摘要 |
A thermoelectric cooler may be transiently operated in substantial synchronization with operation of an optoelectronic device to provide extremely high density and intensity spot cooling when and where desired. The invented techniques described and illustrated herein can permit high luminous flux and/or longer lifetimes for a class of emissive device configurations and/or uses that generate intense highly localized, but transient heat flux. For example, certain Light Emitting Diode (LED) applications, e.g., white LEDs for flash illumination, certain solid state laser configurations and other similar configurations and uses may benefit from the developed techniques. In addition, the invented techniques described and illustrated herein can be employed in sensor configurations to provide greater device sensitivity. For example, in photosensitive device applications, e.g., CCD/CMOS imagers, the invented techniques may be employed to provide greater photon sensitivity and lower dark currents. |