Compact laser-based light-generating devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus (1) comprising a device (1000), wherein the device (1000) comprises a luminescent material constituting element (100) and a light transmitting element (200), wherein: (a) the device (1000) has a first device axis (A1); (b) the luminescent material constituting element (100) comprises a luminescent material (110), the luminescent material (110) being configured to emit luminescent material light (111) when illuminated with a first light (11), wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) has a first length (L1) and a characteristic first dimension (D1) perpendicular to the first length (L1), wherein D1 / L1<1; wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) is configured at a non-zero first distance (r1) from the first device axis (A1), and and wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) at least partially surrounds a first device axis (A1); (c) the light transmitting element (200) is transmissive to the first light (11), wherein the light transmitting element (200) comprises an element light entry portion (201) and an element light exit portion (202), wherein the element light exit portion (202) and the luminescent material (110) are radiationally coupled; wherein one or more of the following applies: (i) the first device axis (A1) intersects the light transmitting element (200), and (ii) the light transmitting element (200) at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1); and (d) the luminescent material constituting element (100) is in thermal contact with one or more of (a) the light transmitting element (200) and (b) an optional thermally conductive element (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a (lighting) device comprising the device. The invention also relates to a luminaire or spotlight (or other application) comprising such a device. Background Art

[0002] Wavelength conversion elements are known in the art. For example, US2019 / 0331991 describes a wavelength conversion element comprising a first phosphor region and a second phosphor region disposed in the thickness direction of the first phosphor region and comprising phosphor particles having a different particle size than the phosphor particles in the first phosphor region. US2019 / 0331991 also describes a phosphor wheel comprising: such a wavelength conversion element; a substrate on which the wavelength conversion element is provided; and a motor for rotationally driving the substrate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Although white LED light sources can provide, for example, up to about 300 lm / mm 2 intensity; static phosphor-converted laser white light sources can give up to approximately 20.000 lm / mm 2 intensity. Ce-doped garnets (e.g. YAG, LuAG) may be the most suitable luminescence converters, which can be used for pumping with blue lasers, because the garnet matrix has a very high chemical stability. In addition, at low Ce concentrations (e.g. below 0.5%), temperature quenching may only occur above about 200°C. In addition, the emission from Ce has a very fast decay time, so that optical saturation can be essentially avoided. In applications such as automobiles, a correlated color temperature above about 5000K at a low CRI is desired. However, in other applications, for example, a light source with a high CRI (e.g. at least 90) and a relatively low CCT (e.g. at a maximum of 3000K) may be desired. For example, in some applications, a CCT above 1GCd / m2 at CRI ≥ 90 and a lower CCT ≤ 3000K may be desirable. 2 Intensities of this magnitude are desirable. For good color rendering and / or R9, adding a red phosphor may be useful. However, such phosphors typically cannot withstand high pump powers, and / or exhibit thermal quenching, and / or exhibit degradation.

[0004] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution which preferably further at least partially obviates one or more of the above disadvantages.An object of the present invention may be to overcome or ameliorate at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0005] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a device, wherein the device comprises a luminescent material element and a light-transmitting element. In particular, the device has a first device axis (A1). Furthermore, the luminescent material element comprises a luminescent material configured to emit luminescent material light when illuminated with a first light. In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material element has a first length (L1) and a characteristic first dimension (D1) perpendicular to the first length (L1). In an even more specific embodiment, D1 / L1<1. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the luminescent material element is arranged at a first distance (r1) from the first device axis (A1). In particular, the distance is a non-zero distance. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the luminescent material element may at least partially surround the first device axis (A1). In particular, the light-transmitting element is transmissive for the first light. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the light-transmitting element comprises an element light-injection portion (in particular for the first light) and an element light-exit portion (also in particular for the first light). In a further specific embodiment, the element light-exit portion and the luminescent material are radiation-coupled. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the following may apply: (i) the first device axis (A1) intersects the light transmitting element, and (ii) the light transmitting element at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1). In particular, in a further embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element may be in thermal contact with one or more of (a) the light transmitting element and (b) an optional thermally conductive element. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a device, wherein the device comprises a luminescent material constituting element and a light transmitting element, wherein: (a) the device has a first device axis (A1); (b) the luminescent material constituting element comprises a luminescent material configured to emit luminescent material light when illuminated with a first light, wherein the luminescent material constituting element has a first length (L1) and a characteristic first dimension (D1) perpendicular to the first length (L1), wherein D1 / L1<1; wherein the luminescent material constituting element is configured at a (non-zero) first distance (r1) from the first device axis (A1), and wherein the luminescent material constituting the element at least partially surrounds a first device axis (A1); (c) the light transmitting element is transmissive for the first light, wherein the light transmitting element comprises an element light entry portion (for the first light) and an element light exit portion (for the first light), wherein the element light exit portion is radiationally coupled with the luminescent material; wherein one or more of the following applies: (i) the first device axis (A1) intersects the light transmitting element, and (ii) the light transmitting element at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1); and (d) the luminescent material constituting the element is in thermal contact with one or more of (a) the light transmitting element and (b) an optional thermally conductive element.

[0006] With such a device, thermal effects can be reduced and / or heat dissipation can be increased. In addition, a high-intensity light generating device can be provided. In addition, a relatively small light generating device can be provided. Therefore, a compact light generating device with higher luminosity can be provided. Here, in an embodiment, a compact laser engine is provided in particular, in which blue laser light can be converted by a (ceramic) phosphor mounted as a ring on a rotating transparent rod. In an embodiment, the laser enters the rod through a dome-shaped end, which focuses the light from the inside of the rod onto the phosphor. The rotating rod can be made of sapphire, thereby providing improved thermal management of the phosphor. The present invention provides, in particular, alternative phosphor geometries for laser-based light sources, which will allow better lateral heat diffusion and a lower probability of hot spot formation, so as to achieve higher source brightness compared to conventionally shaped top-emitting phosphors of the same area. The light from these alternative source shapes can also be effectively managed, resulting in comparable collimated beam performance.

[0007] As indicated above, the apparatus comprises a device. The device can provide light when illuminated with light source light of a light source, in particular a solid-state light source, even more in particular a laser LED (see also further below). The light source can be part of the apparatus, but is not necessarily comprised by the apparatus in all embodiments described herein. The apparatus in combination with the light source can be configured to generate light. Therefore, such an apparatus may also be indicated herein as a "light generating system" or "illumination system" or "light generating device" or "illumination device". The term "apparatus" is applied because the apparatus may comprise several different devices. In embodiments, one or more elements of the apparatus (such as one or more devices) may be enclosed by a single housing. Furthermore, in embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a single device and a plurality of light sources. Furthermore, in embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of devices, also a plurality of light sources, one or more of the plurality of light sources being functionally coupled to each of the devices in the device.

[0008] The device comprises a luminescent material constituting element and a light transmitting element. Therefore, the device may also be indicated herein as a "luminescent material constituting device". Furthermore, in particular the device has a first device axis (A1). In embodiments, this may be an axis of symmetry. In specific embodiments, this may be an axis of rotation for one or more of the luminescent material constituting element and the light transmitting element. Therefore, in embodiments, the first device axis is an axis of rotation for the light transmitting element. In further embodiments, the first device axis is an axis of rotation for the luminescent material constituting element. In further specific embodiments, the first device axis is an axis of rotation for the luminescent material constituting element and the light transmitting element. The first device axis may be an axis of elongation. The term axis of rotation may in particular refer to a C n Axis (or "C n Rotation axis" or "Cn A rotational axis (rotational axis"), where n is at least 2. As is known in the art, a 360° / n rotation that brings a three-dimensional body into an equivalent configuration includes Symmetry operation. n The operation resulting from the symmetry axis comprises a group isomorphic to a cyclic group of order n. If the luminescent material forming element is provided as an annular luminescent material forming element, the device axis may be arranged perpendicular to a plane parallel to the annular luminescent material forming element.

[0009] In an embodiment, the device may have a length or height of at least 200 μm, such as at least 500 μm. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the device may have a length or height of at most 100 mm, such as at most 50 mm, for example at most about 20 mm. When additional optical devices are available, the device may be larger. In particular, embodiments of the device consisting essentially of a luminescent material-forming element and a light-transmitting element may have such dimensions, but other dimensions are not excluded.

[0010] The luminescent material constituting element comprises a luminescent material configured to emit luminescent material light when illuminated by the first light. Thus, the first light may comprise one or more wavelengths at which the luminescent material can be excited. In particular, in embodiments, the luminescent material may be configured to convert at least a portion of the blue light (of the first (laser) light source (see further below)) into (visible) luminescent material light.

[0011] Below, some specific embodiments related to luminescent materials are described. In an embodiment, the luminescent material constituent element may be essentially composed of luminescent materials, such as a luminescent ceramic annular luminescent material constituent element, such as a cerium-doped garnet annular luminescent material constituent element. The term "luminescent material constituent element" may also refer to a luminescent material constituent element composed of (spatially) separated parts, which together form a luminescent material constituent element. For example, two semicircles or four quarter circles may form an annular luminescent material constituent element together. The present invention is not limited to annular luminescent material constituent elements. Adjacent parts of the luminescent material constituent element may touch each other, or may not be in physical contact, and may therefore be separated in space. Such parts may also be indicated as "segments" in this article.

[0012] The luminescent material comprising the element may essentially comprise a single luminescent material. However, in other embodiments, the luminescent material comprising the element may comprise a plurality of different luminescent materials. Such different luminescent materials may have different spectral power distributions of the corresponding luminescent material light. Alternatively or additionally, such different luminescent materials may, in particular, have different color points (or dominant wavelengths). The color or color point (or spectral power distribution) of the light from the different luminescent materials may differ, with u' being at least 0.01 and / or v' being at least 0.01, even more particularly, u' being at least 0.02 and / or v' being at least 0.02. In more specific embodiments, the corresponding color points may differ, with u' being at least 0.03 and / or v' being at least 0.03. Here, u' and v' are the color coordinates of the light in the CIE 1976 UCS (Uniform Chromaticity Scale) diagram. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the term "luminescent material-constituting element" may also refer to a luminescent material-constituting element composed of (spatially) separate parts that together form the luminescent material-constituting element, and wherein two or more of the (spatially) separate parts comprise different luminescent materials.

[0013] In particular, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting the element has a first length (L1) and a characteristic first dimension (D1) perpendicular to the first length (L1). The first dimension may be thickness or width, height or diameter. Even more particularly, D1 may refer to a circular equivalent diameter. The equivalent circular diameter (or ECD) of an (irregularly shaped) two-dimensional shape is the diameter of a circle of equivalent area. For example, the equivalent circular diameter of a square with a side length a is 2*a*SQRT(1 / π). Here, the term "cross-sectional shape" refers to a cross section perpendicular to the first length. In particular, D1 / L1<1. Therefore, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting the element may have an aspect ratio greater than 1, because the length may be greater than the characteristic dimension. In a specific embodiment, D1 / L1≤5, and even more particularly, D1 / L1≤10. In a further specific embodiment, D1 / L1≤20. Typically, D1 / L1≥0.001, but other values ​​are also possible. If the luminescent material constituting the element includes multiple parts, the cumulative length of each part may provide the first length. For example, in the case of a ring-like shape, the ring may have a first length that is substantially the same as the length of the circle (i.e. 2*π*r, where r may, for example, be the average radius (between the maximum radius and the minimum radius of the ring) (see also below). The characteristic first dimension may be a circle-equivalent diameter of a cross-section of the ring-like shape perpendicular to the first length. In particular, the cross-section may be configured parallel to the first device axis.

[0014] This ratio D1 / L1<1 allows for relatively large thermal contact with elements that can transfer heat. For example, a light-transmitting element or another (other) heat-conducting element can be applied for this purpose. This ratio D1 / L1<1 can also be relevant for embodiments in which focused light is applied, because the luminescent material constituting the element can be relatively thin. For example, in an embodiment, the length can be selected from a range of approximately 0.5-200 mm, such as approximately 3-30 mm. In an embodiment, the characteristic first dimension can be at least 0.5 mm, such as at least 1 mm. Therefore, in a further specific embodiment, the length can be at least 1 mm in an embodiment, such as in particular at least 2 mm, such as in particular at least approximately 3 mm.

[0015] In embodiments, at least 25%, such as at least about 50%, such as in embodiments 50-75% of the outer surface of the luminescent material constituting the element may be in thermal contact with one or more of (a) the light transmitting element and (b) the optional thermally conductive element.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element is configured at a first distance (r1) from the first device axis (A1). In particular, this refers to a non-zero distance. Therefore, in a further specific embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element is configured at a non-zero first distance (r1) from the first device axis (A1). The non-zero distance can be selected from a range of at least about 50 μm, such as at least about 100 μm. The non-zero distance can be selected from a range of at least about -0.2 mm. In other embodiments, the non-zero distance can be at most about 20 mm, such as at most about 10 mm, more particularly at most about 1 mm, such as in a specific embodiment even at most 0.5 mm. In particular, the non-zero first distance can be selected from the range of 0.1-20 mm. However, other values ​​are also possible.

[0017] In particular, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1). For example, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element may surround the first device axis (A1) and have a shape selected from the following. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element may surround the first device axis (A1) and have a shape selected from a circle, a hexagon, an octagon and a decagon. As indicated above, the luminescent material constituting element surrounding the first device axis (A1) may consist of a single element (such as a ring element in an embodiment) in an embodiment. In some further embodiments, the luminescent material constituting element surrounding the first device axis (A1) may consist of two or more parts (two or more of which may touch each other, or may not be in physical contact and may therefore be spatially separated) in an embodiment (see also above). In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element has a ring-like shape. In particular, in such an embodiment, the first length (L1) may be a circular length (Lc). Furthermore, in particular in such an embodiment, the characteristic first dimension (D1) may be the height (H1) or width (W1) of the luminescent material constituting element, or in particular the circular equivalent diameter. Furthermore, in such embodiments, D1 / L1 ≤ 10. Since the luminescent material constituting element can have a non-zero height and a non-zero width, the circular length of the luminescent material constituting element can be defined by the body axis of the luminescent material constituting element. Such a body axis can be configured at a length-average distance from the outer surface(s) of the luminescent material constituting element. For example, any cross-section of the luminescent material constituting element can have a midpoint. When the midpoints are connected, the body axis BA can be obtained.

[0018] Furthermore, the device comprises a light-transmitting element. In particular, the light-transmitting element is transmissive for the first light. For example, the light-transmitting element may comprise a ceramic body, such as a garnet-type material. In an alternative embodiment, the light-transmitting element may comprise an aluminum oxide material, such as a material based on Al2O3. In an embodiment, the light-transmitting element may comprise, for example, sapphire. Other materials are also possible, such as CaF2, MgO, BaF2, A3B5O 12 One or more of garnet, ALON (aluminum oxynitride), MgAl2O4 and MgF2.

[0019] The light-transmitting element can be used to guide the first light toward the luminescent material and / or to focus the light into or onto the luminescent material element. Furthermore, the light-transmitting element can be used to direct heat away from the luminescent material element. In this way, the luminescent material element, more particularly the luminescent material, can be at a lower temperature when illuminated by the first light, which can improve efficiency and / or lifetime. Thus, the light-transmitting element can have a light-guiding function and, optionally, also an optical element function, particularly focusing. Furthermore, the light-transmitting element can have heat-conducting properties, thereby directing heat away from the luminescent material element.

[0020] In particular, the light-transmitting element comprises an element light-injection portion (for the first light) and an element light-exit portion (for the first light). Thus, the first light can enter the light-transmitting element via the element light-injection portion, propagate through the light-transmitting element, and exit therefrom at the element light-exit portion. It can then illuminate at least a portion of the luminescent material constituting the element. Thus, in particular, the element light-exit portion and the luminescent material can be radiationally coupled. The element light-injection portion and the element light-exit portion can be portions of (a plurality of) surfaces of the light-transmitting element. The light-transmitting element is in particular a body of light-transmitting material. Light-transmitting material can be arranged between the element light-injection portion and the element light-exit portion.

[0021] The terms "radiative coupling" or "optical coupling" and similar terms may particularly mean that: (i) a light generating element, such as a light source, and (ii) another item or material, are associated with each other so that at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light-transmitting body is received by the item or material. In other words, the item or material is configured to have a light-receiving relationship with the light-transmitting body. At least a portion of the radiation of the light-transmitting body will be received by the item or material. This can be direct in embodiments, such as the item or material being in physical contact with (the light-emitting surface of) the light-transmitting body. This can be via a medium, such as air, gas or liquid or solid light-conducting material in embodiments. In embodiments, one or more optical devices, such as lenses, reflectors, filters, may also be configured in the light path between the light-transmitting body and the item or material.

[0022] The terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably herein, unless it is clear from the context that the term "light" refers only to visible light. The terms "light" and "radiation" may therefore refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In specific embodiments, particularly for lighting applications, the terms "light" and "radiation" refer to visible light. The terms "visible," "visible light," or "visible emission," and similar terms, refer to light having one or more wavelengths in the range of approximately 380-780 nm.

[0023] As indicated above, in particular, the light-transmitting element can be used to guide the first light to the luminescent material and / or to focus the light in or on the luminescent material-constituting element. Thus, it appears useful when one or more of the following applies: (i) the first device axis (A1) intersects the light-transmitting element, and (ii) the light-transmitting element at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1). Some embodiments related to these two options are described below.

[0024] For example, in an embodiment, a lens-shaped light-transmitting element may be arranged upstream of at least part of the light-transmitting element. In an embodiment of such a light-transmitting element, the light-transmitting element may have a transmission element axis (A2). In a specific embodiment, the light-transmitting element and the first device axis (A1) may coincide (or, in an embodiment, may be at least arranged to be parallel). In such an embodiment, the first device axis (A1) intersects the light-transmitting element. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the light-transmitting element may, for example, be configured as a lens to focus the first light into or onto the luminescent material-constituting element. Embodiments of light-transmitting elements such as lenses may not only have the first device axis (A1) intersecting the light-transmitting element, but may also conform to embodiments in which the light-transmitting element at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1). Furthermore, since the luminescent material-constituting element may have a specific symmetry (relative to the first device axis), in an embodiment, the light-transmitting element may substantially have the same (or related) symmetry.

[0025] In one embodiment, the luminescent material forming element is mounted on a sapphire rod. As a result, cooling of the luminescent material forming element is improved.

[0026] The light-transmitting element comprises a dome-shaped body having a curved surface, wherein at least a portion of the curved surface comprises a light-entry portion of the element, wherein the light-transmitting element has a transmission element axis (A2), wherein the first device axis (A1) and the transmission element axis (A2) coincide. In particular, in an embodiment, the dome-shaped body is configured to focus the first light onto or in the luminescent material-constituting element. Thus, the dome-shaped body, the first light source, and the luminescent material-constituting element can be selected and configured such that the first light of the first light source is focused into or on the luminescent material-constituting element.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the light transmitting element may be arranged in thermal contact with the luminescent material constituting element.

[0028] In embodiments, the light-transmitting element may have a rod-shaped (or conical) shape. The rod-shaped (or conical) light-transmitting element may have a circular cross-section. Furthermore, embodiments of such light-transmitting elements may have a first face and a second face. The first face and the second face of the light-transmitting element may substantially define the length or height of the light-transmitting element. The rod-shaped (or conical) light-transmitting element may have an outer side face between the first face and the second face. In embodiments, the first face may include a light-entry portion of the element. The second face and / or the outer side face may include a light-emission portion of the element. In particular, the first light may be provided in such a manner that at least a portion of the first light propagates in a direction from the first face to one or more of the second face and / or the outer side face. The luminescent material-constituting element may be radiationally coupled to one or more of the second face and / or the outer side face. For example, the luminescent material-constituting element may be configured as an element that encloses at least a portion of the outer side face. Alternatively (or additionally), the luminescent material-constituting element may be configured as an element on the second face. In both embodiments, the first device axis (A1) may intersect the light-transmitting element, and the light-transmitting element may at least partially surround the first device axis (A1). Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element may at least partially surround the light transmitting element, wherein in particular the luminescent material constituting element comprises an element entrance portion and an element exit portion, wherein the element entrance portion and the element light exit portion are radiation coupled, and wherein the element entrance portion is configured closer to the first device axis (A1) than the element exit portion.

[0029] As indicated above, in embodiments, the luminescent material-constituting element may be arranged at a non-zero distance from the first device axis (A1). Similarly, in embodiments, this may apply to the light-transmitting element. For example, in embodiments, the light-transmitting element may have a similar symmetry (relative to the first device axis) as the luminescent material-constituting element. Thus, in embodiments, the light-transmitting element may (also) at least partially surround the first device axis (A1).

[0030] In an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element protrudes relative to the light transmitting element. This may (further) facilitate the extraction of light from the luminescent material. For example, the light transmitting element may have a first outer diameter (relative to the first device axis). The luminescent material constituting element may have a second outer diameter (relative to the first device axis), such as the larger diameter of the ring. Furthermore, the luminescent material constituting element may have a third smallest diameter (relative to the first device axis) or inner diameter, such as the smaller diameter from the ring. In an embodiment, the third diameter may in particular be equal to the first distance (r1). In an embodiment, the third diameter may be smaller than the first outer diameter, but the latter may be smaller than the second outer diameter. For example, the ring may have a (slightly) larger diameter than the dome, for example in an embodiment 1-20% larger than the diameter of the dome.

[0031] To transfer heat away from the luminescent material element, it is particularly useful when the luminescent material element is configured to be in thermal contact with an element having sufficient, particularly high, thermal conductivity. In embodiments, the luminescent material element may be in thermal contact with a light-transmitting element. In embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the light-transmitting element may be moderate to good. For example, in embodiments, the thermal conductivity may be at least 10 W / m / K, such as in particular at least 12 W / m / K. Furthermore, since metals, in particular, may have significantly higher thermal conductivity, such a light-transmitting element may (also) be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material (having a higher thermal conductivity than the light-transmitting element). Alternatively or additionally, the luminescent material element may (also) be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material such as a metal. The ratio D1 / L1 allows for a relatively large contact surface with a thermally conductive material, such as one or more of (a) the light-transmitting element and (b) the optional thermally conductive element. Therefore, in embodiments, the luminescent material element may be configured to be in thermal contact with one or more of (a) the light-transmitting element and (b) the optional thermally conductive element. The thermally conductive material (in particular, not the light transmitting element) may be comprised by the heat sink or may be thermally coupled to the heat sink.An example of a thermally conductive element is a heat sink (or heat spreader).

[0032] The thermally conductive material may in particular have a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W / m / K, such as in particular at least about 20 W / m / K, such as at least about 30 W / m / K, such as at least about 100 W / m / K, such as in particular at least about 200 W / m / K. Radiators are known in the art. The term "heat sink" (or heat sink) may in particular be a passive heat exchanger that transfers heat generated by a device such as an electronic device or a mechanical device to a fluid (cooling) medium, typically air or a liquid coolant. Thereby, heat is (at least partially) dissipated from the device. The radiator is particularly designed to maximize its surface area in contact with the surrounding fluid cooling medium. Therefore, in particular, the radiator may include a plurality of fins. For example, the radiator may be a body having a plurality of fins extending thereon. The radiator in particular comprises (more particularly consists of) a thermally conductive material. In an embodiment, the heat sink may include one or more of copper, aluminum, silver, gold, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, aluminum silicon carbide, beryllium oxide, a silicon carbide composite material, aluminum silicon carbide, tungsten copper alloy, copper molybdenum carbide, carbon, diamond, and graphite, or be composed thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the heat sink may include or be composed of aluminum oxide. The term "heat sink" may also refer to multiple (different) heat sinks. If an element can exchange energy through a thermal process, it can be considered to be in thermal contact with another element. In an embodiment, thermal contact can be achieved through physical contact. In an embodiment, thermal contact can be achieved via a thermally conductive material such as a thermally conductive glue (or thermally conductive adhesive). Thermal contact can also be achieved between two elements when they are arranged relative to each other at a distance equal to or less than approximately 10 μm, but greater distances are also possible, such as up to 100 μm. The shorter the distance, the better the thermal contact. In particular, the distance is 10 μm or less, such as 5 μm or less. The distance can be the distance between two corresponding surfaces of the corresponding elements. The distance can be an average distance. For example, two elements may be in physical contact at one or more locations (such as multiple locations), but at one or more locations, in particular multiple other locations, the elements are not in physical contact. For example, this may be the case when one or both elements have a rough surface. Thus, in an embodiment, the average distance between the two elements may be 10 μm or less (although a larger average distance is possible, such as up to 100 μm). In an embodiment, the two surfaces of the two elements may be kept at a certain distance by one or more distance retainers.

[0033] Hence, in an embodiment, the light transmitting element has a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / m / K, and the device may further comprise a thermally conductive element, wherein the thermally conductive element is in thermal contact with the light transmitting element.

[0034] In particular, the device comprises a luminescent material constituting element and a light transmitting element. These may be integrated in a single device. Thus, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element and the light transmitting element may be (directly) mechanically coupled. Furthermore, the device may comprise a heat conducting element. Thus, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element and the light transmitting element may optionally be (directly) mechanically coupled, but at least one of the luminescent material constituting element and the light transmitting element may be (directly) mechanically coupled. Thus, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element is mechanically coupled to the light transmitting element and / or (b) the optional heat conducting element. For example, the apparatus may comprise such a device and a light source, the latter being radiation coupled to the former, but in an embodiment not in direct contact with each other. See also below. In a specific embodiment, the device may be substantially rotationally symmetric about the device axis. Thus, in an embodiment, the device axis may have C n Symmetry, where n is at least 2.

[0035] As indicated above, in an embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element comprises a ceramic body comprising the luminescent material. This can provide a relatively stable and thermally stable solution. Therefore, the luminescent material can be provided as a ceramic body. In addition, in an embodiment, two or more ceramic bodies can be applied, which can comprise the same luminescent material or they can comprise different luminescent materials. In an alternative embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element comprises a polymer body, which comprises the luminescent material distributed in the polymer body, wherein the polymer body comprises a polymer material, such as, in an embodiment, silicone. However, alternative polymers are also possible, such as acrylates or the like, or silicates (such as water glass) or the like. Such solutions can provide a relatively easy to form and producible solution. As indicated above, in a specific embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element is annular.

[0036] In an embodiment, the device may include a light source, also referred to herein as a first light source. The first light source is configured to generate a first light. In particular, the first light source includes a laser light source. Therefore, in an embodiment, the device may further include a first light source configured to generate the first light, wherein the first light source includes a laser light source. The term "light source" may refer to a semiconductor light-emitting diode, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), a resonant cavity light-emitting diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSEL), an edge-emitting laser, and the like. The term "light source" may also refer to an organic light-emitting diode, such as a passive matrix organic light-emitting diode (PMOLED) or an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED). In specific embodiments, the light source includes a solid-state light source (such as an LED or a laser diode). In one embodiment, the light source includes an LED (light-emitting diode). The term "LED" may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the term "light source" may also refer to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term "COB" specifically refers to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip that is neither packaged nor connected, but is directly mounted on a substrate, such as a PCB. Therefore, multiple semiconductor light sources may be configured on the same substrate. In an embodiment, a COB is a plurality of LED chips configured together as a single lighting module. The term "light source" may also relate to a plurality of (substantially identical (or different)) light sources, such as 2-2000 solid-state light sources. In an embodiment, the light source may comprise one or more micro-optical elements (micro-lens arrays) located downstream of a single solid-state light source (e.g. an LED), or downstream of a plurality of solid-state light sources (i.e. shared by a plurality of LEDs). In an embodiment, the light source may comprise an LED with on-chip optics. In an embodiment, the light source comprises a pixelated single LED (with or without optics) (on-chip beam steering is provided in an embodiment). The term "laser light source" particularly refers to a laser. Such a laser may particularly be configured to generate laser light source light having one or more wavelengths in the UV, visible light or infrared, particularly having a wavelength selected from a spectral wavelength range of 200-2000 nm (such as 300-1500 nm). The term "laser" particularly refers to a device that emits light by an optical amplification process based on stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. In particular, in an embodiment, the term "laser" may refer to a solid-state laser. Therefore, in an embodiment, the light source comprises a laser light source.In an embodiment, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" may refer to one or more of the following: cerium-doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride (Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF), chromium-doped chrysoberyl (alexandrite) laser, chromium ZnSe (Cr:ZnSe) laser, divalent samarium-doped calcium fluoride (Sm:CaF2) laser, Er:YAG laser, erbium-doped and erbium-ytterbium co-doped glass laser device, F-Center laser, holmium YAG (Ho:YAG) laser, Nd:YAG laser, NdCrYAG laser, neodymium-doped yttrium calcium oxide borate Nd:YCa4O(BO3)3 or Nd:YCOB, neodymium-doped yttrium vanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, neodymium glass (Nd:glass) laser, neodymium YLF (Nd:YLF) solid-state laser, promethium-doped 147 phosphate glass (147Pm 3+ : glass) solid-state lasers, ruby ​​lasers (Al2O3:Cr 3+ ), thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) lasers, titanium sapphire (Ti:sapphire; Al2O3:Ti3+) lasers, trivalent uranium-doped calcium fluoride (U:CaF2) solid-state lasers, ytterbium-doped glass lasers (rods, plates / chips, and fibers), ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) lasers, Yb2O3 (glass or cerium) lasers, etc. In embodiments, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" may refer to one or more of semiconductor laser diodes, such as, for example, GaN, InGaN, AlGalnP, AlGaAs, InGaAsP, lead salts, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), quantum cascade lasers, hybrid silicon lasers, etc.

[0037] As can be seen below, the term "laser light source" may also refer to a plurality of (different or identical) laser light sources. In a specific embodiment, the term "laser light source" may refer to a plurality of N (identical) laser light sources. In an embodiment, N=2 or more. In a specific embodiment, N may be at least 5, such as in particular at least 8. In this way, a higher brightness can be achieved. In an embodiment, the laser light sources may be arranged in a laser group (see also above). In an embodiment, the laser group may include a heat sink and / or optical devices, such as lenses for collimating the laser light.

[0038] The laser light source is configured to generate laser light source light (or "laser"). The light source light may essentially consist of laser light source light. The light source light may also comprise laser light source light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. For example, the laser light sources of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources may be optically coupled into a light guide to provide a single light beam comprising laser light source light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. In a specific embodiment, the light source light is therefore in particular collimated light source light. In a further embodiment, the light source light is in particular (collimated) laser light source light. The phrases "different light sources" or "a plurality of different light sources" and similar phrases may, in embodiments, refer to a plurality of solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins. Similarly, the phrases "the same light source" or "a plurality of identical light sources" and similar phrases may, in embodiments, refer to a plurality of solid-state light sources selected from the same bin.

[0039] The light source is specifically configured to generate a source light having an optical axis (O), a beam shape, and a spectral power distribution. In embodiments, the source light may include one or more bands having a bandwidth known to the laser. In specific embodiments, the band(s) may be relatively sharp lines, such as having a full width at half maximum (FWHM) at RT in the range of less than 20 nm, such as equal to or less than 10 nm. Thus, the source light has a spectral power distribution (intensity on an energy scale as a function of wavelength) that may include one or more (narrow) bands.

[0040] The beam (of the light source light) may be a focused or collimated beam of the (laser) light source light. The term "focused" may particularly refer to converging to a small spot. The small spot may be at the discrete converter region, or (slightly) upstream thereof, or (slightly) downstream thereof. In particular, the focusing and / or collimation may be such that the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the beam at (to the side of) the discrete converter region is not substantially larger than the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the discrete converter region (where the light source light illuminates the discrete converter region). Focusing may be performed using one or more optical devices, such as (focusing) lenses. In particular, two lenses may be used to focus the laser light source light. Collimation may be performed using one or more (other) optical devices, such as collimating elements, such as lenses and / or parabolic mirrors. In embodiments, the beam of the (laser) light source light may be relatively highly collimated, such as, in embodiments, ≤2° (FWHM), more particularly ≤1° (FWHM), and most particularly ≤0.5° (FWHM). Therefore, ≤ 2° (FWHM) can be considered as (highly) collimated source light. Optics can be used to provide (high) collimation (see also above). In an embodiment, the optics to be collimated are provided by a light-transmitting element, such as a dome-shaped light-transmitting element. Alternatively or additionally, further optics can be applied for collimation.

[0041] In this context, the first light source may comprise, in particular, a laser light source (or a plurality of laser light sources (in particular of the same housing), and / or a plurality of light sources of different housings). If different light sources are used, these may excite the luminescent material with (different) first light. However, if different light sources are used, in other embodiments these may excite different luminescent materials with different first lights. With regard to luminescent materials, see also below. The term "different first light" may particularly refer to different spectral power distributions.

[0042] Furthermore, the laser light source comprises in particular a laser LED.An optical device for focusing the light source light of the laser LED may in particular be comprised by the device, such as for example a dome-shaped light transmitting element (see also above).

[0043] Therefore, in an embodiment, the luminescent material element is illuminated with the first (laser) light via a light-transmitting element. More particularly, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the light-transmitting element is enclosed and pumped from the inside. Surprisingly, this helps keep the temperature of the luminescent material element low or relatively low. When pumped from the outside, the temperature rise may be higher than when pumped from the inside.

[0044] In an embodiment, the optical device can be shaped so as to illuminate the luminescent material element over at least part of its length. For example, the luminescent material element can be illuminated with (focused) first light (in particular from a laser or lasers) over at least 25%, such as at least 50%, of its length. Thus, the optical device can be used not only to focus, but also to distribute the first light over at least part of the luminescent material element.

[0045] However, in alternative embodiments, only a small portion of the luminescent material constituting the element may be illuminated during part of the operating time.Even in such embodiments integrated over substantially the entire length over time, the luminescent material constituting the element may be illuminated.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the luminescent material-forming element can be rotated during operation. This can allow for minimal heating of the luminescent material. Color wheel-type applications are known in the art (see also above). Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the device further comprises an actuator configured to rotate the luminescent material-forming element about the first device axis (A1), and wherein during the operating mode of the device, the luminescent material-forming element rotates about the first device axis (A1). Furthermore, as can also be derived from the above, the first light source can, in particular, be configured to be stationary relative to the rotating luminescent material-forming element. Therefore, in an embodiment, the device can comprise a motor that rotationally drives the luminescent material-forming element about the first device axis (A1). Therefore, in an embodiment, during operation, the luminescent material-forming element and the light-transmitting element can rotate about the first device axis (A1) because they can be mechanically coupled. Therefore, in an embodiment, the luminescent material-forming element and the light-transmitting element are rotatable about the first device axis (A1) and the luminescent material-forming element and the light-transmitting element can be mechanically coupled. In a further embodiment, during operation, the luminescent material constituting element, the light transmitting element and the thermally conductive element may be rotated about the first device axis (A1 ) (as they may be mechanically coupled; see eg above for more details).

[0047] Lenses and / or reflective elements can be used to redirect the first light (or the luminescent material light). For example, when a rod-shaped light-transmitting element is applied, it may be desirable to distribute the first light over at least a portion of the luminescent material constituting element. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the light-transmitting element comprises a first reflective element, which is configured to redirect the first light from a first light source (such as a laser light source) to the luminescent material constituting element and / or to redirect the luminescent material constituting element. In particular, in an operating mode of the device, the first light source is configured to be stationary relative to the luminescent material constituting element. In a specific embodiment, the first reflective element can in particular be configured to distribute the first light over the luminescent material constituting element, wherein in a further specific embodiment, the luminescent material constituting element has a ring-shaped structure.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the first luminescent material includes A3B5O 12 : Ce type luminescent material, wherein in an embodiment A comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, in particular (at least) one or more of Y, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein in an embodiment B comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc. In particular, A may comprise one or more of Y, Gd and Lu, such as in particular one or more of Y and Lu. In particular, B may comprise one or more of Al and Ga, more in particular at least Al, such as substantially entirely Al. Therefore, a particularly suitable luminescent material is a garnet material containing cerium. An embodiment of garnet in particular comprises A3B5O 12 Garnet, wherein A comprises at least yttrium or lutetium and wherein B comprises at least aluminum. This garnet may be doped with cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), or a combination of cerium and praseodymium; however, it is particularly doped with Ce. In particular, B comprises aluminum (Al), but B may also partially comprise gallium (Ga) and / or scandium (Sc) and / or indium (In), in particular up to about 20% Al, more particularly up to about 10% Al (i.e., the B ions consist essentially of 90 mol % or more Al and 10 mol % or less of one or more of Ga, Sc, and In); B may particularly comprise up to about 10% gallium. In another variant, B and O may be at least partially replaced by Si and N. Element A may particularly be selected from the group consisting of yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), and lutetium (Lu). Furthermore, Gd and / or Tb are present in amounts typically only up to about 20% of A. In a specific embodiment, the garnet luminescent material comprises (Y 1-x Lu x )3B5O 12 :Ce, wherein x is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1. The term ":Ce" indicates that part of the metal ions in the luminescent material (ie, part of the "A" ions in garnet) are replaced by Ce. For example, in (Y1-x Lu x )3Al5O 12 :Ce, in the case of Y and / or Lu, part of Y and / or Lu is replaced by Ce. This is known to those skilled in the art. Ce will generally replace A by no more than 10%; generally, the Ce concentration will be in the range of 0.1% to 4%, particularly 0.1% to 2% (relative to A). Assuming 1% Ce and 10% Y, a completely correct formula could be (Y 0.1 Lu 0.89 Ce 0.01 )3Al5O 12 . As known to those skilled in the art, Ce in garnet is substantially or only in the trivalent state.

[0049] In an embodiment, the first luminescent material thus comprises A3B5O 12 , where in a specific embodiment up to 10% of B - O can be replaced by Si - N.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x2-x3 A’ x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 B’ y2 )5O 12 , where x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, where x3 > 0, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, where y1 + y2 = 1, where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2, where A’ comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide elements, and where B’ comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc. In an embodiment, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.1. In the present invention, particularly xl > 0, such as > 0.2, e.g., at least 0.8. Garnet with Y can provide a suitable spectral power distribution.

[0051] In a specific embodiment, up to 10% of B - O can be replaced by Si - N. Here, B in B - O refers to one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc (and O refers to oxygen); in a specific embodiment, B - O can refer to Al - O. As indicated above, in a specific embodiment, x3 can be selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.04. Particularly, such a luminescent material can have a suitable spectral distribution (see below), have a relatively high efficiency, have a relatively high thermal stability, and allow a high CRI (in combination with the first light source light and the second light source light (and the filter)). Thus, in a specific embodiment, A can be selected from the group consisting of Lu and Gd. Alternatively or additionally, B can include Ga. Thus, in an embodiment, the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x2-x3 (Lu,Gd) x2 Cex3 )3(Al y1-y2 Ga y2 )5O 12 , where Lu and / or Gd may be available. Even more particularly, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.1, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.1, and where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.1. In addition, in a specific embodiment, up to 1% of B - O can be replaced by Si - N. Here, the percentages refer to moles (as known in the art); see also, for example, EP3149108. In a further specific embodiment, the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x3 Ce x3 )3Al5O 12 , where x1 + x3 = 1, and where 0 < x3 ≤ 0.2, such as 0.001 - 0.1.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, the light - generating device may include only a luminescent material selected from cerium - type garnets. In a further specific embodiment, the light - generating device includes a single type of luminescent material, such as (Y x1-x2-x3 A’ x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 B’ y2 )5O 12 . Thus, in a specific embodiment, the light - generating device includes a luminescent material, where at least 85 wt%, even more particularly at least about 90 wt%, such as even more particularly at least about 95 wt% of the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x2-x3 A’ x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 B’ y2 )5O 12 . Here, where A’ includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide elements, and where B’ includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc, where xl + x2 + x3 = l, where x3 > 0, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, where y1 + y2 = 1, where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2. In particular, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.1. Note that in an embodiment x2 = 0. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment y2 = 0.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, A may particularly include at least Y, and B may particularly include at least Al.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the light generating device may comprise, in addition to the first luminescent material, one or more further luminescent materials, in particular configured to convert part of one or more of the first light source light and the first luminescent material light into further luminescent material light. In particular, in an embodiment, the light generating device may further comprise a second luminescent material, in particular configured to convert part of one or more of the first light source light and the first luminescent material light into second luminescent material light. Furthermore, in particular, the second luminescent material light has one or more wavelengths in the range of approximately 550-700 nm. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the first luminescent material light has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of at least 25 nm, such as at least 40 nm, such as in a specific embodiment up to approximately 150 nm (at room temperature). In particular, the second luminescent material light has an amber and / or orange color point. In particular, in an embodiment, the second luminescent material light has a dominant wavelength (λ) selected from the spectral wavelength range of 590-605 nm. d1 ), in particular selected from the spectral wavelength range of 590-600 nm. In particular, at least 50% (such as at least 70%) of the spectral power (in Watts) of the light of the first luminescent material is in the range of 550-650 nm. The light of the second luminescent material may, for example, have a dominant wavelength in the amber and / or orange wavelength range. An example of such a second luminescent material may be, for example, M2Si5N8:Eu 2+ and / or MAlSiN3:Eu 2+ and / or Ca2AlSi3O2N5:Eu 2+etc., wherein M comprises one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca, and in an embodiment is particularly at least Sr. Thus, in an embodiment, the light generating device may further comprise a second luminescent material configured to convert a portion of one or more of the first light source light and the first luminescent material light into a second luminescent material light. In particular, the second luminescent material and the first luminescent material are configured such that the second luminescent material converts a portion of the first luminescent material light. Thus, in an embodiment, the second luminescent material may be configured to convert at least a portion of the first luminescent material light into the second luminescent material light (whereby the first luminescent material light is red-shifted). Thus, in an embodiment, the second luminescent host may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of (Ba, Sr, Ca) S: Eu, (Ba, Sr, Ca) AlSiN3: Eu, and (Ba, Sr, Ca)2Si5N8: Eu. In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or exclusively divalent and replaces one or more of the specified divalent cations. Generally, Eu will not be present in an amount exceeding 10% of the cations; it is particularly present in an amount in the range of about 0.5-10%, more particularly in the range of about 0.5-5%, relative to the cation(s) it replaces. The term ":Eu" indicates that part of the metal ion is replaced by Eu (in these examples by Eu). 2+ For example, assuming that the Eu content in CaAlSiN3:Eu is 2%, the correct formula might be (Ca 0.98 Eu 0.02 )AlSiN3. Divalent europium will generally replace divalent cations, such as the above-mentioned divalent alkaline earth metal cations, in particular Ca, Sr or Ba. The material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu can also be indicated as MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more in particular calcium in the compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). In addition, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu can also be indicated as M2Si5N8:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes Sr and / or Ba in the compound. In a further embodiment, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (excluding the presence of Eu), in particular 50 to 100%, more in particular 50 to 90% Ba and 50 to 0%, in particular 50 to 10% Sr, such as Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5Si5N8:Eu (i.e. 75% Ba; 25% Sr). Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). Similarly, the material (Ba, Sr, Ca)AlSiN3:Eu can also be indicated as MAlSiN3:Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M in the compound includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). As known to those skilled in the art, Eu in the above-mentioned luminescent materials is substantially or only in a divalent state.

[0055] As indicated above, it may be desirable to beam-shape and / or redirect not only the first light but also the luminescent material light. In specific embodiments, the apparatus (in some specific embodiments, particularly the device) may further include a second optical element configured to beam-shape the luminescent material light. In specific embodiments, the second optical element has a semi-annular lens shape or a semi-annular reflector shape. In other embodiments, the second optical element has a collimator shape, such as a hollow reflector.

[0056] In one embodiment, the device may further include a control system. The control system may be configured to control the first light source. Alternatively or additionally, the control system may be configured to control multiple (different) first light sources. Alternatively or additionally, the control system may be configured to control the aforementioned actuator. The term "control" and similar terms particularly at least refer to determining an action or supervising the operation of an element. Therefore, "control" and similar terms in this document may, for example, refer to applying an action to an element (determining an action or supervising the operation of an element), such as measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, transferring, changing temperature, etc. In addition, the term "control" and similar terms may also include monitoring. Therefore, the term "control" and similar terms may include applying an action to an element as well as applying an action to an element and monitoring the element. Control of the element may be accomplished by a control system, which may also be referred to as a "controller." The control system and the element may therefore be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The element may include the control system. In embodiments, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control may be accomplished via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" can also refer to multiple different control systems, particularly those that are functionally coupled, for example, one control system can be a master control system and one or more other control systems can be slave control systems. A control system can include a user interface or be functionally coupled to a user interface. The control system can also be configured to receive and execute commands from a remote control. In embodiments, the control system can be controlled via an app on a device, such as a portable device like a smartphone, iPhone, tablet, or the like. Thus, the device does not necessarily need to be coupled to an apparatus (such as a lighting system in this embodiment), but can instead be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the apparatus. Therefore, in embodiments, the control system can (also) be configured to be controlled by an app on a remote device. In such embodiments, the control system of the lighting system can be a slave control system or controlled in slave mode. For example, the apparatus can be identified by a code, particularly a unique code for the respective apparatus. The control system of the lighting system can be configured to be controlled by an external control system that can access the lighting system based on knowledge of the (unique) code (entered via a user interface having an optical sensor (e.g., a QR code reader)). The apparatus may also include components for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on Bluetooth, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE, WiMAX, or other wireless technologies. A system or device or apparatus may perform actions in a "mode" or "operating mode" or "operating mode." Similarly, in a method, actions or phases or steps may be performed in a "mode" or "operating mode" or "operable mode." The term "mode" may also be referred to as a "control mode."This does not exclude that the system or equipment or device or apparatus may also be applicable to providing another control mode or multiple other control modes. Equally, this does not exclude that one or more other modes may be executed before and / or after the execution mode. However, in an embodiment, a control system may be available, which is applicable to at least providing a control mode. If other modes are available, the selection of these modes may be performed via a user interface in particular, but other options are also possible, such as relying on sensor signals or (time) schemes to execute the mode. An operating mode may also refer to a system or equipment or device or apparatus that can only operate in a single operating mode (i.e., "on", without further adjustability) in an embodiment. Therefore, in an embodiment, a control system may rely on one or more of the input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal (of a sensor) and a timer to control. The term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0057] In yet another aspect, the present invention also provides a luminaire or spotlight comprising a device as defined herein, wherein the device may in particular comprise a laser light source as the first light source. The luminaire may further comprise a housing, optical elements, a light shielding grid, and the like.

[0058] The lighting device (or light emitter) can, for example, be part of or be used in the following systems: office lighting systems, home application systems, store lighting systems, home lighting systems, accent lighting systems, spotlight systems, theater lighting systems, fiber optic application systems, projection systems, self-luminous display systems, pixelated display systems, segmented display systems, warning sign systems, medical lighting application systems, indicator sign systems, decorative lighting systems, portable systems, automotive applications, (outdoor) road lighting systems, urban lighting systems, greenhouse lighting systems, horticultural lighting, digital projection or LCD backlighting, etc.

[0059] The device can provide white light and / or colored light. In embodiments, the device can provide colored light that can be perceived as white due to the selected frequency of the color provided. The device light can include luminescent material light (in one or more operating modes). The apparatus can provide light that includes device light of one or more of the devices described herein in one or more operating modes. Alternatively, other devices can be used.

[0060] The term "white light" herein is known to those skilled in the art. It particularly relates to light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) between approximately 1800K and 20,000K, such as between 2000K and 20,000K, particularly 2700-20,000K, and in particular general lighting in the range of approximately 2700K and 6500K. In an embodiment, for backlighting purposes, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may particularly be in the range of approximately 7000K and 20,000K. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the correlated color temperature (CCT) is particularly within approximately 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (blackbody locus), particularly within approximately 10 SDCM from the BBL, even more particularly within approximately 5 SDCM from the BBL.

[0061] In another aspect, the present invention provides a projector including the device. The projector may include a laser light source or multiple laser light sources. The light source or multiple light sources may be arranged on a heat sink (laser group). The laser may emit UV and / or blue light.

[0062] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the luminescent material component may include a third luminescent material (or a different second luminescent material). For example, the laser may emit UV light, the luminescent material may include a blue phosphor, the second luminescent material may include a green / yellow phosphor, and the third luminescent material may include an orange / red phosphor.

[0063] In embodiments, a phosphor wheel may include light-transmitting segments and / or light-reflecting segments. The light-transmitting portion may be an opening or a diffuser. The light-reflecting portion may include a reflector / reflective material. In this manner, the first light (e.g., blue light) may also be used. Thus, one or more segments of such a phosphor wheel may be used to convert at least a portion of the first light, and one or more segments may be used to reflect or transmit the first light, which may then be used in its own right. Thus, in embodiments, the luminescent material component may include one or more segments comprising one or more different luminescent materials, and one or more segments configured to reflect or transmit the first light. The segment(s) comprising the luminescent material are specifically configured to convert the luminescent material light (and not transmit or reflect the first light, although some (small) portion may be reflected and / or transmitted). The reflective or transmissive segment(s) may specifically have a higher reflection or transmission of the first light than the segment(s) comprising the luminescent material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0065] Figures 1a-1f schematically depict some aspects and embodiments;

[0066] Figures 2a-2d schematically depict some further aspects and embodiments;

[0067] Figures 3a-3b schematically depict some embodiments;

[0068] Figures 4a-4b schematically depict some embodiments;

[0069] Figure 5 Some embodiments are schematically depicted; and

[0070] Figure 6 Some embodiments are depicted schematically. The schematic diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Pumping a ceramic phosphor with a focused blue laser diode can create a light source with a luminance 10-20 times higher than that of a phosphor-converted white LED, enabling tighter beam angles or miniaturized illuminators. Low-power, narrow-beam light sources consisting of a blue laser diode and a static ceramic cerium-doped garnet phosphor plate exist. The luminance of static phosphor configurations is limited by the phosphor's limited thermal diffusion capability, which leads to thermal quenching when pumped above a certain blue laser power density. Mounting the phosphor on a rotating wheel can greatly improve thermal diffusion, allowing for higher pump power densities and potentially resulting in higher luminance than static phosphors. For example, such light engines can be found in projection systems and stage lighting. Rotating wheel phosphor systems can be relatively bulky. Therefore, there is a need for a laser-based light engine that is more compact than current rotating phosphor wheel solutions while providing higher luminance than current static phosphor solutions.

[0072] Specifically, a compact laser engine is described in which blue laser light is converted by a ceramic phosphor mounted as a ring on a rotating, transparent rod. The laser light enters the rod through a domed end, which focuses light from the rod's interior onto the phosphor. The rotating rod can be made of sapphire, which improves thermal management of the phosphor. This allows for a more compact system compared to phosphor wheel solutions and higher luminosity compared to static phosphor solutions.

[0073] The operating principle of many embodiments described herein is illustrated in FIG1a . For example, a transparent rod made of sapphire is mounted on a rotating metal shaft. The sapphire rod has a transparent dome-shaped cover through which a blue laser beam is directed. The dome acts as a lens, focusing the blue light onto a spot at the cylindrical portion of the sapphire rod (on which a ring of ceramic phosphor material is mounted). Therefore, a phosphor on a rotating rod is particularly proposed. In this example, the sapphire rod has a hemispherical cover that acts as a focusing lens for the blue laser light. The focus is on the inner rod surface where the phosphor is located, in a ring shape. In this example: radius rod = 5 mm; wavelength = 450 nm; refractive index = 1.7794; sharpest focus at angle of incidence (α) = 38°; position of the phosphor ring = 3.9 mm from the cover. See angle of incidence in FIG1a .

[0074] FIG1 a schematically illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 1 comprising a device 1000. The device 1000 comprises an element 100 of luminescent material and a light-transmitting element 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device 1000 comprises a thermally conductive material (in addition to the light-transmitting element 200, which may also be thermally conductive). The device 1000 has a first device axis A1. This may be an axis of rotation.

[0075] The luminescent material element 100 includes a luminescent material 110 configured to emit luminescent material light 111 when illuminated with a first light 11 (which may be blue light in an embodiment). The luminescent material element 100 has a first length L1 and a characteristic first dimension D1 perpendicular to the first length L1. For example, in an embodiment, D1 / L1 < 1. The luminescent material element 100 is arranged at a non-zero first distance r1 from a first device axis A1. Furthermore, the luminescent material element 100 at least partially surrounds the first device axis A1.

[0076] The light-transmitting element 200 is transmissive for the first light 11. The light-transmitting element 200 includes an element light-injection portion 201 (for the first light 11) and an element light-exit portion 202 (for the first light 11). The element light-exit portion 202 is radiation-coupled to the luminescent material 110. One or more of the following conditions may apply: (i) the first device axis A1 intersects the light-transmitting element 200, and (ii) the light-transmitting element 200 at least partially surrounds the first device axis A1. Here, the first condition applies, and in practice, the second condition also applies.

[0077] The luminescent material constituting element 100 may have a second outer diameter (relative to the first device axis), such as the larger diameter of the ring. Furthermore, the luminescent material constituting element 100 may have a third minimum diameter (relative to the first device axis) or inner diameter, such as the smaller diameter from the ring). In an embodiment, the third diameter may in particular be equal to the first distance r1. In an embodiment, the third diameter may be smaller than the first outer diameter, but the latter may be smaller than the second outer diameter. For example, the ring may have a larger diameter than the dome, for example in an embodiment 1-20% larger than the dome diameter. This may improve light extraction from the phosphor, since light may also be emitted from the sides of the phosphor, rather than only from the top surface.

[0078] The luminescent material constituting element 100 is in thermal contact with one or more of (a) a light transmitting element 200 and (b) an optional thermally conductive element 300 .

[0079] FIG1a also schematically depicts an embodiment in which the luminescent material-forming element 100 is mechanically coupled to a light-transmitting element 200 and / or an (optional) thermally conductive element 300. The latter may be a heat sink or may be thermally coupled to a heat sink. In a specific embodiment, the light-transmitting element 200 has a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / m / K. The device 1000 may therefore further include such a thermally conductive element 300. In particular, the thermally conductive element 300 may be in thermal contact with the light-transmitting element 200. The thermally conductive element 300 may be a heat sink or may be thermally coupled to a heat sink (not depicted).

[0080] In an embodiment, the luminescent material element 100 is oriented around a first device axis A1 and has a shape selected from a circle, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, and a decagon (see also FIG1b and FIG1c ). For example, the luminescent material element 100 can have a ring-like shape. The first length L1 can be a circle length Lc. The circle length can be the length of the average perimeter of the ring shape. The characteristic first dimension D1 can be the height H1 or the width W1 of the luminescent material element 100. In a specific embodiment, D1 / L1 ≤ 10.

[0081] Reference numeral BA denotes the body axis. Such a body axis may be arranged at a length-average distance from the outer surface(s) of the luminescent material constituting element. In cross section (see dashed rectangle in FIG1 b ), it is the middle of the cross section (rectangle).

[0082] With reference to FIG1 c , in the case of an annular shape, the ring may have a first length that is substantially the same as the length of the circle (see also below) (i.e. 2*π*r, where r may be, for example, the average radius (between the maximum radius and the minimum radius of the ring). The characteristic first dimension may be the height H1 or the width W1, but may in particular be the circle-equivalent diameter (not shown) of a cross section of the annular shape perpendicular to the first length. The average radius may be defined by the body axis at 1 / 2*W and 1 / 2*H1. Any cross section of the luminescent material constituting the element may have a midpoint. When the midpoints are connected, the body axis (dashed line) may be obtained.

[0083] Instead of a circular shape, the shape may also be a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon or a decagon. In particular, the shape may be a circle, a hexagon, an octagon or a decagon. More particularly, a circle (e.g., a ring) is preferred.

[0084] In some embodiments, the luminescent material component 100 may include a ceramic body containing the luminescent material 110. In other embodiments, the luminescent material component 100 may include a polymer body 120 including the luminescent material 110 distributed therein, wherein the polymer body 120 includes a polymer material 125. The luminescent material 110 may be dispersed in the polymer material 125. An embodiment is schematically depicted in FIG1d. FIG1d schematically depicts a cross-section of an embodiment of the luminescent material component 100. The polymer material 125 may, for example, include silicone.

[0085] As schematically depicted in FIG1a , the light-transmitting element 200 may include a dome-shaped body 210 having a curved surface 215. At least a portion of the curved surface 215 comprises a light-entry portion 201. Another portion of the dome-shaped body 210 (such as another portion of the curved surface 215 in an embodiment, or a further portion as in FIG1a ) may comprise a light-exit portion 202. The light-transmitting element 200 has a transmission element axis A2. Here, in this embodiment, the first device axis A1 and the transmission element axis A2 (substantially) coincide. In particular, the dome-shaped body 210 may be configured to focus the first light 11 (of the first light source) onto or in the luminescent material-forming element 100.

[0086] As schematically depicted in Figures 1a and 1b, the luminescent material constituting element 100 at least partially surrounds the light-transmitting element 200. The luminescent material constituting element 100 may include an element entrance portion 101 and an element exit portion 102. At least part of the luminescent material is arranged between the element entrance portion 101 and the element exit portion 102, at least in the embodiment schematically depicted in Figure 1a and some other figures, wherein the luminescent material constituting element 100 is particularly configured in a transmissive mode. In a reflective mode (see below), the element entrance portion 101 and the element exit portion 102 may overlap or even coincide in embodiments. The element entrance portion 101 and the element light exit portion 202 are radiation-coupled. In embodiments, in particular in the reflective mode, the element entrance portion 101 may be arranged closer to the first device axis A1 than the element exit portion 102.

[0087] The luminescent material element 100 can have a ring-shaped shape. The luminescent material element 100 can include a single luminescent material 110. However, the luminescent material element 100 can also include multiple different luminescent materials 110, which can optionally be arranged separately. The ring-shaped luminescent material element 100 ("phosphor ring") can therefore include a single luminescent material 110, see Figure 1e, Example I. However, in alternative embodiments, the ring-shaped luminescent material element 100 can be sector-shaped, for example, with RGBY sectors, as schematically shown in Figure 1e, Example II. This can be used to improve color rendering or adjust the color temperature according to application requirements. One or more light sources can be used. When using different luminescent materials 110, different types of light sources can optionally be used to provide light optimized for different luminescent materials. The different luminescent materials in different sectors or segments are indicated by the reference numerals 110', 110", 110'", and 110". Here, by way of example, four different luminescent materials are used. However, fewer or more different luminescent materials can also be used. One or more segments may also be reflective or transmissive (and substantially comprise no luminescent material (which may be excited by a light source that also excites (other) luminescent material(s)). The different luminescent materials may be selected so that all may be excited by the same first light source. Alternatively or additionally, however, two or more different first light sources may be applied to excite different luminescent materials, whereby at least one of the light sources may be capable of exciting at least one of the luminescent materials. It is also possible that two or more of the two or more different first light sources may be capable of exciting the same luminescent material.

[0088] FIG1 f schematically illustrates three variations. The first variation I is a disk-shaped luminescent material component 100. In particular, this variation may not be part of most, if not all, of the embodiments described herein. Variation II schematically illustrates a ring-shaped luminescent material component 100 that can be arranged around the light-transmitting material of the light-transmitting element 200. Note that the light-transmitting material of the light-transmitting element 200 can also be above or below the ring-shaped luminescent material component 100, or sandwiched between the ring-shaped luminescent material component 100 (i.e., above and below). Variation II schematically illustrates an embodiment in which more luminescent material light 111 can be emitted from the top or bottom layer rather than the edge. However, variation III schematically illustrates an embodiment in which less luminescent material light 111 is emitted from the top or bottom layer than from the edge.

[0089] Among them, variants II and III allow at least 25%, such as at least about 50%, such as 50-75% of the outer surface of the luminescent material constituting the element to be in thermal contact with one or more of (a) a light-transmitting element and (b) an optional thermally conductive element (see, for example, Figures 1a, 2a and 2b).

[0090] As schematically depicted in the figures, the device axis may be configured perpendicular to a plane parallel to the annular luminescent material forming element.

[0091] Optionally, a dichroic coating can be provided to improve the collection efficiency of the converted light, as shown on the left side of FIG. 2a (Example I). On the right side, Example II in FIG. 2a shows that the transparent rod can have a parabolic region to collimate the converted light, possibly in combination with a cylindrical lens. Reference numeral 240 refers to the dichroic coating, and reference numeral 250 refers to a parabolic reflector. This parabolic reflector is primarily provided by the shape of the light-transmitting element 200. Therefore, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the light-transmitting element 200 can be configured as a parabolic reflector 250 for the luminescent material light 111. Therefore, optionally, a dichroic coating can be provided to improve the collection efficiency of the converted light (Example I). Optionally, the transparent rod can have a parabolic region to collimate the converted light (Example II).

[0092] Embodiment I is also a transmission mode embodiment, while embodiment II is a reflection mode embodiment.

[0093] In embodiment I, the (ring-shaped) luminescent material element 100 protrudes from the light-transmitting element 200. In embodiment II, the luminescent material element 100 is arranged in a cavity that is shaped so as to create a parabolic reflector (of the type). The curvature can further aid focusing. In both embodiments, reflections (particularly back reflections of the luminescent material light 111) can be reduced by the reflector 240. In particular, the reflector 240 is transmissive for the first light 11 but reflective for the luminescent material light 111. Therefore, the reflector 240 can be a dichroic reflector, such as a dichroic coating.

[0094] In an embodiment, the thermally conductive element 300 can be thermally coupled to a single face of the light-transmitting element 200. The thermal coupling can be increased by increasing the contact surface. In an embodiment, the thermally conductive element, such as a copper shaft (or shaft of other metal), can be extended or adjusted as shown in FIG2 b to improve the heat conduction path or create forced convection. A cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG2 b is schematically depicted in FIG2 c. Reference numeral 301 refers to an opening in a wall element of the thermally conductive element 300. Thus, the thermally conductive element 300 can include a hollow portion in which the light-transmitting element 200 at least partially resides. Furthermore, the thermally conductive element 300 can include a wall portion that at least partially encloses the light-transmitting element 200, which wall portion can include an opening 301 for the luminescent material constituting element 100 or for the luminescent material light 111 emitted from the luminescent material constituting element 100 via the opening 301.

[0095] Figure 2d schematically depicts an embodiment of the apparatus 1 further comprising a first light source 10 configured to generate a first light 11. In particular, the first light source 10 comprises a laser light source, such as a laser LED. At least partial collimation of the laser light may be provided by a light transmitting element 200, here comprising a dome.

[0096] FIG2 d also schematically depicts an embodiment in which the apparatus 1 further comprises an actuator 400 configured to rotate the luminescent material-forming element 100 about the first device axis A1. In particular, during an operating mode of the apparatus 1, the luminescent material-forming element 100 rotates about the first device axis A1, and the first light source 10 is configured to be stationary relative to the rotating luminescent material-forming element 100. The apparatus may comprise a single light source 10. However, in other embodiments, two or more light sources 10 may be available. In further embodiments, two or more different types of first light sources 10 may be available.

[0097] Thus, the present invention provides, among other things, a laser engine comprising a rotating transparent rod with a dome-shaped end cap, through which blue laser light is focused onto an annular area of ​​a ceramic phosphor. The rod can be made of sapphire. The phosphor ring can be fan-shaped, for example in RGBY. ​​A dichroic coating can be provided to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the rod can be mounted on an axis suitable for improving the thermal path. This can allow for a high-brightness light source with good color quality, for use, for example, as a spot, entertainment spot, narrow beamwidth spot, etc.

[0098] By pumping the phosphor through the dome-shaped cap in the manner indicated, the heat dissipation capability can be improved. To demonstrate this, a thermal simulation model was used. In these simulations, the temperature distribution was calculated assuming a 30W heat input distributed throughout the ring-shaped phosphor. This corresponds to a 100W blue laser pumping a 1mm 2 Heat is generated during the laser spot. Due to the rapid rotation of the rod, this heat is diffused throughout the phosphor ring. Cooling is achieved by convection in the air and conduction through the copper shaft. In this model, the temperature in the focused laser spot is not calculated, but rather the quasi-steady-state temperature distribution in the phosphor ring—that is, the temperature distribution of the phosphor that enters the laser spot due to the rotation of the rod. Two cases are compared: one in which the blue laser is incident through the sapphire rod as expected (see, for example, Figure 2a), and the other in which the laser is incident from air (see reference R11 in Figure 2a). Surprisingly, in both cases, the highest temperature is at the phosphor-air interface, although in the case on the left, the laser is incident at the sapphire-phosphor interface. The respective Tmax values ​​are 91.9°C and 99.5°C. Furthermore, the phosphor temperatures on the laser-incident side are 87.5°C and 99.5°C, respectively. This temperature difference of ΔT = 12°C is large and significant. Therefore, it is concluded that to prevent thermal quenching of the phosphor, it is advantageous to inject the blue laser through the sapphire rod. In thermal model simulations (with a reduced heat input of 5W instead of 30W), the temperature inside the phosphor reached 59°C when pumped from the inside, while the outside temperature reached 111°C when pumped from the outside, a difference of 52 degrees Celsius.

[0099] The architecture of a laser-based light source may consist of a blue pump laser and a ceramic phosphor (typically based on YAG:Ce) irradiated in transmission or reflection mode. All phosphor-converted laser pump sources are essentially Lambertian emitters, and the brightness may be determined in particular by the amount of emitted flux and the area of ​​the source. In order to maximize the light source brightness, the area of ​​the phosphor tends to be minimized, and the directionality of the pump laser makes it possible to deliver high pump powers to these small phosphor areas. However, a factor that generally limits the high brightness that can be achieved is due to the high power density of the laser pump (typically in the range of 10-30 W / mm 2The phosphor can be sized (in the range of 10 klm (thousand lumens) depending on the module and phosphor architecture) to thermally quench the phosphor at high temperatures. In either a reflective or transmissive pumping architecture, the phosphor can have a compact, regular shape (circular, square, hexagonal), or be embedded in a transparent material with high thermal conductivity, or thermally attached to a metal heat sink with a highly reflective substrate. For laser-based light sources that need to deliver high light flux (in the range of 10 klm (thousand lumens), such as for entertainment lighting), the phosphor size grows rapidly, which can lead to more cooling and hot spot formation issues (in the center of the sample).

[0100] The performance of phosphor samples of different size ranges used in reflection mode with a similar thermal interface to the heat sink (silicon bonded, optimized thickness of about a few microns) was compared. 2 Results of thermo-optical testing of silicon-bonded phosphor samples of varying sizes at the start of thermal quenching of area samples. The maximum power density achieved was 18 W / mm 2 Similarly, for 0.5x0.5 mm 2 Smaller phosphor samples also produced results. Smaller phosphor samples allowed to achieve >30W / mm 2 Order of magnitude pump power density (using 0.5x0.5 mm 2 samples), while for larger phosphor samples (10mm 2 ), the thermal quenching effect has been shown to be 17W / mm 2 level (all silicon bonded to the heat sink). Therefore, for light sources requiring high flux and therefore larger phosphor areas, alternative phosphor geometries may be preferred, resulting in better thermal management.

[0101] In this paper, alternative phosphor geometries for laser-based light sources are proposed that will achieve better thermal management and ultimately higher brightness compared to a regular-shaped top-emitting phosphor of the same area. The light from these alternative light source shapes can be efficiently managed, resulting in comparable collimated beam performance.

[0102] Reference is made (again) to Figure 1f. Two alternatives to conventional compact shapes of phosphors are proposed. The possible shapes are briefly illustrated in Figure 1f, variants II and III. Variant I shows a compact shaped phosphor and variants II and III are alternative ring shapes with a top emitting phosphor and alternative ring shapes with a side emitting phosphor, respectively. Therefore, as an alternative to the top emitting (circular) shape, a top emitting ring source or a side emitting ring source is proposed. In the case of high intensity laser excitation, the geometry of the alternative phosphor source shape may facilitate better lateral heat diffusion and reduce the possibility of hot spot formation, which will ultimately lead to a higher achievable light source brightness.

[0103] Conventional 2D-shaped phosphor converters can be used for both LEDs and laser-converted light sources. They can be compact and allow for simple light management. The ideal starting point for a light source for light manipulation / beam shaping might be a point source. However, when higher flux output is required, the phosphor size may also increase due to practical limitations of the thermal interface with the heat sink and the maximum laser pump power density on the phosphor. Heat transfer from a conventional 2D-shaped source to a heat sink occurs in the phosphor plane (laterally) and directly to the heat sink. With larger converter sizes, lateral heat diffusion appears to become less efficient. Therefore, it may be beneficial to change from a 2D phosphor shape to a 1D shape, which would make lateral heat transfer more efficient. Converting a circular shape to a linear shape may be an option, but effective light management from a linear source (e.g., creating a narrow collimated beam) appears to be challenging. Closing the linear source into a ring, thereby creating a quasi-1D phosphor ring with more efficient heat diffusion (see in particular other variants II and III in Figure 1f), also makes light management easier.

[0104] In the examples described and / or depicted herein, it appears that comparable collimated beams can be produced starting from sources of different ring shapes. Reflector optics were modeled in conjunction with each light source type to create a tightly collimated beam. To achieve comparable results, a 10mm 2 The same emitting area of ​​different light source shapes and the maximum fixed reflector diameter of 50mm.

[0105] As a reference, we selected 10mm 2 The top of the area emits a circular phosphor. The same diameter The side-emitting annular phosphor of the embodiment will have a phosphor layer width of 0.89 mm so as to have a 10 mm 2 The same emitting area. And a top-emitting ring with a ring thickness of 0.9 mm would have inner and outer diameters of 6.6 mm and 7.5 mm, respectively. The reference source, combined with a parabolic reflector 26.2 mm high above the source, results in a collimated beam with a 5.6° FWHM and a center beam power of 52.1 cd / lm. The height of the reflector determines the beam width and the amount of uncontrolled spill light that does not interact with the reflector walls. A reflector height of 26.2 mm (from the source) was chosen here as the reference case.

[0106] Another shape for the phosphor converter is a ring, where the phosphor width is much smaller than its length along the circumference. An example of this architecture is shown in Figure 3b, with a phosphor ring diameter of 3.57 mm and a phosphor width of 0.89 mm. In this example embodiment, the phosphor is attached to an optically transparent rod made of a good thermally conductive material (e.g., sapphire). In this example, the light is collected and collimated by a parabolic reflector with a focal point on the phosphor. With the same reflector output diameter, this results in a beam with a 5.75° FWHM and a center beam power of 48.3 cd / lm. Phosphor pumping can be achieved by using a reflector on top of the rod to direct the pump beam toward the phosphor ring. The transparent rod can have a circular cross-section, but can also have a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section. The rod can be attached to a metal heat sink to facilitate further heat dissipation in the system. The optical performance of this configuration is very similar to the original performance of the reference compact light source, but at the same time, this concept offers additional benefits in terms of thermal management, allowing for higher brightness.

[0107] Therefore, in an embodiment (see, for example, FIG3 a ), the light transmitting element 200 may comprise a first reflective element 220 configured to redirect the first light 11 from the first light source 10 (such as a laser light source) to the luminescent material constituting element 100 and / or to redirect the luminescent material light 111. In particular, in an operating mode of the device 1, the first light source 10 is configured to be stationary relative to the luminescent material constituting element 100. Reference numeral 20 refers to a beam shaping optic for the light source 10 (such as a laser LED).

[0108] FIG3 a further shows an embodiment in which the first reflective element 220 is configured to distribute the first light 11 over the luminescent material element 100. In particular, the luminescent material element 100 can thus have a ring-shaped structure. FIG3 b further shows an embodiment in which the apparatus 1 further comprises a second optical element 230, which is configured to beam-shape the luminescent material light 111. The device 1000 of FIG3 a can be at least partially arranged in the second optical element 230 of FIG3 b. In this way, the laterally emitted luminescent material light 111 can leave the apparatus 1 via the outlet of the second optical element 230 as a (more) collimated beam of luminescent material light 111.

[0109] Figure 4a schematically depicts an embodiment of a top-emitting annular phosphor (in a transmissive configuration) dual reflector. The first internal reflector has a parabola of revolution shape and directs the collimated light beam sideways toward the second reflector. The second reflector has nearly straight walls that are tilted to redirect the light in a normal direction to the light source. The amount of uncontrolled spill light is determined by the size and focus of the first reflector. The modeled beam width is 3.1° FWHM and the center beam power is 34.5 cd / lm. In this example, a narrower beam can be achieved than in the reference case, but at the expense of beam intensity due to the greater amount of uncontrolled light. One advantage of this configuration is that the reflector height can be reduced (to 15 mm in the example shown). The design example presented does not represent the final performance figures in this architecture, but serves as an illustration of possible optical solutions that can be further optimized. Lens optics can also be used for beam shaping with annular sources, for example, as briefly described in Figures 4a and 4b, where a semi-annular lens is placed on top of the phosphor ring. As an example of an optical device used to shape the pump laser beam into a ring shape, an axicon lens is shown, which transforms a parallel (or slightly converging) laser beam into a ring shape for phosphor excitation.

[0110] FIG4 a schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the device 1000 further comprises a second optical element 230 configured to beam-shape the luminescent material light 111. Here, by way of example, the second optical element 230 has a semi-annular lens shape. Reference numerals 20 ′ and 20 ″ denote a beam-shaping optical device 20 for the light source 10 (such as a laser LED).

[0111] FIG4 b schematically depicts an alternative arrangement including an additional second optical element 230 . Reference numerals 231 and 232 designate an outer reflector and an inner reflector, respectively. Thus, FIG4 a and FIG4 b illustrate different solutions, which can be used interchangeably. The device 1000 of FIG4 a can be at least partially arranged within the second optical element 230 of FIG4 b .

[0112] Figure 5 An embodiment of a top emitter with a reflective architecture is schematically depicted. In order to dissipate heat more efficiently from the phosphor, a reflective structure is preferred. The phosphor ring is mounted on a (metal) heat sink with a highly reflective surface. An optical element with axial rotational symmetry is placed above the phosphor. This element acts as a lens, focusing the incoming blue laser beam into the pump light ring on the phosphor. A dichroic coating is provided on top of the element, which transmits the blue light and reflects the green-yellow phosphor converted light. The converted light from the phosphor is reflected by the coating to the side and directed towards a reflector, which captures the collimated beam and directs it into the far field perpendicular to the light source.

[0113] The present invention can be applied in applications requiring high light source brightness, such as in retail and hospitality lighting, entertainment lighting. The present invention can provide, in particular, a static laser pumped phosphor configuration, wherein the phosphor has a quasi-1D size (a ring-shaped phosphor, wherein its dimension in one direction (width) is much smaller than its dimension in another direction (length or circumference)). In an embodiment, the shape of the circumference is a circle, (square), hexagon, etc. In an embodiment, the phosphor is attached to a transparent optical material with good thermal conductivity (such as sapphire) or an opaque heat sink (such as copper or ceramic or a combination). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the main direction of emission of the phosphor is perpendicular to the plane of the phosphor shape (such as a top emitting ring) or in the plane of the phosphor shape (side emitting ring).

[0114] refer to Figure 6 The present invention further provides a luminaire 2 or spotlight 3 comprising an apparatus 1 as defined herein. In particular, the apparatus 1 may comprise a first light source 10 comprising a laser light source. Reference numeral 1300 refers to a control system, and reference numeral 1301 refers to a user interface functionally connected to the control system 1300. Reference numeral 10001 refers to the light of the luminaire or spotlight, which in one or more operating modes comprises at least the light of the luminescent material of one or more devices.

[0115] The term "plurality" means two or more.

[0116] The term "substantially" or "essentially" and similar terms herein will be understood by those skilled in the art. The term "substantially" or "essentially" may also include embodiments with "entirely," "completely," "all," etc. Thus, in embodiments, the adjective "essentially" or "essentially" may also be removed. Where applicable, the term "essentially" or the term "essentially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, particularly 99% or higher, even more particularly 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

[0117] The term "comprising" also includes embodiments wherein the term "comprising" means "consisting of.

[0118] The term "and / or" specifically refers to one or more of the items mentioned before and after "and / or". For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2" and similar phrases can refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" can mean "consisting of" in one embodiment, but can also mean "including at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species" in another embodiment.

[0119] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc. in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0120] An apparatus, device or system may be described herein particularly during operation. As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or apparatus, devices or systems in operation.

[0121] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0122] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0123] The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to."

[0124] The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0125] The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, an apparatus claim, or a system claim, several components are listed, and several of these components can be embodied by the same item of hardware. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0126] The present invention also provides a control system that can control a device, apparatus, or system, or can perform the methods or processes described herein. Furthermore, the present invention provides a computer program product that, when executed on a computer functionally coupled to or comprised by a device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such a device, apparatus, or system.

[0127] The present invention also applies to an apparatus, device or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention also relates to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0128] The various aspects discussed in this patent may be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments may be combined, and more than two embodiments may be combined. Furthermore, certain features may form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1), comprising a device (1000), wherein the device (1000) comprises a luminescent material constituting element (100) and a light-transmitting element (200), wherein: - the device (1000) has a first device axis (A1); - the luminescent material constituting element (100) comprises a luminescent material (110), the luminescent material (110) being configured to emit luminescent material light (111) when illuminated with a first light (11), wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) has a first length (L1) and a characteristic first dimension (D1) perpendicular to the first length (L1), wherein D1 / L1<1; wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) is arranged at a non-zero first distance (r1) from the first device axis (A1), and wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1); - the light transmitting element (200) is transmissive for the first light (11), wherein the light transmitting element (200) comprises an element light entry portion (201) and an element light exit portion (202), wherein the element light exit portion (202) and the luminescent material (110) are radiationally coupled; wherein one or more of the following applies: (i) the first device axis (A1) intersects the light transmitting element (200), and (ii) the light transmitting element (200) at least partially surrounds the first device axis (A1); and - the luminescent material constituting element (100) is in thermal contact with one or more of (a) the light transmitting element (200) and (b) an optional thermally conductive element (300), - wherein the light transmitting element (200) comprises a dome-shaped body (210) having a curved surface (215), wherein at least a portion of the curved surface (215) comprises the element light entry portion (201), wherein the light transmitting element (200) has a transmitting element axis (A2), wherein the first device axis (A1) and the transmitting element axis (A2) coincide.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) is mechanically coupled to the light transmitting element (200) and / or (b) optionally the heat conducting element (300).

3. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the luminescent material constituting elements (100) surround the first device axis (A1) and have a shape selected from circular, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal and decagonal.

4. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) has a ring shape, wherein the first length (L1) is a circular length (Lc), wherein the characteristic first dimension (D1) is the height (H1) or width (W1) of the luminescent material constituting element (100), and D1 / L1≤10.

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) comprises a ceramic body, the ceramic body comprising the luminescent material (110).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) comprises a polymer body (120), the polymer body (120) comprising the luminescent material (110) distributed in the polymer body (120), wherein the polymer body (120) comprises a polymer material (125), the polymer material comprising silicone resin.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) is mounted on a sapphire rod.

8. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dome-shaped body (210) is configured to focus the first light (11) on or in the luminescent material constituting element (100).

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first light source (10) configured to generate the first light (11), wherein the first light source (10) comprises a laser light source.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the device (1) further comprises an actuator (400), the actuator (400) being configured to rotate the luminescent material constituting element (100) around the first device axis (A1), and wherein during an operating mode of the device (1), the luminescent material constituting element (100) is rotated around the first device axis (A1), and the first light source (10) is configured to be stationary relative to the rotating luminescent material constituting element (100).

11. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) at least partially surrounds the light transmitting element (200), wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) comprises an element injection portion (101) and an element light exit portion (102), wherein the element injection portion (101) and the element light exit portion (202) are radiation coupled, and wherein the element injection portion (101) is configured closer to the first device axis (A1) than the element exit portion (102).

12. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light transmitting element (200) comprises a first reflecting element (220), the first reflecting element (220) being configured to redirect first light (11) from a first light source (10) according to claim 9 to the luminescent material constituting element (100) and / or redirect luminescent material light (111), wherein in an operating mode of the device (1), the first light source (10) is configured to be stationary relative to the luminescent material constituting element (100).

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the first reflecting element (220) is configured to distribute the first light (11) on the luminescent material constituting element (100), wherein the luminescent material constituting element (100) has an annular structure, wherein the device (1000) further includes a second optical element (230), and the second optical element (230) is configured to beam-shape the luminescent material light (111), wherein the second optical element (230) has a semi-annular lens or a semi-annular reflector shape.

14. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light transmitting element (200) has a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / m / K, and wherein the device (1000) further comprises the heat conducting element (300), wherein the heat conducting element (300) is in thermal contact with the light transmitting element (200).

15. Luminaire (2) or spotlight (3) comprising a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a first light source (10) according to claim 9.

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