Laird develops micro thermoelectric cooler for next-gen optoelectronic packages

Utilising next-gem thermoelectric materials and advanced ceramic substrates, the OptoTEC MBX Series offers micro footprints as small as 1.6 x 1.6mm with thicknesses down to 0.9mm. The packing fraction for thermoelectric materials enables high heat pumping densities up to 27 W/cm2 at lower operating currents than traditional thermoelectric coolers.

Delivering precise temperature stabilisation under changing environmental conditions, the compact OptoTEC MBX Series is designed for use in next generation LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles, pluggable optical transceivers for telecom and Indium Phosphide VCSELs used in various high-performance applications.

The applications for this product series tend to be highly customised requiring unique ceramic substrate materials and thicknesses. Two solder constructions are available to accommodate reflow temperatures up to 230°C or 280ºC. Lead attachments are typically wire bondable, LTS offers Au plated pads or wire bondable posts. Special finishing options are available to incorporate Au plated patterns on ceramic substrates, pre-tinning of metallised surfaces and attachment of thermistors.

“The new cooling applications in the optoelectronic market are pushing the process technology boundaries of thermoelectric coolers,” said Andrew Dereka, Thermoelectrics Product Director at Laird Thermal Systems. “Laird Thermal Systems has built a completely new line from the ground up dedicated to the OptoTEC MBX product series that has high volume capacity with precision process control and repeatability and is sold at a competitive price.”

The OptoTEC MBX Series is undergoing Telcordia GR-468 CORE qualification testing for unique thermoelectric coolers developed for customer specific applications to ensure high repeatability and long-life operation in harsh environments.

Contact a Laird Thermal Systems representative to discuss your application requirements.