Light source device

Abstract

A light source device with good focusing properties is provided. The light source device (100) includes: a plurality of light-emitting parts (113) arranged at least along an arrangement direction; one or more optical components having a first reflective surface (21) and a second reflective surface (22) for reflecting light from the plurality of light-emitting parts (113) and emitting it in a predetermined direction; and a focusing lens (4) for focusing the light emitted by the one or more optical components, wherein the first reflective surface (21) reflects the light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting parts (113) toward the second reflective surface (22), and the second reflective surface (22) reflects the light reflected by the first reflective surface (21), wherein the first reflective surface (21) and the second reflective surface (22) are each surfaces having curvature in the arrangement direction, and the curvature (1 / R2) of the second reflective surface (22) in the arrangement direction is greater than the curvature (1 / R1) of the first reflective surface (21) in the arrangement direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a light source device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, light source devices, including semiconductor lasers or light-emitting diodes, are widely used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure having one or more solid-state light sources and a focusing optical system. The one or more solid-state light sources are arranged behind an emission section that emits light within a specified wavelength range along the optical axis direction. The light source emits light within a specified wavelength range in the same direction as the optical axis direction. The focusing optical system is used to focus the light within the specified wavelength range emitted by the one or more solid-state light sources from the rear side of the emission section onto a light-emitting body.

[0003] <Prior art documents>

[0004] <Patent Documents>

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 073152 Summary of the Invention

[0006] <Problem to be solved by this invention>

[0007] The light source device is required to have good light focusing properties.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a light source device with good light-gathering properties.

[0009] <Methods for solving problems>

[0010] The light source device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged at least along an arrangement direction; one or more optical components having a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface, which reflect light from the plurality of light-emitting parts and emit it in a predetermined direction; and a focusing lens for focusing the light emitted from the one or more optical components, wherein the first reflective surface emits light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting parts toward the second reflective surface, and the second reflective surface reflects the light reflected by the first reflective surface, wherein the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are respectively surfaces having curvature in the arrangement direction, and the curvature of the second reflective surface in the arrangement direction is greater than the curvature of the first reflective surface in the arrangement direction.

[0011] <The Effects of the Invention>

[0012] The light source device according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a light source device with good light focusing properties. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing a structural example of the light source device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the frame housing the light source device for the implementation method, viewed from the front side.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the frame housing the light source device for the implementation method, viewed from the rear side.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the array light-emitting section of the light source device in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top view of an example of the structure of the array light-emitting section of the light source device in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Section VI-VI in the diagram.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a rear view of a structural example of the parabolic mirror in the light source device of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a top view of an example of the structure of the parabolic mirror in the light source device of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the parabolic mirror included in the light source device of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the reflection of light by the parabolic mirror in the light source device of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 XI-XI cross-section view.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the stepped mirror included in the light source device of the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Section XIII-XIII in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing how the stepped reflector of a step mirror reflects a laser beam.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the end of the ferrule, used to illustrate the optical fiber.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the optical component group in the first variation of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a structural example of the optical component in the second variation of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the parabolic mirror included in the light source device of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the first example of reflection by the parabolic mirror in the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of reflection by the parabolic mirror in the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the first example of the structure of the light source device according to the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the second example of the structure of the light source device in the third embodiment.

[0035] Symbol Explanation

[0036] 1. Array light-emitting unit

[0037] 11 Package

[0038] 111 Bottom

[0039] 112 Abutment

[0040] 113 Light-emitting part

[0041] 113ca Light-emitting section (an example of the first light-emitting section)

[0042] 113da Light-emitting part (an example of the second light-emitting part)

[0043] 114 Light Reflector

[0044] 115 Side wall portion

[0045] 12 Light-transmitting components

[0046] 13 Lens Array

[0047] Collimating lenses 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d

[0048] 132 Connecting part

[0049] 2. Parabolic mirror (an example of an optical component, an example of the first optical component)

[0050] 20 injection surface

[0051] 21 First reflecting surface

[0052] 21ac Region 1

[0053] 21bc, Region 2

[0054] 22ac, 22ad, Region 3

[0055] 22bc, 22bd, Area 4

[0056] 22 Second reflecting surface

[0057] 23. Injection surface

[0058] 3. Stepped mirror (an example of an optical component, an example of a second optical component)

[0059] 31. Planar section

[0060] 32 stepped reflective surface

[0061] 32a First step surface (an example of a step surface)

[0062] 32b Second step surface (an example of a step surface)

[0063] 32c Third step surface (an example of a step surface)

[0064] 32d, the 4th step surface (an example of a step surface)

[0065] 4 Condensing Lens

[0066] 5 optical fibers

[0067] 51 Covered Components

[0068] 6. Light-emitting part mounting substrate

[0069] 610 and 620 electrical connectors

[0070] 60a Optical component group (an example of multiple optical components)

[0071] 60b Optical Components

[0072] 61. First parabolic component (an example of an optical component)

[0073] 611 The third reflecting surface (an example of the first reflecting surface)

[0074] 62. Second parabolic component (an example of an optical component)

[0075] 621 The 4th reflecting surface (an example of the 1st reflecting surface)

[0076] 63. Third parabolic component (an example of an optical component)

[0077] 631 The 5th reflecting surface (an example of the 2nd reflecting surface)

[0078] 641 The 6th reflecting surface (an example of the 1st reflecting surface)

[0079] 642 The 7th reflecting surface (an example of the 1st reflecting surface)

[0080] 643 The 8th reflecting surface (an example of the 2nd reflecting surface)

[0081] 644 First-step reflector (an example of a stepped reflector)

[0082] 7 Optical Connectors

[0083] 71 rings

[0084] 711 Covered

[0085] 72 Casing

[0086] 50. Laser beam (an example of light, an example of a laser)

[0087] 52 fiber core

[0088] 53. Coating layer

[0089] 51a First optical column (an example of an optical column)

[0090] 51b Second optical column (an example of an optical column)

[0091] 51c Third optical column (an example of an optical column)

[0092] 51d, 4th optical column (an example of an optical column)

[0093] Light source devices 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100e, 100f

[0094] 101 Frame

[0095] 101a Base Component

[0096] 101b and 101c cover components

[0097] 102 and 104 screw components

[0098] 103 Connecting components

[0099] 103a Ring Insertion Hole

[0100] 103b Screw section

[0101] D1, D2 Beam width (an example of beam width)

[0102] d1, d2 interval

[0103] ha, hb, hc, hc height

[0104] 1 / R1, 1 / R2 curvature

[0105] F1, F2, Fc1, Fc2, Fc3, Fc4, Fd3, Fd4 Focus

[0106] The overall width of Wx1 and Wx2 along the X direction

[0107] The overall width of Wy1 and Wy2 along the Y direction

[0108] XX direction (an example of an arrangement direction)

[0109] YY direction (an example of an orthogonal direction, an example of a defined direction)

[0110] ZZ direction (an example of a defined direction) Detailed Implementation

[0111] The light-emitting device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following disclosure is merely an example description of a light source device used to embody the technical concept of this embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the structural parts described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples unless otherwise specified, and do not indicate that the scope of the present invention is limited thereto. In addition, for clarity, the size and positional relationships of the components shown in the accompanying drawings are sometimes exaggerated. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols denote the same or similar components, and detailed descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

[0112] In the following figures, directions are sometimes indicated by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-direction along the X-axis indicates the arrangement direction in which the plurality of array light-emitting units of the light source device in the embodiment are arranged. The Y-direction along the Y-axis indicates an orthogonal direction that is approximately orthogonal to the arrangement direction, and the Z-direction along the Z-axis indicates a direction that is orthogonal to both the arrangement direction and the orthogonal direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the direction indicated by the arrow in the X direction is represented as the +X direction, and the opposite direction of the +X direction is represented as the -X direction. Similarly, the direction indicated by the arrow in the Y direction is represented as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction of the +Y direction is represented as the -Y direction. The direction indicated by the arrow in the Z direction is represented as the +Z direction, and the opposite direction of the +Z direction is represented as the -Z direction. Additionally, the +Y direction is considered the front side, the -Y direction as the back side, and the +Z direction as the top side. Furthermore, in the terminology of this embodiment, "planar view" refers to the view of the object along the z-direction. These considerations do not limit the direction in which the light source device is used; the direction of the light source device is arbitrary.

[0114] The term "approximately" in the above-mentioned approximate orthogonality does not require orthogonality in a strict sense, indicating that general errors and permissible deviations relative to orthogonality are allowed. Similarly, the use of "approximately" in the following embodiments when referring to approximate consistency or approximate collimation does not require strictness, indicating that general errors and permissible deviations are allowed.

[0115] [First Implementation]

[0116] <Structural Example of Light Source Device 100>

[0117] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The overall structure of the light source device 100 of the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the light source device 100. It is an oblique view of the light source device 100 from the rear side with the frame 101 covering the light source device 100 removed. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 This diagram shows the light source device 100 with the frame 101 installed. Figure 2 This is an oblique view of the light source device 100 viewed from the front side. Figure 3 This is an oblique view of the light source device 100 viewed from the rear side.

[0118] like Figure 1 As shown, the light source device 100 includes array light-emitting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, a parabolic mirror 2, a step mirror 3, and a condenser lens 4. In the light source device 100, the light emitted by the array light-emitting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is reflected by the parabolic mirror 2 and the step mirror 3, respectively. The light emitted after being reflected by the step mirror 3 is focused by the condenser lens 4 and then enters the core of the optical fiber 5.

[0119] The array light-emitting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are arranged along the X direction and are respectively disposed on the +Z direction side of the light-emitting unit mounting substrate 6. Here, the array light-emitting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d all have the same function, so they are collectively referred to as array light-emitting units 1 without special distinction below.

[0120] The array light-emitting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d each have multiple light-emitting units arranged along the Y direction, emitting laser beams arranged along the Y direction. The laser beam emitted by the array light-emitting unit 1 is an example of both light emitted by the light-emitting units and laser light.

[0121] The light-emitting part of the array light-emitting part 1 is, for example, a semiconductor laser element. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be a light-emitting element other than a semiconductor laser element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0122] In this embodiment, the laser beam refers to a bundle of laser lines that are focused together, and may also be called a laser beam. Furthermore, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit is not limited to laser light; therefore, it can also be said that the light-emitting unit emits a beam of light as a collection of light rays.

[0123] The light-emitting component mounting substrate 6 is a plate-shaped component that is approximately rectangular in plan view. It is a substrate capable of mounting light-emitting elements and various electronic components and is equipped with wiring. However, the shape of the light-emitting component mounting substrate 6 is not limited to this. Electrical connectors 610 and 620 are provided on the +Z direction side of the light-emitting component mounting substrate 6. The driving current or driving voltage for driving the light-emitting components of the array light-emitting component 1 is provided through the electrical connectors 610 and 620, respectively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a light-emitting component mounting substrate 6 with two plate-shaped components combined along the X direction is illustrated, but it is not limited to this. The light-emitting component mounting substrate 6 may also be composed of one plate-shaped component, or it may be composed of three or more plate-shaped components.

[0124] The parabolic mirror 2 and the stepped mirror 3 correspond to multiple optical components having a first reflecting surface 21 and a second reflecting surface 22, used to reflect laser beams emitted from the multiple light-emitting units of the array light-emitting unit 1 and project them in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the parabolic mirror 2 corresponds to a first optical component integrally having a first reflecting surface 21 and a second reflecting surface 22. The stepped mirror 3 corresponds to a second optical component having a stepped reflecting surface.

[0125] In other words, in this embodiment, the multiple optical components are two optical components, including the parabolic mirror 2 and the step mirror 3. The +Y direction of the laser beam emitted by the two optical components, which are composed of the parabolic mirror 2 and the step mirror 3, is an example of a predetermined direction.

[0126] The condenser lens 4 focuses the laser beam emitted from the step mirror 3 and directs it into the core of the optical fiber 5. The condenser lens 4 is made of a glass or resin, such as quartz or BK7, which is transparent to the wavelength of the laser beam emitted by the array light-emitting unit 1. From the viewpoint of preventing damage caused by light energy, the condenser lens 4 is preferably a structure containing glass. In this embodiment, the condenser lens 4 is exemplified as a single lens, but it may also comprise a lens group composed of multiple lenses. Furthermore, the condenser lens 4 can be a spherical lens or an aspherical lens, or a plano-convex lens, a meniscus lens, a biconvex lens, or a combination thereof.

[0127] The light source device 100 has an optical fiber 5 connected to it via an optical connector 7. The optical connector 7 is mounted on the -Y direction side end of the optical fiber 5 and includes a collar 71 and a housing 72. With the -Y direction side end of the optical fiber 5 fixed to the collar 71, the housing 72 holds the optical fiber 5 in place. Except for the portion where the optical connector 7 is mounted, the remaining portion of the optical fiber 5 is covered by a coating component 51. The coating component 51 protects the optical fiber 5 from breakage, damage, or foreign matter adhesion.

[0128] The optical connector 7 is a component used to mechanically connect and align the core of the optical fiber 5 in a light-transmitting manner. The optical connector 7 can be, for example, an FC connector, SC connector, ST connector, LC connector, or MU connector. By connecting the optical fiber 5 to the light source device 100 using the optical connector 7, light loss caused by core misalignment in the optical fiber 5 can be suppressed.

[0129] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the light source device 100 is used with its interior housed within the frame 101. While it is not strictly necessary to house the light source device 100 within the frame 101, it is preferable to house it within the frame 101 to prevent foreign objects from adhering to the array light-emitting section 1, the parabolic mirror 2, the stepped mirror 3, or the condenser lens 4. Alternatively, the frame may be part of the light source device 100.

[0130] The array light-emitting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are respectively mounted on the +Z direction side surface of the light-emitting unit mounting substrate 6. The parabolic mirror 2, the step mirror 3, and the condenser lens 4 are each held by a holding member and, while being fixed to the light-emitting unit mounting substrate 6 by the holding member, are housed inside the frame 101. Alternatively, the parabolic mirror 2, the step mirror 3, and the condenser lens 4 can also be fixed to the frame 101 by the holding member.

[0131] The frame 101 includes a base component 101a, a cover component 101b, a cover component 101c, and a connecting component 103. Cover components 101b and 101c are each connected to the base component 101a via screw components 102. The light source device 100 is fixed to the +Z direction side of the base component 101a, surrounded by the cover components 101b and 101c, and housed inside the frame 101.

[0132] The connecting member 103 is used to connect the optical connector 7 to the light source device 100. The connecting member 103 includes a collar insertion hole 103a and a screw portion 103b. The connecting member 103 is fixed to the +Y direction side of the cover member 101b by means of the screw member 104.

[0133] The optical connector 7 is connected to the light source device 100 by inserting the ferrule 71 into the ferrule insertion hole 103a and engaging the screw portion on the housing 72 of the optical connector 7 with the screw portion 103b of the connecting member 103.

[0134] The central axis of the ferrule insertion hole 103a and the central axis of the ferrule 71 are made to coincide with each other. The fiber core of the optical fiber 5 is positioned by inserting the ferrule 71 into the ferrule insertion hole 103a.

[0135] The focusing lens 4 in the light source device 100 is aligned so that the position of the fiber core of the optical fiber 5, which is mounted on the frame 101 via the optical connector 7, coincides with the position where the laser beam is focused by the focusing lens 4. Thus, in the light source device 100, after the laser beam emitted by the multiple array light-emitting units 1 is focused by the focusing lens 4, the laser beam can be directed into the fiber core of the optical fiber 5.

[0136] The laser beam, after being injected into the fiber core of optical fiber 5 and guided within optical fiber 5, is emitted from the opposite end of the end of optical fiber 5 where the optical connector 7 is mounted, and is used for lighting applications, etc. The light source device 100 is used in lighting or vehicle headlights, optical measuring instruments, optical processing equipment, various optical machines, etc. However, the applications of the light source device 100 are not limited to these applications.

[0137] <Structure example of array light-emitting part 1>

[0138] Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the array light-emitting part 1. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the array light-emitting part 1. Figure 5 This is a top view showing an example of the structure of the array light-emitting part 1. Figure 6 From Figure 5 VI-VI cross-section view viewed from the -Y direction.

[0139] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the array light-emitting part 1 has a package 11, a light-transmitting component 12, and a lens array 13. The package 11 has a bottom 111 and a side wall 115. Inside the package 11 are four bases 112, four light-emitting parts 113, and four light-reflecting parts 114.

[0140] An encapsulation body 11 is mounted on the +Z direction side of the light-emitting part mounting substrate 6. A light-transmitting component 12 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the encapsulation body 11, and a lens array 13 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the light-transmitting component 12.

[0141] Base 112 is a collective term for bases 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d. Light-emitting part 113 is a collective term for light-emitting parts 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d. Light-reflecting part 114 is a collective term for light-reflecting parts 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d.

[0142] The light-emitting parts 113 are arranged along the Y direction and are disposed on the +Z direction side surface of the base 112 located on the +Z direction side of the bottom 111. The four light-emitting parts 113 emit laser beams toward the paired light-reflecting parts 114 respectively.

[0143] As the light-emitting part 113, a component that emits a laser beam in the visible light range of 380 nm to 780 nm can be used. Alternatively, only a component emitting a laser beam in the range of 420 nm to 495 nm can be used, or a combination of components emitting laser beams in the range of 495 nm to 570 nm and components emitting laser beams in the range of 605 nm to 750 nm can be used. Furthermore, a structure emitting laser beams in the invisible light range, such as infrared or ultraviolet light, can also be used. A material comprising a nitride semiconductor is preferably used in the light-emitting part 113. Examples of nitride semiconductors include at least one material comprising GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN. The substrate 112 can be made of materials such as aluminum nitride or silicon carbide.

[0144] The light reflector 114 and the light emitter 113 are arranged in pairs along the Y direction and are disposed on top of the bottom 111. The light reflector 114 reflects the laser beam emitted by the light emitter 113 in the +Z direction. The main material of the light reflector 114 may include glass materials such as quartz or BK7, heat-resistant metal materials such as aluminum, Si, etc., and the surface reflecting the light may be made of a structure with high reflectivity such as metal or dielectric multilayer film.

[0145] The light-transmitting component 12 is disposed between the package 11 and the lens array 13 and is a component used to seal the interior of the package 11. The light-transmitting component 12 can be made of materials such as quartz or BK7 glass, or sapphire, which are transparent to the wavelength of the laser beam emitted by the light-emitting part 113.

[0146] Lens array 13 is a component consisting of four collimating lenses 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d arranged along the Y direction and connected by a connecting part 132. When there is no need to distinguish between the collimating lenses 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d, they are collectively referred to as collimating lens 131. Lens array 13 may be, for example, a structure containing a glass material such as BK7 that is transparent to the wavelength of the laser emitted from the light-emitting part 113, and may be manufactured by integral molding or other methods.

[0147] The laser beam emitted by the light-emitting part 113 and reflected by the light-reflecting part 114 in the +Z direction passes through the light-transmitting part 12 and then enters the lens array 13.

[0148] The four collimating lenses 131 in the lens array 13 are arranged in pairs with the light-emitting unit 113 to approximately collimate (approximately parallelize) the incident laser light and emit it toward the parabolic mirror 2 disposed on the +Z direction side of the array light-emitting unit 1. In this embodiment, a laser beam that has been approximately collimated is emitted, but the laser beam emitted by the array light-emitting unit 1 is not limited to collimated light; it may also be focused light or divergent light.

[0149] Each of the four array light-emitting units 1 has four light-emitting units 113, and the light source device 100 has a total of 16 light-emitting units 113 arranged along the X and Y directions. The light source device 100 can emit 16 laser beams.

[0150] However, the number of array light-emitting units 1 is not limited to four, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose of the light source device 100. Similarly, the number of light-emitting units 113 in each array light-emitting unit 1 is not limited to four, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose of the light source device 100.

[0151] The light-emitting part 113 is not limited to a structure arranged along two axes, X and Y, but can also be arranged along either the X or Y axis. The number of each of the base 112, the light-reflecting part 114, and the collimating lens 131 can be appropriately selected according to the number of light-emitting parts 113.

[0152] <Example of the structure and function of parabolic mirror 2>

[0153] Figures 7 to 10 This is a diagram illustrating the structure and function of the parabolic mirror 2. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 This diagram shows the light source device 100 in its state after the frame 101 has been removed. Figure 7 This is a picture of the back. Figure 8 It is a top view. Figure 9 This is an oblique view of parabolic mirror 2. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the reflection by the parabolic mirror 2. It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 of the parabolic mirror 2 as viewed from the -Y direction side.

[0154] like Figure 7 As shown, the parabolic mirror 2 has an entrance surface 20, a first reflecting surface 21, a second reflecting surface 22, and an exit surface 23.

[0155] The material used for the parabolic mirror 2 is, for example, glass or resin containing quartz or BK7, which are transparent to the wavelength of the laser beam emitted by the light-emitting part 113. Since the parabolic mirror 2 internally guides and reflects the laser beam, a structure containing glass is preferred from the viewpoint of preventing damage caused by light energy.

[0156] The injection surface 20 and the emission surface 23 are both planar. A second reflecting surface 22 is provided along the X direction in the portion sandwiched between the two injection surfaces 20. In addition, an emission surface 23 is provided along the X direction in the portion sandwiched between the two first reflecting surfaces 21.

[0157] The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are each part of a cylindrical surface that has curvature in the X direction and almost no curvature in the Y direction. Here, "almost no curvature" refers to the range that is typically possible when the curvature is 0 and when the curvature is designed to be 0. The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 each have a parabolic shape in the X direction.

[0158] The parabolic shape in the X-direction refers to the parabolic shape of the cross-section when a surface is cut along a plane parallel to the planes containing the X-axis and Z-axis respectively. The same applies when discussing spherical or aspherical shapes in the X-direction.

[0159] The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are not limited to surfaces having a parabolic shape in the X direction. They can also be surfaces having a spherical shape in the X direction, or surfaces having a non-spherical shape other than a parabolic shape in the X direction. If it is a surface having a non-spherical shape such as a parabola in the X direction, the curvature of the surface varies depending on its position in the X direction. The curvature on such a surface refers to the curvature of the region near the central axis of the surface (paraxial curvature).

[0160] The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are each provided with a heat-resistant metal material such as aluminum to reflect the incident laser beam. The metal material provided on the surface can be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the laser beam emitted by the light-emitting part 113. Alternatively, a dielectric multilayer film can be provided on the surface instead of a metal material. The metal material or dielectric multilayer film provided on the surface is preferably a material with high reflectivity. The reflectivity is preferably at least 70% of the incident laser beam is reflected, more preferably at least 80% of the incident laser beam is reflected, and even more preferably at least 90% of the incident laser beam is reflected.

[0161] The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are not limited to structures with metal materials on their surfaces; they can also be structures in which the first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 perform total internal reflection of the incident laser beam. In this case, the first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are made to meet the conditions for total internal reflection, and their surfaces may not contain metal materials.

[0162] The first reflecting surface 21 includes two regions: a region on the +X direction side and a region on the -X direction side, arranged such that they sandwich the emission surface 23, which is the central portion in the X direction. These two regions contain a parabolic shape with the same curvature in the X direction.

[0163] exist Figure 7 In the middle, four array light-emitting parts 1 arranged along the X direction emit approximately collimated laser beams toward the +Z direction. Figure 7 In the diagram, thick solid lines represent the laser beam 50a emitted by array light-emitting unit 1a, the laser beam 50b emitted by array light-emitting unit 1b, the laser beam 50c emitted by array light-emitting unit 1c, and the laser beam 50d emitted by array light-emitting unit 1d.

[0164] In addition, Figure 7 In the image, two thick solid lines represent the laser beam emitted by one array light-emitting unit 1. Figure 8 In the diagram, a thick solid line represents the laser beam emitted by one array of light-emitting units 1. Hereinafter, unless there is no need to distinguish between laser beams 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, they will be collectively referred to as laser beam 50.

[0165] Here, four laser beams arranged along the Y direction are emitted by four array light-emitting units 1. In one array light-emitting unit 1, the four laser beams arranged along the Y direction are guided by the parabolic mirror 2, and when viewed from the Y direction, they all reflect in the same way.

[0166] A laser beam 50a enters the parabolic mirror 2 through the entrance surface 20 and, after being guided inside the mirror 2, reaches the first reflecting surface 21. The laser beam 50a reaching the first reflecting surface 21 is reflected by it towards the second reflecting surface 22, and after being guided inside the mirror 2, it reaches the second reflecting surface 22. The laser beam 50a reaching the second reflecting surface 22 is reflected by it towards the exit surface 23, and after being guided inside the mirror 2, it exits from the exit surface 23. The laser beam 50a exiting from the exit surface 23 enters the stepped mirror 3.

[0167] Laser beams 50b, 50c, and 50d, like laser beam 50a, are reflected by parabolic mirror 2 and then emitted into stepped mirror 3.

[0168] exist Figure 7 In this context, the overall width Wx1 represents the overall width of the plurality of laser beams 50 along the X direction at the position where they enter the first reflecting surface 21. Furthermore, the overall width Wx2 represents the overall width of the plurality of laser beams 50 along the X direction at the position where they are reflected by the second reflecting surface 22. Here, the width of a single laser beam refers to the light intensity distribution of the laser beam at a position away from the emission end face, which has a width of 1 / e relative to the peak intensity value. 2 The width of the portion with the above strength.

[0169] like Figure 10 As shown, the curvature (1 / R2) of the second reflecting surface 22 in the X direction is greater than the curvature (1 / R1) of the first reflecting surface 21 in the X direction. The curvature (1 / R1) is the curvature of the region near the central axis C21, which is the paraxial region of the first reflecting surface 21. The curvature (1 / R2) is the curvature of the region near the central axis C22, which is the paraxial region of the second reflecting surface 22. Figure 10 In the diagram, the central axis C21 overlaps with the central axis C22, so their symbols are recorded together.

[0170] The focal point F1 of the first reflecting surface 21 overlaps with the focal point F2 of the second reflecting surface 22. In other words, the focal point F1 and the focal point F2 are approximately the same. Here, "approximately the same" means that the distance between the focal point F1 and the focal point F2 is within 0.05 mm.

[0171] The focal point is the point where the reflected light converges after the light has been roughly collimated. Figure 10In the case where collimated light emitted from the array light-emitting part in the +Z direction enters the first reflecting surface 21, the point where the collimated light is reflected and focused by the first reflecting surface 21 is the focal point F1 of the first reflecting surface 21. Similarly, when collimated light enters the second reflecting surface 22 from the concave side, the point where the collimated light is reflected and focused by the second reflecting surface 22 is the focal point F2 of the second reflecting surface 22.

[0172] In this embodiment, a structure is illustrated in which the focal point F1 of the entire area within the first reflecting surface 21, excluding the exiting surface 23, overlaps with the focal point F2 of the entire area within the second reflecting surface 22, but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, the focal point F1 of at least a portion of the first reflecting surface 21 may overlap with the focal point F2 of at least a portion of the second reflecting surface 22.

[0173] The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are both curved in the X direction. Therefore, the laser beam 50c reflected by the first reflecting surface 21 is focused in the X direction. The focal point F1 of the first reflecting surface 21 is approximately the same as the focal point F2 of the second reflecting surface. Therefore, after being reflected by the first reflecting surface 21, the laser beam 50c reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 is approximately collimated again.

[0174] The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 constitute a focalless optical system in which collimated light is incident and emitted. The curvature (1 / R2) of the second reflecting surface is greater than the curvature (1 / R1) of the first reflecting surface 21. Therefore, the beam width D2 along the X direction at the position where the laser beam 50c is reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 will be narrower than the beam width D1 along the X direction at the position where the laser beam 50c enters the first reflecting surface 21.

[0175] In other words, the beam width of the laser beam 50 emitted by the light-emitting unit 113 along the X-direction is narrower at the position where the laser beam 50 is reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 than at the position where the laser beam 50 enters the first reflecting surface 21. Specifically, the beam width D2 is approximately equal to the beam width of the ratio of curvature (1 / R1) to curvature (1 / R2) (R2 / R1) multiplied by the beam width D1. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the overall width Wx2 is narrower than the overall width Wx1. Depending on the number of light-emitting parts or the core diameter of the fiber 5, the ratio of beam width D1 to beam width D2, and the ratio of overall width Wx1 to overall width Wx2, can be appropriately varied.

[0176] In this embodiment, the laser beam 50c incident on the first reflecting surface 21 has been substantially collimated. Therefore, in the optical path from the lens array 13 of the array light-emitting unit 1 to its incident on the first reflecting surface 21, the beam width D1 of the laser beam 50c is approximately equal at any position. Similarly, the laser beam 50c reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 has also been substantially collimated. Therefore, in the optical path from its reflection by the second reflecting surface 22 to its incident on the step mirror 3, the beam width D2 of the laser beam 50c is approximately equal at any position.

[0177] The first reflecting surface 21 has a parabolic shape in the X direction, thus suppressing spherical aberration of the reflected laser beam 50c in the X direction and focusing it at the focal point F1. Furthermore, the second reflecting surface 22 also has a parabolic shape in the X direction, thus suppressing spherical aberration of the reflected laser beam 50c in the X direction and approximately collimating it.

[0178] On the other hand, the first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 have almost no curvature in the Y direction. The laser beam 50c from the array light-emitting part 1 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 while maintaining a roughly collimated state, and is emitted toward the stepped mirror 3.

[0179] Here, laser beam 50c is used as an example for explanation, and the same applies to other laser beams 50a, 50b, and 50d.

[0180] In this embodiment, an array of light-emitting units 1 emits collimated light, and the light reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 becomes collimated light. However, this light does not have to be collimated light; it can also be focused light or divergent light.

[0181] <Example of the structure and function of step mirror 3>

[0182] Figures 11 to 14 This is a diagram illustrating the structure and function of the step mirror 3. Figure 11 From Figure 7 XI-XI cross-section viewed from the -X direction side. Figure 12 This is an oblique view of the stepped mirror 3 viewed from the +Y direction. Figure 13 From Figure 12 XIII-XIII cross section viewed from the -X direction side. Figure 14 This diagram illustrates how the stepped reflector of the stepped mirror 3 reflects the laser beam. Figure 14 The image shows the state of the stepped mirror 3 when viewed from the +Y direction side, tilted at 45 degrees along the X-axis relative to a plane containing the X-axis and Z-axis.

[0183] Figure 11In the image, thick solid lines represent laser beams 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d emitted by multiple array light-emitting units 1. Additionally, Figure 11 In the image, a thick solid line represents a laser beam emitted by one array of light-emitting units 1.

[0184] like Figure 11 As shown, the step mirror 3 is located on the +Z direction side of the parabolic mirror 2 and is positioned at approximately 45 degrees oblique to the X-axis relative to the plane containing both the X-axis and Z-axis. However, this angle is not limited to approximately 45 degrees and can be appropriately selected based on factors such as the placement of the fiber 5.

[0185] The step-ladder mirror 3 is used to reflect the laser beams 50ba, 50bb, 50bc, and 50bd emitted from the exit surface 23 of the parabolic mirror 2 towards the +Z direction toward the condenser lens 4. The laser beams 50ba, 50bb, 50bc, and 50bd reflected by the step-ladder mirror 3 enter the condenser lens 4, and after being focused by the condenser lens 4, they enter the fiber core of the optical fiber 5 held by the optical connector 7.

[0186] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the stepped mirror 3 is a reflector with a stepped reflective surface 32 having multiple stepped surfaces of different heights. The laser beam 50 reflected by the second reflective surface 22 is reflected by the stepped reflective surface 32 toward the focusing lens 4.

[0187] In this embodiment, a stepped reflective surface 32 is formed by creating multiple recesses with different heights (depths) relative to the planar portion 31 of the plate-like component, and by providing reflective surfaces made of a metal material such as aluminum or a dielectric multilayer film on the planar portion 31 and the bottom surface of the recesses. The main material of the stepped mirror 3 is, for example, glass or resin containing quartz or BK7. The stepped mirror 3 reflects laser beams; therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing damage caused by light energy, a structure containing glass is preferred, and the reflective surface is preferably formed of a heat-resistant material.

[0188] In this embodiment, the stepped reflective surface 32 includes a first stepped surface 32a, a second stepped surface 32b, a third stepped surface 32c, and a fourth stepped surface 32d arranged along a direction from the near side to the far side of the parabolic mirror 2. The first stepped surface 32a, the second stepped surface 32b, the third stepped surface 32c, and the fourth stepped surface 32d correspond to multiple stepped surfaces with different heights. As relative to the plane portion 31, the first stepped surface 32a has a height ha, the second stepped surface 32b has a height hb, the third stepped surface 32c has a height hc, and the fourth stepped surface 32d has no height difference relative to the plane portion 31.

[0189] exist Figure 11 In this configuration, laser beams 50ba, 50bb, 50bc, and 50bd are four laser beams arranged along the Y direction. Laser beam 50ba is emitted from the collimating lens 131a of the array light-emitting unit 1b. Laser beam 50bb is emitted from the collimating lens 131b of the array light-emitting unit 1b. Laser beam 50bc is emitted from the collimating lens 131c of the array light-emitting unit 1b. Laser beam 50bd is emitted from the collimating lens 131d of the array light-emitting unit 1b.

[0190] Without needing to distinguish between laser beams 50ba, 50bb, 50bc, and 50bd, they are collectively referred to as laser beam 50b. Figure 11 In the example shown, a laser beam 50b emitted by the array light-emitting unit 1b is illustrated, and the other laser beams 50a, 50c and 50d, which are reflected by the step mirror 3 and focused by the focusing lens 4, behave in the same way.

[0191] like Figure 14 As shown, the stepped reflective surface 32 of the stepped mirror 3 includes a first stepped surface 32a, a second stepped surface 32b, a third stepped surface 32c, and a fourth stepped surface 32d, reflecting 16 laser beams 50.

[0192] The first step surface 32a, the second step surface 32b, the third step surface 32c, and the fourth step surface 32d reflect light in pairs with the first light column 51a, the second light column 51b, the third light column 51c, and the fourth light column 51d, respectively. Specifically, the first step surface 32a reflects the first light column 51a in the +Y direction. The second step surface 32b reflects the second light column 51b in the +Y direction. The third step surface 32c reflects the third light column 51c in the +Y direction. The fourth step surface 32d reflects the fourth light column 51d in the +Y direction. The first light column 51a, the second light column 51b, the third light column 51c, and the fourth light column 51d correspond to multiple light columns arranged along the Y direction.

[0193] exist Figure 14 In the diagram, the first light column 51a, the second light column 51b, the third light column 51c, and the fourth light column 51d appear to be arranged only along the Z direction, but the positions of the first step surface 32a, the second step surface 32b, the third step surface 32c, and the fourth step surface 32d in the Y direction are different. Therefore, the first light column 51a, the second light column 51b, the third light column 51c, and the fourth light column 51d are also arranged along the Y direction.

[0194] The first optical array 51a, the second optical array 51b, the third optical array 51c, and the fourth optical array 51d each include a plurality of laser beams 50 reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 and arranged along the X direction. Specifically, the first optical array 51a includes laser beams 50aa, 50ba, 50ca, and 50da arranged along the X direction. The second optical array 51b includes laser beams 50ab, 50bb, 50cb, and 50db arranged along the X direction. The third optical array 51d includes laser beams 50ac, 50bc, 50cc, and 50dc arranged along the X direction. The fourth optical array 51d includes laser beams 50ad, 50bd, 50cd, and 50dd arranged along the X direction.

[0195] like Figure 13 As shown, the first stepped surface 32a, the second stepped surface 32b, the third stepped surface 32c, and the fourth stepped surface 32d are at different heights relative to the reflecting surface of the planar portion 31. Corresponding to this difference in height relative to the planar portion 31, the position of the laser beam 50 incident from the parabolic mirror 2 into each stepped surface will be offset in the Z direction.

[0196] For example, when the laser beam 50 is reflected by the first stepped surface 32a, the injection position shifts in the +Z direction corresponding to the height ha, compared to the case where the laser beam 50 is reflected at the height of the flat portion 31. Similarly, when the laser beam 50 is reflected by the second stepped surface 32b, the injection position shifts in the +Z direction corresponding to the height hb, compared to the case where the laser beam 50 is reflected at the height of the flat portion 31. When the laser beam 50 is reflected by the third stepped surface 32c, the injection position shifts in the +Z direction corresponding to the height hc, compared to the case where the laser beam 50 is reflected at the height of the flat portion 31.

[0197] As a result, among the intervals between the multiple laser beams 50, the interval d2 in the Z direction between the positions where the laser beams 50 are reflected by the stepped reflector 32 is narrower than the interval d1 in the Y direction between the positions where the laser beams 50 are incident on the stepped reflector 32. Furthermore, the overall width Wy2 in the Z direction between the positions where the laser beams 50 are incident on the stepped reflector 32 is narrower than the overall width Wy1 in the Y direction between the multiple laser beams 50 and the positions where the laser beams 50 are reflected by the stepped reflector 32. Here, the ratio of interval d1 to interval d2, and the ratio of overall width Wy1 to overall width Wy2, can be appropriately varied depending on the number of light-emitting parts or the core diameter of the optical fiber 5, etc.

[0198] <Example of fiber optic 5 structure>

[0199] Figure 15 This is an oblique view of the end of the ferrule 71, used to illustrate optical fiber 5. (For example...) Figure 15 As shown, the optical fiber 5 includes a core 52 and a cladding layer 53 covering the core 52. A ferrule 71 covers the optical fiber 5 in a manner that sandwiches a coating 711 around the cladding layer 53, thus securing the optical fiber 5 inside.

[0200] The laser beam 50, focused by the condenser lens 4, enters the core 52 of the optical fiber 5. Alternatively, the light source device 100 may be a structure that does not include the optical fiber 5 connected to it.

[0201] <Effects of Light Source Device 100>

[0202] The following explains the function and effect of the light source device 100.

[0203] In this embodiment, the light source device 100 includes a plurality of light-emitting units 113 arranged at least along the X direction (arrangement direction). Additionally, the light source device 100 includes a parabolic mirror 2 and a stepped mirror 3 (a plurality of optical components) having a first reflecting surface 21 and a second reflecting surface 22 for reflecting laser beams 50 (light) from the plurality of light-emitting units 113 and directing them toward the +Y direction (predetermined direction). Furthermore, the light source device 100 includes a focusing lens 4 for focusing the laser beams 50 emitted from the parabolic mirror 2 and the stepped mirror 3.

[0204] The first reflecting surface 21 reflects the laser beams 50 emitted by the plurality of light-emitting units 113 toward the second reflecting surface 22, and the second reflecting surface 22 reflects the laser beams 50 reflected by the first reflecting surface 21. The first reflecting surface 21 and the second reflecting surface 22 are both surfaces with curvature in the X direction, and the curvature (1 / R2) of the second reflecting surface 22 in the X direction is greater than the curvature (1 / R1) of the first reflecting surface 21 in the X direction.

[0205] The light source device 100 focuses the light emitted by multiple light-emitting parts 113 through the condenser lens 4, thus enabling it to focus a large amount of light.

[0206] In the light source device 100, regarding the position where the multiple laser beams 50 enter the first reflective surface 21, the overall width Wx1 of the multiple laser beams 50 along the X-direction can be increased according to the number of multiple light-emitting parts 113 arranged along the X-axis direction, thus enabling the focusing of more light.

[0207] In the light source device 100, at the position where the multiple laser beams 50 are reflected by the second reflecting surface 22, the overall width Wx2 of the multiple laser beams 50 along the X direction can be set to be narrower than the overall width Wx1 mentioned above. Therefore, a condenser lens 4 with a narrower aperture and smaller aberration can be used to focus the laser beams 50 with an overall width Wx2 into a narrower range.

[0208] Based on the above, this embodiment provides a light source device 100 with good focusing properties. It can efficiently direct the laser beam 50 into the core 52 of the optical fiber 5, increasing the brightness of the light emitted from the optical fiber, thereby enabling its use in high-brightness lighting and the like.

[0209] The light source device 100 can use a condenser lens 4 with a narrow aperture, without the need for a condenser lens that combines multiple lenses or a condenser lens with a complex shape, thus reducing the cost of the light source device 100.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the focal point F1 of at least a portion of the region within the first reflecting surface 21 overlaps with the focal point F2 of at least a portion of the region within the second reflecting surface 22. With this structure, collimated light incident on the first reflecting surface 21 can be reflected by both the first and second reflecting surfaces 22 and then converted back into collimated light before entering the condenser lens 4. Collimated light easily passes through the target optical path; therefore, compared to focused or divergent light, light loss such as glare or ghosting can be suppressed. As a result, the light source device 100 can provide a light source device 100 with excellent focusing properties.

[0211] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple light-emitting units 113 are arranged along the X and Y directions. The stepped mirror 3 includes a stepped reflective surface 32, which includes a first stepped surface 32a, a second stepped surface 32b, a third stepped surface 32c, and a fourth stepped surface 32d with different heights, reflecting the laser beam 50 reflected by the second reflective surface 22 toward the condenser lens 4.

[0212] The first step surface 32a, the second step surface 32b, the third step surface 32c, and the fourth step surface 32d are respectively aligned in pairs with the first light columns 51a, the second light columns 51b, the third light columns 51c, and the fourth light columns 51d arranged along the Y direction for reflection. The first light columns 51a, the second light columns 51b, the third light columns 51c, and the fourth light columns 51d each contain a plurality of laser beams 50 reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 and arranged along the X direction. According to this structure, in the light source device 100, the positions where the laser beams 50 enter the first step surface 32a, the second step surface 32b, the third step surface 32c, and the fourth step surface 32d can be offset along the z direction. Therefore, in the light source device 100, the overall width Wy1 of the multiple laser beams 50 along the Y direction at the position where the laser beams 50 enter the stepped reflective surface 32 can be increased according to the number of multiple light-emitting parts 113 arranged along the Y-axis direction, and more light can be focused. Through the above, in this embodiment, a light source device 100 with good light focusing ability can be provided.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, laser beams 50 are emitted by multiple light-emitting units 113. The beam width (width) of the laser beams 50 along the X direction is narrower at the position where the laser beam 50 is reflected by the second reflective surface 22 than the beam width D1 at the position where the laser beam 50 enters the first reflective surface 21. Additionally, the intervals between the multiple laser beams 50 are narrower along the Z direction than the interval d1 along the Y direction between the positions where the laser beams 50 enter the stepped reflective surface 32. According to the above structure, the light source device 100 can make the overall width Wx2 of the position where the laser beam 50 is reflected by the second reflective surface 22 narrower than the overall width Wx1 of the position where the laser beam 50 enters the first reflective surface 21. Furthermore, the light source device 100 can make the overall width Wy2 of the position where the laser beam 50 is reflected by the stepped reflective surface 32 narrower than the overall width Wy1 of the position where the laser beam 50 enters the stepped reflective surface 32.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light source device 100 includes a parabolic mirror 2 (first optical component) integrally having a first reflecting surface 21 and a second reflecting surface 22, and a stepped mirror 3 (second optical component) having a stepped reflecting surface 32. According to this structure, compared to the case where optical components with integrally formed first reflecting surface 21, second reflecting surface 22, and stepped reflecting surface 32 are used, it is easier to manufacture the first optical component and the second optical component. Furthermore, compared to the case where optical components with separately formed first reflecting surface 21, second reflecting surface 22, and stepped reflecting surface 32 are used, it is easier to assemble the light source device 100.

[0215] Additionally, the light source device 100 may also include an optical fiber 5, which includes a fiber core 52 and a cladding layer 53 covering the area around the fiber core 52. A laser beam 50, focused by a focusing lens 4, is directed into the fiber core 52 of the optical fiber 5. One optical fiber 5 can guide light from multiple light-emitting units 113, thereby providing a light source device that can suppress the increase in cost as the number of optical fibers increases and improve the insertion efficiency of the fiber core 52 of the optical fiber 5.

[0216] <Example of change>

[0217] In the first embodiment, an optical component consisting of a parabolic mirror 2 and a stepped mirror 3 is illustrated, but the structure of the optical component is not limited to this and can have various modifications. Hereinafter, light source devices with modified examples of optical components having various structures will be described. Here, the same names and symbols as in the first embodiment denote components of the same or identical nature, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to other embodiments and modified examples described below.

[0218] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the optical component group 60a included in the light source device 100a of the first modification of the first embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 16 As shown, the optical component group 60a includes a first parabolic component 61, a second parabolic component 62, and a third parabolic component 63.

[0219] The first parabolic component 61 has a third reflecting surface 611, which is part of a cylindrical concave surface with curvature in the X direction. The second parabolic component 62 has a fourth reflecting surface 621, which is part of a cylindrical concave surface with curvature in the X direction. The third reflecting surface 611 and the fourth reflecting surface 621 comprise parabolic shapes with the same curvature in the X direction. The third reflecting surface 611 and the fourth reflecting surface 621 are examples of the first reflecting surface. The third reflecting surface 611 and the fourth reflecting surface 621 have the same function as the first reflecting surface 21 in the first embodiment.

[0220] The third parabolic component 63 has a fifth reflecting surface 631, which is part of a cylindrical convex surface with curvature in the X direction. The fifth reflecting surface 631 has a parabolic shape in the X direction. The fifth reflecting surface 631 is an example of the second reflecting surface. The fifth reflecting surface 631 has the same function as the second reflecting surface 22 in the first embodiment.

[0221] The light source device 100a has an optical component group 60a, which includes a first parabolic component 61 having a third reflective surface 611, a second parabolic component 62 having a fourth reflective surface 621, and a third parabolic component 63 having a fifth reflective surface 631. The components having reflective surfaces corresponding to the first and second reflective surfaces in the first embodiment are not integrally formed from a single component. Therefore, compared to the light source device 100 of the first embodiment, it is possible to simply manufacture optical components having a first and a second reflective surface. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0222] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the optical component 60b in the light source device 100b of the second variation of the first embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 17 As shown, the optical component 60b has a sixth reflecting surface 641, a seventh reflecting surface 642, an eighth reflecting surface 643, and a first stepped reflecting surface 644.

[0223] The sixth reflecting surface 641 is a portion of a cylindrical surface with curvature in the X direction. The seventh reflecting surface 642 is a portion of a cylindrical surface with curvature in the X direction. Both the sixth reflecting surface 641 and the seventh reflecting surface 642 comprise parabolic shapes with the same curvature in the X direction. The sixth reflecting surface 641 and the seventh reflecting surface 642 are examples of the first reflecting surface. The sixth reflecting surface 641 and the seventh reflecting surface 642 have the same function as the first reflecting surface 21 in the first embodiment.

[0224] The eighth reflecting surface 643 is part of a cylindrical surface with curvature in the X direction. The eighth reflecting surface 643 has a parabolic shape in the X direction. The eighth reflecting surface 643 is an example of the second reflecting surface. The eighth reflecting surface 643 has the same function as the second reflecting surface 22 in the first embodiment.

[0225] The first stepped reflector 644 has multiple stepped surfaces of different heights, and is an example of a stepped reflector that reflects the laser beam reflected by the eighth reflector 643 toward the condenser lens 4. The first stepped reflector 644 has the same function as the stepped reflector 32 in the first embodiment.

[0226] The light source device 100b has an optical component 60b in which reflective surfaces corresponding to the first and second reflective surfaces and the stepped reflective surface in the first embodiment are integrally formed in one component. Therefore, compared with the light source device 100 of the first embodiment, the light source device 100b can be assembled more easily. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0227] [Second Implementation]

[0228] The light source device 100c of the second embodiment will be described below. Figure 18 This is an oblique view showing an example of the structure of the parabolic mirror 2c in the light source device 100c. Figure 18 The parabolic mirror 2c, the array light-emitting part 1c, and the array light-emitting part 1d in the light source device 100c are shown.

[0229] in addition, Figure 18 The diagram shows the light-emitting part 113ca, the light-reflecting part 114ca, and the collimating lens 131ca in the array light-emitting part 1c, and the light-emitting part 113da, the light-reflecting part 114da, and the collimating lens 131da in the array light-emitting part 1d. The light-emitting part 113ca is an example of the first light-emitting part, and the light-emitting part 113da is an example of the second light-emitting part.

[0230] The parabolic mirror 2c has a first reflecting surface 21c and a second reflecting surface 22c. The first reflecting surface 21c includes a first region 21ac and a second region 21bc. The second reflecting surface 22c includes a third region 22ac and a fourth region 22bc.

[0231] Region 21ac reflects the laser beam 50c emitted from the light-emitting unit 113ca. Region 21bc reflects the laser beam 50d emitted from the light-emitting unit 113da. Regions 21ac and 21bc are rectangular regions in planar view, including surfaces with curvature in the X direction but almost no curvature in the Y direction. Regions 21ac and 21bc are parabolic in the X direction, with the parabolic shape of region 21ac being different from that of region 21bc.

[0232] Region 3 22ac reflects the laser beam 50c emitted by the light-emitting unit 113ca and reflected by the first reflecting surface 21c. Region 4 22bc reflects the laser beam 50d emitted by the light-emitting unit 113da and reflected by the first reflecting surface 21c. Regions 3 22ac and 4 22bc are rectangular regions in plan view, containing surfaces with curvature in the X direction but almost no curvature in the Y direction. Regions 3 22ac and 4 22bc are parabolic in the X direction, with the parabolic shape of region 3 22ac being different from that of region 4 22bc.

[0233] The laser beam 50c emitted from the light-emitting part 113ca towards the -X direction is reflected by the light-reflecting part 114ca towards the +Z direction. After being approximately collimated by the collimating lens 131ca, it enters the interior of the parabolic mirror 2c through the injection surface 20. The laser beam 50c entering the interior of the parabolic mirror 2c is reflected from the first region 21ac to the third region 22ac, and then reflected from the third region 22ac to the emission surface 23, and then exits through the emission surface 23.

[0234] The laser beam 50d emitted from the light-emitting part 113ca towards the +X direction is reflected by the light-reflecting part 114da towards the +Z direction. After being approximately collimated by the collimating lens 131da, it enters the interior of the parabolic mirror 2c through the injection surface 20. The laser beam 50d entering the interior of the parabolic mirror 2c is reflected from the second region 21bc to the fourth region 22bc, and then reflected from the fourth region 22bc to the emission surface 23 before exiting through the emission surface 23.

[0235] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the first example of parabolic reflection in the second embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first reflecting surface 21c and the second reflecting surface 22c in the parabolic mirror 2c as seen from the -Y direction side.

[0236] The focal point Fc1 of region 1 21ac overlaps with the focal point Fc3 of region 3 22ac. In other words, the focal point Fc1 and the focal point Fc3 are approximately aligned. Therefore, the laser beam 50c reflected from region 1 21ac toward region 3 22ac is approximately collimated after being reflected by region 3 22ac and then emitted through the emission surface 23.

[0237] The focal point Fc2 of region 21bc overlaps with the focal point Fc4 of region 42bc. In other words, focal points Fc2 and Fc4 are approximately aligned. Therefore, the laser beam 50d reflected from region 21bc toward region 42bc is approximately collimated after reflection by region 42bc and then emitted through the emission surface 23. Here, the surface shapes of region 121ac and region 21bc are different, and the focal point Fc1 of region 121ac does not overlap with the focal point Fc2 of region 21bc.

[0238] In this embodiment, the first reflecting surface 21c is divided into two regions, a first region 21ac and a second region 21bc, each with a different focal point. Similarly, the second reflecting surface 22c is divided into two regions, a third region 22ac and a fourth region 22bc, each with a different focal point. With this structure, the laser beam reflected by the second reflecting surface 22 can be focused. As a result, a light source device 100c with excellent focusing properties can be provided.

[0239] Furthermore, the laser beam 50c from the array light-emitting unit 1c is reflected by the first region 21ac and then reflected by the third region 22ac, thus becoming approximately collimated. The laser beam 50d from the array light-emitting unit 1d is reflected by the second region 21bc and then reflected by the fourth region 22bc, thus becoming approximately collimated. Therefore, the focusing ability of the laser beam 50 emitted from the parabolic mirror 2c and focused by the condenser lens 4 can be improved, providing a light source device 100 with good focusing ability for the laser beams 50 from the plurality of light-emitting units 113. Here, other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0240] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of reflection by the parabolic mirror in the second embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first reflecting surface 21c and the second reflecting surface 22d of the parabolic mirror 2d as seen from the -Y direction side.

[0241] like Figure 20 As shown, parabolic mirror 2d has a second reflecting surface 22d, replacing the second reflecting surface 22c of parabolic mirror 2c. The second reflecting surface 22d includes a third region 22ad and a fourth region 22bd. The second reflecting surface 22d has a parabolic shape protruding toward the -Z direction in the X direction.

[0242] The focal point Fc1 of region 1 21ac overlaps with the focal point Fd3 of region 3 22ad. In other words, the focal point Fc1 and the focal point Fd3 are approximately aligned. Therefore, the laser beam 50c reflected from region 1 21ac toward region 3 22ad is approximately collimated after being reflected by region 3 22ad and then emitted through the emission surface 23.

[0243] The focal point Fc2 of region 21bc overlaps with the focal point Fd4 of region 42bd. In other words, focal point Fc2 and focal point Fd4 are approximately aligned. Therefore, the laser beam 50d reflected from region 21bc toward region 42bd is approximately collimated after reflection in region 42bd and then exits through exit surface 23. Here, the focal point Fc1 of region 121ac does not overlap with the focal point Fc2 of region 21bc.

[0244] By using the shape of the parabolic mirror 2d with this second reflecting surface 22d, the same effect as the parabolic mirror 2c can also be obtained.

[0245] In this embodiment, a structure is illustrated where the first reflecting surface 21c and the second reflecting surface 22c each have two regions, but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, the first reflecting surface 21c may include three or more regions with different focal points, and the second reflecting surface 22c may also include three or more regions with different focal points. In this case, the laser beam 50 emitted by one light-emitting unit 113 is reflected by one region of the first reflecting surface 21c, and then reflected by one region of the second reflecting surface 22c, which is paired with one region of the first reflecting surface 21c, thereby achieving approximate collimation.

[0246] [Third Implementation]

[0247] Hereinafter, the light source device 100e and the light source device 100f of the third embodiment will be described. The light source device 100e is the first example of the third embodiment, and the light source device 100f is the second example of the third embodiment.

[0248] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the parabolic mirror 2 in the light source device 100e. (See image below.) Figure 21 As shown, in the light source device 100e, the laser beam 50 emitted by the array light-emitting unit 1 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 21 of the parabolic mirror 2, then reflected by the second reflecting surface 22, and emitted in the +Z direction through the emission surface 23. The laser beam 50 emitted from the emission surface 23 is focused by the condenser lens 4 and enters the fiber core of the optical fiber 5 held by the optical connector 7.

[0249] In this embodiment, the parabolic mirror 2 corresponds to one optical component, and the +Z direction of the laser beam 50 emitted by the parabolic mirror 2 corresponds to a predetermined direction.

[0250] That is, the light source device 100e does not have the stepped mirror 3 as in the first embodiment, but instead emits a laser beam 50 in the +Z direction from a parabolic mirror 2 corresponding to one optical component. According to this structure, the overall width Wx2 of the multiple laser beams 50 emitted by the multiple light-emitting units 113 can be made narrower than the overall width Wx1 (see reference). Figure 7 It can make the beam width D2 of the laser beam 50 narrower than the beam width D1 (see reference). Figure 10 As a result, aberrations can be suppressed and the focusing of the laser beam 50 can be improved, thereby providing a light source device 100 with good focusing of the laser beam 50 of the multiple light-emitting parts 113.

[0251] on the other hand, Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the surrounding structure of the optical component group 60a in the light source device 100f. (See image below.) Figure 22As shown, in the light source device 100f, the laser beam 50 emitted by the array light-emitting unit 1 is reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 621 of the second parabolic component 62, and then reflected by the fifth reflecting surface 631 of the third parabolic component 63 before entering the condenser lens 4. The laser beam 50 focused by the condenser lens 4 enters the fiber core of the optical fiber 5 held by the optical connector 7.

[0252] In this embodiment, the optical component group 60a corresponds to a plurality of optical components, and the +Z direction of the laser beam 50 emitted by the optical component group 60a corresponds to a predetermined direction.

[0253] That is, the light source device 100f does not have the stepped mirror 3 in the first embodiment, and the laser beam 50 is emitted in the +Z direction by the first parabolic component 61, the second parabolic component 62, and the third parabolic component 63, which correspond to multiple optical components. With this structure, the same effect as the light source device 100e can be obtained.

[0254] The above describes various embodiments and modifications. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the above meaning, but is determined by the scope of the claims. Modifications made within the same concept and scope as the claims also fall within the scope of the invention.

[0255] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other numbers mentioned in the description of the embodiments are all technical examples for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these illustrated numbers.

[0256] The light source device in the implementation can be used for high-brightness lighting, projectors, displays, headlamps, headband displays, etc.

Claims

1. A light source device, comprising: Multiple light-emitting parts, arranged at least along the alignment direction; One or more optical components, having a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, reflect light from the plurality of light-emitting parts and emit it in a predetermined direction; and A focusing lens, used to concentrate the light emitted from one or more optical components. The first reflective surface reflects the light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting parts toward the second reflective surface. The second reflecting surface reflects the light that was reflected by the first reflecting surface. The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are respectively surfaces with curvature in the arrangement direction. The curvature of the second reflective surface in the arrangement direction is greater than the curvature of the first reflective surface in the arrangement direction. The plurality of light-emitting parts are arranged along the arrangement direction and in directions orthogonal to the arrangement direction. The one or more optical components constitute one optical component. It also includes a stepped reflective surface, which has multiple stepped surfaces of different heights, reflecting the light reflected by the second reflective surface toward the condenser lens. Each of the plurality of stepped surfaces reflects light in pairs with a plurality of light columns arranged along the orthogonal direction. The plurality of light columns each contain a plurality of light beams reflected by the second reflective surface and arranged along the arrangement direction. The optical component integrally comprises the first reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface, and the stepped reflecting surface.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The focal point of at least a portion of the first reflecting surface overlaps with the focal point of at least a portion of the second reflecting surface.

3. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of light-emitting parts includes at least a first light-emitting part and a second light-emitting part. The first reflective surface includes a first region that reflects light emitted from the first light-emitting part and a second region that reflects light emitted from the second light-emitting part. The second reflective surface includes a third region that reflects light emitted from the first light-emitting unit and reflected by the first reflective surface, and a fourth region that reflects light emitted from the second light-emitting unit and reflected by the first reflective surface. The focal point of the first region overlaps with the focal point of the third region. The focal point of the second region overlaps with the focal point of the fourth region.

4. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple light-emitting parts emit lasers respectively. Of the width of the laser emitted by the light-emitting part along the arrangement direction, the width at the position where the laser is reflected by the second reflective surface is narrower than the width at the position where the laser enters the first reflective surface. The intervals between the multiple lasers emitted by the plurality of light-emitting units are narrower along the predetermined direction than the intervals along the orthogonal direction at the locations where the lasers are reflected by the stepped reflective surface.

5. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The light source device also includes optical fibers. The optical fiber includes a core and a cladding layer covering the core. The light, focused by the focusing lens, enters the core of the optical fiber.

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