Light source device and projector

Abstract

This invention provides a light source device and a projector capable of efficiently extracting illumination light. The light source device includes: a substrate having a support surface; a light source emitting first light of a first wavelength band; a first optical component having a first optical layer facing the support surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source; a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the support surface, converting the first light into second light of a second wavelength band; a second wavelength conversion layer disposed opposite the first optical layer, converting the first light into third light of a third wavelength band; and a light emitting section formed at least by the substrate and the first optical component, emitting light. The first optical layer is inclined relative to the light incident surface and also reflects the second and third light. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the light source into third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into second light. The light emitting section emits the first, second, and third light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to light source devices and projectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional light source devices exist that use a polarizing beam splitter to reflect the excitation light of linearly polarized light emitted from the light source toward a phosphor, and use a portion of the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor and the excitation light to generate white light (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-004009

[0004] However, in the aforementioned light source device, since the excitation light with disordered polarization direction returns to the light source when emitted from the phosphor and cannot be used as illumination light, there is a problem that the illumination light cannot be extracted efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, the light source device of the present invention comprises: a substrate having a support surface; a light source disposed on the support surface side, emitting first light of a first wavelength band; a first optical component having a first optical layer facing the support surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source; a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the support surface, having a light incident surface for the first light to be incident upon, and converting the first light into second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; and a second wavelength conversion layer disposed opposite the first optical layer on the side of the first wavelength conversion layer. The first light is converted into a third light of a third band different from the first band; and a light emitting section is formed of at least the substrate and the first optical component, the first optical layer being inclined relative to the light incident surface and also reflecting the second light and the third light, the second wavelength conversion layer converting a portion of the first light emitted from the light source into the third light, the first wavelength conversion layer converting a portion of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into the second light, and the light emitting section emitting the first light, the second light and the third light.

[0006] The projector of the present invention comprises: a light source device of the present invention; a light modulation device that modulates light from the light source device according to image information; and a projection optical device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the projector according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lighting device.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the main structural parts of the light source device.

[0010] Figure 4 This is the front view of the light source device.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the light source device according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the light source device according to the third embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a top view of the first phosphor layer of the first variant example.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the light source device in the second variation.

[0016] Label Explanation

[0017] 1: Projector; 4B, 4G, 4R: Light modulation device; 6: Projection optical device; 25, 25A, 125, 225: Light source device; 51A: First part; 51B: Second part; 250: Light source; 250a: Light-emitting element; 250b, 2541, 2551, 2561: Substrate; 250c: Reflective layer; 251, 1251: First phosphor layer (first wavelength conversion layer); 251K: Notch; 252: Substrate; 254: First optical component; 255: Second optical component; 256: Third optical component; 258, 125 8: Second phosphor layer (second wavelength conversion layer); 259: Transparent component; 260: Light emitting part; 261: Recess; 2511, 2581: Surface (light incident surface); 2521: Support surface; 2542: First optical layer; 2552: Third optical layer; 2562: Fourth optical layer; 2592: Second optical layer; EL: Excitation light (first light); GL, YL: Fluorescence (second light); H1, H2: Thickness; LB: Blue light; LG: Green light; LR: Red light; RL: Fluorescence (third light); WL, WL1, WL2: Illumination light. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings used in the following description, the features are sometimes enlarged for ease of understanding, and the size ratios of the constituent elements are not necessarily the same as in reality.

[0020] (First Embodiment)

[0021] An example of the projector in this embodiment will be described.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the projector according to this embodiment.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the projector 1 of this embodiment is a projection-type image display device that displays color images on a screen SCR. The projector 1 includes a color separation optical system 3, a light modulation device 4R, a light modulation device 4G, a light modulation device 4B, a combining optical system 5, a projection optical device 6, and an illumination device 2.

[0024] The color separation optical system 3 separates the white illumination light WL from the illumination device 2 into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB. The color separation optical system 3 includes a first dichroic mirror 7a and a second dichroic mirror 7b, a first reflecting mirror 8a, a second reflecting mirror 8b and a third reflecting mirror 8c, a first relay lens 9a and a second relay lens 9b.

[0025] The first dichroic mirror 7a separates the illumination light WL from the illumination device 2 into red light LR and green light LG and blue light LB, which are considered as other lights. The first dichroic mirror 7a allows the separated red light LR to pass through and reflects the other lights. The second dichroic mirror 7b reflects the green light LG and allows the blue light LB to pass through.

[0026] The first reflector 8a reflects the red light LR toward the light modulation device 4R. The second reflector 8b and the third reflector 8c guide the blue light LB toward the light modulation device 4B. The green light LG is reflected from the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the light modulation device 4G.

[0027] The first relay lens 9a is positioned after the second dichroic mirror 7b in the optical path of the blue light LB. The second relay lens 9b is positioned after the second reflecting mirror 8b in the optical path of the blue light LB.

[0028] Optical modulation device 4R modulates the red light LR according to the image information to form an image light corresponding to the red light LR. Optical modulation device 4G modulates the green light LG according to the image information to form an image light corresponding to the green light LG. Optical modulation device 4B modulates the blue light LB according to the image information to form an image light corresponding to the blue light LB.

[0029] The light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, for example, use transmissive liquid crystal panels. Furthermore, polarizing plates (not shown) are disposed on the incident and emission sides of the liquid crystal panel, creating a structure that allows only linearly polarized light in a specific direction to pass through.

[0030] Field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B are respectively disposed on the incident side of optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B. Field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B parallelize the principal rays of red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB incident on each optical modulation device 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0031] The synthesizing optical system 5 synthesizes the image light corresponding to red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB by incident image light emitted from light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, and then emits the synthesized image light toward the projection optical device 6. The synthesizing optical system 5 may use a cross-shaped dichroic prism, for example.

[0032] The projection optics 6 consists of multiple lenses. The projection optics 6 magnifies and projects the image light synthesized by the combining optics system 5 onto the SCR screen. Thus, the image is displayed on the SCR screen.

[0033] (lighting device)

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of lighting device 2.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the lighting device 2 includes a light source device 25, a pickup optical system 26, an integrator optical system 35, a polarization conversion element 36, and an overlapping lens 37.

[0036] The light source device 25 emits white illumination light WL toward the pickup optical system 26.

[0037] The structure of the light source device 25 will be described in detail below. In the following figures, the various structures of the light source device 25 will be described using the XYZ coordinate system as needed. The X-axis is an axis parallel to the optical axis ax of the light source device 25; the Z-axis is an axis orthogonal to the optical axis ax and parallel to the normal to the substrate 252 constituting the light source device 25; and the Y-axis is an axis orthogonal to both the X-axis and Z-axis. Furthermore, the optical axis ax of the light source device 25 is perpendicular to... Figure 2 The lighting device 2 shown has the same lighting optical axis ax1.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the main structural components of the light source device 25. Figure 4 This is a front view of the light source device 25 viewed from the +X side. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device 25 along the XZ plane.

[0039] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the light source device 25 of this embodiment includes a light source 250, a first phosphor layer (first wavelength conversion layer) 251, a substrate 252, a mirror layer 253, a first optical component 254, a second optical component 255, a third optical component 256, a second phosphor layer (second wavelength conversion layer) 258, a light-transmitting component 259, and a light emitting part 260.

[0040] The light source 250 includes a light-emitting element 250a, a substrate 250b, and a reflective layer 250c. The light-emitting element 250a is composed of a light-emitting diode (LED) and emits excitation light (first light) EL. The excitation light EL is light with a blue wavelength (first band) of 400nm to 480nm, for example, a beam with a peak wavelength of 455nm. The substrate 250b supports the light-emitting element 250a and also functions as a heat dissipation substrate for heat dissipation from the light-emitting element 250a. The reflective layer 250c is disposed between the substrate 250b and the light-emitting element 250a. The reflective layer 250c is disposed on the surface 250b1 of the substrate 250b. The reflective layer 250c is, for example, composed of a metal layer and a dielectric layer.

[0041] The substrate 252 has a support surface 2521 for supporting the first phosphor layer 251. The substrate 252 is, for example, a metal plate with excellent heat dissipation such as aluminum or copper.

[0042] The support surface 2521 is a surface parallel to the XY plane. A recess 261 is formed on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. The light source 250 is disposed on the support surface 2521 side of the substrate 252. In this embodiment, the light source 250 is disposed in the recess 261 formed in the support surface 2521. The substrate 250b of the light source 250 is thermally connected to the surface 261a of the recess 261. The light source 250 is thermally connected to the substrate 252, so the light-emitting element 250a can be cooled by releasing heat from the light source 250 to the substrate 252.

[0043] The first phosphor layer 251 is a plate-shaped phosphor comprising a surface (light incident surface) 2511, a side surface 2512, and a back surface 2513. The surface 2511 is the surface on which the excitation light EL is incident. The side surface 2512 is the surface that intersects with the surface 2511. The side surface 2512 may also be orthogonal to the surface 2511. The back surface 2513 is the surface opposite to the surface 2511.

[0044] In this embodiment, as described later, excitation light emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 is incident on the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251.

[0045] The first phosphor layer 251 contains phosphor particles that, when excited by excitation light, emit fluorescence (second light) YL, for example, yellow light in the yellow band (second band) of 550 nm to 640 nm. YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) phosphors can be used as examples of phosphor particles. Furthermore, the phosphor particles can be formed from a single material or from a mixture of particles formed from two or more materials. The first phosphor layer 251 can be, for example, a phosphor layer formed by dispersing phosphor particles in an inorganic binder such as alumina, or a phosphor layer formed by sintering phosphor particles without a binder. The first phosphor layer 251 contains a plurality of scatterers K1. The scatterers K1 are transmissive particles with pores and refractive indices different from those of the phosphors. In this embodiment, pores are used as the scatterers K1.

[0046] The substrate 252 is thermally connected to the first phosphor layer 251. Since the substrate 252 is thermally connected to the first phosphor layer 251, the first phosphor layer 251 is cooled by releasing its heat.

[0047] The first phosphor layer 251 has a cutout 251K formed by removing a portion of it. The cutout 251K is provided to penetrate the first phosphor layer 251, thus exposing a portion of the substrate 252.

[0048] The first phosphor layer 251 is supported on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 such that the recess 261 faces the cutout portion 251K when viewed from above. As described above, a light source 250 is disposed in the recess 261. Therefore, the light source 250 is disposed in the cutout portion 251K. The shape of the cutout portion 251K when viewed from above is rectangular. The size of the cutout portion 251K is the same as or slightly larger than the outer shape of the light source 250.

[0049] A mirror layer 253 is disposed between the substrate 252 and the first phosphor layer 251. The area of ​​the mirror layer 253 is larger than the area of ​​the back surface 2513 of the first phosphor layer 251. The mirror layer 253 is disposed at least around the first phosphor layer 251 on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. The first phosphor layer 251 is bonded to the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 via the mirror layer 253. The mirror layer 253 is, for example, composed of a metal layer or a dielectric layer. Alternatively, the mirror layer 253 may be formed over the entire area of ​​the support surface 2521. Additionally, a portion of the mirror layer 253 may be formed directly on the back surface 2513 of the first phosphor layer 251.

[0050] The first optical component 254 is disposed opposite to the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. That is, the first optical component 254 is disposed opposite to the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251. The first optical component 254 is disposed in a manner that does not contact the first phosphor layer 251.

[0051] The first optical component 254 is arranged at an angle relative to the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251. The angle between the first optical component 254 and the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251 is set to an acute angle.

[0052] The first optical component 254 includes a substrate 2541 and a first optical layer 2542. The substrate 2541 can be formed from any of the following materials: alumina, sapphire, glass, or a non-transparent material such as metal. The first optical layer 2542 is, for example, composed of a dielectric multilayer film or a metal film. The first optical component 254 functions as a reflector to reflect incident light. In addition to reflecting the excitation light EL from the light source 250, the first optical layer 2542 also reflects the fluorescent light YL and YL1 (the second and third lights, described later).

[0053] The second phosphor layer 258 is disposed on the side of the first phosphor layer 251 relative to the first optical component 254, that is, disposed on the side of the first phosphor layer 251 relative to the first optical layer 2542. In this embodiment, the second phosphor layer 258 is disposed on the first optical layer 2542.

[0054] The second phosphor layer 258 is a plate-shaped phosphor comprising a surface (light incident surface) 2581, a side surface 2582, and a back surface 2583. Surface 2581 is the surface on which the excitation light EL is incident. The back surface 2583 abuts against the first optical layer 2542 and is the opposite surface to surface 2581. The side surface 2582 is the surface that intersects with surface 2581. Side surface 2582 may also be orthogonal to surface 2581.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second phosphor layer 258 is made of the same phosphor material as the first phosphor layer 251. The second phosphor layer 258 converts the excitation light EL into yellow light, i.e., fluorescence YL1, which is different from the blue band (first band) and has a yellow band of, for example, 550 nm to 640 nm. That is, the second phosphor layer 258 converts a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 into fluorescence YL1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the yellow band (third band) of the fluorescence YL1 emitted by the second phosphor layer 258 is the same as the yellow band (second band) of the fluorescence YL emitted by the first phosphor layer 251.

[0057] The second phosphor layer 258 contains multiple scatterers K2. As scatterers K2, transmissive particles with pores and refractive indices different from those of the phosphor are used. In this embodiment, pores are used as scatterers K2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the scattering degree of light in the second phosphor layer 258 is less than that in the first phosphor layer 251. The scattering degree can be adjusted by the number of scatterers contained in the phosphor. In this embodiment, the number of scatterers K2 contained in the second phosphor layer 258 is less than the number of scatterers K1 contained in the first phosphor layer 251. For example, by using a single-crystal phosphor, it is possible to achieve a second phosphor layer 258 with a smaller number of scatterers.

[0059] Compared to the first phosphor layer 251, the second phosphor layer 258 suppresses backscattering of light, so the excitation light EL incident from the light source 250 can easily pass through the phosphor without being scattered.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness H2 of the second phosphor layer 258 is less than the thickness H1 of the first phosphor layer 251. The thickness H2 of the second phosphor layer 258 is the dimension along the normal direction of the surface on which the second phosphor layer 258 is disposed (the surface of the first optical layer 2542 of the first optical component 254), and the thickness H1 of the first phosphor layer 251 is the dimension along the normal direction of the support surface 2521 on which the first phosphor layer 251 is disposed. In other words, the thickness H2 of the second phosphor layer 258 is the dimension along the normal direction of the surface 2581 (light incident surface) of the second phosphor layer 258, and the thickness H1 of the first phosphor layer 251 is the dimension along the normal direction of the surface 2511 (light incident surface) of the first phosphor layer 251.

[0061] If the thickness of the phosphor is reduced, the excitation light can easily escape from the phosphor before it is converted into fluorescence.

[0062] In this embodiment, the fluorescence conversion efficiency of the second phosphor layer 258 is suppressed by inhibiting backscattering and thickness relative to the first phosphor layer 251, as described above. Consequently, most of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 is not converted into fluorescence in the second phosphor layer 258, but instead passes through the second phosphor layer 258 and is incident on the first optical component 254, where it is reflected by the first optical layer 2542. At least a portion of the excitation light EL reflected by the first optical layer 2542 passes through the second phosphor layer 258 and is emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 toward the first phosphor layer 251.

[0063] In the second phosphor layer 258, a portion of the fluorescent YL1 is emitted directly from the surface 2581 of the second phosphor layer 258, and the remaining portion of the fluorescent YL1 advances to the side of the first optical component 254 and is reflected by the first optical layer 2542 and emitted from the surface 2581.

[0064] In addition to emitting fluorescence YL1 obtained by wavelength conversion of excitation light EL, the second phosphor layer 258 also emits most of the excitation light EL that has not undergone wavelength conversion. That is, the second phosphor layer 258 emits light containing both fluorescence YL1 and excitation light EL.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first phosphor layer 251 converts a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 into fluorescence YL. That is, the first phosphor layer 251 is not excited by the excitation light EL emitted directly from the light source 250, but by the excitation light EL indirectly incident via the second phosphor layer 258.

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the light-transmitting component 259 is disposed in contact with the light-emitting side (+Z side) of the light source 250. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting component 259 is in contact with the light-emitting element 250a of the light source 250. The light-transmitting component 259 has the same size as the cutout 251K formed in the first phosphor layer 251 and is embedded in the cutout 251K. The light-transmitting component 259 also functions as a heat dissipation component for the light-emitting element 250a of the light source 250.

[0067] In this embodiment, the surface 259a of the light-transmitting component 259 on the side of the first optical component 254 is coplanar with the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251. That is, the surface 259a of the light-transmitting component 259 and the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251 are arranged on the same surface in the direction along the normal of the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252.

[0068] The light-transmitting component 259 includes a light-transmitting substrate 2591 and a second optical layer 2592. The light-transmitting substrate 2591 is made of a light-transmitting material such as alumina, sapphire, or glass. The second optical layer 2592 is disposed on the outer surface of the light-transmitting substrate 2591, i.e., on the side opposite to the light source 250. The second optical layer 2592 has the characteristic of transmitting excitation light EL and reflecting fluorescence. Thus, the light-transmitting component 259 allows the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 to pass through, and reflects the fluorescence YL generated by the first phosphor layer 251 and the fluorescence YL1 generated by the second phosphor layer 258. Furthermore, an anti-reflective film such as an AR coating is provided on the inner surface of the light-transmitting substrate 2591, i.e., on the light source 250 side. Thus, the light-transmitting component 259 efficiently allows the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 to enter the interior by suppressing the reflection of the excitation light EL.

[0069] The light emitting section 260 is an opening formed on the +X side end face of the substrate 252, the first optical component 254, the second optical component 255, and the third optical component 256. The light emitting section 260 emits white illumination light WL, which includes excitation light EL, fluorescence YL, and fluorescence YL1.

[0070] The second optical component 255 includes a substrate 2551 and a third optical layer 2552. The substrate 2551 can be formed from any of the following materials: alumina, sapphire, glass, or a non-transparent material such as metal. The third optical layer 2552 is formed on the inner surface of the substrate 2551. The third optical layer 2552 is, for example, composed of a dielectric multilayer film or a metal film.

[0071] The second optical component 255 is arranged intersecting the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 and the first optical component 254. The second optical component 255 is also arranged with the third optical layer 2552 intersecting the support surface 2521 and the first optical layer 2542. The second optical component 255 may also be orthogonal to the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 and the first optical component 254. The third optical layer 2552 may be orthogonal to the support surface 2521 and the first optical layer 2542. The second optical component 255 is arranged such that its thickness direction is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The second optical component 255 is disposed near the +Y side of the first phosphor layer 251 and the second phosphor layer 258. Therefore, a portion of the fluorescence YL and YL1 emitted from the first phosphor layer 251 or the second phosphor layer 258 toward the +Y side is reflected by the third optical layer 2552 of the second optical component 255. The second optical component 255 reflects not only the fluorescent YL and YL1, but also the excitation light EL.

[0072] The second optical component 255 is trapezoidal plate-shaped.

[0073] like Figure 3As shown, the second optical component 255 includes: a first end face 55a forming a trapezoidal upper bottom; a second end face 55b forming a trapezoidal lower bottom; a third end face 55c connecting the first end face 55a and the second end face 55b on the +X side; and a fourth end face 55d connecting the first end face 55a and the second end face 55b on the -X side. Furthermore, the first end face 55a, the second end face 55b, the third end face 55c, and the fourth end face 55d are all flat surfaces. The third end face 55c is the surface opposite to the substrate 252. The fourth end face 55d is the surface in the substrate 2551 opposite to the third end face 55c. The first optical component 254 abuts against the fourth end face 55d. The first optical component 254 is mounted on the fourth end face 55d. The first optical layer 2542 abuts against the fourth end face 55d. The substrate 2541 is placed on the fourth end face 55d through the first optical layer 2542.

[0074] Here, when glass is used as the material of the substrate 2551, a chamfering process is required to prevent defects by removing sharp parts. In this embodiment, by making the second optical component 255 a trapezoidal plate shape, chamfering is not required, thereby improving the machinability of the substrate 2551.

[0075] In this embodiment, a portion of the second optical component 255 is embedded in the substrate 252. Therefore, the second optical component 255 is firmly supported by the substrate 252.

[0076] A portion of the +X side end of the second optical component 255 is embedded in a groove 2524 formed on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Alternatively, adhesive may be filled into the gap between the second optical component 255 and the groove 2524.

[0077] Specifically, the entirety of the first end face 55a and the third end face 55c of the second optical component 255, and a portion of the second end face 55b, are embedded in the groove 2524. The end edge 55d1 of the fourth end face 55d, located on the -X side and along the Z direction, is coplanar with the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Thus, the fourth end face 55d is smoothly connected to the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Furthermore, on the +X side, the second end face 55b is coplanar with the end face 52 of the substrate 252.

[0078] The third optical component 256 has the same structure as the second optical component 255.

[0079] That is, the third optical component 256 includes a substrate 2561 and a fourth optical layer 2562. The fourth optical layer 2562 is formed on the inner surface of the substrate 2561.

[0080] The third optical component 256 is arranged such that it intersects the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 and the first optical component 254, and faces the second optical component 255. The third optical component 256 is configured such that the fourth optical layer 2562 intersects the support surface 2521 and the first optical layer 2542, and faces the third optical layer 2552. The third optical component 256 may also be orthogonal to the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 and the first optical component 254. The fourth optical layer 2562 may be orthogonal to the support surface 2521 and the first optical layer 2542. The third optical component 256 is arranged such that its thickness direction is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The third optical component 256 is disposed near the -Y side of the first phosphor layer 251 and the second phosphor layer 258. Therefore, the fluorescence YL and YL1 emitted from the first phosphor layer 251 or the second phosphor layer 258 toward the -Y side and incident on the third optical component 256 are reflected by the fourth optical layer 2562 of the third optical component 256. The third optical component 256 reflects not only the fluorescence YL and YL1, but also the excitation light EL.

[0081] The third optical component 256 is the same trapezoidal plate shape as the second optical component 255.

[0082] The third optical component 256 includes: a first end face 56a forming a trapezoidal upper bottom; a second end face 56b forming a trapezoidal lower bottom; a third end face 56c connecting the first end face 56a and the second end face 56b on the +X side; and a fourth end face 56d connecting the first end face 56a and the second end face 56b on the -X side. Furthermore, the first end face 56a, the second end face 56b, the third end face 56c, and the fourth end face 56d are all flat surfaces. The third end face 56c is the surface opposite to the substrate 252. The fourth end face 56d is the surface in the substrate 2561 opposite to the third end face 56c. The first optical component 254 abuts against the fourth end face 56d. The first optical component 254 is mounted on the fourth end face 56d. The first optical layer 2542 abuts against the fourth end face 56d. The substrate 2541 is placed on the fourth end face 56d through the first optical layer 2542.

[0083] In this embodiment, the third optical component 256 is firmly supported by the substrate 252 by embedding a portion of the third optical component 256 into the substrate 252.

[0084] A portion of the +X side end of the third optical component 256 is embedded in a groove 2524 formed in the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Alternatively, adhesive can be filled into the gap between the third optical component 256 and the groove 2524.

[0085] Specifically, the entirety of the first end face 56a and the third end face 56c of the third optical component 256 and a portion of the second end face 56b are embedded in the groove 2524. The end edge 56d1 of the fourth end face 56d, located on the -X side and along the Z direction, is coplanar with the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Thus, the fourth end face 56d is smoothly connected to the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Furthermore, on the +X side, the second end face 56b is coplanar with the end face 52 of the substrate 252.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first optical component 254 is supported by the second optical component 255 and the third optical component 256. The first optical component 254 is bonded and fixed to the second optical component 255 and the third optical component 256.

[0087] Specifically, the first optical component 254 is disposed between the fourth end face 55d of the second optical component 255 and the fourth end face 56d of the third optical component 256. On the -X side, the inner end edge 54a of the first optical component 254 contacts the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252.

[0088] With this structure, the light source device 25 of this embodiment closes the -X side through the substrate 252, the first optical component 254, the second optical component 255, and the third optical component 256, and forms a light emitting section 260 on the +X side. Therefore, the light source device 25 can prevent the leakage of phosphor YL from the side opposite to the light emitting section 260, and can efficiently emit light from the light emitting section 260.

[0089] Light source 250 emits excitation light EL in a Lambertian emission manner. The excitation light EL emitted by the Lambertian light source 250 passes through the light-transmitting component 259 and enters the entire area of ​​the second phosphor layer 258, which is arranged opposite to the light source 250.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second phosphor layer 258 suppresses fluorescence conversion efficiency by suppressing backscattering and thickness relative to the first phosphor layer 251.

[0091] Therefore, most of the excitation light EL is not converted into fluorescence but passes through the second phosphor layer 258 and is incident on the first optical layer 2542 of the first optical component 254. The first optical layer 2542 reflects the excitation light EL toward the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. At least a portion of the excitation light EL reflected by the first optical layer 2542 passes through the second phosphor layer 258 and is emitted toward the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. In addition, a portion of the excitation light EL is rear-scattered by the second phosphor layer 258 or reflected by the surface and is emitted toward the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252.

[0092] In this way, the second phosphor layer 258 emits a portion of the excitation light EL toward the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252. Hereinafter, the light emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 toward the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 from the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 will be referred to as excitation light EL1.

[0093] A portion of the excitation light EL incident on the second phosphor layer 258 is converted into fluorescence YL1. Fluorescence YL1 is emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 via the first optical layer 2542 or without passing through the first optical layer 2542. At least a portion of the fluorescence YL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 is emitted from the light emitting section 260.

[0094] Additionally, a portion of the fluorescent YL1 is incident on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252 and reflected by the reflective mirror layer 253 formed on the support surface 2521. At least a portion of the fluorescent YL1 reflected by the reflective mirror layer 253 is emitted from the light emitting portion 260.

[0095] In addition, a portion of the fluorescent YL1 is incident on the first phosphor layer 251, and is backscattered in the first phosphor layer 251 before being emitted from the light emission section 260.

[0096] In addition, a portion of the fluorescent YL1 incident on the first phosphor layer 251 is reflected by the mirror layer 253 through the first phosphor layer 251 and thus emitted from the light emitting section 260.

[0097] Excitation light EL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 is incident on the first phosphor layer 251. As described above, the first phosphor layer 251 improves fluorescence conversion efficiency by increasing the degree of light scattering and its thickness relative to the second phosphor layer 258. Therefore, most of the excitation light EL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 is converted into fluorescence YL by the first phosphor layer 251. At least a portion of the fluorescence YL emitted from the first phosphor layer 251 is emitted from the light emitting section 260.

[0098] Additionally, a portion of the fluorescent YL emitted from the first phosphor layer 251 is incident on the second phosphor layer 258, where it undergoes backscattering or reflection and is emitted from the light emitting section 260.

[0099] In addition, a portion of the fluorescent YL incident on the second phosphor layer 258 is reflected by the first optical layer 2542 of the first optical component 254 through the second phosphor layer 258, and is then emitted from the light emitting portion 260.

[0100] Additionally, a portion of the fluorescent YL reflected by the first optical layer 2542 of the first optical component 254 is incident on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252, and is reflected by the reflective mirror layer 253 formed on the support surface 2521 and emitted from the light emission portion 260.

[0101] Additionally, a portion of the fluorescent YL and YL1 is incident on the light-transmitting component 259 and reflected by the second optical layer 2592 disposed on the outer surface of the light-transmitting component 259. At least a portion of the fluorescent YL and YL1 reflected by the second optical layer 2592 of the light-transmitting component 259 is emitted from the light-emitting portion 260.

[0102] Furthermore, when a portion of the excitation light EL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 is incident on the light-transmitting member 259, it passes through the second optical layer 2592 disposed on the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 259 and is incident on the light source 250 side. A portion of the excitation light EL1 that has passed through the second optical layer 2592 is reflected by the reflective layer 250c of the light source 250 and is emitted through the light-transmitting member 259 toward the second phosphor layer 258. It is then used as part of the excitation or illumination light WL for the second phosphor layer 258 or the first phosphor layer 251.

[0103] Furthermore, a portion of the excitation light EL, EL1 and a portion of the fluorescence YL, YL1 are incident on the second optical component 255 or the third optical component 256 via the reflector layer 253, or directly on the second optical component 255 or the third optical component 256 without passing through the reflector layer 253. A portion of the excitation light EL, EL1 and a portion of the fluorescence YL, YL1 are reflected by the second optical component 255 or the third optical component 256, and thus emitted from the light emitting section 260.

[0104] In addition, a portion of the excitation light EL, EL1 and a portion of the fluorescence YL, YL1 propagate in the opposite direction (-X side) to the light emission section 260, but are eventually emitted from the light emission section 260 through repeated reflections.

[0105] Thus, in the light source device 25 of this embodiment, a white illumination light WL, comprising a portion of the fluorescence YL generated by the first phosphor layer 251, the fluorescence YL1 generated by the second phosphor layer 258, and the excitation light EL, EL1 emitted from the light source 250, can be emitted from the light emission section 260.

[0106] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, in the first phosphor layer 251, the side further away from the light emitting section 260 that emits the phosphor YL, the more easily heat accumulates and the higher the temperature. Conversely, in the light source device 25 of this embodiment, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the substrate 252 supporting the first phosphor layer 251 is shaped such that the side opposite to the light emitting portion 260 is longer. Therefore, the light source device 25 according to this embodiment can efficiently cool the side of the first phosphor layer 251 opposite to the light emitting portion 260, which is prone to heat accumulation. Thus, the first phosphor layer 251 can be cooled efficiently.

[0107] Furthermore, in the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the heat of the second phosphor layer 258 is released via the first optical component 254, thus enabling efficient cooling of the second phosphor layer 258. Therefore, the fluorescence conversion efficiency of the second phosphor layer 258 can be improved.

[0108] Illumination light WL emitted from light source device 25 is incident on pickup optical system 26. Pickup optical system 26 is composed, for example, of pickup lenses 26a and 26b. Pickup optical system 26 has the function of picking up illumination light WL emitted from light source device 25 and parallelizing it.

[0109] Illumination light WL is incident on integrator optical system 35. Integrator optical system 35 is, for example, composed of a first lens array 35a and a second lens array 35b.

[0110] The first lens array 35a contains multiple first small lenses 35am, and the second lens array 35b contains multiple second small lenses 35bm.

[0111] The first lens array 35a separates the illumination light WL into multiple smaller beams. The first small lens 35am images each small beam onto its corresponding second small lens 35bm. The integrator optical system 35, in cooperation with the overlapping lens 37 (described later), images the illuminated area... Figure 1 The illumination distribution in the image forming area of ​​the optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B shown is made uniform.

[0112] The illumination light WL, having passed through the integrator optical system 35, is incident on the polarization conversion element 36. The polarization conversion element 36 is, for example, composed of a polarization separation film and a phase difference plate (1 / 2 wavelength plate). The polarization conversion element 36 converts the polarization direction of the illumination light WL to one polarization component.

[0113] The illumination light WL, passing through the polarization conversion element 36, is incident on the overlapping lens 37. The illumination light WL emitted from the overlapping lens 37 is incident on the color separation optical system 3. The overlapping lens 37 provides uniform illumination by causing the plurality of small beams constituting the illumination light WL to overlap with each other in the illuminated area of ​​the light modulation devices 4R and 4G, i.e., the image forming area.

[0114] The light source device 25 of this embodiment, as described above, has the following effects.

[0115] The light source device 25 of this embodiment includes: a substrate 252 having a support surface 2521; a light source 250 disposed on the support surface 2521 side, emitting excitation light EL; a first optical component 254 having a first optical layer 2542 opposite to the support surface 2521 and reflecting the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250; a first phosphor layer 251 disposed on the support surface 2521, having a surface 2511 on which the excitation light EL is incident, converting the excitation light EL into phosphor YL; a second phosphor layer 258 disposed opposite to the first optical layer 2542 on the side of the first phosphor layer 251, converting the excitation light EL into phosphor YL1; and a light emitting portion 260 formed of at least the substrate 252 and the first optical component 254, emitting light. The first optical layer 2542 is tilted relative to the surface 2511 and also reflects fluorescence YL and fluorescence YL1. The second phosphor layer 258 converts the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 into fluorescence YL1. The first phosphor layer 251 converts a portion of the excitation light EL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 into fluorescence YL. The light emitting part 260 emits excitation light EL, fluorescence YL and fluorescence YL1.

[0116] According to the light source device 25 of this embodiment, a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 that is used to excite the second phosphor layer 258 with excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250, a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 that is not used to excite the phosphor YL1 that is generated by exciting the first phosphor layer 251 with excitation light EL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 that is not used to excite the phosphor YL1, and a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 that is not used to excite the phosphor YL1 can be extracted from the light emission section 260 as white illumination light WL. Therefore, according to the light source device 25 of this embodiment, a bright white illumination light WL can be emitted from the light emission section 260.

[0117] Furthermore, in the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the area of ​​the light emitting portion 260 is considered as the apparent light-emitting area of ​​the light source device, thus reducing the optical extension of the illumination light WL. In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the optical extension can be reduced without reducing the incident area of ​​the excitation light EL on the first phosphor layer 251 or the second phosphor layer 258, thus suppressing the decrease in fluorescence conversion efficiency caused by the increase in the optical density of the excitation light EL on the first phosphor layer 251 or the second phosphor layer 258.

[0118] The light source device 25 according to this embodiment can generate a bright white illumination light WL with reduced optical spread while suppressing the increase in the optical density of the excitation light EL.

[0119] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the fluorescence YL1 emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 is in the same yellow band as the fluorescence YL emitted from the first phosphor layer 251. Additionally, the excitation light EL is blue light. The light emitting section 260 emits white illumination light WL containing the fluorescence YL, YL1, and the excitation light EL.

[0120] Based on this structure, as an illumination light WL, it is able to generate bright white light.

[0121] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the thickness H2 of the second phosphor layer 258 is less than the thickness H1 of the first phosphor layer 251.

[0122] According to this structure, compared to cases where the thicknesses of the first phosphor layer 251 and the second phosphor layer 258 are the same, wavelength conversion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 and incident on the second phosphor layer 258 can be suppressed, and the excitation light EL can be efficiently emitted from the second phosphor layer 258 toward the first phosphor layer 251. Therefore, the first phosphor layer 251 can be efficiently excited to generate fluorescence YL.

[0123] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the scattering degree of light in the second phosphor layer 258 is less than the scattering degree of light in the first phosphor layer 251.

[0124] According to this structure, by suppressing light scattering, the excitation light EL can easily pass through the second phosphor layer 258. Therefore, compared to the case where the light scattering degree is the same in both the first phosphor layer 251 and the second phosphor layer 258, the excitation light EL passes through the second phosphor layer 258 and efficiently enters the first phosphor layer 251. Thus, the first phosphor layer 251 can be efficiently excited to generate fluorescent YL.

[0125] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the first phosphor layer 251 has a cutout portion 251K formed by removing a portion of it, and the light source 250 is disposed at the cutout portion 251K of the first phosphor layer 251.

[0126] According to this structure, the light source 250 can be positioned at a desired location on the support surface 2521 without interfering with the first phosphor layer 251. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the layout of the light source 250 on the substrate 252 is increased.

[0127] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the light source 250 includes: a light-emitting element 250a that emits excitation light EL; a substrate 250b that supports the light-emitting element 250a; and a reflective layer 250c disposed between the substrate 250b and the light-emitting element 250a.

[0128] According to this structure, the excitation light EL returning to the light source 250 side can be reflected by the reflective layer 250c and returned to the first optical component 254 side. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of the excitation light EL can be improved.

[0129] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, a light-transmitting member 259 is also provided in contact with the light-emitting side of the light source 250. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 259 has a second optical layer 2592 provided on the side opposite to the light source 250, which allows the excitation light EL to pass through and reflects the fluorescence YL and YL1.

[0130] According to this structure, heat can be released from the light source 250 through the light-transmitting component 259. Thus, the heat of the light source 250 can be dissipated from both the substrate 252 and the light-transmitting component 259, thereby further improving the heat resistance of the light source 250.

[0131] Furthermore, the light-transmitting component 259 can reflect a portion of the fluorescent YL and YL1 through the second optical layer 2592 and emit them from the light-emitting section 260. Therefore, the extraction efficiency of the illumination light WL can be further improved.

[0132] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, the substrate 252 has a recess 261 formed on the support surface 2521, the light source 250 is disposed in the recess 261 of the substrate 252, and the surface 259a of the first optical component 254 side of the light-transmitting component 259 is coplanar with the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251.

[0133] According to this structure, by placing the light source 250 in the recess 261, the light source 250 and the first optical component 254 can be arranged at a predetermined distance apart. This allows the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 via Lambertian emission to be efficiently incident on the entire area of ​​the first optical component 254.

[0134] Furthermore, no step is generated between the surface 259a of the light-transmitting component 259 and the surface 2511 of the first phosphor layer 251, so the incident surface of light incident from the first optical component 254 side can be set as a plane. As a result, diffuse reflection of light incident from the first optical component 254 side can be suppressed, and the illumination light WL can be efficiently extracted from the light emitting section 260.

[0135] In the light source device 25 of this embodiment, there are also: a second optical component 255 having a third optical layer 2552 that reflects excitation light EL and fluorescence YL and YL1, the third optical layer 2552 being arranged intersecting with the support surface 2521 and the first optical layer 2542; and a third optical component 256 having a fourth optical layer 2562 that reflects excitation light EL and fluorescence YL and YL1, the fourth optical layer 2562 being arranged intersecting with the support surface 2521 and the first optical layer 2542 and opposite to the third optical layer 2552. The light emitting portion 260 is formed by the substrate 252, the first optical component 254, the second optical component 255, and the third optical component 256.

[0136] According to this structure, by suppressing light leakage from outside the light emitting section 260, the illumination light WL can be emitted efficiently from the light emitting section 260.

[0137] The projector 1 of this embodiment, as described above, achieves the following effects.

[0138] The projector 1 of this embodiment includes: a light source device 25; light modulation devices 4B, 4G, and 4R, which modulate blue light LB, green light LG, and red light LR from the light source device 25 according to image information, thereby forming image light; and a projection optical device 6, which projects the image light.

[0139] The projector 1 according to this embodiment is able to form and project a high-brightness image because it has a light source device 25 that generates bright illumination light WL.

[0140] (Second Implementation)

[0141] Next, the structure of the light source device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote structures or components identical to those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0142] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the light source device in this embodiment.

[0143] like Figure 6 As shown, the light source device 125 of this embodiment includes a light source 250, a first phosphor layer 251, a substrate 252, a mirror layer 253, a first optical component 254, a second optical component 255, a third optical component 256, a second phosphor layer (second wavelength conversion layer) 1258, a light-transmitting component 259, and a light emitting section 260.

[0144] In this embodiment, the second phosphor layer 1258 is made of a phosphor material different from that of the first phosphor layer 251. The second phosphor layer 1258 converts the excitation light EL into fluorescence (third light) RL, which is red light with a wavelength of 600 nm to 800 nm, different from the blue band. In this embodiment, the red band (third band) of the fluorescence RL emitted by the second phosphor layer 1258 is greater than the yellow band (second band) of the fluorescence YL emitted by the first phosphor layer 251 and the blue band (first band) of the excitation light EL emitted by the light source 250.

[0145] As such a red phosphor, for example, using a phosphor containing any one of Pr, Eu, or Cr as an activator, is Y... 1-x Gd x )3(Al,Ga)5O 12 The resulting YAG-based phosphor (any one of Pr:YAG, Eu:YAG, or Cr:YAG). Additionally, the activator may include one selected from Pr, Eu, and Cr, or a co-activator comprising multiple selected from Pr, Eu, and Cr.

[0146] In this embodiment, the degree of light scattering in the second phosphor layer 1258 is less than the degree of light scattering in the first phosphor layer 251. In this embodiment, the number of scatterers contained in the second phosphor layer 1258 is less than the number of scatterers contained in the first phosphor layer 251.

[0147] In addition, in this embodiment, by making the thickness of the second phosphor layer 1258 smaller than the thickness of the first phosphor layer 251, the fluorescence conversion efficiency in the second phosphor layer 1258 can be suppressed, making the excitation light EL easier to transmit.

[0148] According to the light source device 125 of this embodiment described above, a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 that is used to excite the second phosphor layer 1258 by means of excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250, a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the second phosphor layer 1258 that is not used to excite the phosphor RL by means of excitation light EL emitted from the second phosphor layer 1258 that is used to excite the phosphor RL, and a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 that is not used to excite the phosphor RL and YL, can be extracted from the light emission section 260 as illumination light WL1. Therefore, according to the light source device 125 of this embodiment, a bright illumination light WL1 can be emitted from the light emission section 260.

[0149] Here, for example, when generating white illumination light at 6500K, using only yellow fluorescence would result in insufficient red components. In contrast, in the light source device 125 of this embodiment, the red components of the illumination light WL1 can be supplemented using red light, i.e., fluorescence RL, generated by the second phosphor layer 1258. Therefore, according to the light source device 125 of this embodiment, white illumination light WL1 with high color reproducibility and sufficient red components can be generated.

[0150] Therefore, a projector equipped with the light source device 125 of this embodiment can project images with high brightness and high red reproducibility.

[0151] (Third Implementation)

[0152] Next, the structure of the light source device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote structures or components identical to those in the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0153] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the light source device in this embodiment.

[0154] like Figure 7 As shown, the light source device 225 of this embodiment includes a light source 250, a first phosphor layer (first wavelength conversion layer) 1251, a substrate 252, a mirror layer 253, a first optical component 254, a second optical component 255, a third optical component 256, a second phosphor layer 1258, a light-transmitting component 259, and a light emitting part 260.

[0155] In this embodiment, the first phosphor layer 1251 is made of a phosphor material different from that of the first phosphor layer 251 in the first embodiment. The first phosphor layer 1251 converts the excitation light EL into fluorescence (second light) GL, which is green light with a wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm, different from the blue band. The second phosphor layer 1258 converts the excitation light EL into fluorescence (third light) RL, which is red light with a wavelength of 600 nm to 800 nm, different from the blue band. In this embodiment, the red band (third band) of the fluorescence RL emitted by the second phosphor layer 1258 is greater than the green band (second band) of the fluorescence GL emitted by the first phosphor layer 1251 and the blue band (first band) of the excitation light EL emitted by the light source 250.

[0156] As such a green phosphor, Lu3Al5O can be used, for example. 12 Ce3+-based phosphors, Y3O4:Eu 2+ System phosphor, (Ba,Sr)2SiO4:Eu 2+ Phosphor, Ba3Si6O12 N2: Eu 2+ System phosphor, (Si,Al)6(O,N)8:Eu 2+ Phosphor materials such as fluorescent materials.

[0157] In this embodiment, the scattering degree of light in the second phosphor layer 1258 is less than that in the first phosphor layer 1251. In this embodiment, the number of scatterers contained in the second phosphor layer 1258 is less than the number of scatterers contained in the first phosphor layer 1251.

[0158] In addition, in this embodiment, by making the thickness of the second phosphor layer 1258 smaller than the thickness of the first phosphor layer 1251, the fluorescence conversion efficiency in the second phosphor layer 1258 can be suppressed, making the excitation light EL easier to transmit.

[0159] According to the light source device 225 of this embodiment described above, a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 that is used to excite the second phosphor layer 1258 by using excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250, a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the second phosphor layer 1258 that is not used to excite the phosphor RL, and a portion of the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 that is not used to excite the phosphor RL and GL can be extracted from the light emission section 260 as illumination light WL2.

[0160] In the light source device 225 of this embodiment, a green light GL generated by the first phosphor layer 1251, a red light RL generated by the second phosphor layer 1258, and an excitation light EL as blue light are used, thus enabling the generation of illumination light WL2 with high color reproducibility in each of the RGB colors.

[0161] Therefore, a projector equipped with the light source device 225 of this embodiment can project images with high brightness and high reproducibility of each RGB color.

[0162] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0163] For example, in the first embodiment, a case is illustrated where a light source 250 is disposed at a cutout 251K formed in the first phosphor layer 251, but the layout of the light source and the first phosphor layer is not limited thereto.

[0164] (First variation)

[0165] Figure 8 This is a top view of the first phosphor layer of the first variant example.

[0166] like Figure 8 As shown, the first phosphor layer 51 in this modified example is composed of a first portion 51A and a second portion 51B disposed separately from each other. The first portion 51A and the second portion 51B are each made of the same phosphor material as the first phosphor layer 251 in the first embodiment. In this modified example, the light source 250 is disposed between the first portion 51A and the second portion 51B. The light source 250 is disposed in a recess 261 formed in the support surface 2521.

[0167] According to this structure, it is not necessary to arrange the light source 250 in the cut portion 251K as in the first embodiment. The first portion 51A and the second portion 51B can be arranged in a way that sandwiches the light source 250, so the alignment of the first phosphor layer 51 and the light source 250 becomes easy.

[0168] In addition, in the structures of the second and third embodiments, the first phosphor layer may be formed at two locations, and the light source 250 may be arranged between the two locations.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the light source 250 is disposed in the recess 261 formed on the substrate 252, but the light source 250 may also be disposed on the support surface 2521 of the substrate 252.

[0170] (Second variation)

[0171] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the light source device in the second variation.

[0172] like Figure 9 As shown, the light source device 25A of this modified example includes a light source 250, a first phosphor layer 251, a substrate 252, a mirror layer 253, a first optical component 254, a second optical component 255, a third optical component 256, a second phosphor layer 258, and a light emitting section 260.

[0173] In the light source device 25A of this modified example, the light source 250 and the first phosphor layer 251 are arranged along the X-axis direction on the support surface 2521. Specifically, the light source 250 is arranged on the side opposite to the light emitting portion 260 relative to the first phosphor layer 251.

[0174] According to this structure, since the light source 250 is disposed on the side opposite to the light emission section 260, the excitation light EL emitted from the light source 250 will not fail to incident on the second phosphor layer 258 disposed on the first optical component 254 and will be emitted directly from the light emission section 260. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, a bright illumination light WL can be emitted from the light emission section 260.

[0175] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example is given where the amount of scattering and the thickness of the second phosphor layers 258 and 1258 are reduced relative to the first phosphor layers 251 and 1251 to suppress the fluorescence conversion in the second phosphor layers 258 and 1258, thereby making the excitation light EL easier to transmit. However, the fluorescence conversion can also be controlled by adjusting either the amount of scattering or the thickness of the second phosphor layers 258 and 1258.

[0176] In addition, in the above embodiment, the light emitting portion 260 is formed by the substrate 252, the first optical component 254, the second optical component 255 and the third optical component 256 as an example, but the light emitting portion may also be formed by at least the substrate 252 and the first optical component 254.

[0177] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case in which the first optical component 254, the second optical component 255, and the third optical component 256 are each composed of separate components is given as an example. However, the first optical component 254, the second optical component 255, and the third optical component 256 may also be integrally formed from a single component.

[0178] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given where the width of the first phosphor layer 251 in the Y direction is narrower than the width of the support surface 2521 in the Y direction located within the storage space housing the first phosphor layer 251. However, the width of the back surface 2513 of the first phosphor layer 251 in the Y direction can also be the same as the width of the support surface 2521 in the Y direction. In this case, the side surface 2512 of the first phosphor layer 251 is in contact with the second optical component 255 and the third optical component 256. Therefore, the fluorescence YL emitted from the side surface 2512 is reflected by the second optical component 255 and the third optical component 256 and returns to the first phosphor layer 251.

[0179] Similarly, the example given is that the width of the second phosphor layer 258 in the Y direction is narrower than the width of the first optical component 254 in the Y direction, but the width of the second phosphor layer 258 in the Y direction can also be the same as the width of the first optical component 254 in the Y direction.

[0180] Furthermore, while the above embodiment exemplifies a projector 1 equipped with three light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, it can also be applied to projectors that display color images using only one light modulation device. Moreover, the light modulation device is not limited to the aforementioned liquid crystal panel; for example, a digital micromirror device can also be used.

[0181] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate the application of the light source device of the present invention to a projector, the invention is not limited thereto. The light source device of the present invention can also be applied to lighting appliances such as automotive headlights.

[0182] The light source device according to the present invention may also have the following structure.

[0183] One aspect of the light source device of the present invention is characterized in that the light source device comprises: a substrate having a support surface; a light source disposed on the support surface side, emitting first light of a first wavelength band; a first optical component having a first optical layer facing the support surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source; a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the support surface, having a light incident surface for the first light to be incident on, converting the first light into second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; and a second wavelength conversion layer, which is disposed relative to the first optical component. A layer is disposed on the side of the first wavelength conversion layer to convert the first light into the third light of the third band, which is different from the first band; and a light emitting part is formed of at least a substrate and the first optical component. The first optical layer is inclined relative to the light incident surface and also reflects the second and third light. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the light source into the third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into the second light. The light emitting part emits the first light, the second light, and the third light.

[0184] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the third band may also be configured as the second band.

[0185] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the first light is blue light, the second light and the third light are yellow light, and the light emitting section emits white illumination light including the first light, the second light and the third light.

[0186] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the third band may be configured to be larger than the first and second bands.

[0187] In one aspect of the light source device of the present invention, the first light is blue light, the second light is yellow light, the third light is red light, and the light emitting part emits white illumination light including the first light, the second light, and the third light.

[0188] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the first light is blue light, the second light is green light, the third light is red light, and the light emitting section emits white illumination light including the first light, the second light, and the third light.

[0189] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the thickness of the second wavelength conversion layer may be less than the thickness of the first wavelength conversion layer.

[0190] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the light scattering degree in the second wavelength conversion layer may be less than that in the first wavelength conversion layer.

[0191] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the light source may also be configured such that the light source is positioned on the side opposite to the light emitting portion relative to the first wavelength conversion layer.

[0192] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the first wavelength conversion layer may be configured such that a portion of it is cut off, and the light source is disposed at the cut-off portion of the first wavelength conversion layer.

[0193] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the first wavelength conversion layer may also be configured such that a first portion and a second portion are disposed separately from each other, and the light source is disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

[0194] In one aspect of the light source device of the present invention, the light source may also be configured to include: a light-emitting element that emits first light; a substrate that supports the light-emitting element; and a reflective layer disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting element.

[0195] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, it may also be configured to further include a light-transmitting component disposed in contact with the light-emitting side of the light source.

[0196] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the light-transmitting component may also be configured such that the second optical layer is disposed on the side opposite to the light source, allowing the first light to pass through and reflecting the second and third light.

[0197] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, the substrate may be configured such that a recess is formed on the support surface, the light source is disposed in the recess of the substrate, and the surface of the first optical component side of the light-transmitting component is coplanar with the light incident surface of the first wavelength conversion layer.

[0198] In one embodiment of the light source device of the present invention, it may also be configured to further include: a second optical component having a third optical layer that reflects the first light, the second light, and the third light, the third optical layer being configured to intersect with the support surface and the first optical layer; and a third optical component having a fourth optical layer that reflects the first light, the second light, and the third light, the fourth optical layer being configured to intersect with the support surface and the first optical layer and to face the third optical layer, the light emitting portion being formed by a substrate, the first optical component, the second optical component, and the third optical component.

[0199] The projector of one embodiment of the present invention may also have the following structure.

[0200] One aspect of the present invention provides a projector comprising: a light source device according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention; a light modulation device that modulates light from the light source device according to image information; and a projection optics device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device.

Claims

1. A light source device, characterized in that, The light source device includes: The substrate has a supporting surface; A light source, which is disposed on the side of the supporting surface, emits the first light of the first wavelength band; A first optical component having a first optical layer facing the support surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source; A first wavelength conversion layer is disposed on the support surface and has a light incident surface for the first light to be incident on, converting the first light into a second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; A second wavelength conversion layer, disposed relative to the first optical layer on the side of the first wavelength conversion layer, converts the first light into a third light of a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; and The light-emitting section is formed by at least the substrate and the first optical component. The first optical layer is tilted relative to the light incident surface and also reflects the second and third light rays. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the light source into the third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into the second light. The light emitting section emits the first light, the second light, and the third light. The thickness of the second wavelength conversion layer is less than the thickness of the first wavelength conversion layer.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third band is the second band.

3. The light source device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first light is blue light, and the second and third lights are yellow light. The light emitting section emits white illumination light comprising the first light, the second light, and the third light.

4. A light source device, characterized in that, The light source device includes: The substrate has a supporting surface; A light source, which is disposed on the side of the supporting surface, emits the first light of the first wavelength band; A first optical component having a first optical layer facing the support surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source; A first wavelength conversion layer is disposed on the support surface and has a light incident surface for the first light to be incident on, converting the first light into a second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; A second wavelength conversion layer, disposed relative to the first optical layer on the side of the first wavelength conversion layer, converts the first light into a third light of a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; and The light-emitting section is formed by at least the substrate and the first optical component. The first optical layer is tilted relative to the light incident surface and also reflects the second and third light rays. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the light source into the third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into the second light. The light emitting section emits the first light, the second light, and the third light. The wavelength of the third band is greater than the wavelength of the first band and the wavelength of the second band.

5. The light source device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first light is blue light, the second light is yellow light, and the third light is red light. The light emitting section emits white illumination light comprising the first light, the second light, and the third light.

6. The light source device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first light is blue light, the second light is green light, and the third light is red light. The light emitting section emits white illumination light comprising the first light, the second light, and the third light.

7. A light source device, characterized in that, The light source device includes: The substrate has a supporting surface; A light source, which is disposed on the side of the supporting surface, emits the first light of the first wavelength band; A first optical component having a first optical layer facing the support surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source; A first wavelength conversion layer is disposed on the support surface and has a light incident surface for the first light to be incident on, converting the first light into a second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; A second wavelength conversion layer, disposed relative to the first optical layer on the side of the first wavelength conversion layer, converts the first light into a third light of a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; and The light-emitting section is formed by at least the substrate and the first optical component. The first optical layer is tilted relative to the light incident surface and also reflects the second and third light rays. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the light source into the third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a portion of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into the second light. The light emitting section emits the first light, the second light, and the third light. The scattering degree of light in the second wavelength conversion layer is less than that in the first wavelength conversion layer.

8. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The light source is positioned on the side opposite to the light emitting portion relative to the first wavelength conversion layer.

9. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first wavelength conversion layer has a cut-out portion formed by removing a portion of it. The light source is disposed at the cutout portion of the first wavelength conversion layer.

10. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first wavelength conversion layer includes a first portion and a second portion that are configured separately from each other. The light source is positioned between the first part and the second part.

11. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The light source has: a light-emitting element that emits the first light; a substrate that supports the light-emitting element; and a reflective layer disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting element.

12. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The light source device also has a light-transmitting component, which is disposed in contact with the light-emitting side of the light source.

13. The light source device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The light-transmitting component has a second optical layer disposed on the side opposite to the light source, allowing the first light to pass through and reflecting the second and third light.

14. The light source device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The substrate has a recess formed on the support surface. The light source is disposed in the recess of the substrate. The surface of the light-transmitting component on the first optical component side is coplanar with the light incident surface of the first wavelength conversion layer.

15. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The light source device also includes: The second optical component has a third optical layer that reflects the first light, the second light, and the third light, the third optical layer being configured to intersect the support surface and the first optical layer; as well as A third optical component has a fourth optical layer that reflects the first light, the second light, and the third light. The fourth optical layer is configured to intersect the support surface and the first optical layer and to oppose the third optical layer. The light emitting portion is formed by the substrate, the first optical component, the second optical component, and the third optical component.

16. A projector, characterized in that, The projector has the following features: The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; An optical modulation device that modulates light from the said light source device; and A projection optical device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device.

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