Optoelectronic module and a thermal switch therefor

摘要

A laser (102) located within a casing (128) of an optoelectronic module (200) is operated by heating the laser (102) to an operating temperature at or above the maximum specified operating temperature of the module casing (128) using a heater device (202) within the module (200), the laser (102) having operating characteristics at its operating temperature that are sufficient for its required function. The heater device (202) can be separated from the module casing (128) by an insulating layer (204) or by a thermal switch. The thermal switch can include a droplet of thermally conductive fluid displaceable between a first position where it provides a low thermal impedance path between the heater device and the module casing and a second position wherein a high thermal impedance path is provided between the heater device and the module casing.