High throughput laser phosphor engine with partially polarized beam splitter and tunable color point

Abstract

The present invention provides a light generating system comprising one or more light generating devices, a luminescent material, a diffuser element, a polarization altering element, a central optics and a control system wherein: (A) the one or more light generating devices are configured to generate device light; wherein the one or more light generating devices comprise a light source selected from the group consisting of a laser diode and a super light emitting diode; wherein the device light received by the central optics comprises controllable polarization; (B) the luminescent material is configured to convert at least a portion of the device light received by the luminescent material into luminescent material light; (C) the diffuser element is configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element, thereby providing diffused device light while maintaining at least a portion of the polarization; (D) a polarization altering element arranged in an optical path of the device light between the central optics and the diffuser element; (E) central optics comprising (i) a central optics polarizing beam splitter, and (ii) a central optics dichroic beam splitter; wherein the central optic is configured to transmit and / or reflect device light, diffuse device light, and luminescent material light received by the central optic according to one or more of its polarization and its spectral power distribution; (F) the control system is configured to control the polarization of the device light received by the central optics; (G) the light generating system is configured to provide system light comprising one or more of diffusing device light and luminescent material light; and wherein the light generating system is configured such that in a first mode of operation of the light generating system (a) at least a portion of the device light illuminates the luminescent material via the central optics and the luminescent material light escapes from the light generating system via the central optics, and (b) at least a portion of the device light illuminates the diffuser element via the central optics and at least a portion of the diffused device light escapes from the light generating system via the central optics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a light generating system. It also relates to lighting devices including a light generating system. Background Technology

[0002] Stage lighting engines based on laser phosphors are known in the art. For example, WO2022143318 describes a light-emitting device comprising a first light source, a second light source, a dichroic mirror, a wavelength conversion device, a first or second optical path adjustment device, and a first scattering optical system. The light mixing effect of the emitted light can be improved by using the first scattering optical system. All the light emitted by the first light source is used to excite the wavelength conversion device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] High-brightness light sources can be used in a variety of applications, including spotlights, stage lighting, headlights, home and office lighting, and automotive lighting. For this purpose, laser-phosphor technology can be used, where a laser provides the light and a remote phosphor converts the laser light into converted light. A relatively straightforward method for generating white light using a laser is to combine the laser with phosphor-converted light. Laser-phosphor systems can produce high-brightness light and therefore can be used in projection systems, including displays such as cinema projectors and projectors for home, school, and office applications, automotive headlights, searchlights, stage lighting, architectural lighting, and special lighting applications. However, such a light engine may be able to produce only a single color point defined by the light-emitting converter. Creating a product range that offers different color points can be difficult, as it may require designing, qualifying, manufacturing, and stocking multiple unique components. In other cases, such as in RGB LCD-based projection systems, maximum brightness may be limited by the components used, the engine may be large due to the numerous components, and the system cost may be high due to the many specialized parts. The combination of pump light and emitted light can be achieved using a polarization beamsplitter for the pump light, through which part of the light is reflected to the emitting material and part is transmitted to the diffuser. However, the diffused light may typically be largely depolarized, which can result in relatively high loss of the diffused blue light at the beam combiner, where it combines with the emitted light to form the white output light.

[0004] For example, a white light engine can be used that includes a polarization beamsplitter configured to reflect (almost) all s-polarized light and transmit (almost) all p-polarized light. Specifically, such a light generation system may include a partially polarized beamsplitter having, for example, 20% p-polarized light transmittance. Using such a partially polarized beamsplitter can provide a system with limited optical loss; however, it can also have limited luminous flux and a fixed color point. It may be desirable to provide a light engine that can be easily factory-calibrated relative to a requested color point, and / or whose color point can be easily adjusted by the user, while providing efficient collection of all spectral contributions to the output light, resulting in a high-efficiency, high-brightness white light engine.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an alternative light-generating system that preferably further eliminates at least partially one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. The object of the present invention is to overcome or improve at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a light generation system (“System”) comprising one or more light generation devices, a light-emitting material, a diffuser element, a polarization-changing element, a central optics device, and a control system. In embodiments, the one or more light generation devices may be configured to generate device light. In particular, in embodiments, the one or more light generation devices may include a light source selected from laser diodes and superluminescent diodes. Furthermore, in embodiments, the device light received by the central optics device may include controllable polarization. In embodiments, the light-emitting material may be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light received by the light-emitting material into light-emitting material light. Furthermore, in embodiments, the diffuser element may be configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element. Thus, in embodiments, the diffuser element thereby provides diffused device light. The diffuser element can do this in particular while maintaining at least a portion of the polarization (of the device light). Furthermore, in embodiments, the polarization-changing element may be configured in the optical path of the device light between the central optics device and the diffuser element. In embodiments, the central optics device may include (i) a central optics device polarization beamsplitter and (ii) a central optics device dichroic beamsplitter. Specifically, in embodiments, the central optics can be configured to transmit and / or reflect light received by the central optics based on one or more of the polarization and spectral power distribution of the light received by the central optics. More specifically, in embodiments, the central optics can be configured to transmit and / or reflect one or more of the device light, diffused device light, and luminescent material light received by the central optics based on one or more of the polarization and spectral power distribution of the device light, diffused device light, and luminescent material light received by the central optics. Furthermore, in embodiments, the control system can be configured to control the polarization of the device light received by the central optics. Additionally, in embodiments, the light generation system can be configured to provide system light comprising one or more of the diffused device light and luminescent material light. Specifically, in an embodiment, the light generating system can be configured such that in a first operating mode of the light generating system: (a) at least a portion of the device light irradiates the luminescent material via a central optics, and the luminescent material light escapes from the light generating system via the central optics; and (b) at least a portion of the device light irradiates the diffuser element via the central optics, and at least a portion of the diffuser light escapes from the light generating system via the central optics.Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a light generation system comprising one or more light generation devices, a light-emitting material, a diffuser element, a polarization-changing element, a central optics device, and a control system, wherein: (A) the one or more light generation devices are configured to generate device light; wherein the one or more light generation devices include a light source selected from laser diodes and superluminescent diodes; wherein the device light received by the central optics device includes controllable polarization; (B) the light-emitting material is configured to convert at least a portion of the device light received by the light-emitting material into light-emitting material light; (C) the diffuser element is configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element, thereby providing diffused device light while maintaining at least a portion of the polarization; (D) the polarization-changing element is configured in the optical path of the device light between the central optics device and the diffuser element; (E) the central optics device includes (i) a central optical polarization beam splitter and (ii) a central optical dichroic element. Beam splitter; wherein the central optics is configured to transmit and / or reflect the device light, diffused device light, and luminescent material light received by the central optics according to one or more of the polarization and spectral power distributions of the device light, diffused device light, and luminescent material light received by the central optics; (F) a control system is configured to control the polarization of the device light received by the central optics; (G) a light generation system is configured to provide system light, the system light comprising one or more of diffused device light and luminescent material light; and wherein the light generation system is configured such that in a first operating mode of the light generation system: (a) at least a portion of the device light irradiates the luminescent material via the central optics, and the luminescent material light escapes from the light generation system via the central optics; and (b) at least a portion of the device light irradiates the diffuser element via the central optics, and at least a portion of the diffused device light escapes from the light generation system via the central optics.

[0007] This system can provide a high-power light generation system. Furthermore, it allows control over the spectral power distribution of the system light (in a high-power system). However, such a system can provide high-power light safely. The system can be relatively compact while providing (i) relatively efficient collection of various spectral contributions to the system (“output”) light and (ii) relatively easy adjustability of the color point of the (white) system light. However, the system can also provide thermal management of the luminescent material. In addition to high optical power, the system can also provide high irradiance (or brightness), i.e., high optical power density of the source. Due to the reflective configuration of both the emitted and diffused light, the system can be more fail-safe, thereby preventing direct laser beam emission from the system in the event of failure of the luminescent or diffused components (e.g., breakage, detachment, etc.). Of course, the system can also work with a static light-emitting converter, but in this embodiment, a phosphor wheel is used due to its good heat dissipation and cooling properties. Diffusers typically dissipate much less energy and may not require such a rotatable configuration, although a rotatable configuration of the diffuser is also an embodiment herein. However, in this embodiment, the diffuser can also be implemented in the form of a rotating wheel. Especially for static emission converters, liquid-cooled converter constructions can also achieve high optical power and high optical power density. In summary, a typical advantage is that, in embodiments from two (different) laser sources, only a portion of one source can be used for diffusion, while more than one source is used for emission conversion. Therefore, such embodiments allow for the most efficient use of a combination of two laser sources, while also enabling the achievement of maximum output light using both laser sources, for example, when using two sources of comparable size (e.g., using the same number of laser diodes in a convenient configuration). Thus, in embodiments, a high-throughput laser phosphor engine with a tunable color point is provided, wherein the laser phosphor engine may include a central optics having at least (partial) polarization beamsplitter and dichroic beamsplitter functions.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a light engine that can be easily factory-calibrated relative to a requested color point, and / or whose color point can be easily adjusted by the user, while providing efficient collection of all spectral contributions to the output light, thereby producing a high-efficiency, high-brightness white light engine.

[0009] As described above, in the embodiments, the light generation system may include one or more light generation devices, light-emitting materials, diffuser elements, polarization-changing elements, central optics, and a control system.

[0010] Each light generating device may include a (solid-state) light source. Specifically, in embodiments, one or more light generating devices may include a light source selected from laser diodes, stacked multi-junction light-emitting diodes, and superluminescent diodes. Embodiments of light generating devices and (solid-state) light sources are generally described below and may be applied (individually) to one or more light generating devices. Thus, a light generating system may include one or more light generating devices. Light generating devices may be configured, in particular, to generate device light. Specifically, a light generating device may include a light source. A light source may be specifically configured to generate source light. In embodiments, device light may consist substantially of source light. In other embodiments, device light may consist substantially of converted source light. In other embodiments, device light may include (unconverted) source light and converted source light. Source light may be converted into source light using a luminescent material and / or into upconverted light using an upconverter (see also below). The term "light generating device" may also refer to multiple light generating devices that can provide device light having substantially the same spectral power distribution. In (other) specific embodiments, the term "light generating device" may also refer to multiple light generating devices that can provide device light with different spectral power distributions.

[0011] The term "light source" can, in principle, refer to any light source known in the art. It can be a conventional (tungsten) bulb, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or an LED (light-emitting diode). In specific embodiments, the light source includes solid-state LED light sources (such as LEDs or laser diodes (or "diode lasers")). The term "light source" can also refer to multiple light sources, such as a 2-2000 (solid-state) LED light source. Therefore, the term LED can also refer to multiple LEDs. Furthermore, the term "light source" in embodiments can also refer to so-called chip-on-board (COB) light sources. The term "COB" specifically refers to LED chips in the form of semiconductor chips that are neither packaged nor connected but directly mounted onto a substrate such as a PCB. Therefore, multiple light-emitting semiconductor light sources can be configured on the same substrate. In embodiments, a COB is a multi-LED chip configured together as a single lighting module.

[0012] The term "light source" can also refer to a chip-scale package (CSP). A CSP can include a single solid-state die with a layer comprising a light-emitting material disposed thereon. The term "light source" can also refer to a medium-power package. A medium-power package can include one or more solid-state dies. The dies(s) can be covered by a layer comprising a light-emitting material. The die size can be equal to or less than 2 mm, for example, in the range of 0.2-2 mm. Therefore, in embodiments, the light source includes a solid-state light source. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the light source includes a chip-scale packaged LED. Hereinafter, the term "light source" can also specifically refer to a small solid-state light source, such as one having a miniature or micro-sized dimensions. For example, a light source can include one or more of mini LEDs and micro LEDs. In particular, in embodiments, the light source includes a micro LED or "microLED" or "μLED". Hereinafter, the terms miniature or mini LED particularly refer to a solid-state light source having dimensions (such as die size, especially length and width) selected from the range of 100 μm to 1 mm. In this document, the term μ-size or micro-LED specifically refers to a solid-state light source having dimensions selected from a range of 100 μm and smaller, such as die size, especially length and width.

[0013] A light source can have a light-escape surface. Referring to conventional light sources, such as light bulbs or fluorescent lamps, this can be the outer surface of a glass or quartz housing. For LEDs, it can be, for example, the LED die, or, when resin is applied to the LED die, the outer surface of the resin. In principle, it can also be the termination of an optical fiber. The term "escape surface" specifically refers to a portion of a light source where light actually leaves or escapes from the light source. The light source is configured to provide a beam of light. This beam of light (and therefore) escapes from the light-escape surface of the light source.

[0014] Similarly, a light-generating device may include a light-escape surface, such as an end window. Likewise, a light-generating system may include a light-escape surface, such as an end window.

[0015] The location where the system light escapes from the light-generating system can also be referred to as the light exit. This can be a light-transmitting window or opening (in the system). In an embodiment, the light-transmitting window can be provided by optical components.

[0016] The term "light source" can refer to semiconductor light-emitting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, resonant cavity light-emitting diodes (RCLEDs), vertical cavity laser diodes (VCSELs), edge-emitting lasers (EELs), photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), and vertical external cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs). The term "light source" can also refer to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), such as passive matrix (PMOLEDs) or active matrix (AMOLEDs). In certain embodiments, the light source includes solid-state light sources (such as LEDs or laser diodes). In one embodiment, the light source includes an LED (light-emitting diode). The term "light source" or "solid-state light source" can also refer to superluminescent diodes (SLEDs). The term "light source" can also refer to multiple (substantially identical (or different)) light sources, such as 2-2000 solid-state light sources. In embodiments, the light source can include one or more micro-optical elements (microlens arrays) downstream of a single solid-state light source (e.g., an LED) or multiple solid-state light sources (i.e., shared by multiple LEDs). In embodiments, the light source can include an LED with on-chip optics. In this embodiment, the light source comprises pixelated individual LEDs (with or without optics) (provided in this embodiment with on-chip beam control). The term LED may also refer to multiple LEDs.

[0017] In embodiments, the light source can be configured to provide primary radiation that is used as is, such as a blue light source like a blue LED, a green light source like a green LED, and a red light source like a red LED. Such an LED, which may not include a luminescent material (“phosphor”), can be referred to as a direct-color LED.

[0018] However, in other embodiments, the light source can be configured to provide primary radiation, and a portion of the primary radiation is converted into secondary radiation. The secondary radiation can be based on a conversion performed by a luminescent material. Therefore, secondary radiation can also be represented as luminescent material radiation. In embodiments, the luminescent material can be included by the light source, such as an LED having a layer of luminescent material or a dome including luminescent material. Such an LED can be represented as a phosphor-converted LED or a PC LED (phosphor-converted LED). In other embodiments, the luminescent material can be positioned at a distance (“far”) from the light source, such as an LED having a layer of luminescent material that is not in physical contact with the LED die. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the light source can be a source that emits light with wavelengths selected from the 380-470 nm range during operation. However, other wavelengths are also possible. This light can be partially converted by the luminescent material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the light-generating device may include a light-emitting material. In other embodiments, the light-generating device may include a PCLED. In other embodiments, the light-generating device may include a direct LED (i.e., a phosphorless LED). In some embodiments, the light-generating device may include a laser device, such as a laser diode. In other embodiments, the light-generating device may include a superluminescent diode. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the light source may be selected from the group consisting of laser diodes and superluminescent diodes. In other embodiments, the light source may include an LED.

[0020] The light source can be configured to produce light with an optical axis (O) (beam shape) and spectral power distribution. In embodiments, the light source may include one or more frequency bands having bandwidths known to the laser.

[0021] The term "light source" can (therefore) refer to a light-generating element, such as a solid-state light source, or to a package of a light-generating element, such as a solid-state light source, as well as one or more of elements comprising luminescent materials and (other) optical devices (e.g., lenses, collimators). A light-converting element ("converter element" or "converter") can include an element having luminescent materials. For example, a solid-state light source like a blue LED is a light source. A combination of a solid-state light source (as a light-generating element) and a light-converter element optically coupled to the solid-state light source (e.g., a blue LED and a light-converter element) can also be a light source (but can also be referred to as a light-generating device). Thus, a white LED is a light source (but can also be referred to, for example, as a (white) light-generating device).

[0022] The term "light source" in this article may also refer to light sources including solid-state light sources, such as LEDs, stacked multi-junction light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, or superluminescent diodes.

[0023] Therefore, in the embodiments, the term "light source" can also refer to a light source based on light conversion, such as a light source combined with a light-emitting converter material. Thus, the term "light source" can also refer to a combination of an LED and a light-emitting material configured to convert at least a portion of the LED's radiation, or a combination of a (diode) laser and a light-emitting material configured to convert at least a portion of the (diode) laser's radiation.

[0024] In embodiments, the term "light source" may also refer to a combination of a light source (such as an LED) and a filter, which can alter the spectral power distribution of the light generated by the light source. Specifically, the term "light generating device" may be used to describe a light source and other (optical components), such as filters and / or beam shaping elements.

[0025] The phrases “different light sources” or “multiple different light sources” and similar phrases in the embodiments may refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins. Similarly, the phrases “identical light sources” or “multiple identical light sources” and similar phrases in the embodiments may refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from the same bin.

[0026] The terms “solid-state light source” or “solid-state material light source” and similar terms may specifically refer to semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or superluminescent diodes.

[0027] The term "laser source" specifically refers to a laser. Such a laser can be configured to generate laser light having one or more wavelengths in the UV, visible, or infrared range, particularly wavelengths selected from a spectral wavelength range of 200-2000 nm, for example, 300-1500 nm. The term "laser" also specifically refers to a device that emits light through a light amplification process based on stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. In particular, in embodiments, the term "laser" may refer to a solid-state laser. In certain embodiments, the term "laser" or "laser source" or similar terms refers to a laser diode (or diode laser).

[0028] Therefore, in the embodiments, the light source includes a laser light source. In the embodiments, the terms "laser," "solid-state laser," or "solid-state material laser" may refer to one or more of the following: cerium-doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride. Chromium-doped gold beryllium (alexandrite) lasers, chromium-doped ZnSe Lasers, samarium divalent doped calcium fluoride (Sm:CaF2) lasers, Er:YAG lasers, erbium-doped and erbium-ytterbium co-doped glass lasers, F-centered lasers, holmium YAG (Ho:YAG) lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, NdCrYAG lasers, neodymium-doped calcium borate Alternatively, Nd:YCOB, Nd:YVO4 lasers, Nd glass lasers, Nd:YLF solid-state lasers, and promethium-147-doped phosphate glass (147Pm) lasers. 3+ Solid-state lasers (glass), ruby ​​lasers Thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) laser, Titanium Sapphire (Ti:Sapphire; Al2O3:Ti) 3+ Lasers include trivalent uranium-doped calcium fluoride (U:CaF2) solid-state lasers, ytterbium-doped glass lasers (rods, plates / chips, optical fibers), ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) lasers, and Yb2O3 (glass or ceramic) lasers.

[0029] For example, including second and third harmonic generation embodiments, the light source may include one or more of the following: an F-center laser, a yttrium vanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, a promethium-147 doped phosphate glass (147Pm). 3+ (glass) and titanium sapphire (Ti: sapphire; Al2O3: Ti) 3+ Lasers. For example, considering the generation of second and third harmonics, such a light source can be used to generate blue light.

[0030] In the embodiments, the terms "laser" or "solid-state laser" or "solid-state material laser" may refer to one or more of the following: semiconductor laser diodes, such as GaN, InGaN, AlGaInP, AlGaAs, InGaAsP, lead salts, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), quantum cascade lasers, hybrid silicon lasers, etc.

[0031] Lasers can be combined with up-converters to achieve shorter wavelengths. For example, upconversion can be achieved using some (trivalent) rare-earth ions, or using nonlinear crystals. Alternatively, lasers can be combined with down-converters, such as dye lasers, to achieve longer wavelengths.

[0032] As can be derived from the following, the term "laser source" can also refer to multiple (different or identical) laser sources. In a particular embodiment, the term "laser source" may refer to N (identical) laser sources. In embodiments, N=2 or greater. In specific embodiments, N may be at least 5, for example, particularly at least 8. In this way, higher brightness can be obtained.

[0033] The laser source is configured to generate laser light (or "laser"). The light source can consist essentially of laser light. It can also include laser light from two or more (different or identical) laser sources. For example, laser light from two or more (different or identical) laser sources can be coupled into a light guide to provide a single beam of light comprising laser light from two or more (different or identical) laser sources. In certain embodiments, the light source is therefore, in particular, collimated light. In further embodiments, the light source is, in particular, (collimated) laser light.

[0034] In embodiments, the laser source light may include one or more frequency bands having a bandwidth known to the laser. In particular embodiments, the frequency bands may be relatively sharp lines, such as having a full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the range of less than 20 nm at RT, such as equal to or less than 10 nm. Thus, the source light has a spectral power distribution (intensity on an energy scale as a function of wavelength) that may include one or more (narrow) bands.

[0035] The beam of light (from the light source) can be a focused or collimated beam of light from the (laser) source. The term "focused" specifically refers to convergence into a small spot. This small spot can be located at, or (slightly) upstream of, or (slightly) downstream of, a discrete converter region. In particular, focusing and / or collimation can be performed such that the cross-sectional shape of the beam (perpendicular to the optical axis) at the discrete converter region (on the side) is substantially no larger than the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the discrete converter region (where the light source illuminates the discrete converter region). Focusing can be performed using one or more optical devices such as (focusing) lenses. In particular, two lenses can be applied to focus the laser source light. Collimation can be performed using one or more (other) optical devices, such as collimating elements, such as lenses and / or parabolic mirrors. In embodiments, the (laser) source beam can be relatively highly collimated, for example, ≤2° (FWHM) in embodiments, more particularly ≤1° (FWHM), and most particularly ≤0.5° (FWHM). Therefore, ≤2° (FWHM) can be considered as (highly) collimated light source. Optical devices can be used to provide (high) collimation (see also above).

[0036] The term "solid-state material laser" and similar terms can refer to solid-state lasers, such as solid-state lasers based on crystals or glasses doped with ions (e.g., transition metal ions and / or lanthanide ions), fiber lasers, photonic crystal lasers, semiconductor lasers, such as, for example, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).

[0037] The term "solid-state light source" and similar terms may specifically refer to semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or superluminescent diodes.

[0038] Instead of the term "solid-state light source," the term "semiconductor-based light source" can also be used. Therefore, the term "semiconductor-based light source" can refer to one or more of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, and superluminescent diodes.

[0039] Therefore, light generating devices may include one or more of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, and superluminescent diodes.

[0040] Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor light sources that emit light, especially when an electric current flows through them. Electrons in a semiconductor can recombine with electron-hole pairs, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) can be determined by the energy required for an electron to cross the band gap of the semiconductor.

[0041] A laser diode (or diode laser) can be a semiconductor device substantially similar to a light-emitting diode, wherein a diode directly pumped by a current can generate laser emission conditions at the junction of the diode. This is known to those skilled in the art.

[0042] Superluminescent diodes are known in the art. A superluminescent diode can be represented as a semiconductor device that can emit a broad spectrum of low-coherence light like an LED, while having brightness on the order of a laser diode.

[0043] For example, US2020192017 states that " Using current technology, a single SLED can operate within a wavelength range of 800-900nm. It emits over a bandwidth of at most 50-70 nm, with sufficient spectral flatness and adequate output power. For display purposes... Within the visible range of applications, namely the 450-650nm wavelength range, using current technology, a single SLED can achieve up to 10- Emitting over a bandwidth of 30nm. This emission bandwidth is necessary for red (640nm), green (520nm), and blue (450nm), i.e. RGB-emitting displays or projectors are too small for most applications. "Furthermore, superluminescent diodes, especially in 'Edge Emitting Laser Diodes and Superluminescent Diodes,' by Szymon Stanczyk, Anna Kafar, Dario Schiavon, Stephen Najda, Thomas Slight, and Piotr Perlin, with Book Editors: Fabrizio Roccaforte and Mike Leszczynski, were first published on August 3, 2020." https: / / doi.org / 10.1002 / 9783527825264.ch9 The superluminescent diode is described in Section 9.3 of this book. Section 9.3, in particular, is incorporated herein by reference. It states that a superluminescent diode (SLD) is an emitter that combines the characteristics of a laser diode and a light-emitting diode. SLD emitters utilize stimulated emission, meaning 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 specially designed to prevent standing wave formation and laser emission. Furthermore, the presence of the waveguide ensures the emission of a high-quality beam with high spatial coherence, but the light is characterized by low temporal coherence. Currently, the most successful nitride SLD The design can be curved, curved, or tilted waveguide geometry, as well as tilted faceted geometry, and in all cases, The waveguide's front end meets the device's facet at an angle, as shown in Figure 9.10. The angled waveguide guides light to the device. Outside the lossy, unpumped region of the chip, light reflection from the facet to the waveguide is suppressed. Therefore, SLDs can be semiconductor light sources, in particular, where spontaneously emitted light is amplified by stimulated emission in the active region of the device. This emission is called "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 light source has the advantage of significantly reduced or invisible speckle, and the spectral distribution of the emission is much wider than that of laser diodes, which makes it better suited for lighting applications. In particular, the spectral power distribution of a superluminescent diode can be varied with changes in current. In this way, the spectral power distribution can be controlled, for example, see also Abdullah A. Alatawi et al., Optics Express Vol.26, Issue 20, pp. 26355-26364. https: / / doi.org / 10.1364 / QE.26.026355 Therefore, a superluminescent diode (SLED) can be represented as a semiconductor device capable of emitting a broad spectrum of low-coherence light like an LED, while possessing brightness on par with a laser diode. A SLED combines the high power and brightness of a laser diode with the low coherence of a conventional LED. The low (temporal) coherence of the light source has the advantage of significantly reduced or invisible speckle, and the emitted spectral distribution is much wider than that of a laser diode, making it better suited for lighting applications. Therefore, in embodiments, a solid-state light source may include a SLED. For example, in further specific embodiments, the solid-state light source may include a GaN-based SLED, an InGaN-based SLED, or an AlGaN-based SLED.

[0044] Specifically, in embodiments, one or more light-generating devices include a light source selected from laser diodes and superluminescent diodes. More specifically, in embodiments, one or more light-generating devices may include a light source selected from photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), edge-emitting laser diodes, and vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes, either as a single emitter or as an emitter array. In embodiments, the emitter array may in particular be configured within a laser array. Therefore, in embodiments, the light-generating system may include a laser array, also as described below.

[0045] In embodiments, the device light may be unpolarized light. However, in (other) embodiments, the device light may include one or more of p-polarized light and s-polarized light. Optionally, in embodiments, the device light may be elliptically or circularly polarized. Thus, in embodiments, one or more light generating devices may be configured to generate polarized device light. In embodiments, the light generating devices may be configured, in particular, to generate device light with controllable polarization. Thus, in certain embodiments, the polarization of the device light may be controllable, such as by using one or more of: (i) polarization control optics and (ii) using two or more light generating devices that generate device light with different (linear, circular, or elliptical) polarizations. Furthermore, in embodiments, the degree of polarization of the polarized light may be controlled. In certain embodiments, the control system may (further) be configured to control the polarization of the device light, see also above and below.

[0046] Specifically, in embodiments, the degree of polarization can be defined as the percentage of p-polarized or s-polarized light relative to the sum of s-polarized and p-polarized light. To determine the percentage, the angular brightness of the device light with s-polarization and the angular brightness of the device light with p-polarization can be applied. For example, the device light may have 20% s-polarization and 80% p-polarization. For angular brightness, see, for example, Blom, S et al., Towards a polarized light-emitting backlight: Micro-structured anisotropic layers, DOI-10.1889 / 1.1827869, Journal of the Society for Information Display, September 2002, pp. 209-213. Brightness can also be applied instead of angular brightness. However, the term "degree of polarization" is known in the art. Specifically, in embodiments, the degree of polarization can be defined as the percentage of p-polarized and / or s-polarized light relative to the sum of p-polarized and s-polarized light. Measurements of the degree of polarization are known in the art and can be based on Stokes parameters.

[0047] In this document, the term "linearly s-polarized light" may be used instead of "s-polarized light" and similar terms. Furthermore, the term "linearly p-polarized light" may be used instead of "p-polarized light" and similar terms.

[0048] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the device light may be blue light. The terms "blue light" or "blue emission" and similar terms may specifically refer to light with wavelengths in the range of about 440-490 nm (including some violet and cyan hues). In certain embodiments, blue light may have a centroid wavelength in the range of 440-490 nm.

[0049] Furthermore, the light-generating system includes a light-emitting material. In embodiments, the light-emitting material is particularly configured to be in a light-receiving relationship with a central optics device. Furthermore, the light-emitting material can be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light received by the light-emitting material into light-emitting material light. Specifically, in embodiments, the light-emitting material can be configured to convert at least 70%, such as at least 80%, like at least 90%, particularly at least 95%, including at least 98%, of the device light received by the light-emitting material into light-emitting material light. The term "light-emitting material" specifically refers to a material that can convert one or more of a first radiation, particularly 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 "light-emitting material," the terms "light-emitting converter" or "converter" can also be used. Typically, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution at a wavelength larger than the first radiation, which is the case in so-called down-conversion. However, in certain embodiments, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution with intensity at a wavelength smaller than the first radiation, which is the case in so-called up-conversion.

[0050] In embodiments, "luminescent material" can specifically refer to a material capable of converting radiation into, for example, visible light and / or infrared light. For example, in embodiments, the luminescent material is capable of converting one or more of UV radiation and blue radiation into visible light. In certain embodiments, the luminescent material can also convert radiation into infrared radiation (IR). Therefore, when excited by 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 Although in certain embodiments, the luminescent material may include an up-converter luminescent material, i.e., radiation of a larger wavelength is converted into radiation of a smaller wavelength (λ). ex >λ em ).

[0051] In embodiments, the term "luminescence" may refer to phosphorescence. In embodiments, the term "luminescence" may also refer to fluorescence. Instead of "luminescence," the term "emission" may also be used. Thus, the terms "first radiation" and "second radiation" may refer to excitation radiation and emission (radiation), respectively. Similarly, the term "luminescent material" in embodiments may refer to phosphorescence and / or fluorescence.

[0052] The term "luminescent material" can also refer to a variety of different luminescent materials. Examples of possible luminescent materials are shown below. Therefore, the term "luminescent material" can also refer to a luminescent material composition in certain embodiments. The term "phosphorus" can also be used instead of "luminescent material." These terms are known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] In the embodiments, the luminescent material is selected from garnet and nitride, particularly garnet and nitride doped with trivalent cerium or divalent europium, respectively. The term "nitride" may also refer to nitrogen oxides or nitrogen silicates, etc. Alternatively or additionally, (multiple) luminescent materials may be selected from silicates, particularly silicates doped with divalent europium.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the luminescent material includes The luminescent material is of the type wherein A in the embodiments comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, particularly (at least) one or more of Y, Gd, Tb, and Lu, and wherein B in the embodiments comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc. Specifically, A may comprise one or more of Y, Gd, and Lu, for example, particularly one or more of Y and Lu. Specifically, B may comprise one or more of Al and Ga, more particularly at least Al, for example, substantially entirely Al. Therefore, cerium-containing garnet materials are particularly suitable luminescent materials. Examples of garnet particularly include A3B5O. 12 Garnet, wherein A comprises at least yttrium or lutetium, and wherein B comprises at least aluminum. This garnet may be doped with cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), or a combination of cerium and praseodymium; however, Ce is used particularly. Specifically, B may comprise aluminum (Al); however, in addition to aluminum, B may also partially comprise gallium (Ga) and / or scandium (Sc) and / or indium (In), particularly up to about 20% B, more particularly up to about 10% B (i.e., the B ions are essentially composed of more than 90 mol% Al and less than 10 mol% 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 substituted with Si and N. Element A may be selected in particular from the group consisting of yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), and lutetium (Lu). Furthermore, Gd and / or Tb are particularly present only in amounts up to about 20% of A. In a specific embodiment, the garnet luminescent material includes Where x is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1. The term ":Ce" indicates that a portion of the metal ions in the luminescent material (i.e., in garnet, a portion of the "A" ions) are replaced by Ce. For example, in In this case, some Y and / or Lu are substituted by Ce. This is known to those skilled in the art. Ce will generally replace no more than 10% of A; typically, the Ce concentration is 0.1-4%, particularly 0.1-2% (relative to A). Assuming 1% Ce and 10% Y, the perfectly correct molecular formula could be... Ce in garnet is essentially or only in the trivalent state, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] In the embodiments, the luminescent material (therefore) comprises A3B5O. 12, wherein in a particular embodiment, up to 10% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, the luminescent material comprises , where x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, where x3 > 0, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, where y1 + y2 = 1, where in particular 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 selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc. In an embodiment, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.1. In the present invention, in particular x1 > 0, such as > 0.2, such as at least 0.8. Garnets having Y can provide a suitable spectral power distribution.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, up to 10% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Herein, B in B-O refers to one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc (and O refers to oxygen); in a particular embodiment, B-O can refer to A1-O. As described above, in a particular embodiment, x3 can be selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.04. In particular, 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 (optionally in combination with the light of other light sources as described herein). Thus, in a particular 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 , where Lu and / or Gd is available. Even more particularly, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.1, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.1, and where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.1. Further, in a specific embodiment, up to 1% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, the percentage refers to the number of moles (as known in the art); also see, for example, EP3149108. In another particular embodiment, the luminescent material comprises , where x1 + x3 = 1, and where 0 < x3 ≤ 0.2, for example 0.001 - 0.1.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, the light generating device may only comprise a garnet-type luminescent material selected from those comprising cerium. In a further particular embodiment, the light generating device comprises a single type of luminescent material, such as . Thus, in a specific embodiment, the light generating device comprises a luminescent material, where at least 85 wt.%, even more particularly at least about 90 wt.%, such as even more particularly at least about 95 wt.% of the luminescent material comprises Among them, A' includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide elements, and among them, B' includes one or more elements selected from Ga, In, and Sc, where x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, where x3 > 0, where 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, where y1 + y2 = 1, where 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2. In particular, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 - 0.1. Note that in the examples, x2 = 0. Alternatively or additionally, in the examples, y2 = 0.

[0059] In a specific example, A can particularly include at least Y, and B can particularly include at least Al.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the luminescent material can include a type of luminescent material, where A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, for example one or more of La and Y in the examples.

[0061] In the examples, the luminescent material can alternatively or additionally include one or more of the following: MS:Eu 2+ and / or and / or and / or etc., where M includes one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca, especially at least Sr in the examples. Thus, in the examples, the luminescent material can include those selected from the group consisting of: and . In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or merely divalent and replaces one or more of the specified divalent cations. Generally, Eu will not be present in an amount greater than 10% of the cations; relative to the cations it replaces, its presence will especially be in the range of about 0.5 to 10%, more especially in the range of about 0.5 to 5%. The term ":Eu" means that part of the metal ions are replaced by Eu (replaced by Eu in these examples). For example, assuming 2+ 2% of Eu is present in , the correct molecular formula can be . Divalent europium usually replaces divalent cations, such as the above-mentioned divalent alkaline earth metal cations, especially Ca, Sr, or Ba. The material can also be expressed as MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium in this compound, more especially calcium. Herein, Eu is introduced and replaces at least part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca). Additionally, the material can also be expressed as 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 (regardless of the presence of Eu), particularly 50-100%, more particularly 50-90% Ba and 50-0%, particularly 50-10% Sr, such as... (i.e., 75% Ba; 25% Sr). In this paper, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M, i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca. Similarly, the material... It can also be represented as MAlSiN3:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium in the compound, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium. Hereinafter, Eu is introduced and substitutes at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca). As is known to those skilled in the art, Eu in the above-described luminescent materials is substantially or only in a divalent state.

[0062] In this embodiment, the red luminescent material may include one or more selected from the group consisting of: and In these compounds, europium (Eu) is essentially or solely divalent and substitutes for one or more specified divalent cations. Typically, Eu will not be present in an amount greater than 10% of the cation; its presence will be particularly in the range of about 0.5% to 10%, and more particularly in the range of about 0.5% to 5%, relative to the substituted cation(s). The term ":Eu" indicates that a portion of the metal ion is substituted by Eu (in these embodiments, Eu is used to replace the metal ion). 2+ Replacement). For example, suppose If it contains 2% Eu, then the correct molecular formula could be: Divalent europium typically substitutes for divalent cations, such as the aforementioned divalent alkaline earth metal cations, especially Ca, Sr, or Ba.

[0063] Material It can also be represented as MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca); in particular, M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, in the compound. In this document, Eu is introduced and substitutes at least part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca).

[0064] In addition, materials It can also be expressed as 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 (without regard to the presence of Eu), particularly 50-100%, more particularly 50-90% Ba and 50-0%, particularly 50-10% Sr, for example (i.e., 75% Ba; 25% Sr). In this paper, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a portion of M, i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca.

[0065] Similarly, materials It can also be expressed as 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. In this document, Eu is introduced and substitutes for at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca).

[0066] As is known to those skilled in the art, the Eu in the above-mentioned luminescent materials is essentially or only in a divalent state.

[0067] Blue luminescent materials may include or similar compounds, or , or similar compounds.

[0068] The term "luminescent material" in this article refers specifically to inorganic luminescent materials.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, other luminescent materials may also be applied. For example, quantum dots and / or organic dyes may be applied and optionally embedded in a transmissive matrix, such as polymers like PMMA or polysiloxanes.

[0070] Quantum dots are tiny crystals of semiconductor materials, typically only a few nanometers wide or in diameter. When excited by incident light, quantum dots emit light of a color determined by the size and material of the crystal. Therefore, a specific color of light can be produced by adjusting the size of the dot. Most known quantum dots that emit light in the visible light range are based on cadmium selenide (CdSe) with a shell such as cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). Cadmium-free quantum dots, such as indium phosphide (InP), copper indium sulfide (CuInS2), and / or silver indium sulfide (AgInS2), can also be used. Quantum dots exhibit very narrow emission bands, thus displaying saturated colors. Furthermore, the emission color can be easily tuned by adjusting the size of the quantum dot. Any type of quantum dot known in the art can be used in this invention. However, for environmental safety and concerns, cadmium-free quantum dots or at least quantum dots with very low cadmium content are preferred.

[0071] Other quantum confinement structures, besides quantum dots, can be used instead of quantum dots. In the context of this application, the term "quantum confinement structure" should be understood to mean, for example, quantum wells, quantum dots, quantum rods, tripods, quadrupoles, or nanowires.

[0072] Organic phosphors may also be used. Examples of suitable organic phosphor materials are perylene derivative-based organic light-emitting materials, such as compounds marketed by BASF under the name Lumogen®. Examples of suitable compounds include, but are not limited to, Lumogen® Red F305, Lumogen® Orange F240, Lumogen® Yellow F083, and Lumogen® F170.

[0073] Different luminescent materials can have different spectral power distributions of light from each luminescent material. Alternatively or additionally, these different luminescent materials can have different color points (or dominant wavelengths).

[0074] As mentioned above, other luminescent materials are also possible. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the luminescent material is selected from europium-containing nitrides, europium-containing oxynitrides, europium-containing silicates, cerium-containing garnets, and quantum structures. Quantum structures may, for example, include quantum dots or quantum rods (or other quantum-type particles) (see above). Quantum structures may also include quantum wells. Quantum structures may also include photonic crystals.

[0075] Furthermore, the luminescent material can be configured in either a reflective or transmissive mode. In transmissive mode, it is relatively easy to mix light from a source source with the light from the luminescent material, which can be used to generate a desired spectral power distribution. In reflective mode, thermal management is easier because the main portion of the luminescent material can be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive element, such as a heat sink or thermal diffuser. In embodiments, the luminescent material can therefore be configured to be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material to provide improved thermal management. For example, the luminescent material can be configured to be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive element.

[0076] Thermally conductive elements may in particular include thermally conductive materials. The thermally conductive materials may, in particular, have a thermal conductivity of at least about 20 W / ( ), such as at least about 30W / ( For example, at least about 100W / ( ), especially at least about 200W / ( The thermal conductivity is approximately 10 W / (m²). In another specific embodiment, the thermally conductive material may in particular have a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W / (m²). The thermal conductivity of the material. In embodiments, the thermally conductive material may include one or more of the following: copper, aluminum, silver, gold, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, aluminum silicon carbide, beryllium oxide, silicon carbide composite, aluminum silicon carbide, copper-tungsten alloy, copper-molybdenum carbide, carbon, diamond, and graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the thermally conductive material may include or be composed of alumina. In embodiments, the thermally conductive element may include one or more of a heat sink, a heat diffuser, and a two-phase cooling device. In other embodiments, the thermally conductive element may be configured to be in thermal contact with one or more of a heat sink, a heat diffuser, and a two-phase cooling device, and may transfer heat to such a heat sink, heat diffuser, or two-phase cooling device, for example, via another thermally conductive element. If an element can exchange energy through heat treatment, it can be considered to be in "thermal contact" with another element. Therefore, the elements can be thermally coupled. In embodiments, thermal contact may be achieved through physical contact. In embodiments, thermal contact may be achieved through a thermally conductive material, such as a thermally conductive adhesive (or thermally conductive glue). Thermal contact can also be achieved between two elements when they are arranged relative to each other at a distance equal to or less than about 10 μm, although larger distances, such as up to 100 μm, are also possible. The shorter the distance, the better the thermal contact. In particular, this distance is 10 μm or less, for example, 5 μm or less, such as 1 μm or less. This distance can be the distance between two corresponding surfaces of the respective elements. This distance can be an average distance. For example, two elements may be in physical contact at one or more, for example, multiple locations, but at one or more, particularly multiple other locations, the elements are not in physical contact. This may be the case, for example, when one or both elements have rough surfaces. Therefore, in embodiments, the average distance between two elements can be 10 μm or less (although larger average distances are possible, such as up to 100 μm).

[0077] For high-power radiation from luminescent materials, thermal load can become critical. Therefore, in embodiments, the luminescent material can be configured to extend in a circular configuration, such as on a disk, and can be locally illuminated in a movable manner during system operation. In this way, the luminescent material is only temporarily heated and allowed to cool for a (short) period before being re-illuminated. In some embodiments, the luminescent material can be configured in a static configuration with additional movable optical components configured to provide a device light spot on the luminescent material that moves along a trajectory (e.g., circular, elliptical, linear, or even curved) to illuminate different portions of the luminescent material over time. In other embodiments, the light-generating system may include a rotatable element (such as, for example, a phosphor wheel) having luminescent material. In a particular embodiment, the light-generating system may include a rotatable element comprising luminescent material; wherein during operation of the light-generating system in a first operating mode, the rotatable element can rotate such that different portions of the luminescent material are illuminated by device light over time.

[0078] In an embodiment, the rotatable element may include one of the following: a phosphor wheel, a rotating phosphor disk, and a rotating rod comprising a luminescent material as a cylindrical track.

[0079] Therefore, as described above, in the embodiments, at least a portion of the device light is incident on the luminescent material, such that the luminescent material can be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light received by the luminescent material (or incident on the luminescent material) into luminescent material light.

[0080] Similarly, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the device light is incident on a diffuser element, such that the diffuser element can be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element (or incident on the diffuser element) into diffused device light. Therefore, in an embodiment, the light generation system can be configured to direct a portion of the device light to a light-emitting material and a portion of the device light to a diffuser element in an operating mode of the light generation system.

[0081] In embodiments, the light generating system may (and therefore) include one or more operating modes. In some embodiments, only a first operating mode may exist, while in other embodiments, a first operating mode, a second operating mode, etc., may exist. In particular, the term "first operating mode" and similar terms herein may also refer to one or more, such as multiple first operating modes. Thus, in embodiments, multiple (first) operating modes may exist.

[0082] In embodiments, a diffuser element may be configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element. Specifically, in embodiments, the diffuser element may be configured to diffuse at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, and especially at least 90%, of the device light incident on the diffuser element. Hereinafter, the term "diffuser element" may refer to an element that diffuses or scatters light such that soft light can be transmitted and / or reflected. In embodiments, such a diffuser element may comprise a diffuser material, such as one or more selected from the group consisting of glass, polymer materials, fabrics, and gels. An example of a reflective diffuser element may be a metal-coated glass diffuser having a reflectivity of 95-98%. Thus, in embodiments, the diffuser element may be particularly configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element by reflection (and / or transmission), thereby providing diffused device light. In embodiments, the diffuser element may particularly operate in a reflective mode. In this document, when the indicating element operates in transmission mode, in embodiments, this may mean that at one or more wavelengths, the transmitted radiation portion may be greater than the reflected or absorbed radiation portion. Conversely, when the indicating element operates in reflection mode, in embodiments, this may mean that at one or more wavelengths, the reflected radiation portion may be greater than the transmitted or absorbed radiation portion. For example, the diffuser element may consist of, for example, a diffuser material with 80% transmission. Therefore, in such embodiments, the diffuser element may be configured in transmission mode. However, in other embodiments, the diffuser element may comprise a diffuser material configured in combination with a high-reflectivity mirror. Therefore, in such embodiments, the diffuser element may be configured in reflection mode.

[0083] In embodiments, the diffuser element may also be configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light received by the diffuser element, while specifically maintaining at least a portion of the polarization of the device light. Thus, the diffused device light generated by (and propagating from) the diffuser element may have substantially the same, for example, identical, polarization as the device light incident on the diffuser element.

[0084] As described above, a polarization-changing element can be configured in the optical path between the central optics and the diffuser element. Specifically, the polarization-changing element can be configured to convert s-polarized or p-polarized light into elliptical (particularly circular) polarized light with a first chirality (e.g., right-handed or left-handed polarization). Subsequently, in embodiments, the diffuser element can change the direction of the circularly polarized light, but the elliptical (particularly circular) polarized light can remain substantially circularly polarized, but now has a second chirality (e.g., left-handed or right-handed polarization). At least a portion of the circularly polarized diffuse light then propagates (back) from the diffuser element to the polarization-changing element, where it is converted into (diffuse) p-polarized light and / or (diffuse) s-polarized light, respectively. Therefore, in some embodiments, the polarization-changing element may include a λ / 4 waveplate; wherein the polarization-changing element is specifically configured in the optical path between the central optics and the diffuser element. In this way, p-polarized light can be converted into diffuse s-polarized light, and s-polarized light can be converted into diffuse p-polarized light. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the polarization changing element includes a λ / 4 waveplate.

[0085] Specifically, the polarization-changing element can be a component that induces a 90° phase shift between two orthogonal linear polarization components (s and p) of light. The most common approach is to use a birefringent material (birefringent rotator), such as a quarter-wave plate. An alternative could be to use the Faraday effect, in which case the phase shift is induced by an applied magnetic field (Faraday rotator). Another alternative could be to use any component or group of components that results in a relative phase shift of up to 180° between one polarization and the other. In embodiments, this phase shift can be a result of birefringence, electro-optics, thermo-optics, magneto-optics, or any other principle known in the art.

[0086] As described above, the system may (and may also) include a central optics device. The term "central optics device" is used to refer to substantially all light, i.e., in the embodiments, device light, diffused device light, and luminescent material light may escape from the system solely via the central optics device. Furthermore, device light may reach the diffuser element or luminescent material solely via the central optics device. In the embodiments, the central optics device includes (i) a central optics device polarization beamsplitter and (ii) a central optics device dichroic beamsplitter. Therefore, the term "central optics device polarization beamsplitter" refers to a polarization beamsplitter constructed from the central optics device. Similarly, the term "central optics device dichroic beamsplitter" refers to a dichroic beamsplitter constructed from the central optics device.

[0087] In embodiments, the central optics may be configured (via polarization-changing elements and optional additional optics, also hereinafter) to be in a light-receiving relationship with one or more light-generating devices. In embodiments, the central optics may be configured to transmit and / or reflect device light. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the central optics may be configured to transmit and / or reflect diffuse device light. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the central optics may be configured to transmit and / or reflect luminescent material light. In certain embodiments, the device light received by the central optics may include controllable polarization. Therefore, whether the central optics transmits and / or reflects one or more of device light, diffuse device light, and luminescent material light may depend particularly on one or more of the polarization and spectral power distribution of the respective type of light. Specifically, in embodiments, the central optics polarization beamsplitter may be configured to transmit and / or reflect light according to its polarization. Conversely, in embodiments, the central optics dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to transmit and / or reflect light according to its spectral power distribution.

[0088] Specifically, in an embodiment, device light arriving at the central optics can be reflected and / or transmitted by the central optics polarization beamsplitter. Specifically, (a) the polarization of the device light and (b) the central optics polarization beamsplitter can be configured such that (i) at least a portion of the device light propagates to (and is diffused at) the diffuser element, and (ii) at least a portion of the diffused device light can escape from the system via the central optics. This can, for example, mean that the central optics polarization beamsplitter is at least partially transmitted for a first polarization and at least partially reflected for a second polarization, or in other words, it can, for example, mean that the central optics polarization beamsplitter is at least partially transmitted for the second polarization and at least partially reflected for the first polarization.

[0089] The central optical polarization beamsplitter (including the central optics) can be configured to transmit at least a portion of s-polarized light and reflect at least a portion of s-polarized light. Similarly, it can be configured to reflect at least a portion of p-polarized light and transmit at least a portion of p-polarized light. The percentages of transmission and reflection for each polarization can be defined by the central optical polarization beamsplitter. One example of such a partial polarization beamsplitter is, for example, a broadband partial polarization beamsplitter that transmits approximately 77% of p-polarized light at 450 nm while transmitting essentially no s-polarized light, while reflecting approximately 10% of p-polarized light and 86% of s-polarized light. Another example of such a partial polarization beamsplitter is, for example, a broadband partial polarization beamsplitter that transmits approximately 90% of p-polarized light at 450 nm while transmitting essentially no s-polarized light, while reflecting approximately 10% of p-polarized light and >95% of s-polarized light.

[0090] Specifically, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured such that for one polarization, the transmittance is incomplete and therefore partially reflected, while for the other polarization, the reflectance can be relatively high and therefore have low transmittance or essentially no transmittance. However, this can also be done in the opposite manner. Thus, in one embodiment, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit a larger portion of p-polarized light than the reflected portion of s-polarized light. In other embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit a larger portion of s-polarized light than the reflected portion of p-polarized light. In other embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to reflect a larger portion of s-polarized light than the transmitted portion of p-polarized light. In other embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to reflect a larger portion of p-polarized light than the transmitted portion of s-polarized light.

[0091] Therefore, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be a partially polarized beam splitter in particular.

[0092] Therefore, in embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the device light, and to transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the diffused device light according to their polarization. For example, in embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit at least a portion of the p-polarized device light and reflect another portion (e.g., a smaller portion) of the p-polarized device light. In such embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can also be configured to reflect (at least partially or even entirely) the diffused device light. The higher the reflection of the p-polarized device light, the more efficient the light generation system can become for the blue contribution in the white output system light. However, the higher the reflection of the p-polarized device light, the smaller the tuning range of color tunability becomes. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be configured to reflect at least a portion of the s-polarized device light and transmit another portion (e.g., a smaller portion) of the s-polarized device light. In such embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can also be configured to transmit (at least partially or even entirely) the diffused device light.

[0093] In an embodiment, the light emitting material reaching the central optics can be reflected or transmitted at the central optics dichroic beamsplitter. The central optics dichroic beamsplitter can be configured such that (a) when the central optics dichroic beamsplitter is configured to transmit the light emitting material, the diffused device light can be reflected at the central optics dichroic beamsplitter, or (b) when the central optics dichroic beamsplitter is configured to reflect the light emitting material, the diffused device light can be transmitted at the central optics dichroic beamsplitter. Examples of such dichroic beamsplitters include, for example, short-pass cutoff dichroic plates or long-pass cutoff dichroic plates. In a particular embodiment, the central optics dichroic beamsplitter can be designed for a 45° incident angle (of the device light).

[0094] Typically, in embodiments, the central optics polarizing beamsplitter and dichroic beamsplitter (and optionally a first polarizing beamsplitter and a first dichroic beamsplitter, also hereinafter) can be designed for a light incident angle of approximately 45°. Therefore, the transmission and reflection percentages of the beamsplitters indicated herein can correspond to a configuration such that the beamsplitters and incident light have an average incident angle of 45 (±5)°. Note that in embodiments where the beamsplitters and incident light have an average angle different from 45 (±5)°, the transmission and reflection percentages indicated herein still apply. However, in such embodiments, alternative designs for the beamsplitters (e.g., PBS / DBS film stacks) may be required to provide the indicated transmission and reflection percentages at an average angle different from 45 (±5)°. Therefore, in embodiments, the system can be configured such that the central optics polarizing beamsplitter and dichroic beamsplitter (and optionally a first polarizing beamsplitter and a first dichroic beamsplitter, also hereinafter) receive the corresponding light, with their respective optical axes having an incident angle of 45 (±5)°.

[0095] Specifically, the peak wavelengths of the device light and the luminescent material can be selected such that the peak wavelength of the device light and the centroid wavelength of the luminescent material light are spectrally located on opposite sides of the on / off wavelength of the dichroic filter included by the central optics. Therefore, the peak wavelength of the device light and the centroid wavelength of the luminescent material can be selected such that the dichroic beamsplitter of the central optics can substantially separate them spectrally, substantially transmitting one and substantially reflecting the other.

[0096] Therefore, in embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can be configured to transmit or reflect at least a portion of the device light, transmit or reflect at least a portion of the diffused device light, and transmit or reflect at least a portion of the luminescent material light according to their spectral power distribution. For example, in embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can be configured to transmit at least a portion of the blue device light (such as, for example, the p-polarized portion) and transmit at least a portion of the luminescent material light (such as, green-red, or yellow). In such embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter can be further configured to reflect (at least partially or even entirely) the diffused blue device light. However, in other embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can be configured to reflect at least a portion of the blue device light (such as, for example, the s-polarized portion) and reflect a portion of the luminescent material light (such as, for example, green-red, or yellow). In such embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can also be configured to transmit (at least partially or even entirely) the diffused device light. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter is configured to (a1) transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the device light, and (a2) transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the diffuse device light; and the central optical dichroic beam splitter is configured to (b1) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the device light, (b2) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the diffuse device light, and (b3) reflect or transmit at least a portion of the luminescent material light.

[0097] In embodiments, the light generation system can be configured to provide system light. Specifically, in embodiments, the system light may include one or more of diffuse device light and luminescent material light. Therefore, the light generation system can be configured such that, in a first operating mode of the light generation system, at least a portion of the device light can propagate from the light generation device via a central optics to the luminescent material, and another portion of the device light can propagate from the light generation device via the central optics to a diffuser element. In embodiments, the device light illuminating the luminescent material can be converted into luminescent material light. The generated luminescent material light can then escape from the light generation system (again) via the central optics. In embodiments, the device light illuminating the diffuser element can be converted into diffuse device light. The generated diffuse device light can then escape from the light generation system (again) via the central optics. Therefore, the central optics polarization beamsplitter and the central optics dichroic beamsplitter are configured such that at least a portion of the diffuse device light reaching the central optics and at least a portion of the luminescent material light reaching the central optics can escape from the system in substantially the same direction. Specifically, this may mean that one of the diffused device light and the luminescent material light is transmitted by the central optics, while the other of the diffused device light and the luminescent material light is reflected by the central optics. Therefore, the system can be specifically configured such that the diffused device light propagating to the central optics and the luminescent material light propagating to the central optics have a mutual angle of (approximately) 90°. Thus, the light generation system can be configured such that the diffused device light and the luminescent material light propagating orthogonally to the central optics can escape from the system via the central optics (in the same direction) to provide system light comprising both diffused device light and luminescent material light. The system light can, in particular, escape from the system's light exit (see also above).

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, the device light can be blue device light. Therefore, in this embodiment, the device light has a wavelength selected from the blue wavelength range. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the luminescent material light can have a wavelength selected from the green-red wavelength range. By combining the (blue diffused) device light and the (green-red) luminescent material light in the first operating mode, the system light can therefore be white light in this embodiment. Specifically, in such an embodiment, in the first operating mode, the system light can include at least 85%, for example at least 90%, like at least 95%, particularly at least 98%, comprising 100% diffused device light and luminescent material light. In implementations of the first operating mode, the system light can include less than 100% (but at least 85%) diffused device light and luminescent material light, and the system light can also include, for example, non-diffuse device light or (device) light from different light sources. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the device light has a wavelength selected from the blue wavelength range; the luminescent material light has a wavelength selected from the green-red wavelength range; the system light in the first operating mode is white light; and in the first operating mode, the system light comprises at least 90% diffuse device light and luminescent material light.

[0099] Such embodiments can be advantageous because the collection of different types of light as described above can result in the efficient combination of all spectral contributions into the output light of the white system. The light generation system can thus provide highly efficient, high-brightness white system light.

[0100] The characteristics of white system light, such as its correlated color temperature and color rendering index, can be adjusted by controlling the polarization of the device light as described above. To further provide control over the polarization of the device light, in embodiments, the light generating system may also include a polarization control element. Therefore, in embodiments, the polarization control element may be specifically configured to control the polarization of the device light. Thus, in embodiments, the polarization control element may include a rotatable birefringent rotator. Specifically, in embodiments, the birefringent rotator may include a λ / 2 waveplate. In embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the polarization control element. Specifically, the control system may be configured to control the polarization control element by controlling its rotation. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the light generating system further includes a polarization control element configured to control the polarization of the device light; wherein the polarization control element may include a rotatable birefringent rotator; wherein the birefringent rotator may include a λ / 2 waveplate; wherein the control system is configured to control the polarization control element.

[0101] Such embodiments can provide the benefit of controllability of one or more of the spectral power distribution and radiant flux of the system light by manipulating polarization control elements.

[0102] Downstream of one or more light-generating devices, a polarization control element can be configured. Specifically, the polarization control element can be configured in the optical path of the device light between the one or more light-generating devices and the central optics. Using the polarization control element, the polarization of the device light can be controlled. For example, using a (rotatable) λ / 2 delayer (or "half-wave plate," also hereinafter), in an embodiment, the polarization can be selected between complete s-polarization and complete p-polarization. In this way, the ratio between the device light guided to the diffuser element via the central optics and the device light guided to the luminescent material via the central optics can be controlled. Note that in some operating mode embodiments, substantially all of the device light can be guided to the diffuser element via the central optics. In some other operating modes, substantially all of the device light can be guided to the luminescent material via the central optics. However, in other operating mode embodiments, a portion of the device light can be guided to the diffuser element via the central optics, and a portion of the device light can be guided to the luminescent material via the central optics. Therefore, (a) the polarization control element can be used to control the polarization ratio of the device light, and (downstream) the central optics route the further propagation of the device light according to the polarization of the device light.

[0103] In embodiments, the polarization of device light can be controlled by rotating a polarization control element. As noted herein, in particular, the device light upstream of the polarization control element can be linearly polarized, such as s-polarized or p-polarized. Optionally, the device light can be a combination of s-polarized and p-polarized light. For example, a combination of a polarization control element and a light source can provide device light downstream of the polarization control element having at least two polarizations selected from: substantially p-polarized, substantially s-polarized, and a combination of p-polarized and s-polarized. Note that in embodiments using a rotating polarization control element, the ratio between p-polarized and s-polarized light can be controlled. For example, if the device light is p-polarized, rotating the polarization control element can reduce the contribution of p-polarized light and increase the contribution of s-polarized light until substantially s-polarized light is obtained. Therefore, the polarization of the device light can be controlled according to the rotation angle. In embodiments, the degree of polarization of the device light can be controlled by the polarization control element. In embodiments, the system can include an actuator configured to control the polarization control element. The control system can control the actuator used to control the polarization control element. In one embodiment, the aforementioned angle may be fixed during operation (i.e., uncontrollable during operation), while in another embodiment, the angle may be controlled (by a control system). Specifically, herein, the polarization of the device light propagating to the central optics is controllable (using a polarization control element).

[0104] In embodiments, the polarization control element may include a rotatable birefringent rotator. More specifically, the (rotatable) birefringent rotator includes a λ / 2 waveplate (referencing the center wavelength of the device light, i.e., the wavelength at the center of full width at half maximum). However, other phase-shift induced components capable of altering the ratio of transmitted to reflected light can also be applied. For example, an alternative could be any component or group of components that results in an arbitrary phase shift of up to 360° relative to the other polarization. In embodiments, this phase shift can be a result of birefringence, electro-optic, thermo-optic, magneto-optic, or any other principle known in the art. Using a half-waveplate, s-polarized light can be converted to p-polarized light in 0-100% of cases. A quarter-waveplate can have only 0-50%. A 3 / 8 waveplate has 0-75%, and a 1 / 8 waveplate has 0-25%. Thus, a half-waveplate can provide complete flexibility (and independence from the actual polarization direction of the light source), while other options can impose more constraints, both in terms of the portion of light that can be converted to the desired polarization component and in terms of the orientation of the light source's polarization direction.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the polarization control element can be configured to be fixed. In such embodiments, essentially only a (single) first operating mode is available unless other parameters are variable (such as the radiant flux of the device light). In other embodiments, the polarization control element can be configured to be controllable, particularly rotatable. In such embodiments, by rotating the polarization control element, the spectral power distribution of the system light can be controlled. In such embodiments, multiple first operating modes with different spectral power distributions can be available.

[0106] To further increase input power and / or provide additional control options, more than one type of light generating device can be applied, with at least two types differing in the polarization of the light they produce. For example, in an embodiment, one type may, for instance, primarily have s-polarized light, while another type may, for instance, primarily have p-polarized light. In an embodiment, a first polarization beamsplitter can be used to combine the beams from the two types of light generating devices. Specifically, the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured downstream of the two different types of light generating devices and upstream of the central optics. In an embodiment, the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit either s-polarized or p-polarized light and reflect either p-polarized or s-polarized light. Specifically, in an embodiment, the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit p-polarized light and reflect s-polarized light. Therefore, in an embodiment, the control system can (also) be configured to control the polarization of the device light by controlling the radiant flux of the device light from the two different types of light generating devices. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, one or more light generating devices include two different types of light generating devices, differing in the polarization type of the device light they generate; wherein the light generating system further includes a first polarization beamsplitter, wherein the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured downstream of the two different types of light generating devices and upstream of the central optics; wherein the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit or reflect at least a portion of p-polarized light and reflect or transmit at least a portion of s-polarized light; and wherein the control system is configured to control the radiative flux of the device light from the two different types of light generating devices.

[0107] Therefore, the term "light generating device" can also refer to one or more primary (first) light generating devices and one or more secondary (first) light generating devices. Thus, in embodiments, the system may include primary light generating devices and secondary light generating devices, both configured to generate device light. In a particular embodiment, the system may include a primary first light generating device and a secondary first light generating device, both configured to generate first device light. In such embodiments, the device light from one of the primary first light generating devices and the secondary first light generating device is more s-polarized or more p-polarized than the device light from the other.

[0108] In embodiments, the light generating device may particularly include a laser source. In embodiments, the laser source may be arranged in a laser array. In embodiments, a laser array (or "multiple laser blocks") may be used. The laser array can also be used to increase input power. Therefore, in embodiments, the system may include multiple light generating devices configured to generate light from the device, wherein two or more of the light generating devices may include a laser source arranged in a laser array. In embodiments, the laser array may include heat dissipation and / or optics, such as lenses, to collimate the laser. Therefore, in embodiments, the lasers in the laser array (or "laser array group") may share the same optics. In particular, in embodiments, one or more primary light generating devices, particularly multiple primary light generating devices, may be arranged in a laser array (or "laser block"), i.e., the primary light generating devices include laser diodes. Alternatively or additionally, one or more secondary light generating devices, particularly multiple secondary light generating devices, may be arranged in a laser array (or "laser block"), i.e., the secondary light generating devices include laser diodes. Laser arrays can be different laser arrays, although configurations within the same laser array are also possible.

[0109] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the arrangement of articles or features relative to the propagation of light from a light-generating device (hereinforcingly a light source), wherein a second position in the beam closer to the light-generating device is “upstream” relative to a first position in the beam from the light-generating device, and a third position in the beam further away from the light-generating device is “downstream”.

[0110] In one embodiment, if two different types of light-generating devices (with different (linear) polarizations) have the same maximum output power, the color point of the system light can be varied by adjusting the relative power of the different types of light-generating devices. However, in other embodiments, if the potential outputs are not equal (e.g., due to the different number of laser diodes in the individual laser arrays of the two different types of light-generating devices), a net polarization exists in the combined light when the two types of devices operate at maximum (or optimal) power. Therefore, particularly in such embodiments, a polarization control element (configured downstream of the light-generating devices and upstream of the central optics) can be introduced into the light-generating system to enable the variation of the color point of the system light.

[0111] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, one or more light-generating devices of the light-generating system may include two different types of light-generating devices, differing in the spectral power distribution of the device light they generate. In such embodiments, the light-generating system may include a first dichroic beamsplitter. Specifically, the first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured downstream of the two different types of light-generating devices and upstream of the central optics. The first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to (a) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the device light of the first type (of the light-generating devices), and (b) reflect or transmit at least a portion of the device light of the second type (of the light-generating devices). Furthermore, in such embodiments, the control system may also be configured to control the two different types of light-generating devices. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, one or more light generating devices may include two different types of light generating devices, differing in the spectral power distribution of the device light they generate; wherein the light generating system may also include a first dichroic beam splitter, wherein the first dichroic beam splitter may be configured downstream of the two different types of light generating devices and upstream of the central optics; wherein the first dichroic beam splitter may be configured to (a) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the first type of device light and (b) reflect or transmit at least a portion of the second type of device light; wherein the control system may be configured to control the two different types of light generating devices.

[0112] Therefore, to further increase input power and / or provide additional control options, more than one type of light generating device can be applied. In particular, at least two types of light generating devices can differ in the spectral power distribution they provide. One of these types can have a different wavelength than the other, such as a different peak wavelength, and a dichroic beam splitter can be used to combine the beams of the two types of light generating devices.

[0113] In embodiments, the light generation system may therefore include two different types of light generation devices, particularly a first light generation device and a second light generation device. In such embodiments, the first light generation device may be configured to generate first device light having a first peak wavelength λ1. Similarly, in such embodiments, the second light generation device may be configured to generate second device light having a second peak wavelength λ2. Therefore, the first type of device light and the second type of device light may have different spectral power distributions and / or different color points. In particular, in embodiments, the first peak wavelength λ1 and the second peak wavelength λ2 are different. In a particular embodiment, the colors or color points of the first type of light and the second type of light may be different when the corresponding color points of the first type of light and the second type of light differ by at least 0.01 with respect to u' and / or at least 0.01 with respect to v', or even more particularly, by at least 0.02 with respect to u' and / or at least 0.02 with respect to v'. In a more specific embodiment, the respective color points of the first type of light and the second type of light may differ by at least 0.03 with respect to u' and / or at least 0.03 with respect to v'. In this document, u' and v' are the color coordinates of light in the CIE 1976 UCS (Uniform Chromaticity) diagram. Different light sources with a peak wavelength difference of at least 10 nm, such as at least 20 nm, or even at least 30 nm, can be considered to have different spectral power distributions, e.g., different colors. Typically, the difference in peak wavelengths will not exceed about 400 nm, such as not exceeding 350 nm. Note that for both Type I and Type II device light, the difference in centroid wavelengths can be relatively small, such as those selected from the range of 3-50 nm, e.g., the range of 5-50 nm, or the range of 5-40 nm. Therefore, in this embodiment, the difference in peak wavelengths between Type I and Type II device light may not exceed about 50 nm.

[0114] In the embodiments, the first type of device light and the second type of device light may have wavelengths selected from the blue wavelength range (see also above), and more particularly have peak wavelengths selected from the blue wavelength range.

[0115] In embodiments, a first dichroic beamsplitter can be used to combine beams from two types of light-generating devices. Specifically, the first dichroic beamsplitter can be configured downstream of the two different types of light-generating devices and upstream of the central optics. Note that in some embodiments, the light-generating system may include a first polarization beamsplitter and a first dichroic beamsplitter. In such embodiments, one of the following can be applied: (i) the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured downstream of the first dichroic beamsplitter, or (ii) the first polarization beamsplitter can be configured upstream of the first dichroic beamsplitter. In embodiments where the light-generating system also includes a polarization control element, the polarization control element can be configured upstream or downstream of the first dichroic beamsplitter.

[0116] In an embodiment, the first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to transmit or reflect at least a portion of the device light of a first type (from the light generating device). Specifically, in an embodiment, the first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to transmit or reflect at least 70%, such as at least 80%, like at least 90%, including 100% of the device light of the first type (from the light generating device). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to reflect or transmit at least a portion of the device light of a second type (from the light generating device). Specifically, in an embodiment, the first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to reflect or transmit at least 70%, such as at least 80%, like at least 90%, including 100% of the device light of the second type (from the light generating device). For example, in an embodiment, the first dichroic beamsplitter may be configured to transmit at least 90% of the device light of the first type and reflect at least 90% of the device light of the second type. Therefore, in an embodiment, the control system may (also) be configured to control the spectral power distribution of the device light by controlling the radiant flux of the device light from the two different types of light generating devices.

[0117] Furthermore, in embodiments, the first device light having a first peak wavelength λ1 and the second device light having a second peak wavelength λ2 can both be (linearly or elliptically) polarized device lights. In some embodiments, both the first and second device lights can be used to (i) excite a luminescent material to provide luminescent material light, and (ii) illuminate a diffuser element to provide diffused device light. However, in other embodiments, one of the first and second device lights (when incident on a central optical polarization beam splitter) can be s-polarized device light, while the other of the first and second device lights can be device light with any polarization direction (e.g., p- or s-polarized light). In such embodiments, the s-polarized device light can be specifically (only) used for one of: (i) exciting a luminescent material to provide luminescent material light, and (ii) illuminating a diffuser element to provide diffused device light.

[0118] In embodiments, the light generating system can therefore function by beam splitting the light based on the spectral power distribution of the light. Thus, in embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can be specifically configured to transmit or reflect at least 70%, such as at least 80%, particularly at least 90%, like at least 95%, of the device light received by the central optical dichroic beamsplitter. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can be configured to reflect or transmit at least 70%, such as at least 80%, particularly at least 90%, like at least 95%, of the luminescent material light received by the central optical dichroic beamsplitter. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter can be configured to transmit or reflect at least 70%, for example at least 80%, particularly at least 90%, like at least 95%, of the diffused device light received by the central optical dichroic beamsplitter. For example, in a particular embodiment, the central optical dichroic beamsplitter is configured to (i) reflect at least 80% of the (s-polarized) device light, (ii) transmit at least 80% of the luminescent material light, and (iii) reflect at least 80% of the diffused device light received by the central optical dichroic beamsplitter. Thus, in such an embodiment, the light generating device can provide blue device light with both p-polarization and s-polarization. The device light can be routed through the light generating system via two distinct paths, with an exemplary operating principle as follows: (1) The polarization beamsplitter can be configured to transmit p-polarized blue device light, such that the p-polarized blue device light can further propagate through the system to be diffused into blue diffused device light by the diffuser elements. The blue diffused device light can then propagate from the diffuser elements via polarization-changing elements to the central optics, where (substantially) s-polarized blue diffused device light is generated. At the central optics, the polarization beamsplitter is then configured to reflect the s-polarized blue diffused device light. (2) The polarization beamsplitter and the dichroic beamsplitter can be configured to reflect the s-polarized device light, so that the (non-diffuse) s-polarized blue light can further propagate through the system to be converted into luminescent material light by the luminescent material. The luminescent material light can then propagate from the luminescent material to the central optics. At the central optics, the dichroic beamsplitter is then configured to transmit the luminescent material light.

[0119] In an embodiment, the central optical dichroic beam splitter can be configured to (a) transmit at least 80% of the device light received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter, (b) reflect at least 80% of the luminescent material light received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter, and (c) transmit at least 80% of the diffused device light received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter.

[0120] In an embodiment, the central optical dichroic beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect at least 80% of the device light received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter, (b) transmit at least 80% of the luminescent material light received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter, and (c) reflect at least 80% of the diffused device light received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter.

[0121] Therefore, polarization beamsplitters and dichroic beamsplitters can be used together to guide light through the light generation system according to the polarization and spectral power distribution of the light. The light generation system can have various different configurations of different optical components relative to each other. In one embodiment, one configuration of the light generation system can cause light from the luminescent material to be transmitted through the central optics to the output system light (see also...). Figure 1 (and Figure 2). In such embodiments, specifically, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of s-polarized light, (b) reflect y% of p-polarized light, and (c) transmit z% of p-polarized light. More specifically, in embodiments, x can be selected from at least 75%, such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, including the range of at least 95%. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments, y can be selected from the range of 15-90%, such as the range of 25-85%, such as the range of 50-85%. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments, z can be selected from the range of 15-75%, such as the range of 15-60%, such as the range of 30-60%.

[0122] In other embodiments, the central optical polarization beamsplitter may be configured to transmit x% of p-polarized light and reflect y% of s-polarized light. Specifically, in such embodiments, one of x% and y% may be selected from the range of 10-85%, for example, the range of 15-80%, such as the range of 30-60%, while the other of x% and y% may be selected from the range of 75-100%, for example, the range of 85-100%, such as the range of 85-95%. For example, in an embodiment, the central optical polarization beamsplitter may be configured to transmit x% of p-polarized light, where x% is selected from the range of 15-80%, and reflect y% of s-polarized light, where y% is selected from the range of 85-100%.

[0123] In an embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the device light with s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light with p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light with p-polarization, wherein x is selected from a range of at least 85%, y is selected from a range of 25-85%, and z is selected from a range of 15-75%.

[0124] In an embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the device light with s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light with p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light with p-polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of 15-75%, y is selected from the range of up to 15%, and z is selected from the range of at least 85%.

[0125] The result is improved correlated color temperature tunability. This is because, by controlling the polarization of the device light in the light generation system and partially splitting the polarization of the device light, the correlated color temperature of the system light is precisely adjustable.

[0126] For example, the effect achieved could be to set the maximum correlated color temperature (CCT) of the system output light by partially splitting one of the polarizations of the device light, such that a first portion of the device light is directed to the diffuser element, while a second portion is directed to the luminescent material. By setting the portion of the device light that can be directed to the diffuser element, the accuracy of selecting the desired / target CCT by adjusting the polarization of the device light (depending on the selectable range of CCTs) is maximized. The indicated range allows for the selection of a relatively large CCT range for general lighting applications. Narrower ranges can be used for higher or lower CCTs, such as the CCTs required for indoor lighting (e.g., retail and office lighting).

[0127] In an embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the device light with s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light with p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light with p-polarization, wherein x is selected from at least 95%, y is selected from the range of 50-85%, and z is selected from the range of 15-50%.

[0128] In an embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the device light with s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light with p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light with p-polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of 15-50%, y is selected from the range of up to 5%, and z is selected from the range of at least 95%.

[0129] The latter two embodiments are particularly suitable for lighting applications with (relatively) low correlated colors, such as indoor lighting applications, like office lighting and retail lighting.

[0130] In an embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the device light with s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light with p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light with p-polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of at least 95%, y is selected from the range of 25-50%, and z is selected from the range of 50-75%.

[0131] In an embodiment, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the device light with s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light with p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light with p-polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of 50-75%, y is selected from the range of up to 5%, and z is selected from the range of at least 95%.

[0132] The latter two embodiments are particularly suitable for (relatively) high correlated color temperature applications, such as outdoor lighting applications, like search lighting and entertainment / stage lighting.

[0133] In one embodiment, an alternative configuration of the light-generating system can result in the light from the luminescent material being reflected by the central optics as output system light (see also...). Figure 3 In such embodiments, specifically, the central optical polarization beam splitter can be configured to (a) reflect x% of the s-polarized device light, (b) reflect y% of the p-polarized device light, and (c) transmit z% of the p-polarized device light. More specifically, in embodiments, x can be selected from the range of 15-100%, for example, the range of 15-75%, such as the range of 30-70%. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments, y can be selected from a range of up to 30%, for example, up to 15%, such as up to 5%. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments, z can be selected from a range of at least 60%, such as at least 85%, such as at least 95%. Selecting a relatively high reflection (i.e., a relatively high x) of the s-polarized device light can be advantageous because it can provide an increased range of color point tunability for the system. Therefore, the higher the reflection of the s-polarized device light, the higher the color point tunability of the system light. However, the efficiency of the light generation system can be optimized by choosing the lowest possible x, since any depolarized diffuse reflection light (from the diffuser) that may exist can still be partially used for the output system light.

[0134] In embodiments, the central optics may therefore include polarization beam splitting and dichroic beam splitting functions. Specifically, in embodiments, the central optics may include a single optical component having both polarization and dichroic beam splitting functions. In other embodiments, the central optics may include two (separate) optical components, one having polarization beam splitting and the other having dichroic beam splitting functions. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the central optics may include (i) a single optical component having both polarization and dichroic beam splitting functions, or (ii) two optical components, one having polarization and the other having dichroic beam splitting functions.

[0135] Specifically, in embodiments where the central optics is configured to transmit light from the luminescent material, the central optics comprises a single component having both of the aforementioned functions. Conversely, in embodiments where the central optics is configured to reflect light from the luminescent material, the central optics may comprise a single component or two separate components having the aforementioned functions. In these embodiments, at least two distinct functions of the central optics can therefore be implemented in a single optical component, specifically, by using two distinct functional layers (or layers) (e.g., surface construction or coating / dichroic layer stacks; or by integrating the two functions into a single surface layer or coating (dichroic layer stack)).

[0136] Furthermore, in embodiments, the system may include other optical devices besides those described above. The term "optical device" may specifically refer to one or more optical elements. Therefore, the terms "optical device," "optical element," and "optical component" may refer to the same item. Optical devices may include one or more of the following: mirrors, reflectors, collimators, lenses, prisms, diffusers, phase plates, polarizers, diffraction elements, gratings, dichroic mirrors, one or more arrays of the above, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the term "optical device" may refer to holographic elements or mixing rods. In embodiments, optical devices may include one or more of beam expander optics and zoom lens optics. See further examples of optical devices described above. In embodiments, optical devices may include integrators, such as "Koehler integrators" (or "Köhler integrators"). In certain embodiments, the system may also include one or more of integrated optics, collimating optics, and homogenizing optics. One or more of these are also shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, in embodiments, the optical device may include an integrator, such as a compound eye lens array or a diffuser plate. Furthermore, in embodiments, the optical device may include such an integrator in combination with additional converging and / or collimating optical components, such as an integrator bar having a polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a reflective hollow integrator bar or a transmission solid integrator bar (based on total internal reflection with lateral confinement for longitudinal propagation of light).

[0137] A light-generating system may be part of or applied to any of the following: office lighting systems, home application systems, shop lighting systems, residential lighting systems, accent lighting systems, spotlighting systems, theater lighting systems, fiber optic application systems, projection systems, self-emissive display systems, pixelated display systems, segmented display systems, warning sign systems, medical lighting application systems, directional 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. A light-generating system (or luminaire) may be part of, for example, an optical communication system or a disinfection system, or may be applied to, for example, an optical communication system or a disinfection system.

[0138] As described above, a light generating system may include a control system. In embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the spectral power distribution of the system light. Specifically, in such embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the spectral power distribution of the system light by controlling the polarization of the device light.

[0139] It may be desirable to provide a light generation system with controllable color point and / or correlated color temperature (CCT). By controlling the polarization of the device light, the control system can influence the ratio of blue diffuse device light to (e.g., green-red) luminescent material light. Therefore, in embodiments, the control system can be configured to control the ratio of blue diffuse device light to (e.g., green-red) luminescent material light, and thereby control the color point (and / or correlated color temperature) of the system light. Thus, by controlling the polarization of the device light using the control system, controllability of parameters such as color point and CCT can be readily provided by the light generation system. Such a control system can be used to set the aforementioned parameters in a factory setup, or it can be used by an end user in conjunction with a user interface, also as described below.

[0140] The term "control" and similar terms specifically refer to at least determining the behavior of an element or supervising the operation of an element. Therefore, "control" and similar terms here can refer, for example, to applying behavior to an element (determining behavior or supervising the operation of the element), such as measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc. In addition, the term "control" and similar terms can also include monitoring. Therefore, the term "control" and similar terms can include applying behavior to an element as well as applying behavior to an element and monitoring the element. Control of an element can be accomplished using a control system, which can also be referred to as a "controller." The control system and the element can therefore be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The element can include a control system. In embodiments, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control can be accomplished via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" can also refer to multiple different control systems, which are particularly functionally coupled, and where, for example, one control system can be a master control system, while one or more other control systems can be slave control systems. The control system can include or can be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0141] The control system can also be configured to receive and execute commands from a remote control. In an embodiment, the control system can be controlled via an app on the device, such as a portable device like a smartphone or iPhone, tablet, etc. Therefore, the device does not necessarily need to be coupled to the lighting system, but can be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0142] Therefore, in embodiments, the control system can (and may also) be configured to be controlled by an app on a remote device. In such embodiments, the control system of the lighting system can be a slave control system or controlled in slave mode. For example, the lighting system can be identified by a code, specifically a unique code for each individual lighting system. The control system of the lighting system can be configured to be controlled by an external control system that accesses the lighting system based on knowledge of the (unique) code (input via a user interface with optical sensors, e.g., a QR code reader). The lighting system may also include means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as those based on Bluetooth, Thread, Wi-Fi, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE, or WiMAX, or other wireless technologies.

[0143] A system, apparatus, or device may perform actions in a “mode,” “operating mode,” “mode of operation,” or “operational mode.” The term “operational mode” may also refer to “control mode.” Similarly, in a method, actions, stages, or steps may be performed in a “mode,” “operating mode,” “mode of operation,” or “operational mode.” This does not preclude the system, apparatus, or device from being adapted to provide another control mode or multiple other control modes. Likewise, this does not preclude the possibility of performing one or more other modes before and / or after performing a particular mode.

[0144] However, in embodiments, the control system may be available and is adapted to provide at least a control mode. If other modes are available, the selection of these modes can be performed, in particular, via a user interface, although other options, such as performing modes based on sensor signals or (time) schemes, are also possible. In embodiments, an operating mode may also refer to a system, device, or apparatus that can only operate in a single operating mode (i.e., "on," without further tunability).

[0145] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control system can perform control based on one or more of the following: input signals from the user interface, sensor signals (from the sensors), and timers. The term "timer" can refer to a clock and / or a predetermined timing scheme.

[0146] Furthermore, in embodiments, the control system can be specifically configured to control the correlated color temperature of the (white) system light. Specifically, in such embodiments, the control system can (therefore) be configured to control the correlated color temperature of the system light based on one or more of a user interface, sensor signals, and timers. More specifically, in embodiments, the control system can be configured to control the correlated color temperature of the system light in a first operating mode (also see above) within the range of 1800-20000K, for example, within the range of 1800-8000K, such as within the range of 2700-6500K.

[0147] The term "white light" and similar terms used herein are known to those skilled in the art. It can particularly refer to light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) between approximately 1800K and 20000K, for example, between 2000K and 20000K, especially between 2700-20000K, for general illumination particularly in the range of approximately 2000-7000K, for example, between 2700K and 6500K. In embodiments, for example, for backlighting purposes or for other purposes, the correlated color temperature (CCT) can particularly be in the range of approximately 7000K and 20000K. Furthermore, in embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) is particularly within approximately 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (blackbody track), particularly within approximately 10 SDCM from the BBL, and even more particularly within approximately 5 SDCM from the BBL.

[0148] In certain embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 6000-12000K, such as from the range of 7000-12000K, such as at least 8000K. Furthermore, in embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 6000-12000K, for example from the range of 7000-12000K, combined with a CRI of at least 70.

[0149] In one embodiment, the light source may also provide light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) between approximately 5000K and 20000K, for example, a direct phosphor-converted LED (a blue light-emitting diode with a phosphor film for achieving, for example, 10000K). Thus, in certain embodiments, the light source is configured to provide light with a correlated color temperature in the range of 5000-20000K, or even more particularly in the range of 6000-20000K, such as 8000-20000K. The advantage of a relatively high color temperature is that a relatively high blue component can be present in the light source.

[0150] Alternatively or additionally, the control system can be configured to control the color point and / or color rendering index of the system light. Therefore, the control system can be configured to control one or more of the color point, color rendering index, and correlated color temperature of the system light. This can be accomplished based on one or more of the input signals from the user interface, sensor signals (from the sensors), and timers (also see above).

[0151] In another aspect, the invention also provides a lamp or luminaire comprising a light-generating system as defined herein. The luminaire may further include a housing, optical elements, a light-transmitting grating, etc. The lamp or luminaire may also include a housing surrounding the light-generating system. The lamp or luminaire may include a light window or housing opening in the housing through which system light can escape from the housing. In yet another aspect, the invention also provides a projection device comprising a light-generating system as defined herein. In particular, a projection device, or “projector” or “image projector,” can be an optical device that projects an image (or moving image) onto a surface such as a projection screen. The projection device may include one or more light-generating systems as described herein. Thus, in one aspect, the invention also provides a lighting device selected from the group consisting of lamps, luminaires, projector devices, headlights, and optical wireless communication devices, comprising a light-generating system as defined herein. The lighting device may include a housing or carrier configured to house or support one or more elements of a light-generating system. For example, in an embodiment, the lighting device may include a housing or carrier configured to house or support one or more of a light generating device, a diffuser element, a central optics device, and a luminescent material (e.g., disposed on a phosphor wheel).

[0152] In addition to the terms "lighting equipment" or "lighting system" and similar terms, the terms "light generating equipment" or "light generating system" (and similar terms) may also be used. A lighting equipment or lighting system can be configured to generate equipment light (or "lighting equipment light") or system light ("or lighting system light"). As mentioned above, the terms light and radiation are used interchangeably.

[0153] The terms “light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein unless the context clearly indicates that the term “light” refers only to visible light. Therefore, the terms “light” and “radiation” can refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In certain embodiments, particularly for lighting applications, the terms “light” and “radiation” refer to (at least) visible light. The terms “visible,” “visible light,” or “visible emission,” and similar terms refer to light having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 380-780 nm. The term “violet light” or “violet emission” particularly relates to light with wavelengths in the range of about 380-440 nm. The term “blue light” or “blue emission” particularly relates to light (including some violet and cyan hues) in the range of about 440-495 nm. The term “green light” or “green emission” particularly relates to light with wavelengths in the range of about 495-570 nm. The term “yellow light” or “yellow emission” particularly relates to light with wavelengths in the range of about 570-590 nm. The term "orange light" or "orange emission" specifically refers to light with wavelengths in the range of about 590-620 nm. The term "red light" or "red emission" specifically refers to light with wavelengths in the range of about 620-780 nm. The term "pink light" or "pink emission" refers to light having both blue and red components. The term "cyan" may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 490-520 nm. The term "amber" may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 585-605 nm, for example, about 590-600 nm. The phrase "light having one or more wavelengths within a certain wavelength range" and similar phrases may specifically indicate that the indicated light (or radiation) has a spectral power distribution with at least one or more intensities at these one or more wavelengths within the indicated wavelength range. For example, a blue-emitting solid-state light source would have a spectral power distribution with intensities at one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 440-495 nm.

[0154] The term "centroid wavelength," also denoted as λc, is known in the art and refers to the wavelength where half of the light energy is at a shorter wavelength and half at a longer wavelength; this value is expressed in nanometers (nm). It is the wavelength at which the integral of the spectral power distribution is divided into two equal parts, as shown in the formula... The expression represents the summation over the wavelength range of interest, where I(λ) is the spectral energy density (i.e., the integral of the product of wavelength and intensity over the emission band normalized to the integral intensity). The centroid wavelength can be determined, for example, under operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0155] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in the drawings:

[0156] Figures 1 to 4Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0157] Figure 5 Some application examples are illustrated schematically.

[0158] The diagram does not need to be drawn to scale. Specific embodiments

[0159] The present invention provides a light generation system 1000, comprising one or more light generation devices 100, a light-emitting material 200, a diffuser element 710, a polarization-changing element 810, a central optics 900, and a control system 300. In embodiments, the one or more light generation devices 100 may be configured to generate device light 101. In particular, in embodiments, the one or more light generation devices 100 may include a light source 10 selected from laser diodes and superluminescent diodes. Furthermore, in embodiments, the device light 101 received by the central optics 900 may include controllable polarization. In embodiments, the light-emitting material 200 may be configured to convert at least a portion of the device light 101 received by the light-emitting material 200 into light-emitting material light 201. Furthermore, in embodiments, the diffuser element 710 may be configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light 101 received by the diffuser element 710. Thus, in embodiments, the diffuser element 710 may thereby provide diffused device light 711. The diffuser element 710 can do this, in particular, while maintaining at least a portion of the polarization (of the device light 101). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the polarization changing element 810 may be configured in the optical path of the device light 101 between the central optics 900 and the diffuser element 710. In an embodiment, the central optics 900 may include (i) a central optics polarization beamsplitter 910 and (ii) a central optics dichroic beamsplitter 920. In particular, in an embodiment, the central optics 900 may be configured to transmit and / or reflect light received by the central optics 900 according to one or more of its polarization and its spectral power distribution. More particularly, in an embodiment, the central optics 900 may be configured to transmit and / or reflect one or more of the device light 101, diffused device light 711, and luminescent material light 201 received by the central optics 900 according to one or more of their polarization and their spectral power distribution. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the polarization of the device light 101 received by the central optics 900. Additionally, in an embodiment, the light generating system 1000 may be configured to provide system light 1001 comprising one or more of diffused device light 711 and luminescent material light 201.Specifically, in an embodiment, the light generating system 1000 may be configured such that in a first operating mode of the light generating system 1000, (a) at least a portion of the device light 101 irradiates the light-emitting material 200 via the central optics 900, and the light-emitting material light 201 escapes from the light generating system 1000 via the central optics 900, and (b) at least a portion of the device light 101 irradiates the diffuser element 710 via the central optics 900, and at least a portion of the diffuser light 711 escapes from the light generating system 1000 via the central optics 900.

[0160] The light generation system may also include one or more of the following: integrated optics, collimating optics, and homogenizing optics. For example, reference numeral 560 indicates a lens, particularly a lens for light collimation. Reference numeral 550 indicates an integrator, which can be used particularly for beam shaping and homogenizing light. However, other optical devices besides those schematically shown may be used.

[0161] Figure 1 The basic configuration of the light generation system 1000 is schematically depicted. In this basic configuration, the light generation system 1000 includes a group consisting of: a light generation device 100, a lens 560, an integrator 550, a polarization control element 610, a central optical element 900 including a polarization beam splitter 910 and a dichroic beam splitter 920, a light-emitting material 200 disposed on a rotatable element 1200 (specifically a phosphor wheel), a polarization changing element 810, a diffuser element 710, and a control system 300.

[0162] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the light generating device 100 can be configured in particular to generate blue device light 101. Therefore, specifically, in this embodiment, the device light 101 has a wavelength selected from the blue wavelength range. The blue device light 101 can be propagated via lens 560 to polarization control element 610. Polarization control element 610 can be configured to control the polarization of device light 101. Therefore, in this embodiment, the polarization control element can include a rotatable birefringent rotator. In particular, in this embodiment, the rotatable birefringent rotator can include a λ / 2 waveplate. Hereinafter, for example, polarization control element 610 can be configured to provide device light 101 having a ratio of p-polarized device light 101 to s-polarized device light 101. Therefore, the device light 101 has controllable polarization via polarization control element 610. Device light 101 can then be propagated from polarization control element 610 to central optics 900. In this embodiment, central optics 900 can include (i) a single optical component having polarization beam splitting and dichroic beam splitting functions (e.g., in...). Figure 1In the configuration shown), or (ii) two optical components, one optical component having polarization beam splitting function and the other optical component having dichroic beam splitting function (e.g., in Figure 3 In the configuration shown, see further below). Device light 101 can be incident on the central optical polarization beamsplitter 910. The central optical polarization beamsplitter 910 can be configured to (a1) transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the device light (101) and (a2) (according to its polarization) transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the diffused device light (711). Device light 101 transmitted by the central optical polarization beamsplitter 910 can be incident on the central optical dichroic beamsplitter 920. The central optical dichroic beamsplitter 920 can be configured to (b1) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the device light 101, (b2) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the diffused device light 711, and (b3) (according to its spectral power distribution) reflect or transmit at least a portion of the luminescent material light 201. If the central optics PBS 910 transmits substantially all of the device light 101, then the central optics DBS 920 may be specifically configured to reflect at least a portion of the device light 101.

[0163] Here, the device light 101 reflected by the central optics 900 can propagate to the light-emitting material 200. At the light-emitting material 200, the device light 101 incident on the light-emitting material 200 can be converted into light-emitting material light 201. In an embodiment, the light-emitting material light 201 may have a wavelength selected from the green-red wavelength range. Therefore, in an embodiment, the light-emitting material 200 may include at least The light-emitting material is of the type 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. The resulting light 201 can then propagate from the light-emitting material 200 back to the central optics 900. The central optics DBS 920 can be configured in particular to transmit the light 201, such that it can be collected at the integrator 550 to provide a (green-red) contribution to the system light 1001.

[0164] Device light 101 (with first linear polarization) transmitted by the central optics 900 can propagate to polarization changing element 810. At polarization changing element 810, the polarization of device light 101 (with first linear polarization) can be changed to first circular polarization. Therefore, in an embodiment, polarization changing element 810 may include a λ / 4 waveplate. Device light 101 (with first circular polarization) can propagate from polarization changing element 810 to diffuser element 710. At diffuser element 710, device light 101 can be diffused, thereby providing blue diffused device light 711 (with second circular polarization). Blue diffused device light 711 (with second circular polarization) can propagate from diffuser element 710 back to polarization changing element 810, where its polarization is changed again, thereby providing blue diffused device light 711 (with second linear polarization). Blue diffused device light 711 (with second linear polarization) can propagate from polarization changing element 810 to central optics 900. The central optics PBS910 can be configured to reflect (with a second linear polarization) blue diffuser light 711, such that it can be collected at integrator 550 to provide a (blue) contribution to system light 1001. Integrator 550 can be used to homogenize the (green-red) and (blue) components to provide white system light 1001. Therefore, system light 1001 can be white light in a first operating mode, and can include at least 90% of the diffuser light 711 and the luminescent material light 201.

[0165] like Figure 1 As shown, the light-generating system may therefore include a rotatable element 1200. For example, as shown here, the rotatable element 1200 may be a phosphor wheel. In particular, in an embodiment, the rotatable element 1200 may include a light-emitting material 200. In an embodiment, during operation of the light-generating system 1000 in a first operating mode, the rotatable element 1200 may rotate such that different portions of the light-emitting material 200 may be irradiated by the device light 101 over time. Therefore, in an embodiment, the rotatable element 1200 may include a light-emitting material 200. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the light-emitting material 200 may be configured to be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material (not shown).

[0166] For example, such as Figure 1 The light generation system 1000 shown can be configured such that the central optics PBS 910 reflects >90% of the s-polarized blue device light 101 and 50-85% of the p-polarized blue device light 101, while transmitting 15-50% of the p-polarized blue device light 101. In such an example, the central optics DBS 920 can also be configured to provide >90% transmittance of the luminescent material light 201.

[0167] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, one or more light generating devices 100 of the light generating system 1000 include two different types of light generating devices 100, 110, 110', and 110''. Figure 2A The image schematically depicts an optical generation system 1000 having one or more optical generation devices 100, including two different types of optical generation devices 100, 110, 110', 110'', which generate device light 101 with different polarization types. Therefore, the optical generation system 1000 also includes a first polarization beamsplitter 525. In embodiments, the first polarization beamsplitter 525 may be configured downstream of the two different types of optical generation devices 100, 110, 110', 110'' and upstream of the central optics 900. For example, in embodiments, one or more optical generation devices 100 may include an optical generation device 110' configured to provide device light 101 with a first polarization (p-polarized or s-polarized) and an optical generation device 110'' configured to provide device light 101 with a second polarization (p-polarized or s-polarized). Therefore, the first polarization beamsplitter 525 may be configured to transmit or reflect at least a portion of p-polarized light and reflect or transmit at least a portion of s-polarized light. If the light generating device 110' is configured to generate p-polarized device light 101 with a first polarization and the light generating device 110'' is configured to generate s-polarized device light 101 with a second polarization, then as Figure 2A As depicted, the first polarization beam splitter 525 is configured to transmit at least a portion of the device light 101 (with p-polarization) generated by the light generating device 110' and reflect at least a portion of the device light 101 (with s-polarization) generated by the light generating device 110''. Further propagation of light through the light generating system 1000 can be achieved through the aforementioned... Figure 1 The same principle applies (especially after the device light 101 has passed through the polarization control element 610).

[0168] For example, such as Figure 2A The light generation system 1000 shown can be configured such that the first polarizing beam splitter 525 reflects >90% of the s-polarized blue device light 101 and transmits >90% of the p-polarized blue device light 101. Furthermore, in such an example, the central optics PBS 910 can reflect >90% of the s-polarized blue device light 101 and 40-70% of the p-polarized blue device light 101, while transmitting 30-60% of the p-polarized blue device light 101. Additionally, in such an example, the central optics DBS 920 can be configured to provide >90% transmittance of the luminescent material light 201.

[0169] exist Figure 2BThe image schematically depicts an optical generation system 1000 having one or more optical generation devices 100, which include two different types of optical generation devices 100, 110, and 120, differing in the spectral power distribution of the device light 101, 111, and 121 they generate. Therefore, the optical generation system 1000 also includes a first dichroic beam splitter 515. In embodiments, the first dichroic beam splitter 515 may be specifically configured downstream of the two different types of optical generation devices 100, 110, and 120 and upstream of the central optics 900. For example, in embodiments, one or more optical generation devices 100 may include a first optical generation device 110 configured to provide a first device light 111 having a first peak wavelength λ1 and a second optical generation device 120 configured to provide a second device light 121 having a second peak wavelength λ2. Specifically, in such embodiments, the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120 can be configured such that one of the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120 provides s-polarized device light 101 relative to the central optics PBS 910 (while the other can have any polarization direction). Furthermore, the first dichroic beam splitter 515 can be configured to transmit or reflect at least a portion of the first type of device light (from the light generating device) and reflect or transmit at least a portion of the second type of device light (from the light generating device). For example, as... Figure 2B As shown, the first dichroic beam splitter 515 is configured to transmit at least a portion of the second device light 121 generated by the second light generating device 120 and reflect at least a portion of the first device light 111 generated by the first light generating device 110. Further propagation of light through the light generating system 1000 can be achieved through the aforementioned... Figure 1 The same principle applies.

[0170] As an example, such as Figure 2B The light generation system 1000 depicted can be configured such that the first dichroic beam splitter 515 reflects >90% of the first device light 111 (e.g., short-wavelength blue device light 101) and transmits >90% of the second device light 121 (e.g., long-wavelength blue device light 101). Furthermore, in such an example, the central optics PBS 910 can reflect >90% of the s-polarized blue device light 101 and 50-85% of the p-polarized blue device light 101, while transmitting 15-50% of the p-polarized blue device light 101. Additionally, in such an example, the central optics DBS 920 can be configured to provide >90% transmittance of the luminescent material light 201.

[0171] The main aspect here is the use of two blue light sources 10 and 20 with different wavelengths, which not only increases the flux of the maximum output white system light 1001 but also enhances color quality. The CRI of the output system light 1001 is enhanced by using the longer wavelength blue as the blue component in the output beam, while primarily using the shorter wavelength blue for emission conversion. Color point adjustment is enabled through the variable relative contribution of the longer wavelength blue to emission conversion.

[0172] In an embodiment, the central optical dichroic beam splitter 920 may be configured to (a) transmit or reflect at least 80% of the device light 101 received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter 920, (b) reflect or transmit at least 80% of the luminescent material light 201 received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter 920, and (c) transmit or reflect at least 80% of the diffused device light 711 received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter 920.

[0173] Additionally or alternatively, in the embodiments described above, the central optical polarization beam splitter 910 may be configured to (a) reflect x% of the s-polarized device light 101, (b) reflect y% of the p-polarized device light 101, and (c) transmit z% of the p-polarized device light 101. Specifically, in such embodiments, x may be selected from a range of at least 85%, y from a range of 25-85%, and z from a range of 15-75%.

[0174] Figure 3 An embodiment of the light generation system 1000 is schematically depicted, wherein... Figure 1 Conversely to Figure 2, the light from the luminescent material 201 is reflected by the central optics 900. This configuration, in particular, allows the central optics 900 to be implemented as two separate functional components. Therefore, in applications such as... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the central optics 900 may include central optics PBS 910 and central optics DBS 920, which may be integrated into a combined component or as two physically separate components. The operation of most components of the light generation system 1000 remains the same as described above. However, the central optics polarization beam splitter 910 may be specifically configured to (a) reflect x% of the s-polarized device light 101, (b) reflect y% of the p-polarized device light 101, and (c) transmit z% of the p-polarized device light 101. In particular, in such an embodiment, x may be selected from the range of 15-75%, y from a range of up to 15%, and z from a range of at least 85%.

[0175] Furthermore, the light generation system 1000 may also include a first dichroic beam splitter 515 and a first polarization beam splitter 525, such as Figure 4As shown. Therefore, in such an embodiment, one or more light generating devices 100 may include at least three different types of light generating devices 110', 110'', 120. With this configuration of the light generating system 1000, the output flux and tunability of the color point / correlated color temperature of the system light 1001 can be further improved by using three (laser) light sources suitable for the desired wavelength and polarization. Note that the polarizations of the light sources 10 and 20 can be selected differently, as long as the first light source (e.g., a laser) (emitting at λ1) and the second light source (e.g., a laser) (emitting at λ2) have the same polarization complementary to that of the third light source (e.g., a laser) (emitting at λ2 or λ3). This is because the s / p polarization ratio of the combined device light 101 is set via the polarization control element 610 when the combined device light 101 is incident on the central optics 900. Figure 4The working principle of the light generation system 1000 shown can be as follows: (1) The light beams of two blue light generating devices 110' and 120 (e.g., lasers or laser arrays) with different wavelengths (peak wavelengths differing by at least 5 nm (e.g., peak wavelengths differing by at least about 10 nm)) and the same polarization are combined via a first DBS 515. (2) The light beam of a third light generating device 110'', emitted at one of other wavelengths or at a third wavelength, is polarized to be complementary (orthogonal) to the polarization of the combined light beam of the first two light generating devices. (3) The output beam of the first DBS 515 is combined with the output beam of the third light generating device 110 via the first PBS 525. (4) The desired ratio of p-polarized to s-polarized device light 101 incident on the combined central optics 900 PBS 910 and DBS 920 is set by adjusting the orientation of the optical axis of the polarization control element 610 (e.g., a birefringent rotator) and / or via the power ratio of the light generating device 100. (5) Preferably, in the absence of the polarization control element 610, the ratio of p-polarized to s-polarized device light 101 incident on the combined central optics 900 PBS 910 and DBS 920 is set. The s-polarized device light 101 on 920 has the shortest wavelength blue device light 101, while in this case, the longest wavelength blue device light 101 is p-polarized. Thus, the combination of the longest wavelength blue device light 101 and the shorter wavelength blue device light 101 will be used as the blue contribution to the system light 1001. This is preferred for increased color quality (CRI) and for color point variation when the s / p polarization ratio of the blue device light 101 is changed to be more parallel to the BBL in the target color temperature range of primary interest. (6) Apply integrator 550 to remove hot spots and make the blue device light 101 uniform. (7) Combine the PBS in the central optics 900 PBS 910 and DBS 920. 910 reflects (almost) all of the s-polarized blue device light 101 and transmits (almost) all of the p-polarized blue device light 101, or transmits most of the p-polarized blue device light 101 and also reflects most of the p-polarized blue device light 101. Due to the partial reflection of the p-polarized blue device light 101 in addition to the (almost) complete reflection of the s-polarized blue device light 101, a larger portion of the blue device light 101 can be used to excite the luminescent material 200, and a smaller portion of the blue device light 101 can be used as a blue contribution to the white system light 1001, as is typically required when using three light-generating devices 100 with comparable output power (e.g., 4000-7000K), and through the combined central optics 900 PBS 910 and DBS The reflectivity of the diffused blue device light 711 of 920 is further improved, especially when a non-polarized or less polarized maintaining reflective diffuser element 710 is applied. (8) The transmitted p-polarized blue device light 101 is converted into circularly polarized light by a polarization changing element 810 (e.g., a λ / 4 plate).(9) The diffuser element 710, which essentially maintains polarization, reflects the transmitted blue device light 101. (10) The reflected blue diffuse device light 711 is converted into essentially linear s-polarized light by the polarization-changing element 810. (11) The blue diffuse device light 711 is essentially reflected by the combined central optics 900, PBS 910, and DBS 920 elements. (12) The non-diffuse reflected s-polarized blue device light 101 and the (non-diffuse) reflected p-polarized blue device light 101 (if present) are converted into luminescent material light 201 by the luminescent material 200. (13) The luminescent material light 201 is transmitted by the combined PBS 910 and DBS 920 and combined with the blue diffuse device light 711 to become white output system light 1001. (14) An optional integrator 550 is used to further homogenize the white output system light 1001.

[0176] In an embodiment, the light generation system 1000 may therefore include a plurality of light generation devices 100 configured to generate device light 101. In an embodiment, two or more light generation devices 100 may in particular include laser light sources configured in a laser array.

[0177] In embodiments herein, the control system 300 may be configured to control one or more of the polarization control elements 610 individually (by controlling the rotation of the polarization control elements 610). Additionally or alternatively, the control system 300 may be configured to control the polarization of the device light 101 by controlling the radiant flux of the device light 101 from two different types of light generating devices 100. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 300 may be configured to control the spectral power of the device light 101 by controlling the radiant flux of the device light 101 from two different types of light generating devices 100. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control the spectral power distribution of the system light 1001 by controlling the polarization of the device light 101. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 300 may be configured to control the correlated color temperature of the system light 1001 based on one or more of the user interface 301, sensor signals, and timers. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the correlated color temperature of the system light 1001 between 1800 and 8000K in a first operating mode.

[0178] Compared to existing white light engines, the light generation system described herein can therefore provide improved color point tunability.

[0179] Below, the relationship between the correlated color temperature and the S / P polarization ratio in the pump light is compared between a reference light generation system (with a fixed p-polarization transmittance of 20% via a central optical polarization beamsplitter) and the light generation system of the present invention. Table 1 provides an overview of the effect of variations in the S / P polarization ratio on the color point of the output light, where the color point of the output light is possible with respect to the 20% fixed p-polarization transmittance of the central optical polarization beamsplitter in such a light engine. Table 1:

[0180] The data in Table 1 leads to the conclusion that when using T... p In this optical engine with a 0.20-center polarization beam splitter, the correlated color temperature of the output light can be changed by altering the S / P polarization ratio. Furthermore, Table 1 shows that adding S-polarized light to P-polarized light results in a relatively larger amount of emitted light and less blue light in the output light.

[0181] Table 2 provides an overview of the impact of the S / P polarization ratio on the p-polarized transmission of the central optics polarization beamsplitter required to achieve the same CCT as when only p-polarization is pumped. Table 2:

[0182] Therefore, the data in Table 2 leads to the conclusion that if the system is expected to provide equal S and P power while achieving the same CCT as P only, then for a polarization beam splitter with a central optics, it may require T p =0.41 instead of T p =0.20. Therefore, it can be seen that when using input blue light with both p-polarized and s-polarized light contributing equal optical power, a preferred p-polarized transmittance of 41% is produced. However, this is also a function of the desired color temperature, around which one would expect to change the color temperature. However, it shows that this is fundamentally different from the case where only p-polarized input is used as the reference system described above.

[0183] Table 3 provides an overview of the effect of variations in the S / P polarization ratio on the color point of the output light for a fixed p-polarization transmittance of 41% through a polarizing beamsplitter with a central optics. Table 3:

[0184] Therefore, the data in Table 3 leads to the conclusion that if a system is expected to provide equal S and P power while achieving the same CCT as P-only (i.e., CCT = 0.27), then for a polarization beamsplitter with a central optics, it may require T p =0.41 instead of T p=0.20. This p-polarized transmittance of the central optical polarization beamsplitter also enables a relatively wide range of selectable CCT values ​​(i.e., a range of 0.06–0.61 around the target, where CCT = 0.27).

[0185] Therefore, using a polarizing beam splitter with a central optics having high p-polarization transmittance and providing the central optics with a combination of p-polarized and s-polarized light can provide a light generation system with a tunable color point and up to twice the brightness of the aforementioned reference system. However, with T p An increase in the value may also pose a risk of increased power loss in the light generation system. Therefore, the T value was also evaluated. p A light generation system with a p-polarization transmittance of 33% through a central optical polarization beamsplitter is described in Table 4, which provides an overview of the effect of variations in the S / P polarization ratio on the color point of the output light. Table 4:

[0186] The data in Table 4 leads to the conclusion that when using T... p When using a central optical polarization beam splitter with a value of 0.33, power loss in the light generation system can be reduced. Using such a T... p The light generation system can still provide the same CCT (0.27) as before, while providing the central optics with device light including almost equal amounts of p-polarized and s-polarized (60:40) light, thus still being able to achieve an almost symmetrical CCT tuning range (0.06-0.47) around the target ratio of blue to yellow optical power in the output light (here CCT=0.27).

[0187] Clearly, various other arrangements of the building blocks / subsystems presented so far are also covered as other embodiments according to the principles of the invention. For example, in an embodiment, two optical branches comprising a luminescent material and a diffuser material can be combined on the same rotatable element (e.g., a phosphor wheel, a rotating rod, or a rotating disk).

[0188] Figure 5 An embodiment of a luminaire 2 including the light generating system 1000 as described above is schematically depicted. Reference numeral 301 indicates a user interface that can be functionally coupled to a control system 300, which is included in or functionally coupled to the light generating system 1000. Figure 5 An embodiment of a lamp 1 including a light generating system 1000 is also schematically depicted. Reference numeral 3 indicates a projector device or projector system, which can be used, for example, to project images onto a wall, and may also include the light generating system 1000. Therefore, Figure 5An embodiment of a lighting device 1200 selected from the group consisting of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device is schematically depicted, comprising a light generating system 1000 as described herein. In embodiments, 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 emanating from the lighting device 1200 is indicated by reference numeral 1201. The lighting device light 1201 may consist substantially of system light 1001, and therefore may be system light 1001 in certain embodiments. Reference numeral 1300 indicates a space, such as a room. Reference numeral 1305 indicates a floor, reference numeral 1310 indicates a ceiling; and reference numeral 1307 indicates a wall.

[0189] The term "multiple" refers to two or more.

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

[0191] The term "comprising" also includes embodiments of which "comprise" means "forms 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” in one embodiment may mean “consisting of”, but in another embodiment it may also mean “containing at least the defined substances and optionally one or more other substances”.

[0193] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe an order or chronological order. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in orders other than those described or shown herein.

[0194] These devices, apparatuses, or systems may be described herein during operation. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the method of operation, or the devices, apparatuses, or systems in operation.

[0195] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0196] In the claims, any reference numerals placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims.

[0197] The use of the verb "comprising" and its variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in the claims. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprising," "including," 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 "one" or "a" preceding an element does not preclude the existence of multiple such elements.

[0199] This invention can be implemented by hardware comprising several different elements and by a suitably programmed computer. In the device claims, apparatus claims, or system claims that enumerate several means, several of these means can be implemented by the same hardware. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. In another aspect, the invention (therefore) provides a software product that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described herein (one or more embodiments).

[0200] The present invention also provides a control system that can control a device, apparatus, or system, or can perform the methods or processes described herein. Furthermore, the present invention provides a computer program product that, when functionally coupled to or executed on a computer included in a device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0201] The present invention is also applicable to devices, apparatuses, or systems that include one or more features described in the specification and / or shown in the drawings. The present invention also relates to methods or processes that include one or more features described in the specification and / or shown in the drawings.

[0202] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and more than two embodiments can be combined. Additionally, some features can form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A light generating system (1000) comprising one or more light generating devices (100), a light-emitting material (200), a diffuser element (710), a polarization changing element (810), a central optical device (900), and a control system (300), wherein: - The one or more light generating devices (100) are configured to generate device light (101); wherein the one or more light generating devices (100) include a light source (10) selected from laser diodes and superluminescent diodes; wherein the device light (101) received by the central optics (900) includes controllable polarization; - The luminescent material (200) is configured to convert at least a portion of the device light (101) received by the luminescent material (200) into luminescent material light (201). - The diffuser element (710) is configured to diffuse at least a portion of the device light (101) received by the diffuser element (710), thereby providing diffused device light (711) while maintaining at least a portion of the polarization; - The polarization changing element (810) is disposed in the optical path of the device light (101) between the central optical element (900) and the diffuser element (710); - The central optics (900) includes (i) a central optics polarization beamsplitter (910) and (ii) a central optics dichroic beamsplitter (920); wherein the central optics (900) is configured to transmit and / or reflect the device light (101), the diffuse device light (711), and the luminescent material light (201) received by the central optics (900) according to one or more of the polarization of the device light (101), the diffuse device light (711), and the luminescent material light (201) and their spectral power distributions. - The control system (300) is configured to control the polarization of the device light (101) received by the central optics (900); - The light generating system (1000) is configured to provide system light (1001), the system light (1001) comprising one or more of a diffuser light (711) and a luminescent material light (201); and wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured such that in a first operating mode of the light generating system (1000): (a) at least a portion of the device light (101) irradiates the luminescent material (200) via the central optics (900), and the luminescent material light (201) escapes from the light generating system (1000) via the central optics (900), and (b) at least a portion of the device light (101) irradiates the diffuser element (710) via the central optics (900), and at least a portion of the diffuser light (711) escapes from the light generating system (1000) via the central optics (900); and One of the following applies: (i) The central optical polarization beam splitter (910) is configured to: (a) reflect x% of the device light (101) with s polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light (101) with p polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light (101) with p polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of at least 85%, wherein y is selected from the range of 25% to 85%, and wherein z is selected from the range of 15% to 75%. (ii) The central optical polarization beam splitter (910) is configured to: (a) reflect x% of the device light (101) with s polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light (101) with p polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light (101) with p polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of 15% to 75%, wherein y is selected from the range of up to 15%, and wherein z is selected from the range of at least 85%.

2. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the central optical polarization beam splitter (910) is configured to: (a1) transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the device light (101), and (a2) transmit and / or reflect at least a portion of the diffuse device light (711); and wherein the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920) is configured to: (b1) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the device light (101), (b2) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the diffuse device light (711), and (b3) reflect or transmit at least a portion of the luminescent material light (201); and wherein the polarization changing element (810) comprises a λ / 4 waveplate.

3. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device light (101) has a wavelength selected from the blue wavelength range; wherein the luminescent material light (201) has a wavelength selected from the green-red wavelength range; wherein the system light (1001) in the first operating mode is white light; and wherein in the first operating mode, the system light (1001) comprises at least 90% diffuse device light (711) and luminescent material light (201).

4. The light generation system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a polarization control element (610) configured to control the polarization of the device light (101); wherein the polarization control element (610) includes a rotatable birefringent rotator; wherein the birefringent rotator includes a λ / 2 waveplate; wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the polarization control element (610).

5. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more light generating devices comprise two different types of light generating devices (100) differing in the polarization type of the device light (101) they generate; wherein the light generating system (1000) further comprises a first polarization beamsplitter (525), wherein the first polarization beamsplitter (525) is disposed downstream of the two different types of light generating devices (100) and upstream of the central optics (900); and wherein the first polarization beamsplitter (525) is configured to transmit or reflect at least a portion of p-polarized light and reflect or transmit at least a portion of s-polarized light; and wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the radiant flux of the device light (101) of the two different types of light generating devices (100).

6. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more light generating devices comprise two different types of light generating devices (100) differing in that the spectral power distribution of the device light (101) generated by them is different; wherein the light generating system (1000) further comprises a first dichroic beam splitter (515), wherein the first dichroic beam splitter (515) is disposed downstream of the two different types of light generating devices (100) and upstream of the central optics (900); wherein the first dichroic beam splitter (515) is configured to (a) transmit or reflect at least a portion of the first type of device light (101), and (b) reflect or transmit at least a portion of the second type of device light (101); wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the radiant flux of the device light (101) of the two different types of light generating devices (100).

7. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the following is applicable: (i) The central optical dichroic beam splitter (920) is configured to: (a) transmit at least 80% of the device light (101) received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920); (b) reflect at least 80% of the luminescent material light (201) received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920); and (c) transmit at least 80% of the diffused device light (711) received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920); (ii) The central optical dichroic beam splitter (920) is configured to: (a) reflect at least 80% of the device light (101) received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920); (b) transmit at least 80% of the luminescent material light (201) received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920); and (c) reflect at least 80% of the diffused device light (711) received by the central optical dichroic beam splitter (920).

8. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central optical polarization beam splitter (910) is configured to: (a) reflect x% of the device light (101) having s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light (101) having p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light (101) having p-polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of at least 95%, wherein y is selected from the range of 50% to 85%, and wherein z is selected from the range of 15% to 50%.

9. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central optical polarization beam splitter (910) is configured to: (a) reflect x% of the device light (101) having s-polarization, (b) reflect y% of the device light (101) having p-polarization, and (c) transmit z% of the device light (101) having p-polarization, wherein x is selected from the range of 15% to 50%, wherein y is selected from the range of up to 5%, and wherein z is selected from the range of at least 95%.

10. A light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting material (200) is configured to be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material; wherein the light generating system (1000) comprises a plurality of light generating devices (100) configured to generate the device light (101), wherein two or more of the light generating devices (100) comprise a laser source configured in a laser array; wherein the light generating system (1000) further comprises one or more of an integrating optics device, a collimating optics device, and a homogenizing optics device; wherein the light-emitting material (200) comprises at least The luminescent material of the type, 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; and wherein the device light (101) includes blue device light (101).

11. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central optical element (900) comprises: (i) a single optical component having polarization beam splitting and dichroic beam splitting functions, or (ii) two optical components, one having polarization beam splitting and the other having dichroic beam splitting functions.

12. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a rotatable element (1200), wherein the rotatable element (1200) comprises the light-emitting material (200); wherein during operation of the light generating system (1000) in the first operating mode, the rotatable element (1200) rotates such that different portions of the light-emitting material (200) are irradiated by the device light (101) over time.

13. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the spectral power distribution of the system light (1001) by controlling the polarization of the device light (101).

14. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 13, wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the correlated color temperature of the system light (1001) according to one or more of a user interface, a sensor signal, and a timer; and wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the correlated color temperature of the system light (1001) between 1800K and 8000K in the first operating mode.

15. A lighting device (1200) selected from the group consisting of lamps (1), luminaires (2), projector devices (3), headlights, photochemical reactors and optical wireless communication devices, including a light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images