Optical beam shapers, projectors and methods for projecting incident light

Abstract

Optical beam shaper for generating an emerging light beam (14) from an incident light beam (12), wherein the optical beam shaper has the following features: a condenser lens array (C) comprising a first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6), wherein the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) are configured to receive the incident light beam (12); and a projection lens array (P) comprising a second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) configured to receive light from the condenser lens array (C) and to emit the emerging light beam (14), wherein the number of the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) is greater than the number of the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7); wherein an edge of a projection lens is offset or misaligned with respect to an opposite condenser lens.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical beam former or beam forming device, and a method for producing the same. The present invention further relates to a high beam headlight for a vehicle and a vehicle having such a high beam headlight. The present invention particularly relates to an optical beam former for complex far-field distributions.

[0002] There are several solutions for far-field beam shaping. Diffusers

[0003] Diffusers are very effective tools for arbitrary far-field beam shaping; however, they have several disadvantages. • Sharp edges of the beam are difficult or even impossible to produce in the far field; • the formation of a beam intensity profile is typically limited and always corresponds to the scattering function of the diffuser surface; • the center of gravity of the far field created by a diffuser typically corresponds to the center of gravity of the incident light beam. Array projector

[0004] Reference [1] proposes a method for homogeneous beam shaping in the far-field by using absorbing masks in each channel of a double-sided microlens array (MLA) in a fly's-eye condenser (FEC) setup. Any desired continuous beam shaping can be achieved by varying the size and shape of the absorbing masks per channel. The disadvantage of such a system is that the use of absorbing elements leads to a significant loss of transmission and optical efficiency of the system. Irregular honeycomb condenser

[0005] Reference [2] proposes a solution for a maskless double-sided MLA, also known as an irregular honeycomb condenser (iFEC). Arbitrary continuous intensity profiles are achievable due to the channel-wise non-uniformities between the microlenses. The main drawbacks are stray light caused by jumps in profile height between neighboring microlenses and the complicated MLA fabrication, which can only be partially avoided by using sophisticated design algorithms [3].

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for beamformers with simple manufacturing and high-quality far-field distributions.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical beam former, a method for providing an optical beam former, a projector, a high beam headlamp for a vehicle, a vehicle having such a high beam headlamp, and a method for projecting incident light that allows simple manufacture of lens assemblies and for far-field distribution with a low amount of stray light and unwanted noise.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter defined in the independent claims.

[0009] A finding of the present invention is that using a common output microlens (SEM) of a double-sided MLA together with providing a larger number of condenser lenses compared to the number of projection lenses allows for easy fabrication of such arrays by avoiding complicated designs or additional structures, while enabling high quality of the far-field distribution by allowing to project sharp edges in the far field and / or to keep the system efficiency (the transmission) at the theoretical limit.

[0010] According to one embodiment, an optical beamformer for generating an outgoing light beam from an incoming light beam comprises a condenser lens array having a first plurality of condenser lenses, the first plurality of condenser lenses being configured to receive the incoming light beam. The optical beamformer comprises a projection lens array having a second plurality of projection lenses configured to receive light from the condenser lens array and to emit the outgoing light beam. The number of the first plurality of condenser lenses is greater than the number of the second plurality of projection lenses. This results in at least two condenser lenses sharing at least one projection lens, which easily allows additional degrees of freedom for designing the optical beamformer while maintaining high quality in the far-field distribution.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a projector comprises such an optical beam former and a light source for providing the incident light beam.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a high beam headlamp for a vehicle includes an optical beam former as described herein and / or a projector as described herein. The embodiments also provide a vehicle including such a high beam headlamp.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a method for providing an optical beamformer comprises providing a condenser lens array having a first plurality of condenser lenses, the first plurality of condenser lenses being configured to receive an incident light beam. The method comprises providing a projection lens array having a second plurality of projection lenses configured to receive light from the condenser lens array and to emit the outgoing light beam. The method is carried out such that the number of the first plurality of condenser lenses is greater than the number of the second plurality of projection lenses, and such that the optical beamformer is suitable for generating an outgoing light beam from an incident light beam.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a method for projecting incident light comprises exposing a condenser lens array having a plurality of condenser lenses to a beam of incident light to direct the incident light onto a projection lens array having a smaller number of projection lenses compared to the number of condenser lenses. The method comprises projecting the light emitted by the projection lens array onto a projection surface.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a projector according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an implementation of the optical beamformer according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a part of an optical beamformer according to an embodiment in which the number of three condenser lenses is opposite the number of two projection lenses; Fig. 4a-b show schematic representations of a known FEC concept; Fig. 5a-e show schematic representations of a configuration of a projection lens covering two condenser lenses; Fig. 6a shows a schematic top view of an optical beamformer according to an embodiment, wherein the output microlens overlaps with the number of three input microlenses; Fig. 6b a schematic representation of an initial intensity profile of a by the arrangement of Fig. 6a shows the first partial beam formed; Fig. Figure 6c shows a schematic representation of an imaging path for a second input microlens in a plan view: Fig. 6d a schematic representation of an initial intensity profile of the Fig. 6c shows the partial beam: Fig. 6e-f show a top view of an imaging path for a second input microlens C2 and a corresponding output intensity profile; Fig. 6g shows a diagram showing a result of a superposition of partial beams of Fig. 6a-f; Fig. 7a-e show schematic diagrams relating to an optical beamformer according to an embodiment having a magnification factor of 1.1 and a lens vertex offset of 0.05; Fig. 8a shows a schematic front view of a unit cell for an optical beamformer according to an embodiment having a constant magnification factor of the projection lenses; Fig. 8b-c show schematic representations of possible intensity profiles associated with the structure of Fig. 8a can be obtained; Fig. 9a shows a schematic front view of a unit cell for an optical beamformer according to an embodiment having a variable magnification factor of the projection lenses; Fig. 9b-c show schematic representations of possible intensity profiles associated with the structure of Fig. 9a can be obtained; Fig. 10a a schematic diagram of a mirrored arrangement of the unit cell of Fig. 9a according to an embodiment; Fig. 10b-c show schematic representations of possible intensity profiles associated with the structure of Fig. 10a can be obtained; Fig. 11 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment, which may be used, for example, to provide an optical beamformer according to an embodiment; and Fig. 12 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment that can be used for projecting incident light.

[0016] The same or equivalent elements or elements with the same or equivalent functionality are designated by the same or equivalent reference numerals in the following description, even if they appear in different figures.

[0017] In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, features of the various embodiments described below may be combined with one another unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0018] The embodiments described herein relate to multiple lens arrays, which also include condenser lenses, synonymously referred to as entrance lenses. An MLA may also include exit lenses, synonymously referred to as projection lenses.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an optical system 100, for example, a projector, according to one embodiment. The optical system includes an optical beamformer 10, which represents an embodiment of the present invention. The beamformer 10 can be designed as a micro-optical beamformer, i.e., it can include so-called microlenses, where the term microlenses can mean a dimension of a few nanometers, micrometers, or millimeters.

[0020] In the optical system 100, the beam former 10 may be illuminated by a light cone 12, which may have a certain divergence, denoted as θ div. Without limiting the embodiments described herein, this divergence may be less than or equal to a numerical aperture (NA) of the input microlenses, which may be described as follows: θdiv≤asin(NAent) where NA ent represents the numerical aperture of the input microlenses.

[0021] The optical beam former 10 can generate an outgoing light beam 14 from the incident light beam 12 and direct it along an optical axis 16.

[0022] An important aspect of the present embodiments is the use of a single-microlens (SEM) design in a double-sided, shared-output MLA. This can be understood as meaning that at least two condenser lenses share a smaller number of projection lenses, or, conversely, that at least one projection lens of the projection lens array of an optical beamformer described herein is a lens shared by at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or even a higher number of 5, 6, 7, ..., condenser lenses. This can be understood as meaning that a plurality of input microlenses illuminate one output microlens, i.e., they share one output microlens. However, the embodiments are not limited to integer multiples, as described herein.The described principle can ensure greater design freedom for far-field beamforming without absorbing elements and can avoid the need for irregular structures of the input MLA to provide an advantage over the iFEC.

[0023] The SEM process can be implemented independently to achieve highly effective and compact luminaires with any intensity in the far-field distribution, or in combination with existing beam-shaping solutions, for example, in conjunction with FEC or iFEC. In both cases, optional controlled crosstalk can be applied.

[0024] A projector according to one embodiment may include an optical beam former according to an embodiment described herein. Furthermore, a light source for providing the incident light beam 12 may be part of the projector. The light source 11 may be configured to provide the incident light 12 with a divergence that is at most one numerical aperture of the condenser lens array of the beam former 10.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an implementation of the optical beamformer 10 according to an embodiment. The optical beamformer 10 includes a condenser lens array C and a projection lens array P. The condenser lens array C can include condenser lenses C n,mwhich may be arranged in a matrix configuration, for example, a square matrix configuration with m columns and m rows. However, such a square arrangement is not necessary for practicing the present invention.

[0026] The projection lens array P may comprise a plurality of condenser lenses P n,0 which may be arranged at least partially according to a matrix configuration with n columns and o rows. According to one embodiment, the condenser lens array C and the projection lens array P are congruent with respect to each other with respect to the overall arrays. This can be understood to mean that the overall optical size of the arrays can be the same.

[0027] For example, a first base surface of the plurality of condenser lenses of the condenser lens array C may be congruent with respect to one another, ie, identically shaped along the transverse directions. This means that the respective condenser lenses may be identically shaped with respect to their aperture. A second base surface of the plurality of second projection lenses may be congruent with respect to one another, which is the case for each of the rows of the projection lens array P in Fig. 2 applies. This means that the respective projection lenses can have the same shape with regard to their aperture. The dimension of the second base surface can be larger compared to the dimension of the first base surface, which can be implemented, for example, with a larger extension along at least one of the x and / or y directions of the projection lens compared to the respective condenser lens. This means that at least parts of the projection lenses can have a larger aperture than the condenser lenses.

[0028] Regarding a 1:1 configuration to each condenser lens C n,m exactly one projection lens P n,o To assign the projection lens array P, the projection lens array P may comprise projection lenses P1, P2, P3, P4, arranged, for example, in row 5, and / or projection lenses P5, P6, P7 and possibly further projection lenses in row 0=3, which corresponds to a larger extension along the x-direction compared to the 1:1 assignment. In the optical beamformer 10, condenser lenses C 3,1 to C 3,m be designed such that adjacent condenser lenses share a projection lens of row 0=3 of the projection lens. Such a deviation from a regular procedure may be different for different rows and / or columns, as indicated by a larger dimension of the projection lenses P5, P6 and P7 along the x-direction compared to the projection lenses P1, P2, P3 and P4. As in Fig. 2, only a part or sub-area of ​​the projection lens array P may deviate from an overall layout. Alternatively, the entire projection lens array P may deviate from the regular 1:1 implementation. Although it is stated that the projection lenses P1 to P7 deviate from a regular implementation along a row direction x, such a deviation may alternatively or additionally be implemented along the column direction y.

[0029] Preferably, the exit lenses of the output MLA P are located in the focal plane of the input microlenses of the input MLA C or are positioned there, and vice versa. Preferably, the first plurality of condenser lenses have the same first focal length within a tolerance range to allow precise positioning of the second plurality of projection lenses at their focal length. Alternatively or additionally, the second plurality of projection lenses have the same focal length within a tolerance range, and the first plurality of condenser lenses are arranged at this focal length of the projection lenses.According to one embodiment, the microlenses of both the entrance and exit MLAs C and P may be implemented to have rectangular shapes, and they may be positioned with respect to each other in such a way that both arrays have a fill factor of at least 90%, at least 92%, or at least 95%, preferably as close to 100% as possible.

[0030] Implementing a fill factor as close to 100% as possible allows for the formation of a double-sided MLA that fills at least approximately 100% of the space. The SEM process may involve deliberately increasing the dimensions of the output microlenses compared to the dimensions of the input microlenses.

[0031] In the example of Fig. 2, four output microlenses P1, P2, P3, and P4 have a dimension twice the nominal dimension of the input microlenses, and three output microlenses P5, P6, and P7 have a dimension three times the nominal dimension of the input microlenses. The input microlenses of the condenser lens array C can be implemented with a constant dimension across the entire input MLAs C. The output microlenses P1, P2, P3, and P4 each cover more than one input microlens, instead of just one, as would be the case with a completely regular FEC. The output microlenses P5, P6, and P7 each cover more than two input microlenses. The input microlenses covered by an enlarged output microlens share a common output microlens, instead of a single output microlens for each of them.The partial light beam coming from each microlens with a common output from more than one input microlens is shaped differently compared to a 1x1 / 1:1 standard channel.

[0032] The focal length of all magnified output microlenses can be equal to the focal length of the input microlenses, which can be understood as meaning that a lateral magnification of the output microlens can lead to an equal magnification of its numerical aperture (NA) compared to the NA of the input microlenses. The magnification of the output microlens compared to the input microlens can be described by the magnification factor k, which can be represented as: k=H(exit)H(entrance)=NA(exit)NA(entrance) where H (exit) is the dimension of the magnified output microlens, and H (entrance) is the dimension of the entrance microlens.

[0033] Magnification of the output microlens can be implemented in only one direction, for example horizontally or vertically or along both directions or planes, depending on the desired distribution to be achieved in the far field. Local description of the orientation of the input microlenses

[0034] In addition to the magnification factor k, the lateral alignment of the input microlens with respect to the magnified output microlens can also play a role in beam shaping. A local description of this alignment can be given by Equation 3 and Fig. 3. "Local" in connection with the local description means that this description applies to the input microlens with minimal lateral vertex offset with respect to the corresponding output microlens on the optical axis of the MLA.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a portion of an optical beamformer 10 according to an embodiment, in which the number of three condenser lenses C0, C1 and C2 is opposite a number of two projection lenses P0 and P1. Fig. 3, a local description of an alignment of the first input microlens C0 with respect to the global optical axis G and a first microlens P0 is described as follows. A0=G±xp=±xp where: G = 0 represents a global optical axis of the system, for example the optical axis 16 from Fig. 1; p represents a pitch of the input microlenses; x = [0, ..., 1] represents a normalized alignment factor; Ao represents a vertex position of the input microlens closest to the global axis G; Bo represents a position of the aperture center of the output microlens on the global axis.

[0036] Below, examples of various implementations of k and x or Δx (representable as x multiplied by p) are listed, along with the corresponding output intensity profiles. For simplicity, the microlenses are shown as real lenses, for example, with curvature; however, the embodiments also target implementation using near-axis, i.e., ideal, microlenses. A real profile of the microlenses will be explained later.

[0037] Before referring to embodiments of the present invention, some known solutions will be discussed which do not form part of the present invention. However, the known solutions will be discussed with regard to the introduced factors k and x, in particular with regard to the known FEC and iFEC implementations. The factors k and x described herein refer to relative factors associated with a respective (condenser) lens. That is, a magnification factor of k = 1.1 indicates a 10% increase in the dimension of the projection lens compared to the condenser microlens along the respective direction. An offset of x = 0.05 may indicate a 5% offset with respect to the microlens. k=1; x=0 (FEC):_

[0038] The FEC solution is discussed to highlight differences with the inventive SEM solution.

[0039] If a factor of only k = 1 is applied to the output microlenses, and no displacement from the initial position is applied, i.e., x = 0, then one would obtain a micro-optical system equivalent to the FEC concept described in [1]. Fig. 4a shows such a configuration, and Fig. Figure 4b shows a corresponding initial intensity profile. The configuration of Fig. Figure 4a is a top view of a 1x1 channel configuration. Without the inventive SEM technique, a completely regular microlens array is implemented on both sides C and P, yielding a rectangular distribution in the far field, as shown in Fig. 4b and described in [1]. k=2; x=0.5 (iFEC):_

[0040] This section discusses the known iFEC solution to point out differences regarding the inventive SEM method. For clarity, Fig. 5a and Fig. 5c the inputs of the input microlenses C0 and C1 are shown separately.

[0041] Fig. 5a-e demonstrate the second case, which is an adaptation of [2]. Here, the input microlens C0 is aligned with the output microlens P0 at infinity, which builds up a partial beam SB1 in the far field, as shown in the output intensity profile of Fig. 5b regarding the imaging path for the input microlens C0 in the iFEC.

[0042] At the same time, the input microlens C1 is imaged by the output microlens P1, as shown in Fig. 5c, which forms a partial beam SB2. While Fig. 5c shows the imaging path for the input microlens C1 in the iFEC, Fig. 5d shows the corresponding output intensity profile. The vertices of the output microlenses P0 and P1 are shifted in such a way that the intensity profile and the resulting total beam TB1 look as in Fig. 5e, which represents an intensity profile of the resulting total beam TB1, for example a superposition of the partial beams SB1 and SB2.

[0043] A decomposition of the magnified output microlens into two identical microlenses is the equivalent of an iFEC, in which two output microlenses have opposite eccentricity of their vertices by half the pitch of the microlenses. Such a decomposition can always occur with a combination of even values ​​of k and x = 0.5 or with a combination of odd values ​​of k and x = 0; therefore, these combinations do not form part of the embodiments described herein.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention are also explained below. According to the embodiments, a numerical aperture NA of at least one projection lens of the projection lens array P is larger than a numerical aperture of a condenser lens of the condenser lens array C. For example, the numerical aperture can be an integer multiple or a non-integer multiple. k=2; x=0_

[0045] For clarity, Fig. 6a-d the inputs of the input microlenses C0, C1 and C2 are shown separately.

[0046] Unlike FEC / iFEC, the idea of ​​the SEM method is that more than one input microlens shares one output microlens, with at least one input microlens being completely "covered" by the opposite output microlens, and at least one adjacent input microlens being partially "covered" by the same output microlens. To obtain a complex beam intensity profile in the far field, the embodiments may allow the use of absorbing elements or irregular input arrays to be avoided. An example of SEM is listed for a combination of k = 2 and x = 0 and may relate to a simple implementation of the present invention.

[0047] An incident light beam may have a divergence less than or equal to the numerical aperture of the input microlens, as described in equation 1 and in conjunction with Fig. 1. Such a combination forms an arrangement in which the enlarged output microlens completely covers one input microlens and two input microlenses by half, and the triplet of input microlenses is possibly positioned symmetrically with respect to the output microlens. Single integer k-factor with constant value (simple example):

[0048] Using only one k-factor across the entire MLA results in a simple intensity profile of the beam in the far field with a discrete step in intensity.

[0049] To explain the structure of the MLA for this case, the local description of the input microlens alignment can be described as follows: If: A0=±xp then: Ai=±xp+ip=Ai−1+p at the same time: B0=0=>Bj=kpj where: i∈N [1, 2, 3, ..., n] is the number of the particular input microlens; n is the total number of input microlenses in the array; 8 is the position of the aperture center of the output microlens; j∈N [0, 1, 2, ..., m] is the number of the particular output microlens; m is the total number of output microlenses in the array.

[0050] In this case, the distance between the vertex of the input microlens and the aperture center of the output microlens remains constant: Bj−Ai=const

[0051] Fig. Figure 6a shows an implementation of an optical beamformer 10' according to an embodiment, wherein the output microlens P0 at least partially overlaps with the number of three input microlenses C0, C1, C2 and receives light from these three input microlenses. Depending on the magnification factor k, a higher number of input microlenses can also be shared.

[0052] Fig. Figure 6b shows a schematic representation of an initial intensity profile of the arrangement of Fig. 6a formed partial beam SB0, wherein an imaging path for the input microlens C0 is shown in a plan view.

[0053] Fig. Figure 6c shows the imaging path for the input microlens C1 in a top view of the optical beamformer 10'. Fig. Figure 6d shows an initial intensity profile of the Fig. 6c formed partial beam SB1.

[0054] Accordingly, show Fig. 6e and Fig. 6f a top view of an imaging path for the input microlens C2 and a corresponding output intensity profile for the Fig. 6e formed partial beam SB2. While Fig. 6c and Fig. 6d represent half of the input microlens C1 covered by the same enlarged output microlens P0, which builds up an optical sub-beam SB1 in the far field, Fig. 6e and Fig. 6f shows half of another input microlens C2 covered by the same enlarged output microlens P0, which builds up an output sub-beam SB2 in the far field, the intensity profiles of which are shown in Fig. 6d and Fig. 6f are shown.

[0055] Fig. 6g shows a diagram showing a result of a superposition of the partial beams SB0, SB1 and SB2 of Fig. 6b, Fig. 6d and Fig. 6f, to build a total beam TB1 in the far field such that Fig. 6g represents an intensity profile of the resulting total beam TB1.

[0056] While the middle microlens C1 of the relevant part of the array is covered by a twice magnified output microlens P0, the microlenses C1 and C2 are each half covered by the output microlens P0.

[0057] As long as the incident light beam has a perpendicular incidence to the MLA, the intensity profile remains constant for divergence angles less than or equal to the NA of the input microlenses, see Equation 1. However, if the incidence of the incident light beam is not perpendicular, the energy in the sub-beams SB1 and SB2 may diverge, and the total beam TB1 may become asymmetric, even if the divergence of the incident light beam remains within the NA of the input microlenses. Therefore, perpendicular incidence may be preferred at least in some cases; however, in some specific cases, a far-field distribution controlled by the incidence of the incident light beam may also offer advantages. k=1.1; x=0.05

[0058] While referring to Fig. 7a-e and in particular Fig. 7a and Fig. 7c compared to the embodiment with respect to k=2, which can be enlarged to other integer values ​​of k, another example can be the use of non-integer numbers for the parameter k. The incident light beam can have a divergence that is less than or equal to the numerical aperture of the input microlenses. This can enable an arrangement in which the enlarged microlens P1-E completely covers one input microlens C0 and another part of a neighboring second input microlens C1, for example, one-tenth of it based on the value of x or 0.05, respectively. The offset is given by x multiplied by p, where x is a parameter describing the dimension of the lens, normalized by the distance of the input microlens p. The result of xp can directly provide an absolute value for the offset. This can lead to an asymmetric beam in the far field. While Fig. 7a shows the generation of a partial beam SB0 using an optical beam former 10" according to an embodiment and based on the imaging path for the input microlens C0, for example in a plan view, Fig. 7b shows a corresponding output intensity profile of the partial beam SB0. While an edge 221 of the projection lens P1-E in Fig. 7a may be aligned with a corresponding edge 241 of the microlens C0, although it may also be misaligned, an opposite edge 222 may be misaligned, for example, with respect to a left-right or top-bottom configuration with respect to an edge 242 opposite the edge 241 or an edge 24s of the microlens C1 adjacent to the microlens C0. Misalignment may be understood to mean that the edge 222 faces the optically active surface of a lens, while not facing a peripheral edge of the lens. With reference, for example, to Fig. In Figure 5a, the lens P0 includes edges that are each aligned with an opposite edge of different condenser lenses C0 and C1, respectively. This misalignment describes a mismatch of the edges of the microlenses, which automatically occurs when the output microlenses are magnified and a fill factor of 100% is maintained. A misalignment described by the factor x can describe a different or additional offset of the condenser lenses with respect to the optical axis, which can help construct the array or a unit cell thereof.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7c shows the imaging path for the input microlens C1 of the optical beamformer 10", also in a top view.

[0060] Fig. Figure 7d shows a schematic diagram showing an example of an output intensity profile of the sub-beam SB1 of Fig. 7c represents.

[0061] Fig. Figure 7e shows a schematic representation of an intensity profile of the resulting total beam TB1, which is obtained by superimposing the partial beams SB0 and SB1 of Fig. 7b and Fig. 7d is formed.

[0062] It should be noted that Fig. 6a-7e show only two possible examples for the magnification of the output microlens and the alignment factor x. However, a variety of combinations of K and X are possible and may depend on the target distribution. An angular measure of one or the other sub-beam, for example, SB0 and / or SB1 in Fig. 7a-e, can depend on a lateral dimension of the input microlenses and the focal length of the output microlenses. Thus, if the input MLA is regular and the focal length of the magnified microlenses remains constant due to the magnification, the angular dimension of the partial beam can be kept fixed.

[0063] For example, the projection lens array P may comprise one or more cylindrical lenses. However, the embodiments are not limited to a cylindrical lens configuration and may include other types of lenses. In some embodiments, an anamorphic profile, for example, aspherical cylinders or free forms, may be preferred, but this is not a mandatory implementation. Alternatively or additionally, opposing condenser lenses may also be configured as cylindrical lenses. For example, magnifying the projection lenses compared to the condenser lenses results in a different cylinder height over the same cylinder diameter, although the diameter may also vary.

[0064] Regarding the configurations of the optical beamformers described herein, one possible configuration is to provide an optical center of a projector lens of the plurality of projector lenses that is aligned with the optical center of a condenser lens and has a dimension along at least one lateral direction of the projector lens and the condenser lens that is larger than the dimension of the condenser lens. Such a configuration is described, for example, in Fig. 6a. For example, the dimension of the projector lens may be within a tolerance range of an integer multiple of the dimension of the condenser lens, for example, twice, three times, or the like.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the optical center of the projector lens of the plurality of projector lenses is offset along an offset direction. For example, according to Fig. 2 an offset along direction X can be implemented. The offset can be represented by the parameter x, as described above and for example in Fig. 7a. The projector lens may have a dimension along at least one lateral direction of the projector lens, for example, X and / or Y, that is greater than the dimension of the condenser lens. The offset is less than half the extent of the condenser lens along the offset direction, i.e., x < 0.5. For example, the projection lens of the projection lens array is a lens shared by at least two or at least three condenser lenses.

[0066] For both configurations, an aligned or offset optical center of a projection lens with respect to the opposing condenser microlens, a magnification factor k, which describes an at least local magnification of the dimension of a projection lens along one or two directions x and / or y compared with a condenser lens providing light for the projection lens, and / or which describes the magnification of the numerical aperture of the projection lens compared with the condenser lens, is the same for different sections of the projection lens array and is an integer value or a non-integer value.

[0067] The embodiments provide compact and highly efficient micro-optical beamforming of arbitrarily complex far-field intensity distributions without requiring and / or using absorbing or scattering elements, which employ near-regular microlens arrays. When considering the effect of microlens magnification for the full MLA, embodiments are described with reference to a definition of a unit cell (EC), which is used to explain the output microlens magnification for the full array. The EZ can form a specific set of input and output microlenses that meet the following criteria: • They can be copied identically; • The copy of the EZ ensures a fill factor of 100% across the entire MLA; • The EZ provides a target or a discretized target intensity profile of the beam in the far field.

[0068] In the case of a regular MLA, the EZ can be a pair of input and output microlenses. In the case of the SEM method, the EZ has a different structure, depending on the k-factor.

[0069] Fig. Fig. 8a shows a schematic front view of an elementary cell EZ for forming part of an optical beam former 10''' according to an embodiment, in which the same or different EZs are provided in high numbers of at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 or more. Fig. Figure 8a is a drawing directed toward the projection lens array P, with the condenser lens array C shown in dotted lines.

[0070] In the illustrated example, seven condenser lenses C0 to C6 share five projection lenses P0 to P4, while the condenser lens arrays C and P, or the respective sections of an overall array, are congruent with respect to one another. With equally sized condenser lenses, on the one hand, and equally sized projection lenses, on the other hand, a magnification factor of 7 / 5 = 1.4 = k can result. At a center, for example, projection lens P2 and condenser lens C3, the respective optical centers 263 of the condenser lens C3 and 282 of the projection lens P2 can overlap or be arranged on a same optical axis. From such a center, upon increase or decrease along the extension direction x, the optical center 26 can be offset from a respective optical center 28. The optical beamformer 10''' can, together with other parts, form part of the overall optical beamformer. The magnification factor k is, as in Fig. 8a, the factor K is the same for different sections of the projection lens arrays P0 to P5. However, the factor K can also vary, resulting in the magnification factor k being different for different sections of the projection lens arrays.

[0071] However, in Fig. 8a shows that the position of the vertices 26 of the input microlenses with respect to the position of the aperture centers 28 of the output microlenses may vary or may not be constant, which may lead to a more complex structure of the unit cell EZ.

[0072] Fig. Figure 8a shows a simple realization of the EZ with k = 1.4 applied to the output microlenses. The symbols "+" represent the vertices 26 of the input microlenses C, and the symbols "x" represent the vertices 28 of the magnified output microlenses. Fig. Figure 8a thus shows in a front view a system with a regular input MLA in dashed lines and an output MLA with magnified microlenses in solid lines, represented by C and P, respectively, and for a magnification factor k = 1.4.

[0073] The magnification factor k = 1.4 is assumed only as an illustrative example. It is noted that a different value of K can be implemented without restriction. It is further noted that an overall optical beamformer may comprise more than one unit cell, and more than one unit cell may each have a constant magnification factor, which may be the same or different across different unit cells. Alternatively or additionally, unit cells with varying magnification factors may be combined, where the variation may be the same or different across different unit cells.

[0074] In this case, the position of the aperture centers of the magnified output microlenses can be described as follows: Bj=Bj−1+kp where: j∈N (1, 2, 3, ..., m) is the number of the particular output microlens.

[0075] Then the condition to be fulfilled for the EZ is (the conditions of both equations (8) and (9) must be fulfilled): Bj+12kp=Ai+12p and −12kp=−A0−12p

[0076] This means that the total extension of the output microlenses in the EZ can be as exactly the same as possible as the total extension of the input microlenses in the EZ. However, the exemplary embodiments are still functional within a tolerance range of a few percent.

[0077] Fig. 8b-c show an example of an intensity distribution of the beam that is connected to the Fig. 8a. The incident light beam has a divergence that is less than or equal to the numerical aperture of the input microlenses.

[0078] How to Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c, a smooth intensity distribution with the unit cell of Fig. 8a are formed.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the projection lens array comprises a plurality of sections of the projection lens array, wherein each section of the projection lens array has one or more projection lenses and is opposite an associated section of the condenser lens array having one or more condenser lenses. The magnification factor k, which describes the magnification of the dimension of a projection lens compared to a condenser lens providing light for the projection lens, and / or which describes the magnification of the numerical aperture of the projection lens compared to the condenser lens, can vary between different sections of the projection lens array.

[0080] An example of such a variation is in Fig. 9a, where a schematic front view of a unit cell for an optical beam former 10'''' according to an embodiment is shown. Here, the number of four projection lenses P0 to P3 is compared to the number of five condenser lenses C0 to C4, wherein the number of projection lenses and / or the number of condenser lenses may differ from the example shown without departing from the embodiments described herein. The magnification factor k represents a magnification of the respective projection lens along direction x in a similar manner as in Fig. 8a, where the direction can alternatively or additionally be a y-direction. It should be noted that the magnification along two different directions x and y can be implemented differently and independently of each other, without considering a constant or varying factor k.

[0081] While the condenser microlenses C0 to C4 may have a constant dimension along y, on the one hand, and along x, on the other hand, the projection lenses P0 to P3 may have the same or identical dimension along direction y compared to each other and compared to the condenser lenses. Furthermore, the projection lenses P0 to P3 may have a different extension along direction X compared to the condenser lenses C1 to C4, on the one hand, and also compared to other projection lenses in the optical beamformer or the illustrated unit cell. For example, the magnification factor k may vary along a lateral direction, for example X, of the projection lens array P. This variation may correspond to a gradient function representing the values ​​of the magnification factor. Possibly, but not necessarily, the gradient may be a linear gradient.For example, the magnification factor along the lateral direction of the projection lens array may vary according to a chirp function, which is represented, for example, by the magnification factors k = 1.1, k = 1.2, k = 1.3 and k = 1.4 for different projection lenses P0 to P3 along direction x, as shown in . Fig. 9a shown.

[0082] In the optical beamformer, the magnification factor k can vary along only one direction or can vary along both directions if a variation of k is implemented. For example, the magnification factor can vary along a first lateral direction of the projection lens array and can be constant within a tolerance range along a second perpendicular direction of the projection lens array. Alternatively, the magnification factor k can vary along the first lateral direction and along the second lateral direction of the projection lens array, for example, x and y.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the magnification factor can exclusively describe a non-integer value or a non-integer rational value. That is, regardless of whether constant or varying values ​​are used, for example, when implementing a chirp, non-integer values ​​or non-integer rational values ​​can be used, allowing for a small amount of noise in the projected light.

[0084] A preferred configuration is the use of more than one rational value of the factor k across the entire MLA with a linear gradient increment of the non-integer value of k. In this case, a possibility of the EZ at least close to a fill factor of 100% can be guaranteed, while deviations from this, for example, at most 10%, at most 7%, or at most 5%, are still possible. Therefore, irrational values ​​may be less preferred for such embodiments. Once the EZ that provides a desired intensity profile in the far field is achieved, it can be copied identically across the rest of the MLA region. A second option is the use of integer values ​​for k. In this case, the orientation X is preferably equal to zero for even values ​​of k and equal to 0.5 for odd values ​​of k. For example, a k=0 can result in x=0.5, and k=2 can result in x=0, and the like.A possible limitation on the values ​​of the parameter k may be based on or dependent on the numerical aperture of the input microlenses. For systems with a numerical aperture of approximately 0.01, ..., 0.2, a preferred maximum value for k may be in a range of approximately at least 3 to at most 7. However, depending on specific application requirements, larger factors may also be possible, provided that additional efforts for aberration and chief ray angle correction are considered or the resulting effects are tolerated.

[0085] In other words, Fig. Figure 9a illustrates the use of a chirp-like rational non-integer k-factor. More than a single value for the k-factor can be used in an array. A high degree of design freedom can be achieved when implementing a set of non-integer k-factors with a specific increment, for example, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, or any other non-integer increment. The smaller the increment of the k-factor across the entire MLA, the smoother the resulting intensity profile can be, as shown in Fig. 9b and Fig. 9c. As in the case of only a single non-integer k, see for example Fig. 8a, the position of the vertices 26 of the input microlenses C0 to C4 with respect to the position of the aperture centers 28 of the output microlenses 28 may not be constant if a fill factor of almost 100% is aimed for.

[0086] Fig. Figure 9a shows an example of an MLA with the range K = [1,1, 1,2, ..., 1,4], where K = f(j) is a chirp-like array, where f(j) describes the gradient function. The factor k can be in the horizontal direction x, as in Fig. 9a, and / or vary in the vertical direction y.

[0087] The system with a regular input MLA, as shown by dashed lines, and an output MLA with magnified output microlenses, as shown in solid lines, can involve a position of the aperture centers 28 of the magnified output microlenses, which can be described as follows: Bj=Bj−1+12(kjp+kj−1p) where: j∈N (1, 2, 3, ..., m)

[0088] Then the condition to be fulfilled for the EZ is: Bj+12kjp=Ai+12p and −12k0p=−A0−12p

[0089] This means that the total extension of the output microlenses in the EZ can be exactly equal to the total extension of the input microlenses in the EZ, ie they can be congruent to each other. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9a, due to the non-constant value of the factor k, the unit cell may have an asymmetric structure, which may result in an asymmetric intensity profile of the beam in the far field, as in Fig. 9b and in particular in Fig. 9c, where the values ​​for positive x-coordinates differ from the values ​​for negative x-coordinates. Fig. 9b and Fig. 9c show a resulting asymmetric beam in the far field and its direction through the unit cell of Fig. 9a. To achieve a good or even perfect symmetric distribution, such an asymmetric unit cell of Fig. 9a can be combined with another unit cell, for example to achieve an arrangement of two mirrored asymmetric unit cells, as in Fig. 10a shown.

[0090] In Fig. 10a is with respect to a central axis 32 the unit cell 10'''' of Fig. 9a is formed as a unit cell 101'''' and is combined with a mirrored version 102''''. This means that the projection lens array can comprise several identically formed unit cells, wherein each unit cell can comprise several projection lenses P. The unit cell can be formed asymmetrically along a first and / or a second lateral direction or can be formed asymmetrically along the first and second lateral directions. In Fig. Figure 10a shows a front view of a symmetric EZ with the values ​​k = [1,1, 1,2, ..., 1,4]. The intensity distribution constructed with such a symmetric unit cell can also be symmetric, as in Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c, where a symmetric intensity profile of the Fig. 10a. The more microlenses with different values ​​for the parameter K used in the EZ, the smoother and more complex the intensity profiles can be. In the case of still distinguishable intensity jumps in the smooth profile, a slight defocusing of the output microlenses, i.e., a small change in their focal length, can be implemented to smooth out the jumps.

[0091] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical beam former and a projector having such an optical beam former. The embodiments further relate to a high-beam headlight, for example, for a vehicle, comprising such an optical beam former and / or such a projector. The embodiments further relate to a vehicle having such a high-beam headlight, since the intensity profile can be suitable for defining the far field of such a headlight.

[0092] At least some of the discussed embodiments are based on considerations for a near-axis approach. In a real optical system, the microlenses may have a profile or profiles with a finite radius of curvature (or finite radii of curvature), which can lead to aberrations. The amount of aberrations and their problematic nature depend on the NA of the microlenses. A preferred profile of the magnified microlenses is spherical or aspherical. However, in some cases, they may have an anamorphic profile, for example, aspherical cylinders or free forms, for additional correction of aberrations and channel-wise deviations of the chief ray angle. The focal length of the magnified microlenses may remain the same for the numerical aperture NA, preferably less than 5 millimeters. However, in certain cases, some deliberate defocusing of these microlenses may be possible, for example, a slight change in focal length.

[0093] Embodiments allow a smooth or stair-stepped distribution of an intensity profile to be obtained with less effort and using a more simply structured MLA compared to the iFEC method, since the condenser array can be completely regular, which represents an advantage over the iFEC method. Alternatively or additionally, any completely symmetric or asymmetric intensity profiles may be possible, which represents an advantage over simple diffusers. Alternatively or additionally, a completely maskless MLA can be obtained while maintaining the projection quality, which represents an advantage over an array projector AP. However, the embodiments allow combinations of "standard" output MLAs with the SEM method to provide more design freedom, for example, by implementing a semi-dynamic distribution.

[0094] Embodiments may be used, for example, in automotive front lighting, for example with adaptive semi-dynamic or fully dynamic beam shaping, a switchable or static spotlight, dynamic or static complex road lighting, and / or in conjunction with dynamic 2D lighting with adaptive function and large fields of view.

[0095] Some aspects of the present invention can be formulated as follows: 1. Double-sided micro-optical beamformer for generating an output light beam with a complex intensity profile in the far field, consisting of: - an input microlens array for receiving the incident light beam, consisting of several identical input microlenses having an additional lateral displacement x with respect to the global optical axis of the system; and - an output microlens array consisting of a plurality of output microlenses having a dimension enlarged by a certain set of factors k compared to the dimension of the input microlenses, where the values ​​of the k-factors are non-integer numbers that are different for different output microlenses. 2. Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspect 1, wherein the k-factor(s) are non-integer rational values. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 to 2, wherein more than one non-integer rational k-factor is applied to different output microlenses, and the corresponding x-factor ensuring a fill factor of 100% is applied to the input microlenses. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 to 2, wherein more than one non-integer rational k-factor is applied to different output microlenses, and the corresponding x-factor ensuring a fill factor of 100% is applied to the input microlenses, and the k-factors have an increment only in the horizontal direction, forming a one-dimensional horizontal unit cell. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 to 2, wherein more than one non-integer rational k-factor is applied to different output microlenses, and the corresponding x-factor ensuring a fill factor of 100% is applied to the input microlenses, and the k-factors have an increment only in the vertical direction, forming a one-dimensional vertical unit cell. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 to 2, wherein more than one non-integer rational k-factor is applied to different output microlenses, and the corresponding x-factor ensuring a fill factor of 100% is applied to the input microlenses, and the k-factors have an increment in both directions, forming a two-dimensional unit cell. 3. Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 to 2, wherein only a non-integer rational k is applied to all output microlenses, and the corresponding x factor ensuring a fill factor of 100% is applied to the input microlenses. 4. Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspect 1, wherein the k-factors are integer values. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 and 4, wherein more than one integer k is applied to different output microlenses and x = 0.5 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with odd values ​​of k, and x = 0 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with even values ​​of k. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 and 4, wherein more than one integer k is applied to different output microlenses, and x = 0.5 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with odd values ​​of k, and x = 0 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with even values ​​of k, and the k-factors vary only in the horizontal direction, forming a horizontal one-dimensional unit cell. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 and 4, wherein more than one integer k is applied to different output microlenses, and x = 0.5 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with odd values ​​of k, and x = 0 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with even values ​​of k, and the k-factors vary only in the vertical direction, forming a vertical one-dimensional unit cell. - Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to aspects 1 and 4, wherein more than one integer k is applied to different output microlenses, and x = 0.5 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with odd values ​​of k, and x = 0 is applied to the input microlenses covered by the enlarged output microlenses with even values ​​of k, and the k-factors vary in both directions, forming a two-dimensional unit cell. 5. A double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to the aspects, wherein only an odd integer k is applied to all output microlenses, and x = 0.5 is applied to all input microlenses. 6. Double-sided micro-optical beamformer according to the aspects, wherein only an even integer k is applied to all output microlenses, and x = 0 is applied to all input microlenses.

[0096] Fig. 11 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 1100 according to an embodiment, which can be used, for example, to provide an optical beamformer according to an embodiment. A step 1110 includes providing a condenser lens array having a first plurality of condenser lenses, wherein the first plurality of condenser lenses are configured to receive an incident beam.

[0097] A step 1120 includes providing a projection lens array having a second plurality of condenser lenses configured to receive light from the condenser lens array and to emit the outgoing light beam. The method 1100 is performed such that the number of the plurality of first condenser lenses is greater than the number of the plurality of second projection lenses, and such that an edge of a projection lens is offset or misaligned with respect to an opposing condenser lens, and such that the optical beamformer is suitable for generating an outgoing light beam from an incident light beam.

[0098] Fig.12 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 1200 according to one embodiment, which can be used for projecting incident light. A step 1210 includes exposing a condenser lens array having a plurality of condenser lenses to a beam of incident light to direct the incident light onto a projection lens array having a fewer number of projection lenses compared to the number of condenser lenses, wherein an edge of a projection lens is offset or misaligned with respect to an opposing condenser lens. A step 1220 includes projecting light emitted from the projection lens array onto a projection surface.

[0099] Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, with a block or device corresponding to a method step or a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, item, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0100] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, it is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein. Abbreviations: MLA microlens array; SEM common output microlens; FEC honeycomb condenser; iFEC irregular honeycomb condenser; AP array projector; EZ unit cell Literature: [1] M. Sieler, P. Schreiber, P. Dannberg, A. Bräuer and A. Tünnermann, “Ultraslim fixed pattern projectors with inherent homogenization of illumination,” Applied optics, vol. 51, pp. 64-74, 2012. [2] Li et. al., “Optical beam former,” US 11,327,325 B2. [3] P. Schreiber, LM Wilhelm, “Light shaping with micro-optical irregular fly's eye condensers,” Proc. SPIE 12078, International Optical Design Conference 2021. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11327325 B2

[0100] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] M. Sieler, P. Schreiber, P. Dannberg, A. Bräuer and A. Tünnermann, „Ultraslim fixed pattern projectors with inherent homogenization of illumination,“ Applied optics, vol. 51, S. 64-74

[0100]

Claims

[1] Optical beam former for generating an outgoing light beam (14) from an incident light beam (12), the optical beam former having the following features: a condenser lens array (C) comprising a first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6), wherein the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) are configured to receive the incident light beam (12); and a projection lens array (P) having a second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) configured to receive light from the condenser lens array (C) and to emit the outgoing light beam (14), wherein a number of the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) is greater than a number of the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7); wherein an edge of a projection lens is offset or misaligned with respect to an opposing condenser lens. [2] An optical beamformer according to claim 1, wherein the condenser lens array (C) and the projection lens array (P) are congruent with each other. [3] The optical beamformer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one projection lens (P0) of the projection lens array (P) is a lens shared by at least two condenser lenses (C0, C1). [4] Optical beamformer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first fill factor of the condenser lenses in the condenser lens array (C) is at least 90%; and / or wherein a second fill factor of the projection lenses in the projection lens array (P) is at least 90%. [5] An optical beamformer according to any preceding claim, wherein a first base area of ​​the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) is congruent with respect to each other; and wherein a second base area of ​​the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) is congruent with respect to each other; wherein the second base area is larger compared to the first base area. [6] Optical beamformer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) have an equal first focal length within a tolerance range, and wherein the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) are arranged at the first focal length of the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6); and / or wherein the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) have an equal second focal length within a tolerance range, and wherein the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6) are arranged at the second focal length of the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7). [7] Optical beamformer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second numerical aperture (NA) of at least one projection lens of the second plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) is larger than a first numerical aperture (NA) of a condenser lens of the first plurality of condenser lenses (C0-C6). [8] The optical beamformer of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an optical center (282) of a projection lens (P2) of the plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) is aligned with an optical center (263) of a condenser lens (C3) and has a dimension along at least one lateral direction (x) of the projection lens (P2) and the condenser lens (C3) that is larger than the dimension of the condenser lens (C3). [9] Optical beam former according to claim 8, wherein the dimension of the projection lens (P2) is an integer multiple of the dimension of the condenser lens (C3) within a tolerance range. [10] An optical beamformer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical center (B0; 280) of a projection lens (P0) of the plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7) is offset along an offset direction (x) with respect to the optical center (A0; 260) of a condenser lens (C0), wherein the projection lens (P0) has a dimension along at least one lateral direction (x) of the projection lens (P0) and the condenser lens (C0) that is greater than the dimension of the condenser lens; wherein the offset (Δx) is less than half the extent of the condenser lens (C0) along the offset direction (x). [11] The optical beamformer according to claim 10, wherein the projection lens (P0) of the projection lens array (P) is a lens shared by at least two condenser lenses (C0, C1). [12] Optical beamformer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a magnification factor (k) describing an at least local magnification of the dimension of a projection lens in comparison with a condenser lens providing light for the projection lens and / or a magnification of a numerical aperture (NA) of the projection lens in comparison with the condenser is the same for different sections of the projection lens array and is an integer value or a non-integer value. [13] An optical beamformer according to any preceding claim, wherein the projection lens array (P) comprises a plurality of projection lens array sections, each projection lens array section facing an associated condenser lens array section (C); wherein the magnification factor (k) describing the magnification of the dimension of a projection lens compared to a condenser lens providing light to the projection lens and / or describing the magnification of the numerical aperture (NA) of the projection lens compared to the condenser lens is the same for different sections of the projection lens array. [14] An optical beamformer according to any preceding claim, wherein the projection lens array (P) comprises a plurality of projection lens array sections, each projection lens array section facing an associated condenser lens array section (C); wherein the magnification factor (k) describing the magnification of the dimension of a projection lens compared to a condenser lens providing light to the projection lens and / or describing the magnification of the numerical aperture (NA) of the projection lens compared to the condenser lens varies between different projection lens array sections. [15] An optical beamformer according to claim 14, wherein the magnification factor (k) varies along a lateral direction of the projection lens array (P) according to a gradient function representing the values ​​of the magnification factor. [16] The optical beamformer of claim 15, wherein the gradient is a linear gradient. [17] Optical beamformer according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the magnification factor (k) varies along a first lateral direction (x) of the projection lens array (P) and is constant with a tolerance range along a second perpendicular direction (y) of the projection lens array (P). [18] An optical beamformer according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the magnification factor (k) varies along a first lateral direction (x) and along a second perpendicular lateral direction of the projection lens array (P). [19] An optical beamformer according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the magnification factor varies along a lateral direction of the projection lens array (P) according to a chirp function. [20] Optical beamformer according to one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the magnification factor (k) exclusively describes a non-integer value or a non-integer rational value. [21] Optical beam former according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection lens array (P) comprises a plurality of identically formed unit cells, each unit cell comprising a plurality of projection lenses (P0-P7); and wherein the unit cell is formed symmetrically along a first and / or second lateral direction; or wherein the unit cell is formed asymmetrically along the first and second lateral directions. [22] Optical beam former according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection lens array (P) comprises at least one cylindrical lens, and opposing condenser lenses are each a cylindrical lens. [23] Projector (100) having the following features: an optical beamformer according to any one of the preceding claims; and a light source (11) for providing the incident light beam (12). [24] Projector according to claim 23, wherein the light source (11) is designed to provide the incident light (12) with a divergence which is at most a numerical aperture (NA) of the condenser lens array (C). [25] A method (1100) for providing an optical beamformer, the method comprising the steps of: Providing (1110) a condenser lens array having a first plurality of condenser lenses, wherein the first plurality of condenser lenses are configured to receive an incident light beam; and Providing (1120) a projection lens array having a second plurality of condenser lenses configured to receive light from the condenser lens array and to emit the outgoing light beam, such that a number of the first plurality of condenser lenses is greater than a number of the second plurality of projection lenses; such that an edge of a projection lens is offset or misaligned with respect to an opposing condenser lens; and such that the optical beam former is suitable for generating an outgoing light beam from an incident light beam, the optical beam former comprising: [26] A method (1200) for projecting incident light, the method comprising the following steps: Applying (1210) a beam of incident light to a condenser lens array having a plurality of condenser lenses to direct the incident light onto a projection lens array having a fewer number of projection lenses compared to the number of condenser lenses, wherein an edge of a projection lens is offset or misaligned with respect to an opposing condenser lens; and Projecting (1220) the light emitted by the projection lens array onto a projection surface.

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