Laser source light guide spider module

Abstract

A light generating system (1000) comprises: (i) a beam combiner body (500) and (ii) k devices (1050); wherein the beam combiner body (500) comprises a first face (501), where the first face (501) comprises n grooves (510) extending from a central cavity (520), where n > = 2; wherein the n grooves (510) have a first end (513) and a second end (514), where the first end (513) is configured further away from the central cavity (520) than the second end (514), and where the second end (514) faces the central cavity (520); wherein each device (1050) of the k devices (1050) comprises a light generating device (100), a light emitter (210), a first optical element (551) and a light guide (530), where 2 < = k < = n; wherein the light generating device (100) is configured to generate device light (101), wherein the light generating device (100) comprises one or more light sources selected from a group having a laser and a super light emitting diode; wherein the light emitter (210) comprises a luminescent material (200) configured to convert at least part of the device light (101) into luminescent material light (201); wherein the first optical element (551) comprises one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens; wherein the light guide body (530) is arranged in one of the grooves (510); wherein the light guide (530) is light transmissive to the luminescent material light (201); wherein the light guide (530) has a first body end (531) and a second body end (532), wherein the first body end (531) is configured to be farther from the central cavity (520) than the second body end (532); wherein the light emitter (210) is arranged downstream of the light generating device (100); the first optical element (551) is configured at the downstream of the luminous body (210); and the first body end portion (531) of the light guide body (530) is disposed downstream of the first optical element (551).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system, in particular for generating light, and a light generating device comprising such a system. Background Art

[0002] Laser array assemblies are known in the art. For example, US20200026169A1 describes an illumination system comprising: a laser array assembly including a laser configured to generate laser light; a crystal phosphor waveguide adjacent to the laser and configured in the laser to generate luminescent light based on receiving the laser light and to guide the luminescent light out of a base end; and a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) coupled to the crystal phosphor waveguide relative to the base end, configured to collect the luminescent light from the crystal phosphor waveguide, and to project the luminescent light out of the crystal phosphor waveguide.

[0003] US2002 / 400299A1 discloses a lighting device having at least one laser configured to emit excitation light, a substrate, a reflective layer, a wavelength conversion layer and a light-guiding element. The substrate is made of a material having high thermal conductivity and is provided with a recess. The laser is accommodated in the side wall of the recess. The reflective layer covers the wall of the recess and is configured to reflect the excitation light. The wavelength conversion layer is provided on a portion of the reflective layer and is configured to perform wavelength conversion on the excitation light to obtain excited light. The light-guiding element covers the opening of the recess and is configured to guide the excitation light and the excited light to obtain light to be emitted by the light source system.

[0004] WO2021 / 063878A1 discloses a light generating device, which is configured to generate device light and includes: a first light source for UV or blue first light source light, a second light source for green light, a third light source for red light, and a fourth light source for blue light. The device also includes a first luminescent material, which is configured to convert at least part of the first light source light into yellow or green luminescent material light. The optical element combines the light of various light sources into white light. Summary of the invention

[0005] Although white LED sources can deliver, for example, up to about 300 lm / mm 2 intensity; static phosphor-converted laser white light sources can give even up to about 20.000lm / mm 2intensity. Ce-doped garnets (e.g. YAG, LuAG) may be the most suitable luminescent converter, which can be used for pumping with blue lasers because the garnet matrix has a very high chemical stability. Further, at low Ce concentrations (e.g., less than 0.5%), temperature quenching may only occur above about 200°C. In addition, the emission from Ce has a very fast decay time, so that optical saturation can be basically avoided. Assuming, for example, reflection mode operation, a blue laser can be incident on the phosphor. In an embodiment, this can achieve almost complete conversion of blue light, resulting in the emission of converted light. It is for this reason that it is recommended to use garnet phosphors with relatively high stability and thermal conductivity. However, other phosphors can also be applied. When using extremely high power densities, thermal management may still be a problem.

[0006] High brightness light sources can be used for applications such as projection, stage lighting, spotlighting and automotive lighting. For this purpose, laser phosphor technology can be used, where a laser provides the laser light and, for example, a (remote) phosphor converts the laser light into converted light. In an embodiment, the phosphor can be arranged on a heat sink or inserted into a heat sink to improve thermal management and thus increase brightness.

[0007] One of the problems that may be associated with such (laser) light sources is the thermal management of the (ceramic) phosphor.Another problem associated with such laser light sources may be the desire to create a compact high power device.

[0008] Further, the lighting module may have reflectors, dichroic filters and / or beam combiners, which may be used to extract light from different light sources. However, the use of such optical elements may consume valuable space, which may not always be properly accommodated in the lighting module.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an alternative (light generating) system, preferably, which further at least partially obviates one or more of the above disadvantages.An object of the present invention may be to overcome or ameliorate at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a light generating system configured to generate system light, comprising: (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k devices. In particular, the beam combiner body may include a first face, wherein the first face may include n grooves extending from a central cavity and configured to provide light directed toward the central cavity. In particular, n≥2. In an embodiment, the n grooves may have a first end and a second end. More particularly, the first end may be configured to be further away from the central cavity than the second end. However, in a specific embodiment, the second end may face the central cavity. Further, in an embodiment, each of the k devices may include a light generating device, a light emitter, a first optical element, and a light guide. In particular, 2≤k≤n. In an embodiment, the light generating device may be configured to generate device light. In particular, the light generating device may include one or more light sources selected from a group including a laser and a superluminescent diode. Further, in an embodiment, the light emitter may include a luminescent material configured to convert at least part of the device light into luminescent material light. In an embodiment, the first optical element may include one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens. Further, in an embodiment, a light guide may be configured in one of the grooves. In particular, the light guide may be light-transmissive to the luminescent material light. Further, in an embodiment, the light guide may have a first body end and a second body end. In particular, the first body end may be configured to be further away from the central cavity than the second body end. The light guide is configured to propagate light to the central cavity via the second body end. In an embodiment, the light emitter may be configured downstream of the light generating device, the first optical element may be configured downstream of the light emitter, and the first body end of the light guide may be configured downstream of the first optical element. The system light includes one or more of the device light and the luminescent material light, and wherein, during operation of the light generating system, the system light is emitted from the central cavity.

[0011] Thus, in a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a light generating system comprising: (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k devices; wherein the beam combiner body comprises a first face, wherein the first face comprises n grooves extending from a central cavity, wherein n ≥ 2; wherein the n grooves have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be further away from the central cavity than the second end; and wherein each of the k devices comprises a light generating device, a light emitter, a first optical element, and a light guide, wherein 2 ≤ k ≤ n; wherein the light generating device is configured to generate device light, wherein the light generating device comprises one or more light sources selected from the group consisting of a laser and a group of superluminescent diodes; wherein the light emitter includes a luminescent material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light; wherein the first optical element includes one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens; wherein the light guide is configured in one of the grooves; wherein the light guide is transparent to the luminescent material light; wherein the light guide has a first body end and a second body end, wherein the first body end is configured to be farther away from the central cavity than the second body end; wherein the light emitter is configured downstream of the light generating device; the first optical element is configured downstream of the light emitter; and the first body end of the light guide is configured downstream of the first optical element. More particularly, in a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a light generating system comprising: (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k devices; wherein the beam combiner body comprises a first face, wherein the first face comprises n radially arranged grooves extending radially from a central cavity, wherein n ≥ 2; wherein the n grooves have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be further away from the central cavity than the second end; and wherein each of the k devices comprises a light generating device, a light emitter, a first optical element, and a light guide, wherein 2 ≤ k ≤ n; wherein the light generating device is configured to generate device light, wherein the light generating device comprises one or more light sources, from a laser and The light source is selected from the group of superluminescent diodes; wherein the light emitter includes a luminescent material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light; wherein the first optical element includes one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens; wherein the light guide is configured in one of the grooves; wherein the light guide is transparent to the luminescent material light; wherein the light guide has a first body end and a second body end, wherein the first body end is configured to be farther away from the central cavity than the second body end; wherein the light emitter is configured downstream of the light generating device; the first optical element is configured downstream of the light emitter; and the first body end of the light guide is configured downstream of the first optical element. Therefore, in an embodiment, the present invention can provide a laser source light guide spider module.

[0012] With such a system, efficiency can be relatively high because a large area of ​​the light emitter can be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material (such as a heat sink). Further, a relatively small device can be provided, such as a relatively small package, which is capable of providing light with a relatively high intensity. The present invention can provide a compact transmissive configuration or a compact reflective configuration that improves heat removal from the phosphor. Further, a system with a controllable color point, such as a correlated color temperature of the system light generated by the system, can be provided. Such a system can also provide the advantage of having a simple mechanical solution to combine light from different sources into a single extraction body.

[0013] As mentioned above, the present invention may provide a light generating system (or "system") comprising: (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k devices.

[0014] In an embodiment, the beam combiner body may include a first face, wherein the first face includes n grooves extending from a central cavity. The beam combiner may be used to combine light from multiple sources, particularly in the central cavity. Each of the n grooves may provide light directed toward the central cavity, which may then be combined and reflected in the central cavity. Here, "light" may refer to device light or luminescent material light. In an embodiment, the first face may be larger than the central cavity.

[0015] In particular, the grooves may extend from the central cavity in the direction of the edges of the beam combiner body. Thus, in particular, the first face comprises n substantially radially arranged grooves, which extend substantially radially from the central cavity. Thus, the grooves may be configured parallel to the radius, or may be slightly offset. Thus, the first face comprises n substantially radially arranged grooves, which extend substantially radially from the central cavity. More particularly, the first face may comprise n radially arranged grooves, which extend radially from the central cavity.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first face may have a first face diameter Df. In further embodiments, the central cavity may have a central cavity diameter Dc. In particular, in an embodiment, 0.001≤Dc / Df≤0.25, more particularly 0.01≤Dc / Df≤0.1. In an embodiment, the first face diameter Df may be selected from the range of 1 mm to 100 mm, such as particularly selected from the range of 2 mm to 20 mm.

[0017] Light may be emitted from the central cavity. The light may be system light. Thus, the system light generated by the light generating system may include one or more of device light and luminescent material light escaping from the central cavity. As may be derived from the above, the central cavity may have a reflective bottom. The central cavity may also have reflective walls.

[0018] In particular, the n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves may have a groove length (L). Viewed from the central cavity, the grooves may be configured to extend (substantially) radially from the central cavity. The central cavity may be a recess in the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, it is not a through hole, but a cavity or a recess in the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, the depths of the cavity and the grooves may be substantially the same. The central cavity may have a substantially circular shape.

[0019] In an embodiment, the length of the groove may have a value of 0.5*Df-0.5*Dc. However, shorter grooves are not excluded, but then a reflector may be available in the groove, or the groove may have a reflective end. In this context, the grooves explained in the present invention have a length with respect to the length from the edge of the first face to the central cavity.

[0020] Further, the beam combiner may have a generally circular shape. For example, the beam combiner may have a cylindrical shape. For example, the central cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The grooves may extend from the central cavity, just as the spokes in a wheel may extend from the central hub. However, in this context, the central hub and the spokes are hollow elements in the beam combiner body. Unless otherwise indicated, the grooves may in particular be elongated grooves, which are generally arranged radially.

[0021] The beam combiner may include a reflective material, such as one or more metals, and / or may include a reflective coating formed of a reflective material. The reflective material may be a specular reflective material, such as silver, copper or aluminum. The reflective material may also be a diffuse reflective material, such as a coating of a particulate white material. Suitable reflective materials for reflection may be selected from the group consisting of TiO2, BaSO4, MgO and Al2O3. Further, the beam combiner may include a thermally conductive material (see further below).

[0022] As indicated above, the first face may comprise n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves. In particular, n≥2. More particularly, n≥3. In an embodiment, n may be selected from 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 18. However, higher numbers may also be possible. In particular, n may be selected from the range of 3 to 18.

[0023] In an embodiment, n grooves may have a first end and a second end. In particular, the first end may be configured to be further away from the central cavity than the second end. Further, in an embodiment, the second end may face the central cavity. In an embodiment, the second end may have a (rectangular) cross-section having a normal, which may be parallel to the groove axis and which may be directed into the central cavity. More particularly, the second end may (also) be configured at a radius Dc / 2 of the central cavity. The central cavity may include a wall, wherein the second end is an opening. However, as the number of grooves increases, the second ends may be adjacent to each other without any intermediate wall portion.

[0024] During operation, light may travel in a path along the axis of the (one or more) grooves. Typically, light may travel from one end to the other, in particular from the first end to the second end. In an embodiment, the (one or more) grooves may include a light generating device at one end (such as at the first end). Therefore, light from the (one or more) light generating devices may travel from the first end to the second end along the (corresponding) grooves. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the (one or more) light generating devices may (also) be configured outside the (one or more) grooves so that the light generated by the (one or more) light generating devices is directed to the beam combiner body via the first end of the (one or more) grooves. Further, in an embodiment, additional optical elements may be used to reflect or transmit light from the (one or more) light generating devices to the first end of each beam combiner body in the beam combiner body. Therefore, in an embodiment, the (one or more) light generating devices may not be configured along the axis of the (one or more) grooves, for example, the (one or more) light generating devices may be configured perpendicular to the axis of the (one or more) grooves, and a reflector may be included to reflect light into the first face of each groove.

[0025] In an embodiment, two or more of the n grooves may include k devices. Not all n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves include the device. In an embodiment, only k grooves of the n grooves may include the device. In particular, 2≤k≤n, such as 4≤k≤n, such as in an embodiment 6≤k≤n. Naturally, in an embodiment, the number of devices (k) may not exceed the number of radial grooves (n). In an embodiment, the light generating system may include at least 2 devices, such as at least 4 devices, in particular at least 6 devices.

[0026] Here, an apparatus may refer to a plurality of elements (which may also include optical elements) oriented in a specific sequence or order. In an embodiment, each apparatus may include a light generating device, a light emitter, a first optical element, and a light guide.

[0027] Thus, in an embodiment, (each) apparatus may comprise a light generating device. In particular, the light generating device may be a device that generates device light. However, the light generating device may not be limited to only a device that generates device light, i.e., in an embodiment, the light generating device may also comprise additional components or packaging of light generating elements, such as reflectors, lenses, reflectors, collimators, etc., to facilitate the generation and propagation of light. Thus, the light generating device may not be limited to a light source, but may be a device comprising a light source and additional elements to provide or generate device light.

[0028] Further, in an embodiment, there may be at least two different light generating devices configured to generate device light with different spectral power distributions, wherein one type of device light in the at least two light generating devices is used to generate device light, and wherein another type of device light in the at least two light generating devices can be used to mix in the system light via reflection at the central cavity.

[0029] In an embodiment, (each) light generating device may comprise one or more light sources. The term "light source" may in principle relate to any light source known in the art. It may be a conventional (tungsten) bulb, a low pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an LED (light emitting diode). The light source may in particular be configured to generate device light having an optical axis (O), (beam shape) and a spectral power distribution.

[0030] In an embodiment, the one or more light sources may include one or more lasers. The term "laser" may particularly refer to a device that emits light through an optical amplification process based on stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, (one or more) light generating devices may include one or more lasers. In an embodiment, the one or more light generating devices may include one or more laser diodes. In an embodiment, the one or more light sources may include one or more superluminescent diodes. Here, a "superluminescent" diode may refer to a diode that works based on the superluminescence principle. More details (and types) of the lasers and superluminescent diodes in the embodiments will be further explained below.

[0031] In an embodiment, each of the k devices may include a luminophore. In particular, the luminophore may include a luminescent material configured to convert at least part of the device light into luminescent material light. In an embodiment, the light source may be configured to provide primary radiation, and part of the primary radiation may be converted into secondary radiation. The secondary radiation may be based on a conversion of the luminescent material. Therefore, the secondary radiation may also be referred to as luminescent material light (or "luminescent material radiation" or "converted light").

[0032] Light from light generating devices with different spectral power distributions can be used for different luminophores, which comprise different luminescent materials. In this way, the spectral power distribution of the light generating device can be matched to the excitation spectrum of the corresponding luminescent material.

[0033] The term "luminescent material" particularly refers to a material which can convert a first radiation, in particular one or more of UV radiation and blue radiation, into a second radiation. Typically, the first radiation and the second radiation have different spectral power distributions. Therefore, instead of the term "luminescent material", the term "luminescent converter" or "converter" may also be applied. Typically, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution at a larger wavelength than the first radiation, which is the case in the so-called down-conversion. However, in specific embodiments, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution with an intensity at a smaller wavelength than the first radiation, which is the case in the so-called up-conversion. (See further below) Luminescent materials and embodiments comprising such luminescent materials are discussed in more detail.

[0034] In an embodiment, when controlling the light generating device, the luminescent material light of different luminophores with different spectral power distributions may result in system light with different correlated color temperatures. In an embodiment, the system light may have a controllable CCT, and a possible difference between two possible CCT values ​​is at least 500K, more particularly at least 1000K, such as at least 2000K.

[0035] In an embodiment, each device may comprise a first optical element. In particular, (each) first optical element may comprise one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens. The light generating device (or light source) may provide light at a wide beam angle. Therefore, it may be desirable to focus the beam into a narrower beam. In an embodiment, the first optical element may therefore comprise a lens or a beam shaping reflective element. The first optical element may focus a wide beam of light into a narrower beam. For example, the first optical element may be used to shape the device light into a relatively collimated beam, such as <2° (FWHM) in an embodiment. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that "FWHM" refers to full width at half maximum. In particular, the beam shaping reflective element may comprise a collimator (or "collimator element").

[0036] Further, in an embodiment, each of the k devices may include a light guide. The light guide may also be indicated as a "light guide body", "light guide body" or "first optical body". In particular, (each) light guide may be configured in one of the grooves. More particularly, (each) light guide may be transparent to the luminescent material light. In an embodiment, (each) light guide may have a first body end and a second body end. In particular, the first body end may be configured to be further away from the central cavity than the second body end.

[0037] The light guide may have a light guide height, which may be determined parallel to the groove, wherein the light guide height may be shorter than the groove length. Thus, in particular, the light guide height (H1) of the light guide is smaller than the groove length (L).

[0038] In an embodiment, (each) light guide may be a ceramic body or a single crystal. In particular, (each) light guide may include a light-transmitting body, such as a glass body that is light-transmissive to the luminescent material. In an embodiment, (each) light guide may include a polymer.

[0039] In an embodiment, (each) light guide may be operated in a transmission mode, wherein during operation of the respective light generating device, device light to be at least partially converted by the luminescent material propagates in the direction of the central cavity through the ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves, wherein the light guide is configured in the grooves. Thus, device light and / or luminescent light may propagate in the grooves in a direction towards the central cavity. Thus, during operation of the respective light generating device, device light to be at least partially converted by the luminescent material may propagate in a direction towards the central cavity through the same ((substantially) radially) arranged (multiple) grooves, wherein the light guide is configured in the grooves.

[0040] The first body end or the second body end (or both) may have any shape. In an embodiment, the first body end or the second body end (or both) may include two (substantially parallel) faces that define the length (of the light guide). Further, the light guide may include an edge face that bridges the distance between the first body end or the second body end.

[0041] In an embodiment, (each) light guide may have a lateral dimension width or length (W1 or L1) or diameter (D) and a thickness or height (H1). In an embodiment, (i) D≥H1 or (ii) W1≥H1 and / or L1≥H1. In a specific embodiment, L1≤10mm, such as L1≤5mm, more particularly L1≤3mm, most particularly L1≤2mm. In a specific embodiment, W1≤10mm, such as particularly W1≤5mm, more particularly W1≤3mm, most particularly W1≤2mm. In a specific embodiment, H1≤10mm, such as particularly H1≤5mm, more particularly H1≤3mm, most particularly H1≤2mm. In a specific embodiment, D≤10mm, such as particularly D≤5mm, more particularly D≤3mm, most particularly D≤2mm. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of the light guide in the embodiment may be in the range of 50μm to 1mm. Further, the lateral dimension (width / diameter) of the light guide may be in the range of 100 μm to 10 mm. In further specific embodiments, (i) D>H1 or (ii) W1>H1 and W1>H1. In particular, the lateral dimensions such as length, width and diameter are at least 2 times, such as at least 5 times, the height. In a specific embodiment, the first body has a first length L1, a first height H1 and a first width W1, wherein H1≤0.5*L1 and H1≤0.5*W1. For the square body tile, H1=W1. The (above-mentioned) dimensions of the light guide may apply to (each) light guide included by the light generating system. However, in an embodiment, one or more light guides may (not necessarily) be the same as other light guides.

[0042] The groove(s) may be specifically accommodated to carry such a light guide. Thus, the cross-sectional dimensions of the groove may be substantially the same as the width or length (W1 or L1) of the light guide. In particular, the fit of the light guide in the groove may be a transition fit. Thus, the cross-sectional dimensions of the groove may be substantially the width (W1) of the light guide and the length (L1) of the light guide. The better the fit, the better the heat energy can be dissipated via the edge of the light guide to the wall and the bottom of the groove.

[0043] Thus, in an embodiment, each of the k apparatuses may include a light generating device, a light emitter, a first optical element and a light guide.

[0044] In an embodiment, the light emitter may be configured downstream of the light generating device. In particular, the first optical element may be configured downstream of the light emitter. More particularly, the first body end of the light guide may be configured downstream of the first optical element. Each of the k devices is configured so as to facilitate the propagation of light along the elements included in the device. The light generating device may generate device light, which may be converted by the light emitter, which may be aligned with the axis of the groove by the first optical element, and the first optical element may be propagated along the axis of the groove via the light guide. In particular, light may enter the light guide via the first body end and propagate to the central cavity via the second body end. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the light emitter is configured downstream of the light generating device, the first optical element is configured downstream of the light emitter, and the first body end of the light guide is configured downstream of the first optical element.

[0045] The phrase "each of the k devices" and similar phrases do not exclude the presence of other devices besides the k devices, which may have different features than the k devices described and claimed herein.

[0046] In an embodiment, at least one of the following may apply: (i) the second body end is at least partially disposed in the central cavity, and the second body end is inclined, and (ii) the central cavity has an inclined reflective surface.

[0047] In an embodiment, in order to improve the escape of luminescent material light from the central cavity and / or the escape of device light from the central cavity, it may be desirable that the second body end is configured to have an angle and / or have an inclined surface pointing to the central cavity. In a specific embodiment, wherein the n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves have a groove axis, the second body end pointing to the central cavity may be configured to form a first angle (α1) with the groove axis of the groove in which the light guide is located. In particular, the first angle (α1) may be selected from the range of 15° to 75°, such as 30° to 60°, in particular 40° to 50°.

[0048] Further, in an embodiment, the central cavity may have an inclined reflective surface. In particular, the inclined reflective surface may be reflective for device light and / or luminescent material light. Therefore, the inclined reflective surface may be configured to be at a second angle (α2), wherein the second angle (α2) may be selected from a range of 15° to 75°, such as a range of 30° to 60°, in particular a range of 40° to 50°. This may also provide a collimator function for the cavity.

[0049] Therefore, in a specific embodiment, at least one of the following may apply: (i) the second body end is at least partially disposed in the central cavity, and the second body end is inclined, and (ii) the central cavity has an inclined reflective surface.

[0050] In an embodiment, (each) light generating device may be at least partially configured within one of the grooves and may be configured to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body. During operation of the light generating system, the light generating device may be heated (or have an increased temperature). Therefore, in an embodiment, (one or more) light generating devices may be in direct contact with the beam combiner body via (one or more) grooves. Here, direct contact may refer to (one or more) light generating devices being in physical contact with (one or more) grooves, so that heat can be conducted from the light generating device to the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, (one or more) light generating devices may (also) be in indirect contact with the beam combiner body. That is, the light generating device may be in contact with the beam combiner body via one or more heat conducting elements. In particular, these heat conducting elements may include heat conducting materials, and thus (also) heat removal may be facilitated via conduction from the light generating device to the beam combiner body. This may be particularly useful in embodiments where the light generating device is configured outside the groove.

[0051] In an embodiment, (each) light emitter may be at least partially configured within one of the grooves and may be configured to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body. During operation of the light generating system, (each) light emitter may be heated due to absorption of radiation from the device light or the light of the luminescent material. Therefore, in an embodiment, (each) light emitter may be in direct contact with the beam combiner body via (one or more) grooves. Here, direct contact may refer to (each) light emitter being in physical contact with the groove, so that heat can be conducted from the light emitter to the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, (each) light emitter may (also) be in indirect contact with the beam combiner body. That is, (each) light emitter may be in contact with the beam combiner body via one or more heat conducting elements. In particular, these heat conducting elements may include heat conducting materials, so that (also) heat removal may be facilitated via conduction from (each) light emitter to the beam combiner body.

[0052] In an embodiment, (each) first optical element may be at least partially configured within one of the grooves and may be configured to be in direct (thermal contact) or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body. During operation of the light generating system, (each) first optical element may be heated due to absorption of radiation from device light or luminescent material light. Therefore, in an embodiment, (each) first optical element may be in direct contact with the beam combiner body via the groove. Here, direct contact may refer to (one or more) first optical elements being in physical contact with (one or more) grooves, so that heat can be conducted from (one or more) first optical elements to the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, (one or more) first optical elements may (also) be in indirect contact with the beam combiner body. That is, (one or more) first optical elements may be in contact with the beam combiner body via one or more heat conducting elements. In particular, these heat conducting elements may include heat conducting materials, so that (also) heat removal can be facilitated via conduction from the first optical element to the beam combiner body.

[0053] In particular, the (each) beam combiner may have a thermally conductive material. Hence, the groove may (also) comprise a thermally conductive material. Further, in an embodiment, the groove surface may comprise a material that reflects the device light and / or reflects the luminescent material light. Hence, in particular, the (each) beam combiner body is: (a) thermally conductive and / or (b) reflective for one or more of the device light and the luminescent material light. For example, in an embodiment, the (each) beam combiner body may comprise a metal body or a ceramic body.

[0054] Thus, in an embodiment, (each) beam combiner body may be a thermally conductive element (or may include a thermally conductive element). The thermally conductive element may in particular include a thermally conductive material. In particular, the thermally conductive material may have a thermal conductivity of at least about 20 W / (m*K), such as at least about 30 W / (m*K), such as at least about 100 W / (m*K), such as in particular at least about 200 W / (m*K). In a further specific embodiment, in particular, the thermally conductive material may have a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W / (m*K). In an embodiment, the thermally conductive material may include one or more of copper, aluminum, silver, gold, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon carbide aluminum, beryllium oxide, silicon carbide composite material, silicon carbide aluminum, copper tungsten alloy, molybdenum copper carbide, carbon, diamond and graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the thermally conductive material may include or consist of aluminum oxide. When the thermally conductive material is non-reflective, the groove may be provided with a reflective coating, such as an aluminum or aluminum oxide coating.

[0055] In an embodiment, the (each) beam combiner body may be thermally coupled to a heat sink or heat spreader, such as physically coupled. The beam combiner may also be a single body with a heat sink or heat spreader.

[0056] In an embodiment, each first optical element may have a first refractive index n1. In particular, each light guide may have a second refractive index n2. More particularly, 1.4 ≤ n2 < n1 ≤ 1.8. In an embodiment, the refractive indices of the first optical element and the light guide may be selected to avoid reflection of device light or light from a luminescent material at the interface between the first optical element and the light guide. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical body may be optically coupled to the light guide via a transparent film (such as an epoxy resin film) and / or a layer having a matching refractive index. This selection of refractive index may prevent or limit light reflection due to total internal reflection. Also, at the interface between the first optical element and the light guide, the angle of incidence of incident light (such as device light or light from a luminescent material) may be below the critical angle. Thus, it is expected that reflection due to total internal reflection is minimized. Further, the first optical element may also include an anti-reflection coating to prevent any backscattering of light. Thus, this selection of refractive index may facilitate transmission of device light or light from a luminescent material, such as at least 80% of the device light or light from a luminescent material, in particular at least 95% of the device light or light from a luminescent material, more particularly at least 99% of the device light or light from a luminescent material.

[0057] In an embodiment, each light guide and the first optical element may include the same material. Thus, each light guide and the first optical element may substantially have the same refractive index. Thus, this may provide the benefit of preventing or limiting reflection of device light or light from a luminescent material.

[0058] In an embodiment, each light guide may include glass, quartz, a ceramic body, or a polymeric material.

[0059] In an embodiment, a luminescent body may be in thermal contact with the first optical element. In particular, the surface from which light escapes from the luminescent body may have the same cross-sectional shape as the surface through which light may enter the first optical element. The above two surfaces may be in physical contact, thereby facilitating heat transfer between the luminescent body and the first optical element by conduction.

[0060] Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element may be in contact with the light guide. In particular, the surface from which light escapes from the first optical element may have the same cross-sectional shape as the surface through which light enters the light guide (i.e., the surface of the first body end). The above two surfaces may be in physical contact, thereby facilitating heat transfer between the first optical element and the light guide by conduction.

[0061] An advantage provided by the above physical contact is to prevent unwanted light leakage (when light is transmitted along the groove via each of the previously mentioned elements). Additionally, the thermal contact between the luminescent body, the first optical element, and the light guide may effectively transfer heat from these elements to the beam combiner body, thereby cooling the light generation system.

[0062] In an embodiment, the light generating system may include a second optical body. The second optical body may at least partially extend from the central cavity. The second optical body may be at least partially arranged in the central cavity. However, the second optical body may also be arranged outside the central cavity.

[0063] In particular, the second optical body may be arranged downstream of the light guide.In an embodiment, the second optical body may be arranged downstream of the central cavity.

[0064] In particular, the second optical body may be a dome-shaped optical body. However, the second optical body is not necessarily dome-shaped. Here, the dome-shaped may refer to a geometric shape including a curved surface, such as a hemispherical shape.

[0065] In particular, the second optical body can provide benefits for light shaping of the system light, such as focusing the system light in a specific direction and / or shaping it into a specific beam angle. Thus, the system light escaping from the central cavity can experience one or more reflections and / or one or more refractions via the optical element.

[0066] In an embodiment, the second optical body may be particularly configured to beam shape the luminescent material light received by the second optical body from the light guide and / or to extract the luminescent material light from the light guide. Further, in an embodiment, a portion of the device light may also propagate through the light guide. Thus, the second optical body may be particularly configured to beam shape the device light received by the second optical body from the light guide and / or to extract the device light from the light guide.

[0067] Note that in an embodiment, the second optical body may be configured outside the central cavity. In an embodiment, the second optical body may be configured above the groove, and the light provided at the central cavity may be reflected in a direction toward the second optical body. Therefore, in an embodiment, the second optical body may be configured above the groove to capture the extracted light.

[0068] As mentioned above, in an embodiment, the (each) light guide may have a second refractive index n2. In particular, the second optical body may have a third refractive index n3. More particularly, 0≤|n3-n2|≤0.4. In an embodiment, the refractive index of the light guide and the second optical body may be selected to avoid reflection of device light and / or luminescent material light at the interface of the light guide and the second optical body. A small difference in the refractive index between the (each) light guide and the second optical body may prevent or limit total internal reflection. Although minimal total internal reflection may be expected at the interface of the (each) light guide and the second optical body (due to the small incident angle of the light (such as device light or luminescent material light)), such a choice of refractive index may prevent or limit (any) light reflection due to total internal reflection. Further, such a choice of refractive index may promote transmission of device light or luminescent material light, such as at least 80% of the device light or luminescent material light, in particular at least 95% of the device light or luminescent material light, more particularly at least 99% of the device light or luminescent material light. Further, in embodiments, the roughness of the second optical body may be selected to enhance light extraction.In a specific embodiment, the surface roughness RMS of the dome may be selected from the range of 50 μm to 100 μm, such as the range of 65 μm to 85 μm, in particular the range of 70 μm to 80 μm.

[0069] In an embodiment, the light guiding body and the second optical body may be a single body. In particular, the light guiding body and the second optical body may be a single unit, ie they may be formed from a single material.

[0070] In embodiments, the dome-shaped body may include glass, quartz, ceramic, or polymer material.

[0071] Both the dome-shaped body and the light-guiding material may comprise light-transmitting materials. These materials may be selected independently, but in embodiments these materials may also be the same (in the case where a dome is available).

[0072] In particular, the material has a transmittance in the range of 50% to 100%, in particular 70% to 100%, for light having a wavelength selected from the visible wavelength range. In this context, the term "visible light" particularly refers to light having a wavelength selected from the range of 380nm to 780nm.

[0073] The transmittance (or light transmittance) can be determined by providing light at a specific wavelength with a first intensity to a light-transmitting material under vertical irradiation and correlating the intensity of the light at that wavelength measured after transmission through the material with the first intensity of light provided to the material at the specific wavelength (see also pages 1088 to 1989 of the 69th edition of E-208 and E-406 of the CRC Handbook of Chemical Physics).

[0074] In a specific embodiment, the material can be considered to be transmissive when the transmittance of radiation transmitted through a 1 mm thick layer of the material, in particular even through a 5 mm thick layer of the material, under perpendicular irradiation is at least about 20%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 60%, such as in particular at least 80%, such as at least about 85%, such as even at least about 90% at one wavelength or within a wavelength range, in particular at a wavelength or within a wavelength range of radiation generated by the radiation source described herein.

[0075] The light-transmitting material has light-guiding or wave-guiding properties. Therefore, the light-transmitting material is also referred to as wave-guiding material or light-guiding material in this article. The light-transmitting material generally has (some) transmission of one or more of (N)UV, visible and (N)IR radiation in a direction perpendicular to the length of the light-transmitting material, such as at least visible light in an embodiment. In the absence of an activator (dopant) such as trivalent cerium, the internal transmittance in visible light may be close to 100%.

[0076] The transmittance of the light-transmitting material (itself) for one or more luminescence wavelengths may be at least 80% / cm, such as at least 90% / cm, even more particularly at least 95% / cm, such as at least 98% / cm, such as at least 99% / cm. This means that under perpendicular irradiation with radiation having a selected luminescence wavelength (such as a wavelength corresponding to the emission maximum of the luminescence of the luminescent material of the light-transmitting material), for example 1 cm 3 A cube-shaped light-transmitting material will have a transmittance of at least 95%.

[0077] In the present context, the values ​​of transmittance refer in particular to the transmittance without taking into account the Fresnel losses at the interfaces (e.g. with air). Therefore, the term "transmittance" refers in particular to the internal transmittance. The internal transmittance can be determined, for example, by measuring the transmittance of two or more bodies with different widths, over which the transmittance is measured. Based on such measurements, the contribution of the Fresnel reflection losses and (therefore) the internal transmittance can then be determined. Therefore, in particular, the values ​​of transmittance referred to herein neglect the Fresnel losses.

[0078] In embodiments, an anti-reflective coating may be applied to the light emitter, such as to suppress Fresnel reflection losses (during the light incoupling process).

[0079] In addition to having a high transmittance for the wavelength(s) of interest, the scattering for the wavelength(s) may also be particularly low. Thus, the mean free path for the wavelength(s) of interest taking only scattering effects into account (and therefore not taking into account possible absorption (which should be low anyway in view of the high transmittance) may be at least 0.5 times the body length, such as at least the body length, such as at least twice the body length. For example, in an embodiment, the mean free path taking only scattering effects into account may be at least 5 mm, such as at least 10 mm. The wavelength of interest may in particular be the wavelength at the maximum emission of the luminescence of the luminescent material. The term "mean free path" is in particular the average distance that a light ray has to travel before undergoing a scattering event that will change its propagation direction.

[0080] In an embodiment, the element comprising a light-transmitting material (or "light-transmitting element"), here in particular a light guide, may consist essentially of the light-transmitting material. In a specific embodiment, the element comprising a light-transmitting material may be a light-transparent element.

[0081] In particular, in an embodiment, the absorption length and / or scattering length of a light-transmitting element (such as a light-transparent element) may be at least the length (or thickness) of the light-transmitting element, such as at least twice the length of the light-transmitting element. The absorption length may be defined as the length at which the light intensity along the propagation direction drops to a factor of 1 / e due to absorption. Similarly, the scattering length may be defined as the length at which light is lost along the propagation direction due to scattering and drops to a factor of 1 / e. Here, the length may therefore particularly refer to the distance between the primary face and the secondary face of the light-transmitting element, between which the light-transmitting material is arranged.

[0082] The light-transmitting material may include one or more materials selected from the group including transmissive organic materials, such as selected from the group including PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PC (polycarbonate), polyurethane (PU), polymethyl acrylate (PMA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Plexiglas or Perspex), polymethacrylimide (PMI), polypyromellitimide (PMMI), styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and in an embodiment includes (PETG) (ethylene glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate), PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) and COC (cyclic olefin copolymer). In particular, the light-transmitting material may include aromatic polyesters or copolymers thereof, such as, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (P(M)MA), polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene adipate (PEA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-poly-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) One or more. In particular, the light-transmitting material may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Therefore, in particular, the light-transmitting material is a polymeric light-transmitting material.

[0083] However, in another embodiment, the light-transmitting material may include an inorganic material. In particular, the inorganic light-transmitting material may be selected from the group including glass, (fused) quartz, light-transmitting ceramic material and silicone. Moreover, a hybrid material including an inorganic and an organic part may be applied. In particular, the light-transmitting material includes one or more of PMMA, transparent PC or glass.

[0084] In an embodiment, the groove may include a groove axis. In particular, in an embodiment, at least one set of two groove axes may be configured to be parallel, but not configured to coincide. The groove axis may be an indicator of the direction in which the device light or the luminescent material light may travel within the groove. Therefore, configuring the two grooves so that they are aligned in parallel but not coincident provides the advantage of accommodating two light guides in a smaller space. That is, in an embodiment, the two grooves may be aligned side by side, rather than aligning the two grooves so that the two second ends of the two light guides face each other. Therefore, the two light guides may be accommodated within the light generating system such that the length of the light generating system along any direction is less than twice the length of the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, a plurality of different devices may be accommodated such that the device light or the luminescent material light is provided to the central cavity from a plurality of beam combiner bodies aligned with parallel but non-coincident axes.

[0085] Such an embodiment is described in the accompanying drawings (see below). Another advantage of not arranging the light guides opposite each other is that it is easier to prevent one light generating device from irradiating the opposite light generating device. However, the invention also includes embodiments in which at least one set of two groove axes can be arranged to be parallel and coincident.

[0086] Further, (each) beam combiner body may be combined with an optical element, e.g. to beam shape the system light. For example, a collimator may be applied to produce a less divergent beam of the device light. In a specific embodiment, the beam combiner body may be configured in an optical element, in particular a hollow optical element. For example, the beam combiner body may be configured in a hollow reflector, wherein in particular the focus of the hollow reflector may coincide with at least part of the central cavity of the beam combiner body. The optical element, such as, for example, a hollow reflector, may, for example, comprise a parabolic reflector, such as a compound parabolic reflector (CPC), or a similar (hollow) reflector. In particular, the optical element is configured to be in a light receiving relationship with the beam combiner body.

[0087] Thus, in an embodiment, the light generating system may comprise a hollow reflector, wherein the beam combiner body is arranged in the hollow reflector. Further, in particular the hollow reflector may comprise a reflector optical axis (O R ), where the reflector optical axis (O R ) overlaps with at least part of the central cavity. More particularly, the focus of the hollow reflector may overlap with at least part of the central cavity of the beam combiner body. The light generating device may be arranged outside the hollow reflector. In order to introduce device light into the hollow reflector, the hollow reflector may include (relatively small) holes in the reflector wall. These holes may be much smaller than the exit opening of the hollow reflector. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole in the reflector indicated by Ah may be at least 20 times, such as at least 50 times, smaller than the area of ​​the exit opening of the hollow reflector indicated by Ao, i.e., Ah / Ao≤0.05. Therefore, in an embodiment, the hollow reflector comprises a reflector wall, wherein the reflector wall may include at least m light injection holes, which are arranged upstream of the corresponding light ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves and downstream of the corresponding light generating device.

[0088] In an embodiment, the light generating system may comprise a hollow reflector. In particular, the beam combiner body may be arranged in the hollow reflector. Further, in an embodiment, the hollow reflector may comprise a reflector wall, wherein the reflector wall may comprise at least m light injection holes, which are arranged upstream of the respective ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves and downstream of the respective light generating device. In particular, the hollow reflector may comprise a reflector optical axis (O R), where the reflector optical axis (O R ) coincides with at least a portion of the central cavity. In an embodiment, the optical axis of the beam combiner body may coincide with the optical axis of the reflector ( R ) substantially coincide with each other. In an embodiment, the light generating system may include at least two light emitters, the light emitters including at least two different luminescent materials. A primary light emitter of the at least two light emitters may be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light having a primary spectral power distribution. Further, in an embodiment, a secondary light emitter of the at least two light emitters may be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, in the case of different spectral power distributions, at least two spectral power distributions of the device light (in at least two corresponding operating modes) may have centroid wavelengths that differ by at least 10 nm, such as at least 20 nm, or even at least 30 nm, such as a difference selected from the range of 30 nm to 200 nm. Spectral power distributions having centroid wavelengths that differ by at least 10 nm (such as at least 20 nm, or even at least 30 nm) may be considered different spectral power distributions, for example different colors.

[0090] In (other) embodiments, two or more of the k light generating devices may be configured to generate device light having substantially the same spectral power distribution. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least two different luminescent materials may include A3B5O 12 :Ce type luminescent material, wherein A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B includes one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

[0091] In particular, A may include one or more of Y, Gd and Lu, such as in particular one or more of Y and Lu. In particular, B may include one or more of Al and Ga, more in particular at least Al, such as substantially completely Al. Thus, in particular, a suitable luminescent material is a garnet material comprising cerium. An embodiment of garnet in particular includes A3B5O 12Garnet, wherein A comprises at least yttrium or lutetium, and wherein B comprises at least aluminum. This garnet may be doped with cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr) or a combination of cerium and praseodymium; however, it is particularly doped with Ce. In particular, B comprises aluminum (Al), however, B may also partially comprise gallium (Ga) and / or scandium (Sc) and / or indium (In), in particular up to about 20% Al, more particularly up to about 10% Al (i.e., the B ions consist essentially of 90 mol % or more of Al and 10 mol % or less of one or more of Ga, Sc and In); B may particularly comprise up to about 10% gallium. In another variant, B and O may be at least partially replaced by Si and N. The element A may particularly be selected from the group comprising yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb) and lutetium (Lu). Further, Gd and / or Tb are present in an amount specifically only up to about 20% of A. In a specific embodiment, the garnet luminescent material comprises (Y 1-x Lu x )3B5O 12 :Ce, wherein x is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1. The term ":Ce" indicates that part of the metal ions in the luminescent material (i.e., in garnet: part of the "A" ions) are replaced by Ce. 1-x Lu x )3Al5O 12 In the case of Ce, part of Y and / or Lu is replaced by Ce. This is known to those skilled in the art. Ce will generally not replace A by more than 10%; usually, the Ce concentration will be in the range of 0.1% to 4%, especially 0.1% to 2% (relative to A). Assuming 1% Ce and 10% Y, a completely correct molecular formula may be (Y 0.1 Lu 0.89 Ce 0.01 )3Al5O 12 As known to those skilled in the art, Ce in garnet is substantially or exclusively in the trivalent state.

[0092] In an embodiment, the luminescent material (therefore) comprises A3B5O 12 , wherein in a specific embodiment up to 10% of the BO can be replaced by Si-N.

[0093] In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material includes (Y x1-x2-x3 A' x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 B' y2 )5O 12, where x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, where x3 > 0, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, where y1 + y2 = 1, where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2, where A' comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide elements, and where B' comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc. In an embodiment, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1. In the present invention, particularly x1 > 0, such as > 0.2, e.g., at least 0.8. The garnet having Y can provide a suitable spectral power distribution.

[0094] In a specific embodiment, up to 10% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, B in B-O refers to one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc (and O refers to oxygen); in a specific embodiment, B-O can refer to Al-O. As indicated above, in a specific embodiment, x3 can be selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.04. Particularly, such a luminescent material can have a suitable spectral distribution (however, see below), have a relatively high efficiency, have a relatively high thermal stability, and allow a high CRI (in combination with the first light source light and the second light source light (and the filter)). Thus, in a specific embodiment, A can be selected from the group consisting of Lu and Gd. Alternatively or additionally, B can include Ga. Thus, in an embodiment, the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x2-x3 (Lu,Gd) x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 Ga y2 )5O 12 , where Lu and / or Gd can be available. Even more particularly, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.1, and where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.1. Further, in a specific embodiment, up to 1% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, the percentage refers to the mole percentage (as known in the art); also see, for example, EP3149108. In a further specific embodiment, the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x3 Ce x3 )3Al5O 12 , where x1 + x3 = 1, and where 0 < x3 ≤ 0.2, such as 0.001 to 0.1.

[0095] In a specific embodiment, the light generating device can comprise only a luminescent material selected from the type of garnet comprising cerium. In an even further specific embodiment, the light generating device comprises a single type of luminescent material, such as (Y x1-x2-x3 A’ x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 B’ y2 )5O12 Thus, in a specific embodiment, the light generating device includes a luminescent material, wherein at least 85 wt.%, even more particularly at least about 90 wt.%, such as even more particularly at least about 95 wt.% of the luminescent material comprises (Y x1-x2-x3 A’ x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1-y2 B’ y2 )5O 12 . Here, wherein A’ comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide elements, and wherein B’ comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc, wherein x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, wherein x3 > 0, wherein 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, wherein y1 + y2 = 1, wherein 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2. In particular, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1. Note that in an embodiment, x2 = 0. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, y2 = 0.

[0096] In a specific embodiment, A may particularly include at least Y, and B may particularly include at least Al.

[0097] However, other luminescent materials may also be possible.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, wherein the luminescent material may include a luminescent material of type A3Si6N 11 :Ce 3+ , wherein A comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, such as one or more of La and Y in an embodiment.

[0099] In an embodiment, the luminescent material may alternatively or additionally include M2Si5N8:Eu 2+ and / or MAlSiN3:Eu 2+ and / or Ca2AlSi3O2N5:Eu 2+ etc., wherein M comprises one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca, particularly at least Sr in an embodiment. Thus, in an embodiment, the phosphor may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu, (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu, and (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu. In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or only divalent and replaces one or more of the indicated divalent cations. Generally, the amount of Eu present is not greater than 10% of the cations; particularly, its amount is in the range of about 0.5% to 10% relative to the (multiple) cations it replaces, and more particularly in the range of about 0.5% to 5%. The term ":Eu" indicates that some of the metal ions are replaced by Eu (by Eu in these examples2+ For example, assuming that the Eu content in CaAlSiN3:Eu is 2%, the correct molecular formula may be (Ca 0.98 Eu 0.02 )AlSiN3. Divalent europium will generally replace divalent cations, such as the above divalent alkaline earth cations, particularly Ca, Sr or Ba. The material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu may also be indicated as MS:Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium in the compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). Further, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu may also be indicated as M2Si5N8:Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes Sr and / or Ba in the compound. In yet another specific embodiment, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (not considering the presence of Eu), in particular 50% to 100% (more particularly 50% to 90%) of Ba and 50% to 0% (particularly 50% to 10%) of Sr, such as Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5 Si5N8:Eu (i.e., 75% Ba; 25% Sr). Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). Similarly, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu can also be indicated as MAlSiN3:Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium in the compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). As known to those skilled in the art, Eu in the luminescent materials indicated above is substantially or only in a divalent state.

[0100] In an embodiment, the red light emitting material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of (Ba, Sr, Ca) S: Eu, (Ba, Sr, Ca) AlSiN3: Eu, and (Ba, Sr, Ca) 2Si5N8: Eu. In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or only divalent and replaces one or more indicated divalent cations. Typically, Eu is present in an amount not greater than 10% of the cations; relative to the (multiple) cations it replaces, it is present in an amount particularly in the range of about 0.5% to 10%, more particularly in the range of about 0.5% to 5%. The term ": Eu" indicates that a portion of the metal ions are replaced by Eu (in these examples by Eu).2+ For example, assuming that the Eu content in CaAlSiN3:Eu is 2%, the correct molecular formula may be (Ca 0.98 Eu 0.02 )AlSiN 3. The divalent europium will generally replace a divalent cation, such as the above divalent alkaline earth cations, in particular Ca, Sr or Ba.

[0101] The material (Ba, Sr, Ca) S: Eu may also be indicated as MS: Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium in the compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca).

[0102] Further, the material (Ba, Sr, Ca) 2 Si 5 N 8 : Eu may also be indicated as M 2 Si 5 N 8 : Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes Sr and / or Ba in the compound. In another specific embodiment, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (ignoring the presence of Eu), in particular 50% to 100% (more particularly 50% to 90%) of Ba and 50% to 0% (particularly 50% to 10%) of Sr, such as Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5 Si5N8:Eu (ie, 75% Ba; 25% Sr). Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a part of M (ie, one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca).

[0103] Likewise, the material (Ba, Sr, Ca) AlSiN3:Eu may also be indicated as MAlSiN3:Eu, wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium in the compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca).

[0104] As known to the person skilled in the art, Eu in the above indicated luminescent materials is substantially or exclusively in the divalent state.

[0105] The blue light emitting material may include YSO (Y2SiO5:Ce 3+ ) or similar compounds or BAM (BaMgAl 10 O 17 :Eu 2 +) or similar compounds. Several other examples of luminescent materials used in the embodiments are discussed further below.

[0106] Thus, in a specific embodiment, the light generating system may include at least two light emitters, the at least two light emitters including at least two different luminescent materials, wherein a primary light emitter in the at least two light emitters is configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light having a primary spectral power distribution, wherein a secondary light emitter in the at least two light emitters is configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution; wherein at least one of the at least two different luminescent materials includes A3B5O 12 : Ce type luminescent material, wherein A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B includes one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc. In an embodiment, the two luminophores may include different A3B5O 12 :Ce type luminescent material.

[0107] The light generating device may be controlled by a control system. Therefore, in an embodiment, the system may further comprise a control system, wherein the control system is configured to control the light generating device. In a specific embodiment, in an operating mode of the light generating system, the light generating system may be configured to generate white system light. In particular, in the operating mode, the system light may include at least device light and luminescent material light.

[0108] Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the light generating system may further include a control system, wherein the control system is configured to control the light generating device, wherein in an operating mode of the light generating system, the light generating system is configured to generate white system light, wherein the system light includes at least device light and luminescent material light.

[0109] In embodiments, the control system may be configured to individually control light generating devices.In other embodiments, the control system may be configured to individually control sets of light generating devices, wherein each set comprises one or more light generating devices, and wherein there are at least two sets.

[0110] In yet another aspect, the present invention also provides a lamp or a lamp fixture, comprising a light generating system as defined herein. The lamp fixture may also include a housing, an optical element, a shutter, etc. The lamp or lamp fixture may also include a housing enclosing the light generating system. The lamp or lamp fixture may include a light window or a housing opening in the housing, through which the system light may escape from the housing. In yet another aspect, the present invention also provides a projection device, comprising a light generating system as defined herein. In particular, a projection device or a "projector" or an "image projector" may be an optical device that projects an image (or a moving image) onto a surface (such as, for example, a projection screen). The projection device may include one or more light generating systems, such as the light generating systems described herein. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention also provides a lighting device selected from a group including a lamp, a lamp fixture, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising a light generating system as defined herein. The lighting device may include a housing or a carrier, which is configured to accommodate or support one or more elements of the light generating system. For example, in an embodiment, the lighting device may include a housing or a carrier, which is configured to accommodate or support one or more of the lighting device and the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, the lighting device may be a package.Thus, in a specific embodiment, the invention may provide a lighting device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor and an optical wireless communication device, comprising a light generating system.

[0111] Some further embodiments are described below.

[0112] As mentioned above (see further above), the light source may comprise one or more light sources. In a particular embodiment, the light source comprises a solid-state LED light source (such as an LED or a laser diode (or "diode laser"). The term "light source" may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2 to 200 (solid-state) LED light sources.

[0113] Therefore, the term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Further, the term "light source" may also refer in an embodiment to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term "COB" refers in particular to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip, which is neither encapsulated nor connected, but is mounted directly on a substrate (such as a PCB). Therefore, a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor light sources may be configured on the same substrate. In an embodiment, a COB is a plurality of LED chips configured together as a single lighting module.

[0114] A light source may have a light exit surface. With reference to conventional light sources such as light bulbs or fluorescent lamps, this may be the outer surface of a glass or quartz envelope. For example, for an LED, this may be the LED die, or when a resin is applied to the LED die, it is the outer surface of the resin. In principle, it may also be the terminal end of an optical fiber. The term "escape surface" particularly relates to this part of the light source from which the light of the light source actually leaves or escapes. The light source is configured to provide a light beam. The light beam (therefore) escapes from the light exit surface of the light source.

[0115] Likewise, the light generating device may comprise a light escape surface, such as an end window. Further, also, the light generating system may comprise a light escape surface, such as an end window.

[0116] The term "light source" may refer to a semiconductor light emitting device, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSEL), an edge emitting laser, etc. ... The term "light source" may also refer to an organic light emitting diode (OLED), such as a passive matrix (PMOLED) or an active matrix (AMOLED). As previously mentioned, in a specific embodiment, the light source comprises a solid-state light source (such as an LED or a laser diode). In an embodiment, the light source comprises an LED (light emitting diode). The term "light source" or "solid-state light source" may also refer to a superluminescent diode (SLED).

[0117] The term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Further, the term "light source" may also refer in an embodiment to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term "COB" refers in particular to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip, which is neither encapsulated nor connected, but is mounted directly on a substrate (such as a PCB). Thus, a plurality of semiconductor light sources may be configured on the same substrate. In an embodiment, a COB is a plurality of LED chips configured together as a single lighting module.

[0118] The term "light source" may also relate to a plurality of (substantially identical (or different)) light sources, such as 2 to 2000 solid-state light sources. In an embodiment, the light source may comprise one or more micro-optical elements (micro-lens arrays) downstream of a single solid-state light source (such as an LED) or downstream of a plurality of solid-state light sources (i.e., for example shared by a plurality of LEDs). In an embodiment, the light source may comprise an LED with on-chip optics. In an embodiment, the light source comprises a pixelated single LED (with or without optics) (on-chip beam steering is provided in an embodiment).

[0119] The term "white light" herein is known to the person skilled in the art. It particularly relates to light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) between about 1800K and 20000K, such as between 2000 and 20000K, particularly 2700K to 20000K, with typical lighting particularly in the range of about 2700K and 6500K. In an embodiment, for the purpose of backlighting, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may particularly be in the range of about 7000K and 20000K. Further, in an embodiment, the correlated color temperature (CCT) is particularly within about 15SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (black body locus), particularly within about 10SDCM from the BBL, even more particularly within about 5SDCM from the BBL.

[0120] In embodiments, the term "light source" may also refer to a combination of a light source (e.g., an LED) and an optical filter, which may change the spectral power distribution of the light generated by the light source. In particular, the term "light generating device" may be used to address the light source and other (optical components), such as optical filters and / or beam shaping elements, etc.

[0121] The phrase "different light sources" or "multiple different light sources" and similar phrases may refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins in embodiments. Similarly, the phrase "same light source" or "multiple same light sources" and similar phrases may refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from the same bin in embodiments.

[0122] As mentioned previously, the term "light source" herein may also refer to light sources including solid state light sources, such as LEDs or laser diodes or super luminescent diodes.

[0123] The terms "solid-state light source" or "solid-state material light source" and similar terms may particularly refer to semiconductor light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), diode lasers or superluminescent diodes.

[0124] Superluminescent diodes are known in the art. A superluminescent diode may be indicated as a semiconductor device that may be able to emit a broad spectrum of low-coherence light like an LED, while having a brightness on the order of a laser diode.

[0125] For example, US2020192017 states that "with current technology, a single SLED is capable of emitting over a bandwidth of, for example, up to 50nm to 70nm with sufficient spectral flatness and sufficient output power in the wavelength range of 800nm ​​to 900nm. In the visible range for display applications, i.e., in the wavelength range of 450nm to 650nm, a single SLED is capable of emitting over a bandwidth of up to 10nm to 30nm with current technology. These emission bandwidths are too small for display or projector applications requiring red (640nm), green (520nm) and blue (450nm) (i.e., RGB) emission." Further, in the book (s) edited by Fabrizio Roccaforte, Mike Leszczynski, first published on August 3, 2020, https: / / doi.org / 10.1002 / 9783527825264.ch9 Chapter 9.3Superluminescent diodes are described in "Edge Emitting Laser Diodes and Superluminescent Diodes" by Szymon Stanczyk, Anna Kafar, Dario Schiavon, Stephen Najda, Thomas Slight, Piotr Perlin. The book, in particular Chapter 9.3, is incorporated herein by reference. It is stated therein that a superluminescent diode (SLD) is an emitter that combines the features of a laser diode and a light emitting diode. SLD emitters utilize stimulated emission, which means that these devices operate at current densities similar to those of laser diodes. The main difference between LDs and SLDs is that in the latter case the device waveguide can be designed in a special way that prevents the formation of standing waves and lasing. Nevertheless, the presence of the waveguide ensures the emission of a high-quality beam with high spatial coherence of the light, but the light is characterized by low temporal coherence at the same time” and “Currently, the most successful designs of nitride SLDs are bent, curved or tilted waveguide geometries as well as tilted facet geometries, while in all cases the front end of the waveguide intersects the device facets in an inclined manner, as shown in Figure 9.10. The tilted waveguide suppresses reflections of light from the facets into the waveguide by directing the light outside the lossy, non-pumped regions of the device chip". Thus, an SLD may in particular be a semiconductor light source in which the spontaneously emitted light is amplified by stimulated emission in the active region of the device. Such emission is known as "superluminescence". Superluminescent diodes combine the high power and brightness of laser diodes with the low coherence of conventional light-emitting diodes. The low (temporal) coherence of the source has the advantage of significantly reduced or invisible speckle, and the spectral distribution of the emission is much broader than that of laser diodes, which may be more suitable for lighting applications. In particular, the spectral power distribution of a superluminescent diode may vary with varying current. In this way, the spectral power distribution may be controlled, see also, for example, Abdullah A. Alatawi et al., Optics Express, Vol. 26, No. 20, pp. 26355-26364. https: / / doi.org / 10.1364 / OE.26.026355 .

[0126] The term "laser light source" particularly refers to a laser. Such a laser may particularly be configured to generate laser light source light having one or more wavelengths in the UV, visible or infrared, particularly having a wavelength selected from the spectral wavelength range of 200nm to 2000nm, such as 300nm to 1500nm.

[0127] In particular, in embodiments, the term "laser" may refer to a solid-state laser. In specific embodiments, the term "laser" or "laser light source" or similar terms refer to a laser diode (or diode laser).

[0128] Therefore, in an embodiment, the light source comprises a laser light source. In an embodiment, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" or "solid-state material laser" may refer to cerium-doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride (Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF), chromium-doped chrysoberyl (alexandrite) laser, chromium ZnSe (Cr:ZnSe) laser, calcium fluoride doped with divalent samarium (Sm:CaF2) laser, Er:YAG laser, erbium-doped and erbium-ytterbium co-doped glass laser , F center laser, holmium YAG (Ho:YAG) laser, Nd:YAG laser, NdCrYAG laser, Nd:YCa4O(BO3)3 or Nd:YCOB, Nd:YVO4 laser, Nd:glass laser, Nd:YLF solid-state laser, Promethium-147-doped phosphate glass (147Pm 3+ : glass) solid-state laser, ruby ​​laser (Al2O3:Cr 3+ ), Thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) laser, Titanium Sapphire (Ti: Sapphire; Al2O3:Ti 3+ ) lasers, calcium fluoride doped with trivalent uranium (U:CaF2) solid-state lasers, ytterbium-doped glass lasers (rods, plates / chips and optical fibers), ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) lasers, Yb2O3 (glass or ceramic) lasers, etc. One or more of the following.

[0129] For example, including second harmonic and third harmonic generation embodiments, the light source may include an F-centered laser, a yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, a promethium-147-doped phosphate glass (147Pm 3+ : glass) and titanium sapphire (Ti: sapphire; Al2O3:Ti 3+ ) laser. For example, taking into account second harmonic generation and third harmonic generation, such a light source can be used to generate blue light.

[0130] In an embodiment, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" or "solid-state material laser" may refer to one or more of semiconductor laser diodes such as GaN, InGaN, AlGaInP, AlGaAs, InGaAsP, lead salt, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), quantum cascade laser, hybrid silicon laser, etc.

[0131] Lasers can be combined with upconverters to achieve shorter (laser) wavelengths. For example, upconversion can be obtained using some (trivalent) rare earth ions, or upconversion can be obtained using nonlinear crystals. Alternatively, lasers can be combined with downconverters (such as dye lasers) to achieve longer (laser) wavelengths.

[0132] It can be derived from the following that the term "laser light source" may also refer to a plurality of (different or identical) laser light sources. In a specific embodiment, the term "laser light source" may refer to a plurality of N (identical) laser light sources. In an embodiment, N=2 or more. In a specific embodiment, N may be at least 5, such as in particular at least 8. In this way, a higher brightness can be obtained. In an embodiment, the laser light sources may be arranged in a laser group (see also above). In an embodiment, the laser group may include heat dissipation and / or optical devices, such as lenses for collimating the laser.

[0133] The laser light source is configured to generate laser light source light (or "laser"). The light source light may essentially consist of laser light source light. The light source light may also comprise laser light source light of two or more (different or the same) laser light sources. For example, laser light source light of two or more (different or the same) laser light sources may be coupled into a light guide to provide a single light beam comprising laser light source light of two or more (different or the same) laser light sources. In a specific embodiment, the light source light is therefore in particular collimated light source light. In a further embodiment, the light source light is in particular (collimated) laser light source light.

[0134] In an embodiment, the laser source light may comprise one or more bands, having a bandwidth known to the laser. In a specific embodiment, the band(s) may be relatively sharp line(s), such as having a full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the range of less than 20 nm, such as equal to or less than 10 nm at RT. Thus, the source light has a spectral power distribution (intensity on an energy scale according to wavelength) that may comprise one or more (narrow) bands.

[0135] The beam (of the light source light) may be a focused or collimated beam of the (laser) light source light. The term "focused" may particularly refer to converging to a small spot. This small spot may be located at the discrete converter region, or (slightly) upstream thereof or (slightly) downstream thereof. In particular, the focusing and / or collimation may be such that the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the beam at the discrete converter region (side) is substantially not larger than the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the discrete converter region (where the light source light irradiates the discrete converter region). The focusing may be performed with one or more optical devices, such as (focusing) lenses. In particular, two lenses may be applied to focus the laser light source light. The collimation may be performed with one or more (other) optical devices, such as collimating elements, such as lenses and / or parabolic reflectors. In an embodiment, the (laser) light source beam may be relatively highly collimated, such as ≤2° (FWHM) in an embodiment, more particularly ≤1° (FWHM), most particularly ≤0.5° (FWHM). Therefore, ≤2° (FWHM) may be considered as (highly) collimated light source light. Optics may be used to provide (high) collimation (see also above).

[0136] The term "solid-state material laser" and similar terms may refer to solid-state lasers based on crystal or glass doped with ions (such as transition metal ions and / or lanthanide ions), fiber lasers, photonic crystal lasers, semiconductor lasers such as, for example, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), and the like.

[0137] The term "solid-state light source" and similar terms may particularly refer to semiconductor light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), diode lasers or superluminescent diodes.

[0138] In an embodiment, a "luminescent material" may particularly refer to a material that can convert radiation into, for example, visible and / or infrared light. For example, in an embodiment, the luminescent material may be able to convert one or more of UV radiation and blue radiation into visible light. In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material may also convert radiation into infrared radiation (IR). Thus, upon excitation with radiation, the luminescent material emits radiation. Typically, the luminescent material will be a down-converter, i.e., radiation of a smaller wavelength is converted into radiation with a larger wavelength (λ). ex <λ em ), but in a specific embodiment the luminescent material may comprise a down-converter luminescent material, ie radiation of a larger wavelength is converted into radiation having a smaller wavelength (λ ex >λ em ).

[0139] In an embodiment, the term "luminescence" may refer to phosphorescence. In an embodiment, the term "luminescence" may also refer to fluorescence. Instead of the term "luminescence", the term "emission" may also be applied. Therefore, the terms "first radiation" and "second radiation" may refer to excitation radiation and emission (radiation), respectively. Similarly, the term "luminescent material" may refer to phosphorescence and / or fluorescence in an embodiment.

[0140] The term "luminescent material" may also refer to a variety of different luminescent materials. Examples of possible luminescent materials are indicated below. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the term "luminescent material" may also refer to a luminescent material composition.

[0141] In an embodiment, the luminescent material is selected from garnets and nitrides, in particular doped with trivalent cerium or divalent europium, respectively. The term "nitride" may also refer to nitrogen oxides or nitrogen silicates or the like.

[0142] The term "luminescent material" herein particularly relates to inorganic luminescent materials.

[0143] Instead of the term “luminescent material” there is also the term “phosphor.” These terms are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0144] Alternatively or additionally, other luminescent materials may also be applied. For example, quantum dots and / or organic dyes may be applied and may optionally be embedded in a transmissive matrix, such as a polymer (eg PMMA or polysiloxane, etc.).

[0145] Organic phosphors may also be used. Examples of suitable organic phosphor materials are organic luminescent materials based on perylene derivatives, such as those marketed by BASF under the name Examples of suitable compounds include, but are not limited to Red F305, Orange F240, Yellow F083 and F 170.

[0146] Different luminescent materials may have different spectral power distributions of the respective luminescent material light. Alternatively or additionally, such different luminescent materials may in particular have different color points (or dominant wavelengths).

[0147] As indicated above, other luminescent materials may also be possible. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the luminescent material is selected from the group of nitrides containing divalent europium, oxynitrides containing divalent europium, silicates containing divalent europium, garnets containing cerium, and quantum structures. The quantum structures may, for example, include quantum dots or quantum rods (or other quantum-type particles) (see above). The quantum structures may also include quantum wells. The quantum structures may also include photonic crystals.

[0148] The luminescent material light may in particular have one or more wavelengths in the visible light. More specifically, the centroid wavelength of the luminescent material light may be in the visible light.

[0149] In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material may be configured to convert part of the light source light into luminescent material light having a wavelength of 495nm to 605nm. In a specific embodiment, a majority (such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, more particularly at least 95%, such as (substantially) 100%) of the spectral power of the system light may be in the wavelength range of 495nm to 605nm. In an embodiment, the centroid wavelength may be configured in the wavelength range of 495nm to 605nm. More particularly, the centroid wavelength may be configured in the wavelength range of 510nm to 590nm, even more particularly in the wavelength range of 570nm to 590nm. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the light source light may be blue light, and the luminescent material light may be yellow light, or may include a combination of yellow light and red light.

[0150] The term "centroid wavelength" (also denoted as λ C ) is known in the art and refers to the wavelength value at which half of the light energy is at the shorter wavelength and half of the energy is at the longer wavelength; the value is specified in nanometers (nm). It is the wavelength that divides the integral of the spectral power distribution into two equal parts, as in the chemical formula λ C =∑λ*I(λ) / (∑I(λ)), where the summation is performed over the wavelength range of interest and I(λ) is the spectral energy density (i.e., the integral of the product of wavelength and intensity normalized to the integrated intensity over the emission band). The centroid wavelength can be determined, for example, under operating conditions.

[0151] The term "control" and similar terms particularly refer to at least determining the operation of a behavior or monitoring element. Therefore, "control" and similar terms herein may, for example, refer to applying behavior (determining the operation of a behavior or monitoring element) to an element, such as, for example, measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc. In addition, the term "control" and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Therefore, the term "control" and similar terms may include applying behavior to an element and applying behavior to an element and monitoring the element. The control of an element may be accomplished using a control system, which may also be indicated as a "controller". The control system and the element may therefore be functionally coupled at least temporarily or permanently. The element may include a control system. In an embodiment, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control may be accomplished via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" may also refer to a plurality of different control systems, which may be functionally coupled in particular, and for example, a control system may be a host control system, and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. The control system may include a user interface or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0152] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control. In an embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an application on a device, such as a portable device, such as a smartphone or iPhone, a tablet computer, etc. Thus, the device does not have to be coupled to the lighting system, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0153] Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an application on a remote device. In such an embodiment, the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or a control in slave mode. For example, the lighting system may be identifiable with a code, in particular a unique code of the respective lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled by an external control system, which accesses the lighting system based on the knowledge of the (unique) code (input by a user interface with an optical sensor (e.g. a QR code reader)). The lighting system may also comprise components for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on Bluetooth, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE or WiMAX or another wireless technology.

[0154] A system or device or apparatus may perform actions in a "mode" or "operation mode" or "mode of operation" or "operable mode". The term "operable mode" may also be indicated as a "control mode". Similarly, in a method, actions or phases or steps may be performed in a "mode" or "operation mode" or "mode of operation" or "operable mode". This does not exclude that the system or device or apparatus may also be adapted to provide another control mode or multiple other control modes. Similarly, this may not exclude that one or more other modes may be performed before and / or after the execution of the mode.

[0155] However, in embodiments, a control system may be available, which is adapted to provide at least a control mode. If other modes are available, the selection of such a mode may in particular be performed via a user interface, although other options (such as executing a mode according to a sensor signal or a (time) scheme) may also be possible. An operating mode may in embodiments also refer to a system or device or apparatus that can only be operated in a single operating mode (i.e. "on", without further tunability).

[0156] Therefore, in an embodiment, the control system may be controlled according to one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal (of a sensor) and a timer. The term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0157] The light generating system may be part of or may be used in, for example, office lighting systems, home application systems, store lighting systems, home lighting systems, accent lighting systems, spotlighting systems, theatre lighting systems, fibre optic application systems, projection systems, self-lighting display systems, pixelated display systems, segmented display systems, warning sign systems, medical lighting application systems, indicator sign systems, decorative lighting systems, portable systems, automotive applications, (outdoor) road lighting systems, urban lighting systems, greenhouse lighting systems, horticultural lighting, digital projection or LCD backlighting. The light generating system (or luminaire) may be part of or may be used in, for example, an optical communication system or a disinfection system.

[0158] The term "visible", "visible light" or "visible emission" and similar terms refer to light with one or more wavelengths in the range of about 380nm to 780nm. In this article, UV can particularly refer to a wavelength selected from the range of 190nm to 380nm, such as 200nm to 380nm.

[0159] The terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably herein, unless it is clear from the context that the term "light" refers only to visible light. Thus, the terms "light" and "radiation" may refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In specific embodiments, particularly for lighting applications, the terms "light" and "radiation" refer to (at least) visible light.

[0160] The term "violet light" or "violet emission" refers in particular to light with a wavelength in the range of about 380nm to 440nm. The term "blue light" or "blue emission" refers in particular to light with a wavelength in the range of about 440nm to 495nm (including some violet and cyan shades). The term "green light" or "green emission" refers in particular to light with a wavelength in the range of about 495nm to 570nm. The term "yellow light" or "yellow emission" refers in particular to light with a wavelength in the range of about 570nm to 590nm. The term "orange light" or "orange emission" refers in particular to light with a wavelength in the range of about 590nm to 620nm. The term "red light" or "red emission" refers in particular to light with a wavelength in the range of about 620nm to 780nm. The term "pink light" or "pink emission" refers to light with a blue and red component. The term "cyan" may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 490nm to 520nm. The term "amber" may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 585nm to 605nm, such as about 590nm to 600nm. The phrase "light having one or more wavelengths within the wavelength range" and similar phrases may specifically indicate that the indicated light (or radiation) has a spectral power distribution having at least one or more intensities at least at these one or more wavelengths within the indicated wavelength range. For example, a solid-state light source emitting blue light will have a spectral power distribution with an intensity at one or more wavelengths within the wavelength range of 440nm to 495nm.

[0161] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may particularly relate to the arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of light from a light generating element (here particularly a first light source), such as in the context of light propagation, wherein relative to a first position in a light beam from the light generating element, a second position in the light beam that is closer to the light generating element (compared to the first position) is "upstream", and a third position in the light beam that is further away from the light generating element (compared to the first position) is "downstream". For example, the term "light generating component" may also be applied instead of the term "light generating element". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0162] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0163] Figure 1 In embodiments I and II two cross-sectional views of a light generating system are schematically depicted.

[0164] Figure 2 An embodiment of a light generating system comprising a hollow reflector is schematically depicted.

[0165] 3a-3b depict top views of two embodiments of light generating systems.

[0166] Figure 4 An embodiment of a light generating system comprising a second optical body is schematically depicted.

[0167] Figure 5 Some application embodiments are schematically depicted. The schematic diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0168] Figure 1 In embodiments I and II, two cross-sectional views of substantially the same beam combiner body 500 are schematically depicted, but the configurations of k devices 1050 are different. In an embodiment, the present invention may provide a light generating system 1000, comprising: (i) a beam combiner body 500 and (ii) k devices 1050.

[0169] In an embodiment, the beam combiner body 500 may include a first face 501, wherein the first face 501 includes n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves 510 extending ((substantially) radially) from a central cavity 520. In particular, n ≥ 2. The cross-sectional views depict embodiments I and II, wherein at least 2 such devices are shown. Further, in an embodiment, the n grooves 510 may have a first end 513 and a second end 514. In particular, the first end 513 may be configured to be further away from the central cavity 520 than the second end 514, and wherein the second end 514 may terminate in the central cavity.

[0170] In an embodiment, each of the k devices 1050 may include a light generating apparatus 100, a light emitter 210, a first optical element 551 and a light guide 530. In particular, 2≤k≤n.

[0171] In an embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be configured to generate a device light 101. In particular, the light generating device 100 may include one or more light sources selected from the group consisting of a laser and a superluminescent diode. In an embodiment, the luminophore 210 may include a luminescent material 200 configured to convert at least part of the device light 101 into luminescent material light 201. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may include one or more of a beam shaping element and a lens. In an embodiment, a light guide 530 may be configured in one of the grooves 510. In particular, the light guide 530 may be light transmissive for the luminescent material light 201. Further, the light guide 530 may have a first body end 531 and a second body end 532, wherein the first body end 531 may be configured to be further away from the central cavity 520 than the second body end 532. The light may substantially enter the groove via the first body end 531, and therefore, the surface of the first body end may (also) be referred to as a primary face. Likewise, light can escape from the second body end 532, so the face of the second body end can also be referred to as a secondary face. Alternatively, the face through which light from the illuminant 210 or the first optical element 551 can enter the groove 510 can also be referred to as a primary face.

[0172] In an embodiment, the light emitter 210 may be arranged downstream of the light generating device 100. In particular, the first optical element 551 may be arranged downstream of the light emitter 210, and the first body end 531 of the light guide 530 may be arranged downstream of the first optical element 551.

[0173] In an embodiment, at least one of the following may apply: (i) the second body end 532 is at least partially configured in the central cavity 520, and the second body end 532 is inclined (depicted in embodiment II), and (ii) the central cavity 520 has an inclined reflective surface 521 (depicted in embodiment I). In particular, the second body end 532 may have a first angle (α1) with the groove axis 511 of the groove 510 in which the light guide 530 is configured. In an embodiment, the first angle (α1) may be selected from the range of 15° to 75°, or the inclined reflective surface 521 of the central cavity may have a second angle (α2) with the groove axis 511 of the oppositely configured groove 510, wherein the second angle (α2) may be selected from the range of 15° to 75°. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may include a collimator element. Further, in an embodiment, the light generating device 100 may include at least one or more laser diodes.

[0174] In an embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be at least partially configured within one of the plurality of grooves 510 and may be configured to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body 500. Further, in an embodiment, the luminaire 210 may be at least partially configured within one of the plurality of grooves 510 and may be configured to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body 500. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may be at least partially configured within one of the plurality of grooves 510 and may be configured to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body 500. In an embodiment, the beam combiner body 500 may include a heat conductor. In particular, the groove 510 may include a groove surface 512, wherein the groove surface 512 may include a material that reflects the luminescent material light 201.

[0175] In an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may have a first refractive index n1, and the light guide 530 may have a second refractive index n2, wherein 1.4≤n2-n1≤1.8. In particular, the first optical element 551 and the light guide 530 may include the same material. More particularly, the light guide 530 may include glass, quartz, ceramic or polymer material.

[0176] In an embodiment, the light generating system may include at least two light emitters 210, the at least two light emitters 210 including at least two different luminescent materials 200. In particular, the primary light emitter 210 of the at least two light emitters 210 may be configured to convert at least part of the device light 101 into luminescent material light 201 having a primary spectral power distribution. In particular, one or more secondary light emitters 210 of the at least two light emitters 210 may be configured to convert at least part of the device light 101 into luminescent material light 201 having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least two different luminescent materials 200 may include A3B50. 12 :Ce type luminescent material, wherein A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B includes one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

[0177] In an embodiment, the light generating system 1000 may further include a control system 300. In particular, the control system 300 may be configured to control the light generating device 100, wherein in an operation mode of the light generating system 1000, the light generating system 1000 may be configured to generate white system light 1001. In an embodiment, the system light may include at least the device light 101 and the luminescent material light 201.

[0178] Reference Figure 2, the light generating system 1000 may include an optical element 610, such as a hollow reflector. The beam combiner body 500 may be configured in the optical element 610, such as a hollow reflector. The hollow reflector may include a reflector wall 611. The reflector wall 611 may include at least m light injection holes 612, which are arranged upstream of the corresponding light ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves 510 and downstream of the corresponding light generating device 100. The optical element 610 (such as a hollow reflector) may include a reflector optical axis O R . Reflector optical axis O R At least a portion of the central cavity 520 overlaps with at least a portion of the central cavity 520. In an embodiment, the light generating device 100 can be configured outside the hollow reflector 610. In (such) embodiments, the beam combiner body 500 can be positioned within the hollow reflector 610. In particular, the lens 120 can be used to focus the device light 101. More particularly, the device light 101 can be provided to the beam combiner body 500 via the light injection hole 612. The figure on the left depicts an embodiment in which the light generating device is configured along the groove axis. The figure on the right depicts an embodiment in which the light generating device is configured perpendicular to the groove axis.

[0179] The n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves 510 may have a rectangular cross-section (perpendicular to the respective groove axis 511 ).

[0180] 3a and 3b depict top views of two embodiments of a light generating system. In an embodiment, a beam combiner body 500 may include a first face 501, wherein the first face 501 includes n ((substantially) radially) arranged grooves 510 extending ((substantially) radially) from a central cavity 520. In particular, n ≥ 2. In the depicted embodiment, the light generating system includes 4 such grooves. Further, in an embodiment, the n grooves 510 may have a first end 513 and a second end 514. In particular, the first end 513 may be configured to be further away from the central cavity 520 than the second end 514, and wherein the second end 514 may terminate in the central cavity.

[0181] In an embodiment, the light generating system may include k devices. In particular, each of the k devices 1050 may include a light generating apparatus 100, a light emitter 210, a first optical element 551, and a light guide 530. In particular, 2≤k≤n. In the depicted embodiment, the light generating system includes 3 such devices. The central cavity may include a wall, wherein the second end is an opening. However, as the number of grooves increases, the second ends may be adjacent to each other without any intermediate wall portion 537.

[0182] Fig. 3b depicts an embodiment of a light generating system comprising 4 grooves, which also comprises 4 devices. In an embodiment, at least one set of two groove axes 511 may be configured to be parallel, but not configured to be coincident. In the depicted embodiment, there are two sets of parallel but non-coincident grooves.

[0183] 3b, the first face 501 may include n substantially radially arranged grooves 510 extending substantially radially from the central cavity 520. Referring to the embodiment schematically depicted in FIG3a, the first face 501 may include n radially arranged grooves 510 extending radially from the central cavity 520.

[0184] Figure 4 An embodiment of a light generating system including a second optical body 570 is depicted. In particular, the second optical body 570 may be a dome-shaped optical body. In an embodiment, the second optical body 570 may extend at least partially from the central cavity 520. In particular, the second optical body 570 may be configured downstream of the light guide 530. Further, in an embodiment, the light guide 530 may have a second refractive index n2, wherein the second optical body 570 may have a third refractive index n3. In particular, 0≤n3-n2≤0.4. In an embodiment, the light guide 530 and the second optical body 570 may be a single body. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the hollow reflector 610 may be configured without a light injection hole 612, in particular, because the second optical body 570 may be configured above the groove 510 and within the hollow reflector 610. Therefore, in an embodiment, the hollow reflector 610 may (also) be configured above one or more grooves 510.

[0185] In an embodiment, the second optical body 570 may be substantially disposed at the top of (the end of) the one or more grooves 510. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the hollow reflector 610 may also be substantially disposed at the top of the one or more grooves 510.

[0186] Notice, Figure 4 An embodiment is schematically depicted in which a second optical body 570 and a hollow 610 reflector are shown. However, in this context, the invention also relates to a system 1000 comprising such a second optical body 570 but not comprising such a hollow reflector 610 and a system 1000 not comprising such a second optical body 570 but comprising such a hollow reflector 610.

[0187] In particular, the optical body 570 may be configured to beam shape the luminescent material light 201 received by the optical body 570 from the light guide 530 and / or to extract the luminescent material light 210 from the light guide 530 .

[0188] Figure 5An embodiment of a luminaire 2 comprising the above-described light generating system 1000 is schematically depicted. Reference numeral 301 indicates a user interface, which may be functionally coupled to a control system 300, which control system 300 is comprised by or functionally coupled to the light generating system 1000. FIG. 3 further schematically depicts an embodiment of a lamp 1 comprising the light generating system 1000. Reference numeral 3 indicates a projector device or a projector system, which may be used to project an image, such as on a wall, which may also comprise the light generating system 1000. Thus, FIG. 3 schematically depicts an embodiment of a lighting device 1200 selected from the group of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the light generating system 1000 described herein. In an embodiment, such a lighting device may be a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, or an optical wireless communication device. Light of the lighting device escaping from the lighting device 1200 is indicated with reference numeral 1201. The lighting device light 1201 may be substantially composed of the system light 1001, and thus in a specific embodiment may be the system light 1001. Reference numeral 1300 refers to a space, such as a room.

[0189] The term "plurality" means two or more.

[0190] The terms "substantially" or "substantially" and similar terms herein will be understood by those skilled in the art. The terms "substantially" or "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "entirely", etc. Therefore, in embodiments, the adjectives "substantially" or "substantially" may also be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" or the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, particularly 99% or higher, even more particularly 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

[0191] The term "comprise" also includes embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consisting of.

[0192] The term "and / or" specifically refers to one or more items mentioned before and after "and / or". For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2" and similar phrases may refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may refer to "consisting of" in an embodiment, but may also refer to "comprising at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species" in another embodiment.

[0193] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc. in the description and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential order or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than those described or illustrated herein.

[0194] An apparatus, device or system may be described herein during operation. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or apparatus, device or system in operation.

[0195] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0196] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0197] The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those specified in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", etc. should be interpreted in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to".

[0198] The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0199] The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim or an apparatus claim or a system claim enumerating several components, several of these components may be implemented by one and the same item of hardware. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In a further aspect, the invention (therefore) provides a software product which, when run on a computer, is capable of implementing (one or more embodiments of) the method described herein.

[0200] The present invention also provides a control system that can control a device, apparatus or system, or can perform the method or process described herein. Further, the present invention also provides a computer program product that, when functionally coupled to a device, apparatus or system or run on a computer included therein, controls one or more controllable elements of such a device, apparatus or system.

[0201] The invention also applies to an apparatus, device or system comprising one or more characterizing features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings. The invention also relates to a method or process comprising one or more characterizing features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings.

[0202] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments can be combined, and more than two embodiments can also be combined. In addition, some features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

[0203] In an embodiment, holes in a reflector cup may be used as part of an optical path to address the luminescent material comprising a first body in a beam combiner body. These holes may provide a path at the bottom of the reflector cup for the laser beam to enter the interior space of the reflector cup and may address the mounted luminescent material comprising the first body located at the center of the reflector cup or around the optical axis of the reflector cup. With this optical solution, the laser may be placed in the same plane as the luminescent material comprising the first body. The benefit may be a compact assembly of the laser and the luminescent material, including the first body, without the need for an additional beam splitter or beam condenser. These holes may be divided on the circumference of the reflector cup, where they will align with radially positioned rectangular grooves on the beam combiner body pointing toward the center of the disc.

[0204] In an embodiment, the number of grooves may be selected from 1 to 100, but in particular is at least 2. Note that by adding more than three grooves in the radial direction, the intermediate distance from the groove to the center of the disk becomes larger, which may have an impact on the etendue of the optical system.

[0205] As mentioned, the groove can be used in particular for mounting the luminescent material including the first body therein. The luminescent material including the first body can be attached to a rectangular rod having the dimensions of the rectangular groove of the beam combiner body. The rectangular rod can be metal when used in reflective mode or sapphire when used in translucent mode. In both settings, the rod can be glued or welded in the groove of the beam combiner body. By fitting the luminescent material including the first body rod tightly in the groove, a high thermal contact can be achieved.

[0206] Utilizing a beam combiner body allows combining luminescent materials including a first body with different CCTs in a simple plane at the center of the optical axis. Additional optics such as beam splitters or dichroic mirrors may be substantially unnecessary to have two or more different luminescent materials including a first body located at the center of the optical path.

[0207] With this approach, two or more lasers can address two or more luminescent materials comprising a first body with different CCTs, while the luminescent surface is already placed in the reflector cup. Minimal additional optics are required to guide and mix the light in the reflector.

[0208] By tuning the power of the laser, different color temperatures can be obtained.

[0209] Adding a red phosphor luminescent material including a first body to the light source, a high CRI can be obtained.

[0210] It is also possible to install direct red, green or blue lasers and in the phosphor option, where the luminescent material comprising the first body is installed, a (diffusing) mirror is now placed to guide the respective laser.

[0211] In an embodiment, the luminescent material including the first body can be bonded to a sapphire rectangular rod together with a transparent dye attachment material. The sapphire rod can act as a light guide and a heat conductor to take away heat from the luminescent material including the first body. The luminescent material including the first body-rod assembly can be clamped or bonded to the heat sink of the beam combiner body. The luminescent material including the first body can be positioned in the center of the light path of the beam combiner body. In operation, the laser points to the rear end of the sapphire rod where it enters. Through total internal reflection (TIR), the laser addresses the luminescent material including the surface of the first body. Light is emitted toward the reflector. Mounting the second luminescent material including the first body with a different CCT on the second sapphire rod and placing it in the relative direction of the first luminescent material including the first body assembly will be suitable for the tunable CCT of the light module. As described, a plurality of luminescent materials including the first body assembly can be placed on the heat sink of the light module, where different CCTs and red phosphors can be combined to adjust the CRI. The advantage of the semi-transparent mode assembly is that the laser beam addresses the luminescent material including the first body from the back side. This means that, over the diameter of the fitting, there may be more space available in the beam combiner body to mount the individual lasers and thus also the luminescent material comprising the first body. A disadvantage may be a less efficient cooling of the luminescent material comprising the first body by the sapphire rods.

[0212] In another embodiment, the luminescent material including the first body can be bonded or soldered on a metal rectangular rod and then attached to the beam combiner body. The position of the luminescent material including the first body is in the center of the optical path. In this mode, the laser can be positioned opposite to the position of the luminescent material including the first body and directly hit the luminescent material including the first body on the front side. The light is emitted in a reflective mode. The heat load of the luminescent material including the first body can be immediately directed to the beam combiner body acting as a heat sink. Where a sapphire rod can be used in the translucent mode, the reflective mode can utilize a copper rod insert to bond the luminescent material including the first body thereon. The advantage of the reflective mode assembly may be that the luminescent material including the first body has a better thermal behavior. The luminescent material including the first body can be plated with a metal coating on its back side, which allows the luminescent material including the first body to be soldered on the heat sink, thereby further improving the thermal behavior. Soldering can improve thermal conductivity, the thermal conductivity of solder is typically 50 to 70 Wm / K, and the thermal conductivity of dye-attached epoxy is 0.2 to 04 Wm / K. In addition to better thermal behavior, light efficiency is also improved. The heat sink may be coated with a reflector coating, which makes the extraction of light from the luminescent material comprising the first body more efficient. One disadvantage of the reflective mode is that the laser beam addressing the luminescent material comprising the first body occupies space opposite to the luminescent material comprising the first body. Half the amount of laser / luminescent material comprising the first body may be placed on the available space in the light module.

[0213] A more direct approach might be to place the laser diode at a radial distance from the axial axis of the optical module, where the TO can be aligned with the radial axis. This design approach aligns the laser beam directly with the luminescent material comprising the first body. Here, the laser beam also penetrates the reflective cup via a small hole. With this design, a thin module may be possible.

[0214] In transmission mode using a sapphire rod, the rod may have the same dimensions as the first body. Otherwise, the (blue) light from the laser may leak near the first body. The first body may be bonded to the sapphire rod with a transparent dye attachment paste.

[0215] In the reflection mode, the rod may be slightly larger than the first body. Wherein the first body may be glued or welded to the metal rod.

Claims

1. A light generating system (1000) configured to generate system light (1001), comprising: (i) a beam combiner body (500) and (ii) k devices (1050); wherein: The beam combiner body (500) comprises a first face (501), wherein the first face (501) comprises n grooves (510) extending from a central cavity (520), and the n grooves (510) are configured to provide light directed toward the central cavity (520), wherein n≥2; wherein the n grooves (510) have a first end (513) and a second end (514), wherein the first end (513) is configured to be further away from the central cavity (520) than the second end (514); Each of the k devices (1050) comprises a light generating apparatus (100), a light emitter (210), a first optical element (551) and a light guide (530), wherein 2≤k≤n; The light generating device (100) is configured to generate device light (101), wherein the light generating device (100) comprises one or more light sources selected from the group consisting of a laser and a superluminescent diode; The luminophore (210) comprises a luminescent material (200), the luminescent material (200) being configured to convert at least part of the device light (101) into luminescent material light (201); The first optical element (551) comprises one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens; The light guide (530) is arranged in one of the grooves (510); wherein the light guide (530) is light-transmissive to the luminescent material light (201); wherein the light guide (530) has a first body end (531) and a second body end (532), wherein the first body end (531) is arranged to be further away from the central cavity (520) than the second body end (532), and wherein the light guide (350) is arranged to transmit light to the central cavity (520) via the second body end (532); The light emitting body (210) is arranged downstream of the light generating device (100); the first optical element (551) is arranged downstream of the light emitting body (210); and the first body end (531) of the light guide (530) is arranged downstream of the first optical element (551); wherein the system light (1001) comprises one or more of the device light and the luminescent material light, and wherein during operation of the light generating system (1000), the system light is emitted from the central cavity (520).

2. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the grooves (510) are radially arranged and extend radially from the central cavity (520); wherein at least one of the following applies: (i) the second body end (532) is at least partially configured in the central cavity (520), and the second body end (532) is inclined, and (ii) the central cavity (520) has an inclined reflective surface (521); wherein the first optical element (551) includes a collimator element; and wherein the light generating device (100) includes at least one or more laser diodes.

3. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light generating device (100) is at least partially arranged within one of the grooves (510) and is arranged to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body (500).

4. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitter (210) is at least partially arranged within one of the grooves (510) and is arranged to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body (500).

5. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical element (551) is at least partially arranged within one of the grooves (510) and is arranged to be in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body (500).

6. A light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beam combiner body (500) comprises a heat conductor; wherein the groove (510) comprises a groove surface (512), wherein the groove surface (512) comprises a material that reflects the luminescent material light (201).

7. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second optical body (570) extending at least partially from the central cavity (520), wherein the second optical body (570) is arranged downstream of the light guide (530).

8. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 7, wherein the light guiding body (530) has a second refractive index n2, wherein the second optical body (570) has a third refractive index n3, wherein 0≤n3-n2≤0.

4.

9. A light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, and wherein the second optical body (570) is configured to beam shape the luminescent material light (201) received by the second optical body (570) from the light guide (530), and / or the second optical body (570) is configured to extract the luminescent material light (210) from the light guide (530); and wherein the second optical body (570) is dome-shaped.

10. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the light guiding body (530) and the second optical body (570) are a single body.

11. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the grooves (510) comprise groove axes (511), wherein at least one set of two groove axes (511) are configured to be parallel but not configured to coincide.

12. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a hollow reflector (610), wherein the beam combiner body (500) is arranged in the hollow reflector (610), wherein: The hollow reflector (610) comprises a reflector wall (611), wherein the reflector wall (611) comprises at least m light injection holes (612), and the at least m light injection holes are arranged upstream of the corresponding light groove (510) and downstream of the corresponding light generating device (100); and The hollow reflector (610) includes a reflector optical axis (O R ), wherein the reflector optical axis (O R ) overlaps with at least a portion of the central cavity (520).

13. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two light emitters (210), the at least two light emitters (210) comprising at least two different luminescent materials (200), wherein a primary light emitter (210) of the at least two light emitters (210) is configured to convert at least part of the device light (101) into luminescent material light (201) having a primary spectral power distribution, wherein a secondary light emitter (210) of the at least two light emitters (210) is configured to convert at least part of the device light (101) into luminescent material light (201) having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution; wherein at least one of the at least two different luminescent materials (200) comprises A3B5O 12 :Ce type luminescent material, wherein A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B includes one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

14. The light generating system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a control system (300), wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the light generating device (100), wherein in an operating mode of the light generating system (1000), the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate white system light (1001), wherein the system light comprises at least device light (101) and luminescent material light (201).

15. A lighting device (1200), selected from the group consisting of a lamp (1), a lamp fixture (2), a projector device (3), a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor and an optical wireless communication device, the lighting device comprising a light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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