with a characteristic beam divergence via the emission facet in the vicinity of one of the longitudinal sides.

The laser chip may be arranged on a chip carrier. The chip carrier, which may be referred to as a submount, may serve as a heat sink of the laser chip. The chip carrier may comprise a thermally conductive ceramic material. The laser chip may be arranged with one of the longitudinal sides on the chip carrier. This may involve that longitudinal side near which the laser radiation is emitted. A shading of the divergently emitted laser radiation may be avoided in various ways. By way of example, the laser chip may be arranged on the chip carrier such that the laser chip projects with the emission facet laterally relative to the chip carrier. It is also possible for the chip carrier to have a stepped cross-sectional shape. In this case, the laser chip may be arranged on the chip carrier such that the laser chip projects with the emission facet laterally relative to a mounting side of the chip carrier that is provided to mount of the laser chip.

The laser chip may be arranged on a further component part of the laser component with the aid of the chip carrier described above. A direct arrangement of the laser chip on a further component part is also possible, that is to say without the use of a chip carrier. If a chip carrier is used, the conversion element may also be arranged on the chip carrier.

The housing of the laser component may be a standard housing such as, for example, a TO housing (Transistor Outline). In this way, it is possible to use already existing production techniques to produce the laser component, and cost-effective production is possible.

The housing may comprise a base part and a cap connected to the base part. The base part and the cap may enclose an encapsulated interior, in which the laser chip and the conversion element are arranged. The base part and the cap may comprise a metallic material and be thermally conductive as a result. The base part may be a TO header, and the cap may be a TO cap. Furthermore, the base part and the cap may connect to one another by a welding connection.

The base part may comprise a projecting mounting section. The mounting section, which may be referred to as a stem and which may likewise comprise a metallic material, may be used to mount further component parts.

As was indicated above, the laser chip may be arranged on a chip carrier serving as a heat sink. In a further example, the chip carrier is arranged on the mounting section of the base part. In this way, during operation of the laser component, heat generated in the laser chip may be dissipated via the chip carrier and furthermore the mounting section and the rest of the base part.

The conversion element may be arranged on the mounting section. As a result, it is also possible for heat to be reliably dissipated from the conversion element via the mounting section and thus the base part. In this configuration, the conversion element may mechanically and thermally connect to the mounting section of the base part with the aid of the above-described soldering surface and by a solder.

If the chip carrier and the conversion element are both arranged on the mounting section of the base part, the chip carrier may be arranged on a mounting side of the mounting section that is provided for the chip carrier, and the conversion element may be arranged on a side of the mounting section that is oriented perpendicularly to the mounting side.

The conversion element may be arranged on the chip carrier. In this way, heat may be reliably dissipated from the conversion element, like the laser chip likewise arranged on the chip carrier, via the chip carrier and furthermore via the mounting section and the rest of the base part. In this configuration, the conversion element may mechanically and thermally connect to the chip carrier with the aid of the above-described soldering surface and by a solder. The laser chip may be arranged on a mounting side and the conversion element may be arranged on a side of the chip carrier oriented perpendicularly to the mounting side. If the laser chip is arranged on the chip carrier with a longitudinal side near which the laser radiation is emitted, the above-described configuration of the chip carrier having the stepped cross-sectional shape may be employed to avoid shading of the laser radiation.

A joint arrangement of the laser chip and the conversion element on the chip carrier affords the possibility of providing a relatively small or minimum distance between the laser chip and the conversion element. As a result, it is possible to achieve a relatively high or maximum power density on the conversion element such that radiation emission with high luminance may be fostered.

Furthermore, the abovementioned example affords the possibility of an optical measurement carried out in the context of production being carried out as early as after arrangement of the laser chip and the conversion element on the chip carrier. During production of a plurality of laser components, defective components may thereby be identified in an earlier method stage.

The laser component may comprise a plurality of thermally conductive holding parts arranged on the base part. The conversion element is arranged on the plurality of holding parts. In this way, heat may be dissipated from the conversion element via the holding parts and the base part. Efficient dissipation of heat from the conversion element is possible on account of the plurality of holding parts. The holding parts may comprise a thermally conductive ceramic material. The above-described configuration of the conversion element comprising a plurality of soldering surfaces may be employed to secure the conversion element. In this case, the conversion element may mechanically and thermally connect to the holding parts with the aid of the soldering surfaces and by a solder.

The laser chip, as was specified above, may be arranged on a chip carrier serving as a heat sink. The chip carrier may be arranged on one of the thermally conductive holding parts mentioned above. In this way, during operation of the laser component, heat generated in the laser chip may be dissipated via the chip carrier and furthermore via the relevant holding part and the base part.

The laser chip itself may be arranged on one of the holding parts. In this case, the relevant holding part may serve as chip carrier, and heat may be dissipated from the laser chip via the holding part and the base part. By virtue of the direct arrangement of the laser chip on the holding part, dissipation of heat from the laser chip may be fostered. Furthermore, a cost saving is possible.

Furthermore, consideration may be given to a configuration in which the laser component comprises a or only one thermally conductive holding part arranged on the base part. In this case, too, the laser chip or a chip carrier carrying the laser chip may be arranged on the holding part. The conversion element may be arranged on the holding part, or on the chip carrier.

The cap connected to the base part may comprise a radiation-transmissive exit window. During operation of the laser component, the light radiation emitted by the conversion element, which light radiation may comprise primary and secondary radiation portions, may be transmitted through the exit window and thereby be emitted by the laser component.

The cap may comprise a radiation-transmissive optical element. In this configuration, the optical element may form an exit window of the cap. In this case, the light radiation emitted by the conversion element may pass through the optical element and beam shaping may be brought about with the aid of the optical element. The optical element integrated in the cap may be a lens, for example. The light radiation, which may be emitted in scattered form by the conversion element, may be focused, for example, in this way.

The conversion element may comprise a radiation-transmissive optical element. The optical element of the conversion element may be a lens, for example. In this way, too, beam shaping, for example, focusing of the light radiation emitted by the conversion element may be brought about. Furthermore, the optical element of the conversion element enables additional heat dissipation. The optical element may be arranged on a side of a phosphor layer of the conversion element facing away from the laser chip.

With regard to the above-described configuration of the conversion element comprising a thermally conductive layer and a further thermally conductive layer, between which a phosphor layer is arranged, the optical element may be arranged on the further thermally conductive layer.

A configuration comprising an integrated optical element makes it possible to use the laser component in a device or a system, for example, a headlight without additional optical elements. Consequently, a compact design is made possible even at the system level.

Further configurations and details may be considered for the laser component. With regard to electrical contacting, the base part may comprise terminal pins, for example. The terminal pins may be secured on the base part in an electrically insulated manner and may extend through the base part. The laser chip may electrically connect to the terminal pins. Electrical contact structures, for example, bond wires and a contact pad on a chip carrier or a thermally conductive holding part, may be employed for this purpose.

The laser component may comprise only one laser chip arranged in the housing. An example in which the laser component comprises a plurality of laser chips arranged in the housing and in which the conversion element likewise situated in the housing is irradiatable with laser radiation of the plurality of laser chips is also possible. The plurality of laser chips may be arranged alongside one another in the housing. With respect to such a construction, the examples explained above may be analogously employed. By way of example, individual or a plurality of the following configurations may be present.

Each laser chip may be arranged on a dedicated chip carrier. Alternatively, a plurality of laser chips may be arranged on a common chip carrier. The chip carrier(s) may be arranged on a projecting mounting section of a base part connected to a cap. The conversion element may likewise be arranged on the mounting section. A configuration in which the conversion element is arranged on the chip carrier(s) is also possible.

In a configuration of the laser component comprising a plurality of thermally conductive holding parts arranged on a base part and comprising the conversion element arranged thereon, the chip carrier(s) may be arranged on one of the holding parts. It is also possible for a plurality of laser chips to be directly arranged on the relevant holding part. This correspondingly holds true for a configuration of the laser component comprising one thermally conductive holding part, on which the chip carrier(s) or a plurality of laser chips may be arranged directly. In this case, the conversion element may be arranged on the holding part, or on the chip carrier(s).

We also provide a method of producing a laser component. The laser component has the above-described construction or a construction in accordance with one or a plurality of the examples described above. In the method, component parts of the laser component comprising a laser chip, a conversion element for radiation conversion and housing parts are provided. A further step is assembling the component parts of the laser component such that a housing is provided, within which the laser chip and the conversion element are arranged, wherein the conversion element is irradiatable with laser radiation of the laser chip.

The laser component produced with the aid of the method comprises a conversion element integrated in the housing. As a result, the laser component may have a compact design. Moreover, the conversion element may be arranged at a small distance from the laser chip. Operation of the laser component with radiation emission with high luminance is possible as a result.

The following examples may be employed with regard to the production method. By way of example, the conversion element provided may comprise a phosphor layer and a thermally conductive layer. Forming the thermally conductive layer may be carried out with the aid of a sputtering method. The conversion element may furthermore be provided with a reflective layer. The reflective layer may be formed on a side of the phosphor layer facing the laser chip in the laser component. The thermally conductive layer, which may be frame-shaped, may be formed on the reflective layer. It is also possible to form the thermally conductive layer and the reflective layer on the side of the phosphor layer which faces the laser chip in the laser component. In this case, the reflective layer may be provided on the phosphor layer in a region in which the phosphor layer is not concealed by the thermally conductive layer.

A further possible step, which may be carried out in the context of providing the conversion element, is forming at least one soldering surface on the thermally conductive layer. Furthermore, an optical element such as, for example, a lens may be arranged on the phosphor layer, specifically on the side of the phosphor layer which faces away from the laser chip in the laser component.

With regard to the housing parts, a base part and a cap may be provided. The base part may comprise a projecting mounting section. The laser chip may be arranged on a chip carrier, and the chip carrier may subsequently be arranged on the mounting section. The conversion element, too, may be arranged on the mounting section. It is also possible to mount the conversion element together with the laser chip on the chip carrier, and subsequently to arrange the chip carrier on the mounting section. A soldering process may be carried out in each case in the steps mentioned above.

It is furthermore possible to provide a base part, a cap and a plurality of thermally conductive holding parts. In this case, a chip carrier provided with the laser chip may be arranged on one of the holding parts, and this holding part and at least one further holding part may be mounted on the base part. The conversion element may subsequently be secured on the plurality of holding parts. The laser chip may alternatively be positioned directly on one of the holding parts. It is also possible for the conversion element to be premounted on a holding part, and for the relevant holding part to be secured on the base part and the conversion element to be secured on at least one further holding part, already situated on the base part. The holding part already present on the base part may be provided with the chip carrier or laser chip. A soldering process may be carried out in each case in the steps mentioned above.

At the end of the method, the base part and the cap may be connected to one another, for example, by welding. Before this step, electrical connections between the laser chip and terminal pins arranged on the base part may furthermore be produced, for example, by connecting bond wires.

The advantageous examples and developments as explained above may be employed individually or else in arbitrary combination with one another—apart from, for example, in cases of unambiguous dependencies or incompatible alternatives.

The above-described properties, features and advantages and the way in which they are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understood in association with the following description of examples explained in greater detail in association with the schematic drawings.

Possible configurations of laser components100are described with reference to the following schematic figures. The laser components100comprise a housing130, a laser chip110that generates a laser radiation190, and a conversion element160comprising a phosphor layer161for radiation conversion, the conversion element being irradiatable with the laser radiation190. The laser chip110and the conversion element160are arranged in the housing130. As a result, the laser components100may have a compact and space-saving construction. Furthermore, the conversion element160may be positioned at a small distance from the laser chip110as a result of which radiation emission with high luminance is possible. The laser components100are configured to the effect that efficient dissipation of heat from the conversion element160may be achieved. The laser components100may be referred to as laser package and, on account of the integrated conversion element160comprising the phosphor layer161, as phosphor integrated laser package. The laser components100may be configured to generate a white light radiation and may thereby be used, for example, in a headlight of a motor vehicle.

The figures are merely schematic in nature and are not true to scale. In this sense, component parts and structures shown in the figures may be illustrated with exaggerated size or reduction of size to afford a better understanding. In the same way, the laser components100may comprise further component parts and structures besides component parts and structures shown and described.

FIG. 1shows a schematic lateral illustration of a laser component100. The laser component100comprises a housing130, a laser chip110and a conversion element160. The housing130comprises two housing parts, specifically a base part140and a cap150connected to the base part140. The housing parts140,150enclose an interior in which the laser chip110and the conversion element160are arranged and thereby protected against external influences. The housing130may be a so-called TO housing (Transistor Outline), also called TO can. In this case, the base part140may also be referred to as a TO header and the cap150as a TO cap.

The housing parts140,150may comprise a metallic material and may connect to one another by a welding connection. On a side facing away from the base part140(right-hand side inFIG. 1) the cap150may comprise an exit window (not shown) composed of a radiation-transmissive material. Light radiation generated in the laser component100during operation may be emitted via the exit window.

For electrical contacting, the laser component100comprises two terminal pins141projecting outward from the base part140. The terminal pins141are secured on the base part140in an electrically insulated manner and extend through the base part140to the interior enclosed by the housing130. The terminal pins141are electrically connected to the laser chip110such that the laser chip110may be supplied with electrical energy via the terminal pins141(not illustrated in each case). This will be discussed in even greater detail further below.

The laser chip110, which may be referred to as a semiconductor laser or laser diode chip, is an edge emitting laser chip. In this configuration, the laser chip110comprises a lateral side surface115, via which the laser chip110may emit a laser radiation190during operation. The side surface115is referred to as emission facet115hereinafter. The laser radiation190, also referred to as primary light radiation hereinafter, may be a blue light radiation. As is indicated inFIG. 1, the laser radiation190may be emitted with a characteristic beam divergence from the emission facet115. The laser chip110may have, for example, an output power in the mW range or some other output power, for example, in the W range.

The laser chip has two opposite sides or longitudinal sides111,112adjoining the emission facet115, which form a top side and an underside of the laser chip100. As is shown inFIG. 1, the laser radiation190is emitted from the emission facet115in the vicinity of one of the longitudinal sides, in the vicinity of the longitudinal side111in the present case.

The laser chip110comprises a p-doped semiconductor region, an n-doped semiconductor region and, arranged therebetween, an active zone that generates radiation (not illustrated). The p-doped semiconductor region, which may have a smaller thickness than the n-doped semiconductor region, may be situated in the region of the longitudinal side111, and the n-doped semiconductor region may be situated in the region of the longitudinal side112. Furthermore, the laser chip110comprises a metallic contact pad (not illustrated) on each of the longitudinal sides111,112. Electrical energy for the generation and thus emission of the laser radiation190may be fed to the laser chip110via the contact pads.

A further constituent of the laser component100is, as shown inFIG. 1, a chip carrier120, that carries the laser chip110. The laser chip110is arranged on a mounting side of the chip carrier120provided for the laser chip110. The chip carrier120, which may be referred to as a submount, serves as a heat sink for the laser chip110. The chip carrier120may comprise a thermally conductive ceramic material such as aluminum nitride, for example. The arrangement comprising the chip carrier120and the laser chip110may also be referred to as a chip on submount assembly (COSA).

In the design shown inFIG. 1, the laser chip110is arranged with the longitudinal side111on the chip carrier120. In accordance with the above-indicated orientation of the p- and n-doped semiconductor regions of the laser chip110, this construction may be characterized by the designation p-down, and in this respect to the chip carrier120provided with the laser chip110may be designated as p-down COSA.FIG. 1furthermore shows that the laser chip110is arranged on the chip carrier120such that the laser chip110projects with the emission facet115laterally relative to the chip carrier120. This prevents the laser radiation190emitted in the vicinity of the longitudinal side111from being shaded by the chip carrier120.

The chip carrier120comprises a metallic mating contact pad on the mounting side on which the laser chip110is arranged. The mating contact pad of the chip carrier120and the contact pad present on the longitudinal side111of the laser chip110may electrically and mechanically connect to one another via an electrically conductive connection material such as, for example, a solder (respectively not illustrated).

As is furthermore shown inFIG. 1, the base part140comprises a projecting mounting section142, which likewise comprises a metallic material. The mounting section142may also be designated as a stem. The chip carrier120provided with the laser chip110is arranged on a mounting side of the mounting section142provided for the chip carrier120. The chip carrier120and the mounting section142may be connected to one another by a solder. For this purpose, on a side opposite the side of the chip carrier120with the laser chip110and facing the mounting section142, the chip carrier120may have a metallic coating (respectively not illustrated).

The conversion element160used for radiation conversion has a laminar configuration and, as shown inFIG. 1, comprises a ceramic phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162arranged on the phosphor layer161, and a thermally conductive layer163arranged on the reflective layer162. The conversion element160is arranged on an end side of the mounting section142oriented perpendicularly to the mounting side. Proceeding therefrom, the conversion element160projects relative to the mounting section142such that during operation of the laser component100the conversion element160may be irradiated with the laser radiation190on a side facing the laser chip110.

The phosphor layer161forms a side of the conversion element160facing away from the laser chip110and via which radiation may be emitted during operation of the laser component100. The phosphor layer161comprises one phosphor or a plurality of different phosphors to convert the primary blue light radiation190emitted by the laser chip110at least partly into one or a plurality of different secondary light radiations of longer wavelength. This may involve, for example, a yellow, a green and/or a red light radiation. In this way, a light radiation which may comprise primary and secondary, that is to say non-converted and converted, radiation portions (not illustrated) may be emitted in the direction of the exit window of the cap150by the phosphor layer161on the side facing away from the laser chip110. The light radiation may have a white color and may be emitted from the laser component100via the exit window.

FIG. 2shows a plan view illustration of the conversion element160, on the basis of which further details will become clear. With respect toFIG. 1,FIG. 2illustrates that side of the conversion element160facing the laser chip110. The thermally conductive layer163arranged on the reflective layer162comprises a frame-shaped configuration having an opening165. In the region of the opening165, the reflective layer162and thus the phosphor layer161situated underneath are not concealed by the thermally conductive layer163. In this way, the reflective layer162and the phosphor layer161may be irradiated with the laser radiation190in this region.

The reflective layer162situated on a side of the phosphor layer161facing the laser chip110is configured to the effect that the laser radiation190may be transmitted by the reflective layer162and thereby introduced into the phosphor layer161. During operation of the laser component100, the reflective layer162provides for reflection of the conversion radiation generated in the phosphor layer161. What may be achieved in this way is that backscattering of radiation from the conversion element160in the direction of the laser chip110and a loss of efficiency associated therewith are minimal. With regard to the blue laser radiation190, the reflective layer162may be configured such that only light radiation below a wavelength of approximately 500 nm may pass through the layer162, and that the layer162is highly reflective for radiation above approximately 500 nm.

FIG. 2indicates with the aid of a dashed line a region191in which the conversion element160and thus the phosphor layer161may be irradiated with the laser radiation190during operation of the laser component100. The shown elliptical shape of the irradiated region191is a consequence of an elliptical mode profile of the laser chip110. A further dashed line illustrates an active region195in which radiation may be emitted on the side of the conversion element160facing away from the laser chip110. The active region195is larger than the irradiated region191. This is due to the radiation conversion involving absorption of primary radiation and re-emission of secondary radiation in all possible spatial directions, and due to scattering occurring in the phosphor layer161. In a departure from the rectangular shape shown, the emission region195may have a round, for example, elliptical or circular, geometry.

As is shown inFIG. 1, the conversion element160may be arranged in direct proximity to the emission facet115of the laser chip110. As a result, the irradiated region191indicated inFIG. 2may be relatively small and a high power density may be present in the region191. As a consequence, it is possible to achieve radiation emission with high luminance from the conversion element160and thus from the laser component100. The use of an optical element between the laser chip110and the conversion element160is not necessary for this purpose.

FIG. 2furthermore shows that the conversion element160comprises a soldering surface167arranged on the thermally conductive layer163. The soldering surface167, which may also be referred to as a soldering pad, may be configured in the form of a metallic layer composed of indium, for example. The conversion element160may connect to the mounting section142of the base part140with the aid of the soldering surface167and via a solder (not illustrated).

As indicated above, the terminal pins141arranged on the base part140electrically connects to the laser chip110such that electrical energy may be fed to the laser chip110via the terminal pins141. This may be realized with the aid of bond wires (not illustrated). In this case, one terminal pin141may connect to the contact pad on the longitudinal side112of the laser chip110via a bond wire. The other terminal pin141may connect to the mating contact pad of the chip carrier120via a further bond wire, the mating contact pad in turn electrically connecting to the contact pad on the longitudinal side111of the laser chip110.

The operation of the laser chip110is associated with heat generation in the laser chip110. The heat may be efficiently dissipated via the chip carrier120connected to the laser chip110and, furthermore, via the mounting section142adjoining the chip carrier, and via the rest of the base part140. Radiation conversion that takes place in the phosphor layer161of the conversion element160likewise results in heat generation. Efficient dissipation of heat from the phosphor layer161, without compromising the luminance in the process, may be achieved as follows.

The phosphor layer161of the conversion element160may comprise a thermally conductive material having a high thermal conductivity with the phosphor or the plurality of phosphors embedded therein (not illustrated). The thermally conductive material of the phosphor layer161may be aluminum nitride, for example. As a result, the heat generated may already be distributed in the phosphor layer161.

Heat spreading may be brought about with the aid of the thermally conductive layer163of the conversion element160, the thermally conductive layer being thermally coupled to the phosphor layer161via the reflective layer162. This effect may be fostered by virtue of the frame shape of the thermally conductive layer163, whereby the point or region where heat arises may be laterally enclosed. The thermally conductive layer163may furthermore provide for heat transfer from the phosphor layer161to an adjoining heat sink, i.e. in the present case to the mounting section142and thus the rest of the base part140. To achieve a high efficiency, the thermally conductive layer163may be formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity, for example, from a metallic material such as copper, for example. Efficient dissipation of heat may furthermore be fostered by virtue of the fact that the conversion element160comprises a soldering surface167and is secured to the mounting section142via a soldering connection.

Production (not illustrated) of the laser component100shown inFIG. 1, wherein (for the case of use of a TO housing130) already existing and hence cost-effective production techniques may be employed, may be carried out as follows. In this case, component parts of the laser component100, i.e. the housing parts140,150, the laser chip110, the chip carrier120and the conversion element160, are provided and assembled.

To provide the conversion element160, a ceramic layer element comprising the thermally conductive material with one or a plurality of phosphors embedded therein may be produced, which is subsequently divided into a plurality of rectangular or parallelepipedal phosphor layers161. Each of the phosphor layers161may be used to produce a dedicated conversion element160. Such a phosphor layer161may be coated with the reflective layer162on a side facing the laser chip110in the laser component100to be produced. Afterward, the frame-shaped thermally conductive layer163may be formed on the reflective layer162. This may comprise carrying out a sputtering method. The soldering surface167may subsequently be formed on the thermally conductive layer163.

The laser chip110may be arranged on the chip carrier120by soldering. Arranging the chip carrier120on the mounting section142of the base part140, which may be carried out after arranging the laser chip110on the chip carrier120, may be carried out by soldering. In the same way, the conversion element160may be soldered onto the mounting section142.

At the end of the production method, connecting the cap150to the base part140may be carried out. A welding method may be carried out for this purpose. Beforehand or prior to capping, the terminal pins141may furthermore be electrically connected to the laser chip110. A wire bonding process in which, as indicated above, corresponding electrical connections via bond wires are formed may be carried out for this purpose.

A description is given below of possible variants and modifications that may be taken into consideration for a laser component100, for the constituents thereof and for a production method. Corresponding features and advantages and also identical and identically acting component parts are not described in detail again below. For details in respect thereof, reference is instead made to the description above. Furthermore, aspects and details mentioned in relation to one configuration of a laser component100may also be applied in relation to another configuration and features of two or a plurality of configurations may be combined with one another.

One possible modification consists, for example, in arranging a conversion element160on a chip carrier120. To elucidate such a design,FIG. 3shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100. The laser component100comprises a chip carrier120, on which are arranged a laser chip110to generate and emit a laser radiation190and also a conversion element160for radiation conversion, the conversion element being irradiatable with the laser radiation190. The laser chip110is situated on a mounting side of the chip carrier120. At this point a contact pad of the laser chip110may connect to a mating contact pad of the chip carrier120via a solder (not illustrated).

As shown inFIG. 3, the conversion element160is arranged on an end side of the chip carrier120oriented perpendicularly to the mounting side. The conversion element160comprising a phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162and a thermally conductive layer163, has a metallic soldering surface167at this point (cf.FIG. 2). The chip carrier120may have on the end side a metallic coating coordinated therewith such that the conversion element160may be secured on the chip carrier120via a soldering connection (not illustrated). On the end side of the chip carrier120or proceeding therefrom, the conversion element160projects relative to the chip carrier120such that the conversion element160may be irradiated with the laser radiation190on a side facing the laser chip110.

FIG. 3furthermore shows that the laser chip110is arranged with a longitudinal side111on the chip carrier120, near which longitudinal side the laser radiation190is emitted via an emission facet115(p-down construction). To avoid shading of the laser radiation190, the chip carrier120illustrated inFIG. 3, in a departure from the chip carrier120fromFIG. 1, which has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, has a laterally projecting shoulder125and thus a stepped shape in cross section. This configuration makes it possible to mount the laser chip110on the chip carrier120such that the laser chip110in the region of the shoulder125with the emission facet115projects laterally relative to the mounting side of the chip carrier120. The end side of the chip carrier120on which the conversion element160is arranged is formed by the shoulder125.

In the laser component100fromFIG. 3, too, the chip carrier120is arranged on a mounting section142of a base part140. In this case, the chip carrier120may serve as a common heat sink for the laser chip110and for the conversion element160. During operation of the laser component100, heat generated in these component parts110,160may be dissipated via the chip carrier120, the mounting section142adjoining the latter, and the rest of the base part140. With regard to the conversion element160, the thermally conductive layer163may provide for heat transfer from the phosphor layer161to the chip carrier120.

In the laser component100fromFIG. 3, the joint arrangement of the laser chip110and the conversion element160on the chip carrier120affords the possibility of providing a small or minimal distance between the laser chip110and the conversion element160. During operation of the laser component100, it is possible to provide a high or maximum power density on the conversion element160in this way. Consequently, the laser component100may be distinguished by a relatively high luminance.

In the context of the production of the laser component100fromFIG. 3, the laser chip110and the conversion element160may be arranged on the chip carrier120by soldering. Afterward, the chip carrier120may be secured on the mounting section142, likewise by soldering. Further steps from among those mentioned above (wire bonding, capping) may be carried out to complete the laser component100.

With regard to the laser component100fromFIG. 3, it is possible to carry out test operation including an optical measurement as early as after arranging the laser chip110and the conversion element160on the chip carrier120, that is to say a measurement at the COSA level. With regard to production of a plurality of laser components100, in this way it is possible to identify defective components in an earlier method stage and it is thereby possible to achieve a higher yield.

The abovementioned aspects may be correspondingly applied in the laser component100fromFIG. 4. The laser component100comprises a chip carrier120having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, a laser chip110to generate a laser radiation190and a conversion element160being arranged on the chip carrier. The laser chip110is situated on a mounting side and the conversion element160is situated on an end side of the chip carrier120oriented perpendicularly to the mounting side. The laser chip110is positioned at a small or minimal distance from the conversion element160. The conversion element160proceeding from the end side projects relative to the chip carrier120such that the conversion element160may be irradiated with the laser radiation190on a side facing the laser chip110.

In the laser component100fromFIG. 4, shading of a laser radiation190emitted by the laser chip110via an emission facet115is avoided as follows. The laser chip110is arranged on the chip carrier120not with a longitudinal side111near which the radiation emission takes place, but rather with a longitudinal side112opposite thereto. At this point a contact pad of the laser chip110may connect to a mating contact pad of the chip carrier120via a solder (not illustrated). In accordance with the above-indicated orientation of p- and n-doped semiconductor regions of the laser chip110, this construction may be characterized by the designation p-up.

FIG. 5shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100. The laser component100comprises a base part140with terminal pins141. In contrast to the configuration shown inFIGS. 1, 3, 4, the base part140fromFIG. 5does not comprise a mounting section142. Instead, a plurality of thermally conductive holding parts149, i.e. two thereof in the present case, are arranged on the base part140. The holding parts149may be configured in a parallelepipedal fashion. Furthermore, the holding parts149may comprise a thermally conductive ceramic material such as, for example, silicon carbide and a metallic coating (not illustrated). The base part140is connected to a cap150that may comprise an exit window (not shown) on a side facing away from the base part140.

As is furthermore illustrated inFIG. 5, a chip carrier120provided with a laser chip110is arranged on one of the holding parts149. This involves the same COSA design such as is shown inFIG. 1and described above. The chip carrier120may be secured on the holding part149via a soldering connection (not illustrated).

In the laser component100fromFIG. 5, a conversion element160used for radiation conversion is arranged on the two thermally conductive holding parts149or on end sides of the two holding parts149. As a result, the conversion element160covers an interspace between the holding parts149in which the laser chip110is situated. During operation of the laser component100, the conversion element160may in this way be irradiated with a laser radiation190emitted by the laser chip110on a side facing the laser chip110.

The conversion element160of the laser component100fromFIG. 5, too, comprises a ceramic phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162arranged on the phosphor layer161, and a thermally conductive layer163arranged on the reflective layer162. With reference toFIG. 6, which shows a plan view illustration of the conversion element160when viewing the side facing the laser chip110, it becomes clear that the thermally conductive layer163once again comprises a frame-shaped configuration having an opening165. In the region of the opening165, the reflective layer162and thus the phosphor layer161may be irradiated with the laser radiation.

With the aid of dashed lines,FIG. 6furthermore illustrates a region191irradiated with the laser radiation190, and an active region195of the conversion element160.FIG. 6furthermore shows that the conversion element160comprises two soldering surfaces167arranged on the thermally conductive layer163. In this way, the conversion element160may connect to the thermally conductive holding parts149with the aid of the soldering surfaces167and via a solder (not illustrated).

During operation of the laser component100fromFIG. 5, heat generated in the laser chip110may be dissipated via the chip carrier120and furthermore via the holding part149adjoining the latter, and via the base part140. Heat may be dissipated from the conversion element160via the two holding parts149and furthermore via the base part140. In this case, the thermally conductive layer163of the conversion element160may provide for heat transfer from the phosphor layer161to the holding parts149. On account of the configuration of the laser component100comprising the two holding parts149, efficient dissipation of heat from the conversion element160is possible.

To produce the laser component100shown inFIG. 5, the housing parts140,150, the thermally conductive holding parts149, the laser chip110, the chip carrier120and the conversion element160are provided. The further assembly of these component parts may be carried out as follows.

The laser chip110may be arranged on the chip carrier120. Afterward, the chip carrier120provided with the laser chip110may be mounted on a holding part149, and the relevant holding part149may subsequently be secured on the base part140such that the state shown inFIG. 7is present. A soldering process may each be carried out in these steps.

Afterward, the terminal pins141arranged on the base part140may electrically connect to the laser chip110. A wire bonding process in which corresponding electrical connections via bond wires are produced (not illustrated) may be carried out for this purpose. In this case, one terminal pin141may connect to a contact pad on a longitudinal side112of the laser chip110via a bond wire. The other terminal pin141may connect to a mating contact pad of the chip carrier120via a further bond wire, wherein the mating contact pad electrically connects to a contact pad on a longitudinal side111of the laser chip110.

Afterward, as shown inFIG. 8, the other holding part149may be arranged on the base part140by soldering. After that, as shown inFIG. 9, the conversion element160may be soldered onto the holding parts149. To complete the laser component100fromFIG. 5, the base part140may furthermore connect to the cap150.

Alternatively, the state shown inFIG. 8may be omitted by a procedure in which the conversion element160is premounted on a holding part149and, jointly, the holding part149is secured on the base part140and the conversion element160is secured on the holding part149already situated on the base part140.

FIG. 10shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100comprising thermally conductive holding parts149arranged on a base part140. In contrast to the configuration shown inFIG. 5, a laser chip110is arranged directly on one of the holding parts149in the laser component100fromFIG. 10. The relevant holding part149therefore serves as a chip carrier. The laser chip110is mounted on the holding part149with a longitudinal side112opposite to a longitudinal side111in the vicinity of which a laser radiation190is emitted from the laser chip110via an emission facet115. A p-up construction may thus be present. This prevents the laser radiation190from being shaded by the holding part149.

The holding part149carrying the laser chip110has a metallic mating contact pad electrically connected to a contact pad on the longitudinal side112of the laser chip110. In this configuration, too, the mating contact pad electrically connects to a terminal pin141of the base part140, for example, via a bond wire (respectively not illustrated).

Heat generated in the laser chip110during operation may be dissipated via the holding part149adjoining the latter, and via the base part140. The direct arrangement of the laser chip110on the holding part149makes possible, compared to the use of a chip carrier120as shown inFIG. 5, improved dissipation of heat. Furthermore, a cost saving may be achieved. Production of the laser component100fromFIG. 10may be carried out in a manner comparable to production of the laser component100fromFIG. 5, wherein the laser chip110is arranged directly on one of the holding parts149.

In the above-described laser components100shown inFIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 10, a light radiation may be emitted in scattered form by a conversion element160and thus via an exit window of a cap150. However, consideration may also be given to configurations of laser components100comprising an integrated optical element to achieve beam shaping.

For elucidation,FIG. 11shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100constituting a development of the laser component100fromFIG. 1. The laser component100fromFIG. 11comprises a cap150having a lens159, serving as an exit window, on a side facing away from the base part140. It is thereby possible to focus the light radiation emitted by the associated conversion element160. A beam of rays emitted by the laser component100may have a low divergence in this way. In the context of producing the laser component100, the cap150having the integrated lens159may be provided.

On account of the integrated lens159, the laser component100fromFIG. 11may be used in a device or a system, for example, a headlight, wherein a use of additional optical elements may be obviated (not illustrated). Consequently, a compact design at the system level is possible.

Configurations comprising a cap150having an integrated lens159may likewise be realized for the laser components100shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 10. With respect toFIG. 3, such a configuration of a laser component100is shown, for example, inFIG. 12.

FIG. 13shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100likewise constituting a development of the laser component100fromFIG. 1. The laser component100fromFIG. 13comprises a conversion element160comprising a phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162, a thermally conductive layer163and an additional lens169. The lens169of the conversion element160is arranged on a side of the phosphor layer161facing away from a laser chip110of the laser component100. This configuration likewise makes it possible to focus the light radiation emitted by the conversion element160such that a beam of rays emitted by the laser component100may have a low divergence.

The lens169may be mounted on the phosphor layer161in the context of producing the laser component100or in the context of providing the conversion element160. On account of the lens169, the laser component100may be used without additional optical elements in a device or a system, such that a compact design at the system level is possible in this configuration, too.

A cap150of the laser component100fromFIG. 13may have the above-described design comprising an exit window on a side facing away from a base part140(not illustrated). The light radiation which is generated in the laser component100with the aid of the laser chip110and the phosphor layer161, passes through the lens169and is focused with the aid of the lens169may be emitted via the exit window.

A further advantage that may be achieved with the aid of the integrated lens169is improved dissipation of heat from the conversion element160. In this context,FIG. 14shows an enlarged illustration of component parts of the laser component100fromFIG. 13.FIG. 14additionally illustrates an active region195, in which the radiation conversion in the phosphor layer161and hence the light emission from the phosphor layer161may take place. The lens169arranged on the phosphor layer161enables additional heat dissipation, as is indicated with the aid of arrows inFIG. 14. Consequently, in this configuration, cooling of the active region195may be fostered and improved thermal management is possible.

For the laser components100shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 10, it is possible to realize corresponding configurations by employing a conversion element160with an integrated lens169. With respect toFIG. 3, such a design of a laser component100is shown, for example, inFIG. 15.

FIG. 16shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100, which constitutes a further modification of the laser component100fromFIG. 1. The laser component100fromFIG. 16comprises a conversion element160comprising a phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162(not shown inFIG. 16) and a thermally conductive layer163. The thermally conductive layer163is arranged directly on the phosphor layer161, i.e. on a side of the phosphor layer161facing a laser chip110of the laser component100. This also applies to the reflective layer162. The thermally conductive layer163comprises a frame-shaped configuration having an opening165, as shown inFIG. 2. The reflective layer162is arranged on the phosphor layer161within the opening165of the thermally conductive layer163. In the course of providing the conversion element160, which is carried out in the context of the production of the laser component100, the two layers162,163may be formed successively on the phosphor layer161.

The configuration described above may correspondingly be taken into consideration with regard to the conversion elements160of the laser components100shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15. With respect toFIG. 3, such an example is indicated, for example, inFIG. 17.

FIG. 18shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100constituting a further modification of the laser component100fromFIG. 1. The laser component100fromFIG. 18comprises a conversion element160comprising a phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162, a thermally conductive layer163and a further thermally conductive layer263. By the further thermally conductive layer263, additional heat dissipation may be made possible and efficient dissipation of heat from the phosphor layer161may be fostered as a result.

As shown inFIG. 18, the thermally conductive layer163and the further thermally conductive layer263are situated on opposite sides of the conversion element160, i.e. on a side which faces a laser chip110of the laser component100and is irradiatable with the laser radiation190of the laser chip110, and on a side of the conversion element160which is opposite thereto and is used for light emission. The phosphor layer161is arranged between the thermally conductive layer163and the further thermally conductive layer263.

Apart from the additional thermally conductive layer263, the construction of the conversion element160of the laser component100fromFIG. 18corresponds to the conversion element160of the laser component100fromFIG. 1. The reflective layer162is situated on a side of the phosphor layer161facing the laser chip110. The thermally conductive layer163is arranged on the reflective layer162. The thermally conductive layer163has the configuration shown inFIG. 2, i.e. a frame-shaped configuration having an opening165, such that the reflective layer162and the phosphor layer161may be irradiated with laser radiation190of the laser chip110in this region.

As shown inFIG. 18, the further thermally conductive layer263is arranged directly on the phosphor layer161, i.e. on a side of the phosphor layer161facing away from the laser chip110. The further thermally conductive layer263is configured in a manner corresponding to the thermally conductive layer163. In this sense, the further thermally conductive layer263is formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity, for example, from a metallic material such as copper, for example. Moreover, the further thermally conductive layer263has a configuration corresponding toFIG. 2, i.e. a frame-shaped configuration having an opening (not illustrated). In this way, light may be emitted from the conversion element160via the opening of the further thermally conductive layer263. Forming the further thermally conductive layer263in the context of providing the conversion element160may comprise, in a manner corresponding to the other thermally conductive layer163, carrying out a sputtering method.

The above-described configuration comprising two thermally conductive layers163,263may correspondingly be taken into consideration with regard to the conversion elements160of the laser components100shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15. With respect to the laser components100shown inFIGS. 13 and 15, a further thermally conductive layer263may be arranged on the side of the phosphor layer161facing away from the laser chip110, and a lens169may be arranged on the further thermally conductive layer263.

Furthermore, it is possible to use conversion elements160comprising two thermally conductive layers163,263in the case of which, rather than just one, both thermally conductive layers163,263are arranged directly on a phosphor layer161.

For exemplary elucidation,FIG. 19shows a schematic lateral illustration of a further laser component100constituting a modification of the laser component100fromFIG. 16. The laser component100fromFIG. 19comprises a conversion element160comprising a phosphor layer161, a reflective layer162(not shown inFIG. 19), a thermally conductive layer163and a further thermally conductive layer263. The thermally conductive layer163and the further thermally conductive layer263are situated on opposite sides of the conversion element160. The phosphor layer161is arranged between the thermally conductive layer163and the further thermally conductive layer263.

As shown inFIG. 19, the thermally conductive layer163is arranged directly on the phosphor layer161, i.e. on a side of the phosphor layer161facing a laser chip110of the laser component100. This also applies to the reflective layer162. The thermally conductive layer163comprises a frame-shaped configuration having an opening165, as shown inFIG. 2. The reflective layer162is arranged on the phosphor layer161within the opening165of the thermally conductive layer163.

The further thermally conductive layer263is likewise arranged directly on the phosphor layer161, i.e. on a side of the phosphor layer161facing away from the laser chip110, as is shown inFIG. 19. The further thermally conductive layer263comprises, analogously to the thermally conductive layer163, a frame-shaped configuration having an opening corresponding toFIG. 2(not illustrated).

The above-described configuration comprising two thermally conductive layers163,263arranged directly on a phosphor layer161may correspondingly be taken into consideration with regard to the conversion elements160of the laser components100shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15. With respect to the laser components100shown inFIGS. 13 and 15, a further thermally conductive layer263may be arranged on the side of the phosphor layer161facing away from the laser chip110, and a lens169may be arranged on the further thermally conductive layer263.

Besides the examples depicted and described above, further examples are possible, which may comprise further modifications and/or combinations of features.

With respect to the examples explained with reference toFIGS. 11 to 15, it is possible, for example, to use other optical elements for beam shaping instead of the lenses159,169. These include, for example, optical elements comprising a microlens array or a microprism array.

Furthermore, it is possible to realize laser components100which comprise a conversion element160having an integrated optical element and also a cap150having an integrated optical element.

With regard to laser components100comprising a base part140without a mounting section142such as are shown inFIGS. 5 to 10, consideration may be given to alternative configurations comprising a different or larger number of thermally conductive holding parts149arranged on a base part140. In this case, a conversion element160may be arranged on the plurality of holding parts149, and a chip carrier120provided with a laser chip110or a laser chip110may be arranged on one of the holding parts149. Furthermore, a configuration comprising, for example, only one thermally conductive holding part149arranged on a base part140is possible, a conversion element160and a chip carrier120provided with a laser chip110or a laser chip110being arranged on the holding part.

Furthermore, the configurations described above are not restricted to laser components100comprising a single emitter, that is to say comprising a single laser chip110. Consideration may furthermore be given to laser components100having a comparable construction comprising a plurality of emitters or laser chips110arranged in a housing130and serving for irradiating an integrated conversion element160.

In this context, it is possible, for example, for each laser chip110to be arranged on a dedicated chip carrier120. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a common chip carrier120for a plurality of laser chips110. The chip carriers120or the common chip carrier120may be arranged on a mounting section142of a base part140. The conversion element160may also be mounted on the mounting section142. Alternatively, the conversion element160may be arranged on the plurality of chip carriers120or on the common chip carrier120. Furthermore, a base part140without a mounting section142may be employed, on which a plurality of thermally conductive holding parts149are arranged. In this case, the chip carriers120or the common chip carrier120may be arranged on one of the holding parts149. The use of one or a plurality of chip carriers120may also be obviated. In this case, a plurality of laser chips110may be arranged directly on one of the holding parts149. Laser components100comprising a plurality of laser chips110may have, as viewed from the side, a construction corresponding toFIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. In this case, the plurality of laser chips110may be arranged alongside one another perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing in the relevant figures.

A further possible modification may be taken into consideration with respect to a thermally conductive layer163,263of a conversion element160. Apart from a metal, such a layer may be formed from some other material, for example, ceramic, diamond, sapphire, or a basic or matrix material with embedded carbon nanotubes.

Although our components and methods have been more specifically illustrated and described in detail by preferred examples, nevertheless this disclosure is not restricted by the examples disclosed and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

This application claims priority of DE 10 2016 113 470.8, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.