Light source system

Abstract

To increase the degree of freedom in control of a spectrum.SOLUTION: In a light source system 100, a first phosphor member 4 emits first fluorescence excited by a first laser beam L1 emitted from a first laser light source 1. A second phosphor member 5 emits second fluorescence excited by a second laser beam L2 emitted from a second laser light source 2. A color composition optical system 6 composes first color light CL1 formed of at least part of the wavelength component of the first fluorescence, second color light CL2 formed of at least part of the wavelength component of the second fluorescence, and third color light CL3 formed of a third laser beam L3 emitted from a third laser light source 3. A control unit 10 individually controls a first driving circuit 7, a second driving circuit 8, and a third driving circuit 9. A peak wavelength of the second color light CL2 is longer than a peak wavelength of the third color light CL3, and a peak wavelength of the first color light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second color light CL2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to light source systems, and more particularly to light source systems that include laser light sources. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a light source device. The light source device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a light source unit, a collimating optical system, a light-guiding optical system, a light-emitting element, a pickup lens, a dichroic mirror, and a combining optical system. The light source unit has a laser light source. The light-guiding optical system includes a first mirror, a second mirror, and a third mirror. The first mirror and the second mirror are beam splitters. The third mirror is a reflecting mirror. The light-emitting element has a red phosphor layer, a green phosphor layer, and a light-diffusing layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-137608 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a light source system such as the light source device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum is low, making it difficult to adjust the spectrum.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a light source system that allows for increased flexibility in spectrum control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A light source system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first laser light source, a second laser light source, a third laser light source, a first phosphor member, a second phosphor member, a color combining optical system, a first drive circuit, a second drive circuit, a third drive circuit, and a control device. The first phosphor member is excited by a first laser light emitted from the first laser light source and emits a first fluorescence. The second phosphor member is excited by a second laser light emitted from the second laser light source and emits a second fluorescence. The color combining optical system combines a first color light composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the first fluorescence, a second color light composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second fluorescence, and a third color light composed of the third laser light emitted from the third laser light source. The first drive circuit drives the first laser light source. The second drive circuit drives the second laser light source. The third drive circuit drives the third laser light source. The control device controls the first drive circuit, the second drive circuit, and the third drive circuit individually, and the peak wavelength of the second color light is longer than the peak wavelength of the third color light, and the peak wavelength of the first color light is longer than the peak wavelength of the second color light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The light source system according to the above aspect of the present disclosure makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a spectrum diagram of the first color light, the second color light, and the third color light in the light source system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the first dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the spectral characteristics of the first dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the first dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the first dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the third dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the light source system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to in the following embodiments and the like are schematic diagrams, and the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions, and the size ratios and thickness ratios between the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) A light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0011] The light source system 100 is applied to, for example, a projector or a lighting system.

[0012] (1) Composition As shown in FIG. 1 , the light source system 100 includes a plurality of (two in FIG. 1 ) first laser light sources 1, a second laser light source 2, a third laser light source 3, a first phosphor member 4, a second phosphor member 5, a color combining optical system 6, a first drive circuit 7, a second drive circuit 8, a third drive circuit 9, and a control device 10. The first phosphor member 4 is excited by first laser light L1 emitted from each of the plurality of first laser light sources 1 and emits first fluorescence PL1. The second phosphor member 5 is excited by second laser light L2 emitted from the second laser light source 2 and emits second fluorescence PL2. The color combining optical system 6 combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least some wavelength components of the first fluorescence PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least some wavelength components of the second fluorescence PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3. The first drive circuit 7 drives the first laser light source 1. The second drive circuit 8 drives the second laser light source 2. The third drive circuit 9 drives the third laser light source 3. The control device 10 individually controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 (see, for example, FIG. 2).

[0013] The above configuration enables an increased degree of freedom in spectrum control. In this embodiment, for example, each of the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 is blue light. The first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4 is, for example, yellow light and includes wavelength components ranging from green to red. The second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5 is, for example, yellow-green light and includes wavelength components ranging from green to red. The first fluorescence PL1 and the second fluorescence PL2 include overlapping wavelength components, but the peak wavelength of the first fluorescence PL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second fluorescence PL2.

[0014] The color combining optical system 6 includes a first dichroic mirror 61 and a second dichroic mirror 62. The first dichroic mirror 61 combines the first colored light CL1 and the second colored light CL2. The second dichroic mirror 62 combines the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3.

[0015] Light source system 100 further includes a plurality of (two in FIG. 1 ) first collimating lenses 11, second collimating lenses 12, third collimating lenses 13, a λ / 2 wave plate 14, a first mirror 15, a second mirror 16, a first diffuser plate 17, a second diffuser plate 18, a reflective diffuser plate 19, and a λ / 4 wave plate 20. Light source system 100 further includes two condenser lenses 21 and 22, two condenser lenses 23 and 24, and two condenser lenses 25 and 26.

[0016] (2)Details Each component of the light source system 100 will now be described in more detail.

[0017] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the direction parallel to the optical axes of the plurality of first laser light sources 1 will be referred to as the first direction D1, and the direction perpendicular to the optical axes of the plurality of first laser light sources 1 will be referred to as the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the third laser light source 3, the first laser light source 1, the first laser light source 1, and the second laser light source 2 are arranged in the second direction D2 in the order of the third laser light source 3, the first laser light source 1, the first laser light source 1, and the second laser light source 2.

[0018] In the light source system 100, in the second direction D2, the first mirror 15, the first diffuser plate 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the condenser lens 21, the condenser lens 22 and the first phosphor member 4 are arranged in the following order: the first mirror 15, the first diffuser plate 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the condenser lens 21, the condenser lens 22 and the first phosphor member 4.

[0019] In addition, in the light source system 100, in the second direction D2, the second mirror 16, the second diffuser 18, the second dichroic mirror 62, the λ / 4 wavelength plate 20, the condenser lens 25, the condenser lens 26 and the reflective diffuser 19 are arranged in the following order: the second mirror 16, the second diffuser 18, the second dichroic mirror 62, the λ / 4 wavelength plate 20, the condenser lens 25, the condenser lens 26 and the reflective diffuser 19.

[0020] In addition, in the light source system 100, in the first direction D1, the second phosphor member 5, the collecting lens 24, the collecting lens 23, the first dichroic mirror 61, and the second dichroic mirror 62 are arranged in the order of the second phosphor member 5, the collecting lens 24, the collecting lens 23, the first dichroic mirror 61, and the second dichroic mirror 62.

[0021] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of first laser light sources 1, second laser light source 2, and third laser light source 3 is a blue laser light source. Each of the plurality of first laser light sources 1, second laser light source 2, and third laser light source 3 includes, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor laser. In this embodiment, the first laser light L1, second laser light L2, and third laser light L3 are first blue light, second blue light, and third blue light, respectively. In this embodiment, the peak wavelength of each of the first laser light L1, second laser light L2, and third laser light L3 is, for example, 440 nm or more and 480 nm or less, e.g., 455 nm. In this embodiment, the first laser light L1, second laser light L2, and third laser light L3 have the same peak wavelength. The first laser light L1, second laser light L2, and third laser light L3 may have different peak wavelengths.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first laser light L1 emitted from the first laser light source 1 is a first blue light with S-polarization. The second laser light L2 emitted from the second laser light source 2 is a second blue light with S-polarization. The third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3 is a third blue light with S-polarization.

[0023] The multiple first collimating lenses 11 correspond one-to-one to the multiple first laser light sources 1. Each of the multiple first collimating lenses 11 is arranged on the optical axis of the corresponding first laser light source 1 among the multiple first laser light sources 1. Each of the multiple first collimating lenses 11 collimates the first laser light emitted from the corresponding first laser light source 1. The second collimating lens 12 is arranged on the optical axis of the second laser light source 2. The second collimating lens 12 collimates the second laser light L2 emitted from the second laser light source 2. The third collimating lens 13 is arranged on the optical axis of the third laser light source 3. The third collimating lens 13 collimates the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3.

[0024] The first phosphor member 4 is a reflective phosphor member. The first phosphor member 4 has, for example, a first metal plate (for example, a Cu plate), a first reflective film disposed on the first metal plate, and a first wavelength conversion portion disposed on the first reflective film. The first wavelength conversion portion includes, for example, a first translucent material portion and first phosphor particles. In this case, the first wavelength conversion portion is formed of a mixture of the first translucent material portion and the first phosphor particles. In the first wavelength conversion portion, a large number of first phosphor particles are present in the first translucent material portion. The material (translucent material) of the first translucent material portion is preferably a material with high transmittance to visible light. The translucent material is, for example, a silicone-based resin. The "silicone-based resin" is, for example, a silicone resin, a modified silicone resin, etc. The first phosphor particles are, for example, YAG (Y3Al5O 12 :Ce). In this case, the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor particles contains a green light component, a yellow light component, and a red light component. When the light source system 100 is used for a projector or lighting application, it is preferable that the first fluorescence PL1 contains at least a red light component. The first phosphor particles are not limited to YAG, and may be, for example, CASN (CaAlSiN3:Eu). Furthermore, the first wavelength conversion section may be a plate-shaped ceramic phosphor.

[0025] The second phosphor member 5 is a reflective phosphor member. The second phosphor member 5 has, for example, a second metal plate (for example, a Cu plate), a second reflective film disposed on the second metal plate, and a second wavelength conversion portion disposed on the second reflective film. The second wavelength conversion portion includes, for example, a second translucent material portion and second phosphor particles. In this case, the second wavelength conversion portion is formed of a mixture of the second translucent material portion and the second phosphor particles. In the second wavelength conversion portion, a large number of second phosphor particles are present in the second translucent material portion. The material (translucent material) of the second translucent material portion is preferably a material with high transmittance to visible light. The translucent material is, for example, a silicone-based resin. The second phosphor particles are, for example, YAG (Y3Al5O 12:Ce). In this case, the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor particles contains a green light component, a yellow light component, and a red light component. When the light source system 100 is used for a projector or lighting application, it is preferable that the second fluorescence PL2 contains at least a green light component. The second phosphor particles are not limited to YAG, but may be, for example, LuAG (Lu3Al5O 12 :Ce) The second wavelength-converting portion may be a plate-shaped ceramic phosphor.

[0026] The λ / 2 wave plate 14 is a half-wave plate. A half-wave plate is a phase plate that changes the optical path difference of polarized light oscillating in directions perpendicular to each other by half a wavelength. The λ / 2 wave plate 14 is arranged to pass the first laser light L1 and the third laser light L3 but not the second laser light L2. In this embodiment, the λ / 2 wave plate 14 converts the first laser light L1 emitted from the first laser light source 1 from S-polarized light (linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface) to P-polarized light (linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface). In addition, the λ / 2 wave plate 14 converts the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3 from S-polarized light to P-polarized light.

[0027] The first mirror 15 is disposed so as to intersect with the optical axis of the first laser light source 1 and the optical axis of the second laser light source 2, but not intersect with the optical axis of the third laser light source 3. The second mirror 16 is disposed so as to intersect with the optical axis of the third laser light source 3, but not intersect with the optical axis of the first laser light source 1 and the optical axis of the second laser light source 2.

[0028] The first mirror 15 is arranged so that the angle of incidence of the first laser light L1 from each of the multiple first laser light sources 1 is 45 degrees. Furthermore, the first mirror 15 is arranged so that the angle of incidence of each of the second laser light L2 from the second laser light source 2 is 45 degrees. In this embodiment, the first laser light source 1, the λ / 2 wave plate 14, and the first mirror 15 are arranged in the first direction D1 in the order of the first laser light source 1, the λ / 2 wave plate 14, and the first mirror 15. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second laser light source 2 and the first mirror 15 are arranged in the first direction D1 in the order of the second laser light source 2, the first mirror 15.

[0029] The first mirror 15 reflects the P-polarized first laser light L1 and the S-polarized second laser light L2 in a direction along the second direction D2.

[0030] The second mirror 16 is arranged so that the angle of incidence of the third laser light L3 from the third laser light source 3 is 45 degrees. In this embodiment, the third laser light source 3, the λ / 2 wave plate 14, and the second mirror 16 are arranged in the first direction D1 in this order: third laser light source 3, λ / 2 wave plate 14, and second mirror 16.

[0031] The first diffuser 17 is disposed between the first mirror 15 and the first dichroic mirror 61 in the second direction D2. The first diffuser 17 diffuses the first laser light L1 and the second laser light L2 reflected by the first mirror 15. The first diffuser 17 has a first light incident surface on the first mirror 15 side and a first light exit surface on the first dichroic mirror 61 side. The first diffuser 17 transmits light that has entered the first light incident surface and diffuses the light by the fine uneven shape of the first light exit surface before it exits.

[0032] The second diffuser 18 is disposed between the second mirror 16 and the second dichroic mirror 62 in the second direction D2. The second diffuser 18 diffuses the third laser light L3 reflected by the second mirror 16. The second diffuser 18 has a second light incident surface on the second mirror 16 side and a second light exit surface on the second dichroic mirror 62 side. The second diffuser 18 transmits light that has entered the second light incident surface and diffuses the light by the fine uneven shape of the second light exit surface before it exits.

[0033] The λ / 4 wave plate 20 is a quarter-wave plate, which is a phase plate that changes the optical path difference between polarized light beams vibrating in mutually perpendicular directions by a quarter wavelength.

[0034] Reflective diffuser plate 19 has a light incident surface on the λ / 4 wavelength plate 20 side. Reflective diffuser plate 19 diffuses and reflects light incident on the light incident surface by using the fine uneven shape of the light incident surface.

[0035] The first dichroic mirror 61 has spectral characteristics as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each of FIGS. 3 and 4 shows the spectral characteristics for P-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees and the spectral characteristics for S-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees. In FIG. 3, "R," "G," and "B" represent red, green, and blue, respectively, and are written near the center of the wavelength range of red light, the wavelength range of green light, and the wavelength range of blue light for ease of explanation. FIG. 4 also shows the average reflectance for P-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees and the average reflectance for S-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees. The first dichroic mirror 61 is a polarizing beam splitter. The first dichroic mirror 61 transmits the first laser light L1 converted into P-polarized first blue light and reflects the second laser light L2, which is S-polarized second blue light. The first dichroic mirror 61 has a transmittance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more for P-polarized light of the wavelength of the first laser light L1 and P-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light L2. The first dichroic mirror 61 also has a reflectance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more for S-polarized light of the wavelength of the first laser light L1 and S-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light.

[0036] The first dichroic mirror 61 reflects the red light contained in the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4. The first dichroic mirror 61 also transmits the green light contained in the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5.

[0037] The second dichroic mirror 62 is disposed in parallel with the first dichroic mirror 61 .

[0038] The second dichroic mirror 62 has spectral characteristics as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Each of FIGS. 5 and 6 shows the spectral characteristics for P-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees and the spectral characteristics for S-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees. In FIG. 5, "R," "G," and "B" represent red, green, and blue, respectively, and are written near the center of the wavelength range of red light, the wavelength range of green light, and the wavelength range of blue light for ease of explanation. FIG. 6 also shows the average reflectance for P-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees and the average reflectance for S-polarized light with an incident angle of 45 degrees. The second dichroic mirror 62 is a polarizing beam splitter with spectral characteristics different from those of the first dichroic mirror 61. The second dichroic mirror 62 transmits the third laser light L3 converted into P-polarized third blue light and reflects the third colored light CL3, which is the third blue light converted from P-polarized to S-polarized. The P-polarized third blue light that has passed through second dichroic mirror 62 passes through λ / 4 wave plate 20, condenser lens 25, and condenser lens 26, is diffusely reflected by reflective diffuser plate 19, and passes through condenser lens 26, condenser lens 25, and λ / 4 wave plate 20. By passing through λ / 4 wave plate 20 in a round trip, the P-polarized third blue light is converted into third colored light CL3, which is S-polarized third blue light.

[0039] The second dichroic mirror 62 has a transmittance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more for P-polarized light of the wavelength of the third laser light L3 and P-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light L2. The second dichroic mirror 62 also has a reflectance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more for S-polarized light of the wavelength of the third laser light L3 and S-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light L2.

[0040] 5 and 6, the second dichroic mirror 62 has spectral characteristics that allow it to transmit green light and red light. Therefore, the second dichroic mirror 62 transmits first colored light CL1, which includes red light from the first fluorescence PL1 that has been reflected by the first dichroic mirror 61, and second colored light CL2, which includes green light from the second fluorescence PL2 that has been transmitted through the first dichroic mirror 61.

[0041] The first drive circuit 7 drives the first laser light source 1. The first drive circuit 7 includes, for example, a series circuit of a first resistor and a first switching element connected between the first power supply circuit and the first laser light source 1. The first drive circuit 7 turns on the first laser light source 1 by supplying a drive current to the first laser light source 1. The first drive circuit 7 turns on the first laser light source 1 when the control device 10 turns on the first switching element, and turns off the first laser light source 1 when the control device 10 turns off the first switching element. The first switching element is, for example, a MOSFET. The first switching element may be, for example, an FET or a bipolar transistor other than a MOSFET. The first power supply circuit is not included in the components of the light source system 100, but may be included.

[0042] The second drive circuit 8 drives the second laser light source 2. The second drive circuit 8 includes, for example, a series circuit of a second resistor and a second switching element connected between the second power supply circuit and the second laser light source 2. The second drive circuit 8 turns on the second laser light source 2 by supplying a drive current to the second laser light source 2. The second drive circuit 8 turns on the second laser light source 2 when the control device 10 turns on the second switching element, and turns off the second laser light source 2 when the control device 10 turns off the second switching element. The second switching element is, for example, a MOSFET. The second switching element may be, for example, an FET or a bipolar transistor other than a MOSFET. The second power supply circuit is not included in the components of the light source system 100, but may be included.

[0043] The third drive circuit 9 drives the third laser light source 3. The third drive circuit 9 includes, for example, a series circuit of a third resistor and a third switching element connected between the third power supply circuit and the third laser light source 3. The third drive circuit 9 turns on the third laser light source 3 by supplying a drive current to the third laser light source 3. The third drive circuit 9 turns on the third laser light source 3 when the control device 10 turns on the third switching element, and turns off the third laser light source 3 when the control device 10 turns off the third switching element. The third switching element is, for example, a MOSFET. The third switching element may be, for example, an FET or a bipolar transistor other than a MOSFET. The third power supply circuit is not included in the components of the light source system 100, but may be included.

[0044] As described above, the control device 10 individually controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9. In other words, the control device 10 independently controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9.

[0045] The control device 10 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the control device 10 of the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), and ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also comprises one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0046] (3) Advantages A light source system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a first laser light source 1, a second laser light source 2, a third laser light source 3, a first phosphor member 4, a second phosphor member 5, a color combining optical system 6, a first drive circuit 7, a second drive circuit 8, a third drive circuit 9, and a control device 10. In the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment, the control device 10 individually controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 (see, for example, FIG. 2 ).

[0047] The above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control. In this embodiment, for example, the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 are each blue light. In addition, the light source system 100 of this embodiment is a light source capable of full-color adjustment, since the first colored light CL1 is red light, the second colored light CL2 is green light, and the third colored light CL3 is blue light.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) A light source system 100A according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Regarding the light source system 100A according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] (1) Composition 7 , the light source system 100A includes a first laser light source 1, a second laser light source 2, a third laser light source 3, a first phosphor member 4A, a second phosphor member 5A, a color combining optical system 6A, a first drive circuit 7, a second drive circuit 8, a third drive circuit 9, and a control device 10. The first phosphor member 4A is excited by the first laser light L1 emitted from the first laser light source 1 and emits the first fluorescence PL1. The second phosphor member 5A is excited by the second laser light L2 emitted from the second laser light source 2 and emits the second fluorescence PL2. The color combining optical system 6A combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least some wavelength components of the first fluorescence PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least some wavelength components of the second fluorescence PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2. The first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A includes, for example, a red wavelength component. The second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A includes, for example, a green wavelength component.

[0050] The color combining optical system 6A includes a light guide member 60. The light guide member 60 combines, for example, the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3.

[0051] The light source system 100A further includes a first condenser lens 31, a second condenser lens 32, a third condenser lens 33, and a transmissive diffuser plate 39. The light source system 100A further includes two collimator lenses 41 and 42, a condenser lens 43, two collimator lenses 44 and 45, a condenser lens 46, two collimator lenses 47 and 48, and a condenser lens 49.

[0052] (2)Details Each component of the light source system 100A will be described in more detail below.

[0053] In the light source system 100A, in the direction along the optical axis of the first laser light source 1, the first laser light source 1, the first focusing lens 31, the first phosphor member 4A, the collimating lens 41, the collimating lens 42, and the focusing lens 43 are arranged in the following order: first laser light source 1, the first focusing lens 31, the first phosphor member 4A, the collimating lens 41, the collimating lens 42, and the focusing lens 43.

[0054] In addition, in the light source system 100A, in the direction along the optical axis of the second laser light source 2, the second laser light source 2, the second focusing lens 32, the second phosphor member 5A, the collimating lens 44, the collimating lens 45, and the focusing lens 46 are arranged in the following order: second laser light source 2, the second focusing lens 32, the second phosphor member 5A, the collimating lens 44, the collimating lens 45, and the focusing lens 46.

[0055] In addition, in the light source system 100A, in the direction along the optical axis of the third laser light source 3, the third laser light source 3, the third focusing lens 33, the transmissive diffuser plate 39, the collimating lens 47, the collimating lens 48, and the focusing lens 49 are arranged in the following order: third laser light source 3, the third focusing lens 33, the transmissive diffuser plate 39, the collimating lens 47, the collimating lens 48, and the focusing lens 49.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 are each a blue laser light source. Each of the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 includes, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor laser. In this embodiment, the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 are first blue light, second blue light, and third blue light, respectively. In this embodiment, the peak wavelength of each of the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 is, for example, 440 nm or more and 480 nm or less, e.g., 455 nm. In this embodiment, the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 have the same peak wavelength. The first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 may have different peak wavelengths. For example, each of the first laser light L1 and the second laser light L2 may be violet light having a peak wavelength of 380 nm or more and 420 nm or less, and the third laser light L3 may be blue light having a peak wavelength of 440 nm or more and 480 nm or less.

[0057] The first phosphor member 4A is a transmissive phosphor member. The first phosphor member 4A has, for example, a first transparent substrate (for example, a sapphire substrate), a dichroic mirror disposed on the first transparent substrate, and a first wavelength conversion section disposed on the dichroic mirror. The first wavelength conversion section includes, for example, a first translucent material section and first phosphor particles. The first phosphor particles are, for example, YAG (Y3Al5O 12 :Ce). In this case, the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor particles contains a green light component, a yellow light component, and a red light component. When the light source system 100 is used for a projector or lighting application, the first fluorescence PL1 preferably contains at least a red light component. The first phosphor particles are not limited to YAG, and may be, for example, CASN (CaAlSiN3:Eu). The dichroic mirror in the first phosphor member 4A is configured to transmit the first blue light and reflect the first fluorescence PL1. Furthermore, the first wavelength conversion section may be a plate-shaped ceramic phosphor.

[0058] The second phosphor member 5A is a transmissive phosphor member. The second phosphor member 5A has, for example, a second transparent substrate (for example, a sapphire substrate), a dichroic mirror disposed on the second transparent substrate, and a second wavelength conversion unit disposed on the dichroic mirror. The second wavelength conversion unit includes, for example, a second translucent material unit and second phosphor particles. The second phosphor particles are, for example, YAG (Y3Al5O 12 :Ce). In this case, the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor particles contains a green light component, a yellow light component, and a red light component. When the light source system 100 is used for a projector or lighting application, it is preferable that the second fluorescence PL2 contains at least a green light component. The second phosphor particles are not limited to YAG, but may be, for example, LuAG (Lu3Al5O 12 :Ce). The dichroic mirror in the second phosphor member 5A is configured to transmit the second blue light and reflect the second fluorescence PL2. Furthermore, the second wavelength conversion section may be a plate-shaped ceramic phosphor.

[0059] The transmissive diffuser plate 39 diffuses the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3 and collected by the third collecting lens 33. The transmissive diffuser plate 39 has a light incident surface on the third laser light source 3 side and a light exit surface on the color combining optical system 6A side. The transmissive diffuser plate 39 diffuses the light that has entered the light incident surface by using the fine uneven shape of the light exit surface to emit the light.

[0060] As described above, the color combining optical system 6A includes the light guide member 60. The light guide member 60 is, for example, a dense-type light guide member, but may also be a hollow-type light guide member. Examples of dense-type light guide members include a light guide rod and an optical fiber. Examples of hollow-type light guide members include a light guide pipe.

[0061] In the light source system 100A, first colored light CL1 composed of at least some wavelength components of the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A, second colored light CL2 composed of at least some wavelength components of the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3 are incident on a light guide member 60 of the color combining optical system 6A. The color combining optical system 6A combines the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 and outputs the combined light.

[0062] (3) Advantages A light source system 100A according to the second embodiment includes a first laser light source 1, a second laser light source 2, a third laser light source 3, a first phosphor member 4A, a second phosphor member 5A, a color combining optical system 6A, a first drive circuit 7, a second drive circuit 8, a third drive circuit 9, and a control device 10. In the light source system 100A according to the second embodiment, the control device 10 individually controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2.

[0063] The above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control. In this embodiment, for example, each of the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 is blue light. The first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A includes, for example, a red wavelength component. The second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A includes, for example, a green wavelength component. Thus, the light source system 100 of this embodiment is capable of full-color adjustment.

[0064] Furthermore, in the light source system 100A according to the second embodiment, the color synthesis optical system 6A includes a light guide member 60, and does not use the first dichroic mirror 61 and the second dichroic mirror 62 of the color synthesis optical system 6 of the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment, so there is an advantage that no optical loss (loss resulting from cutting off part of the spectrum) occurs during color synthesis by the first dichroic mirror 61 and the second dichroic mirror 62.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) A light source system 100B according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Regarding the light source system 100B according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] (1) Composition 8 , the light source system 100B includes a first laser light source 1, a second laser light source 2, a third laser light source 3, a first phosphor member 4A, a second phosphor member 5A, a color combining optical system 6B, a first drive circuit 7, a second drive circuit 8, a third drive circuit 9, and a control device 10. The first phosphor member 4A is excited by the first laser light L1 emitted from the first laser light source 1 and emits the first fluorescence PL1. The second phosphor member 5A is excited by the second laser light L2 emitted from the second laser light source 2 and emits the second fluorescence PL2. The color combining optical system 6B spatially combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least some wavelength components of the first fluorescence PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least some wavelength components of the second fluorescence PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2. The first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A includes, for example, a red wavelength component. The second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A includes, for example, a green wavelength component.

[0067] The above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control. In this embodiment, for example, the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 are each blue light. The first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A includes, for example, a red wavelength component. The second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A includes, for example, a green wavelength component.

[0068] The color combining optical system 6B includes a first dichroic mirror 61B and a second dichroic mirror 62B. The first dichroic mirror 61B spatially combines the first colored light CL1 and the second colored light CL2. The second dichroic mirror 62B combines the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3.

[0069] The light source system 100B further includes a first condenser lens 31, a second condenser lens 32, a third condenser lens 33, and a transmissive diffuser plate 39. The light source system 100B further includes two condenser lenses 21 and 22, two condenser lenses 23 and 24, and two condenser lenses 25 and 26.

[0070] (2)Details Each component of the light source system 100B will be described in more detail below.

[0071] In the light source system 100B, in the direction along the optical axis of the first laser light source 1, the first laser light source 1, the first focusing lens 31, the first phosphor member 4A, the focusing lens 22, the focusing lens 21, and the first dichroic mirror 61B are arranged in the following order: first laser light source 1, the first focusing lens 31, the first phosphor member 4A, the focusing lens 22, the focusing lens 21, and the first dichroic mirror 61B.

[0072] In addition, in the light source system 100B, in the direction along the optical axis of the second laser light source 2, the second laser light source 2, the second collecting lens 32, the second phosphor member 5A, the collecting lens 24, the collecting lens 23, the first dichroic mirror 61B and the second dichroic mirror 62B are arranged in the order of the second laser light source 2, the second collecting lens 32, the second phosphor member 5A, the collecting lens 24, the collecting lens 23, the first dichroic mirror 61B and the second dichroic mirror 62B.

[0073] In addition, in the light source system 100B, in the direction along the optical axis of the third laser light source 3, the third laser light source 3, the third focusing lens 33, the transmissive diffuser plate 39, the focusing lens 26, the focusing lens 25, the λ / 4 wavelength plate 20, and the second dichroic mirror 62B are arranged in the following order: third laser light source 3, the third focusing lens 33, the transmissive diffuser plate 39, the focusing lens 26, the focusing lens 25, the λ / 4 wavelength plate 20, and the second dichroic mirror 62B.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 are each a blue laser light source. Each of the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 includes, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor laser. In this embodiment, the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 are first blue light, second blue light, and third blue light, respectively. In this embodiment, the peak wavelength of each of the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 is, for example, 440 nm or more and 480 nm or less, e.g., 455 nm. In this embodiment, the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 have the same peak wavelength. The first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 may have different peak wavelengths.

[0075] The first phosphor member 4A is a transmissive phosphor member and includes, for example, a first transparent substrate (for example, a sapphire substrate), a dichroic mirror disposed on the first transparent substrate, and a first wavelength conversion unit disposed on the dichroic mirror.

[0076] The second phosphor member 5A is a transmissive phosphor member and includes, for example, a second transparent substrate (for example, a sapphire substrate), a dichroic mirror disposed on the second transparent substrate, and a second wavelength conversion unit disposed on the dichroic mirror.

[0077] The transmissive diffuser plate 39 diffuses the third laser light L3 emitted from the third laser light source 3 and collected by the third collecting lens 33. The transmissive diffuser plate 39 has a light incident surface on the third laser light source 3 side and a light exit surface on the second dichroic mirror 62B side. The transmissive diffuser plate 39 diffuses the light that has entered the light incident surface by using the fine uneven shape of the light exit surface to emit the light.

[0078] The first dichroic mirror 61B has spectral characteristics as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows the spectral characteristics for light with an incident angle of 45 degrees. The first dichroic mirror 61B reflects red light and transmits blue and green light. The first dichroic mirror 61B has a transmittance of 80% or more for each of blue light and green light, and preferably 90% or more. The first dichroic mirror 61B also has a reflectance of 80% or more for red light, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0079] The first dichroic mirror 61B reflects the red light contained in the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A, and transmits the green light contained in the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A.

[0080] The second dichroic mirror 62B is disposed in parallel with the first dichroic mirror 61B.

[0081] The second dichroic mirror 62B has the spectral characteristics shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows the spectral characteristics for light with an incident angle of 45 degrees. The second dichroic mirror 62B reflects the third colored light CL3, which is the third blue light. The second dichroic mirror 62B transmits the green light and red light incident from the first dichroic mirror 61B side.

[0082] The second dichroic mirror 62B has a transmittance of 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more, for each of the second colored light CL2 containing green light and the first colored light CL1 containing red light.The second dichroic mirror 62B also has a reflectance of 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more, for the third colored light CL3. do.

[0083] (3) Advantages A light source system 100B according to the third embodiment includes a first laser light source 1, a second laser light source 2, a third laser light source 3, a first phosphor member 4A, a second phosphor member 5A, a color combining optical system 6B, a first drive circuit 7, a second drive circuit 8, a third drive circuit 9, and a control device 10. In the light source system 100B according to the third embodiment, the control device 10 individually controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2.

[0084] The above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control. In this embodiment, for example, each of the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the third laser light L3 is blue light. The first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4A includes, for example, a red wavelength component. The second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5A includes, for example, a green wavelength component. Thus, the light source system 100 of this embodiment is capable of full-color adjustment.

[0085] In addition, in the light source system 100B of embodiment 3, a first phosphor member 4A and a first dichroic mirror 61B are arranged on the optical axis of the first laser light source 1, and a second phosphor member 5A, a first dichroic mirror 61B and a second dichroic mirror 62B are arranged on the optical axis of the second laser light source 2.

[0086] According to the above configuration, a transmissive phosphor member can be used as the first phosphor member 4A, and a transmissive phosphor member can be used as the second phosphor member 5A.

[0087] (Embodiment 4) A light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Regarding the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0088] (1) Composition Light source system 100C differs from light source system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a first dichroic mirror 61C instead of first dichroic mirror 61.

[0089] The first dichroic mirror 61C includes a first region 611 and a second region 612. In the first dichroic mirror 61C, the spectral characteristics of the first region 611 and the spectral characteristics of the second region are different from each other. Note that the first dichroic mirror 61C may be divided into a dichroic mirror having the spectral characteristics of the first region 611 and a dichroic mirror having the spectral characteristics of the second region.

[0090] In this embodiment, the λ / 2 wave plate 14 in the light source system 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) is not provided.

[0091] In the first dichroic mirror 61C, the first region 611 has the spectral characteristics shown in FIG. 12, and the second region 612 has the spectral characteristics shown in FIG.

[0092] The spectral characteristics of the first region 611 of the first dichroic mirror 61C differ from those of the first dichroic mirror 61 in that it reflects blue light regardless of whether it is P-polarized or S-polarized. That is, the first region 611 of the first dichroic mirror 61C reflects the first laser light L1, which is the first blue light. The reflectance of the first region 611 of the first dichroic mirror 61C for blue light is preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0093] Furthermore, the first region 611 of the first dichroic mirror 61C reflects the red light contained in the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4. Furthermore, the first region 611 of the first dichroic mirror 61C transmits the green light contained in the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5.

[0094] The second region 612 of the first dichroic mirror 61C transmits blue light and green light and reflects red light. Therefore, the second region 612 of the first dichroic mirror 61C transmits the first laser light L1, which is blue light, and the second laser light L2, which is blue light, and also transmits second colored light CL2, which is green light contained in the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5. The second region 612 of the first dichroic mirror 61C also reflects first colored light CL1, which is red light contained in the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4. The second region 612 of the first dichroic mirror 61C has a transmittance of 80% or more for blue light and green light, and more preferably 90% or more. The second region 612 of the first dichroic mirror 61C has a reflectance of 80% or more for red light, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0095] (2) Advantages Like the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment, the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0096] Furthermore, the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment allows the first region 611 and the second region 612 of the first dichroic mirror 61C to have a simple film specification.

[0097] (Embodiment 5) A light source system 100D according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. Regarding the light source system 100D according to the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0098] (1) Composition Light source system 100D differs from light source system 100 according to embodiment 1 in that second dichroic mirror 62 is arranged non-parallel to first dichroic mirror 61 (in this embodiment, the angle between second dichroic mirror 62 and first dichroic mirror 61 is 90 degrees) and parallel to second mirror 16. Light source system 100D also differs from light source system 100 according to embodiment 1 in that second mirror 16, transmissive diffuser 39, condensing lens 26, condensing lens 25, and second dichroic mirror 62 are arranged in this order in second direction D2.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the second dichroic mirror 62 reflects the third colored light CL3, which is the P-polarized third laser light L3, and transmits the first colored light CL1, which is the red light contained in the first fluorescence PL1, and the second colored light CL2, which is the green light contained in the second fluorescence PL2.

[0100] (2) Advantages Like the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment, the light source system 100D according to the fifth embodiment can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0101] Furthermore, in the light source system 100D of embodiment 5, the second dichroic mirror 62 does not need to have a polarizing beam splitter function in the blue wavelength range, which is advantageous in that there is no need to provide the λ / 4 wave plate 20 of the light source system 100 (Figure 1) of embodiment 1.

[0102] (Embodiment 6) A light source system 100E according to the sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Regarding the light source system 100E according to the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] (1) Composition Light source system 100E does not include first mirror 15 and second mirror 16 of light source system 100 according to embodiment 1, and the arrangement of first laser light source 1, second laser light source 2, and third laser light source 3 differs from that of light source system 100 according to embodiment 1. Light source system 100E also differs from light source system 100 according to embodiment 1 in that it includes a second dichroic mirror 62E instead of second dichroic mirror 62, and the second dichroic mirror 62E is arranged so as to be non-parallel to the first dichroic mirror 61 (in this embodiment, the angle formed by the second dichroic mirror 62 and the first dichroic mirror 61 is 90 degrees).

[0104] In the light source system 100E, the first laser light source 1 and the second laser light source 2 are arranged so that their optical axes are parallel to each other. Also, in the light source system 100E, the optical axis of the third laser light source 3 is arranged so that it is perpendicular to the optical axis of the first laser light source 1 and the optical axis of the second laser light source 2.

[0105] In the light source system 100E, in the direction along the optical axis of the first laser light source 1, the first laser light source 1, the λ / 2 wavelength plate 14, the first diffuser plate 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the focusing lens 21, the focusing lens 22 and the first phosphor member 4 are arranged in the following order: first laser light source 1, the λ / 2 wavelength plate 14, the first diffuser plate 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the focusing lens 21, the focusing lens 22 and the first phosphor member 4.

[0106] In addition, in the light source system 100E, in the direction along the optical axis of the second laser light source 2, the second laser light source 2, the first diffuser plate 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the collecting lens 21, the collecting lens 22 and the first phosphor member 4 are arranged in the following order: second laser light source 2, the first diffuser plate 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the collecting lens 21, the collecting lens 22 and the first phosphor member 4.

[0107] In addition, in the light source system 100E, in the direction along the optical axis of the third laser light source 3, the third laser light source 3, the second dichroic mirror 62E, the first dichroic mirror 61, the collecting lens 23, the collecting lens 24, and the second phosphor member 5 are arranged in the following order: third laser light source 3, the second dichroic mirror 62E, the first dichroic mirror 61, the collecting lens 23, the collecting lens 24, and the second phosphor member 5.

[0108] The spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror 62E are different from those of the second dichroic mirror 62 of the first embodiment. The second dichroic mirror 62E has the spectral characteristics shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 shows the spectral characteristics for S-polarized light incident at an angle of 45 degrees and the spectral characteristics for P-polarized light incident at an angle of 45 degrees. The second dichroic mirror 62E has the spectral characteristics for S-polarized light to reflect blue, green, and red light. The second dichroic mirror 62E has a reflectance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more, for S-polarized blue, green, and red light. The second dichroic mirror 62E has the spectral characteristics for P-polarized light to transmit blue light and reflect green and red light. The second dichroic mirror 62E has a transmittance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more, for P-polarized blue light. Furthermore, second dichroic mirror 62E has a reflectance of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more, for P-polarized green light and P-polarized red light.

[0109] In this embodiment, the second dichroic mirror 62E reflects the third laser light L3, which is S-polarized third blue light emitted from the third laser light source 3, and transmits the third colored light CL3 formed of the third laser light L3 converted to P-polarized light by the λ / 4 wavelength plate 20. The second dichroic mirror 62E also reflects the first colored light CL1, which is red light contained in the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4, and the second colored light CL2, which is green light contained in the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5.

[0110] (2) Advantages Like the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment, the light source system 100E according to the sixth embodiment can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0111] Furthermore, in the light source system 100E of embodiment 6, the third laser light source 3 is positioned away from the first laser light source 1 and the second laser light source 2 so that the optical axis of the third laser light source 3 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the first laser light source 1 and the optical axis of the second laser light source 2. This allows the heat generation points to be dispersed, making it easier to dissipate the heat generated in each of the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3.

[0112] (Embodiment 7) A light source system 100F according to the seventh embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 17. Regarding the light source system 100F according to the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0113] (1) Composition Light source system 100F differs from light source system 100 according to embodiment 1 in that light source system 100F includes a third dichroic mirror 15F instead of first mirror 15 of light source system 100 according to embodiment 1. Light source system 100F also differs from light source system 100 according to embodiment 1 in that light source system 100F further includes a fourth dichroic mirror 51 and a photosensor 50.

[0114] The fourth dichroic mirror 51 is located between the λ / 2 wave plate 14 and the second mirror 16 in the direction along the optical axis of the third laser light source 3. The fourth dichroic mirror 51 is also aligned with the third dichroic mirror 15F in the second direction D2.

[0115] The photosensor 50 is located on the opposite side of the third dichroic mirror 15F from the fourth dichroic mirror 51. In the second direction D2, the photosensor 50, the fourth dichroic mirror 51, the third dichroic mirror 15F, the first diffuser 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the condenser lens 21, the condenser lens 22, and the first phosphor member 4 are arranged in this order: photosensor 50, the fourth dichroic mirror 51, the third dichroic mirror 15F, the first diffuser 17, the first dichroic mirror 61, the condenser lens 21, the condenser lens 22, and the first phosphor member 4.

[0116] The third dichroic mirror 15F has the spectral characteristics shown in Fig. 18. The third dichroic mirror 15F reflects blue light and transmits green and red light. The third dichroic mirror 15F has a reflectance of 80% or more for blue light, and preferably 90% or more. The third dichroic mirror 15F has a transmittance of 80% or more for green and red light, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0117] The fourth dichroic mirror 51 has spectral characteristics as shown in Fig. 19. The fourth dichroic mirror 51 transmits a portion of the blue light and reflects the remainder. The fourth dichroic mirror 51 has a reflectance for blue light of, for example, 2% or more and 30% or less. The fourth dichroic mirror 51 also transmits green light and red light. The fourth dichroic mirror 51 has a transmittance for green light and red light of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0118] The control device 10 controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9 to generate a first period T1, a second period T2, and a third period T3 in addition to a reference period T0 in which the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 are driven. The first period T1 is a period in which only the first laser light source 1 is driven among the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3. The second period T2 is a period in which only the second laser light source 2 is driven among the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3. The third period T3 is a period in which only the third laser light source 3 is driven among the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3. As an example, the control device 10 individually controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9 so that the states of the first laser light L1, the first colored light CL1, the second laser light L2, the second colored light CL2, and the third laser light L3 are as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 20.

[0119] The photosensor 50 includes, for example, a photodiode.

[0120] During the first period T1, the photosensor 50 detects the green light of the first fluorescence PL1 emitted from the first phosphor member 4 that has passed through the first dichroic mirror 61, the first diffuser plate 17, the third dichroic mirror 15F, and the fourth dichroic mirror 51.

[0121] In addition, during the second period T2, the photosensor 50 detects the red light of the second fluorescence PL2 emitted from the second phosphor member 5 that is reflected by the first dichroic mirror 61 and transmitted through the first diffuser 17, the third dichroic mirror 15F, and the fourth dichroic mirror 51.

[0122] Furthermore, the photosensor 50 detects the third blue light reflected by the fourth dichroic mirror 51 out of the third laser light L3 during the third period T3.

[0123] The detection results of the photosensor 50 are input to the control device 10. Therefore, the control device 10 can obtain the detection results of the photosensor 50 for each of the red light, green light, and blue light individually.

[0124] (2) Advantages Like the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment, the light source system 100F according to the seventh embodiment can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0125] In addition, in the light source system 100F of embodiment 7, the control device 10 controls the first drive circuit 7, the second drive circuit 8, and the third drive circuit 9 so as to generate a first period T1, a second period T2, and a third period T3.

[0126] According to the above configuration, it is possible to individually detect the states of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 using one photosensor 50. This makes it possible to easily measure, for example, the presence or absence of a malfunction or the degree of deterioration of each of the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, the third laser light source 3, the first phosphor member 4, and the second phosphor member 5.

[0127] (Variation) The above-described first to seventh embodiments are merely examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like, as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0128] For example, the first colored light CL1 is not limited to visible light, and may be near-infrared light.

[0129] Furthermore, the number of first laser light sources 1 is not limited to two, and may be three or more, or may be one. Furthermore, the number of second laser light sources 2 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, when the light source system 100 includes multiple second laser light sources 2, it is preferable that the multiple second laser light sources 2 are connected in series in the light source system 100. Furthermore, the number of third laser light sources 3 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, when the light source system 100 includes multiple third laser light sources 3, it is preferable that the multiple third laser light sources 3 are connected in series in the light source system 100.

[0130] Furthermore, the light source system 100 may have a plurality of first laser light sources 1, second laser light sources 2, and third laser light sources 3 housed in one package, or may have a plurality of first laser light sources 1, second laser light sources 2, and third laser light sources 3 mounted on one substrate. Furthermore, the light source system 100 may include a lens array integrally having at least one first collimating lens 11, at least one second collimating lens 12, and at least one third collimating lens 13.

[0131] Furthermore, in the light source system 100, each of the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 may have a plurality of emitters. Here, each of the first laser light source 1, the second laser light source 2, and the third laser light source 3 may have a plurality of emitters that are divided into, for example, two series circuits so that the number of emitters to be emitted can be changed.

[0132] Furthermore, the light source system 100F may be provided with, instead of the photosensor 50, a first photosensor that detects a portion of the first fluorescent light PL1 and a second photosensor that detects a portion of the second fluorescent light PL2.

[0133] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0134] A light source system (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) according to a first aspect includes a first laser light source (1), a second laser light source (2), a third laser light source (3), a first phosphor member (4; 4A), a second phosphor member (5; 5A), a color synthesis optical system (6; 6A; 6B), a first drive circuit (7), a second drive circuit (8), a third drive circuit (9), and a control device (10). The first phosphor member (4) is excited by a first laser light (L1) emitted from the first laser light source (1) and emits a first fluorescence (PL1). The second phosphor member (5; 5A) is excited by a second laser light (L2) emitted from the second laser light source (2) and emits a second fluorescence (PL2). The color combining optical system (6) combines a first colored light (CL1) composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the first fluorescent light (PL1), a second colored light (CL2) composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second fluorescent light (PL2), and a third colored light (CL3) composed of a third laser light (L3) emitted from a third laser light source (3). A first drive circuit (7) drives the first laser light source (1). A second drive circuit (8) drives the second laser light source (2). A third drive circuit (9) drives the third laser light source (3). A control device (10) individually controls the first drive circuit (7), the second drive circuit (8), and the third drive circuit (9). The peak wavelength of the second colored light (CL2) is longer than the peak wavelength of the third colored light (CL3), and the peak wavelength of the first colored light (CL1) is longer than the peak wavelength of the second colored light (CL2).

[0135] According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0136] In the light source system (100A) according to the second embodiment, the color synthesis optical system (6A) in the first embodiment has at least one light guide member (60).

[0137] According to this embodiment, since the color combining optical system (6A) includes a light guide member (60), the first dichroic mirror (61) and the second dichroic mirror (62) of the color combining optical system (6) are not used, which has the advantage that optical loss (loss resulting from cutting off part of the spectrum) that occurs when color combining is performed by each of the first dichroic mirror (61) and the second dichroic mirror (62) does not occur.

[0138] In a light source system (100; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) according to a third aspect, in the first aspect, the color combining optical system (6; 6B) includes a first dichroic mirror (61; 61B; 61C) and a second dichroic mirror (62; 62B; 62E). The first dichroic mirror (61; 61B; 61C) combines the first color light (CL1) and the second color light (CL2). The second dichroic mirror (62; 62B; 62E) combines the first color light (CL1), the second color light (CL2), and the third color light (CL3). In the light source system (100; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the first dichroic mirror (61; 61B; 61C) has a transmittance of 80% or more for P-polarized light of the wavelength of the first laser light (L1) and P-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light (L2), and a reflectance of 80% or more for S-polarized light of the wavelength of the first laser light (L1) and S-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light (L2).

[0139] In the light source system (100; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) according to the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the second dichroic mirror (62; 62B; 62E) has a transmittance of 80% or more for P-polarized light of the wavelength of the third laser light (L3) and P-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light (L2), and a reflectance of 80% or more for S-polarized light of the wavelength of the third laser light (L3) and S-polarized light of the wavelength of the second laser light (L2).

[0140] In a light source system (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the wavelength of the second laser light (L2) is the same as the wavelength of the first laser light (L1).

[0141] A light source system (100F) according to a seventh aspect is the light source system (100F) of any one of the first to sixth aspects, further including a photosensor (50). The photosensor (50) detects a portion of the first fluorescent light (PL1) and a portion of the second fluorescent light (PL2).

[0142] In the light source system (100F) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the control device (10) controls the first drive circuit (7), the second drive circuit (8), and the third drive circuit (9) to generate a first period (T1) in which only the first laser light source (1) of the first laser light source (1), the second laser light source (2), and the third laser light source (3) is driven, a second period (T2) in which only the second laser light source (2) of the first laser light source (1), the second laser light source (2), and the third laser light source (3) is driven, and a third period (T3) in which only the third laser light source (3) of the first laser light source (1), the second laser light source (2), and the third laser light source (3) is driven.

[0143] According to this embodiment, it is possible to individually detect the first colored light (CL1), the second colored light (CL2), and the third colored light (CL3). [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1. First laser light source 2 Second laser light source 3 Third laser light source 4, 4A First phosphor member 5, 5A Second phosphor member 6, 6A, 6B Color synthesis optical system 60 Light guide member 61, 61B, 61C First dichroic mirror 62, 62B, 62E Second dichroic mirror 7 First drive circuit 8 Second drive circuit 9 Third drive circuit 10 Control device 50 Photo Sensor 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F Light Source System CL1 1st color light CL2 second color light CL3 3rd color light L1 First laser beam L2 Second laser beam L3 Third laser beam

Claims

1. a first laser light source; a second laser light source; a third laser light source; a first fluorescent member that is excited by the first laser light emitted from the first laser light source and emits first fluorescence; a second fluorescent member that is excited by the second laser light emitted from the second laser light source and emits second fluorescence; a color combining optical system that combines first color light constituted by at least a portion of wavelength components of the first fluorescent light, second color light constituted by at least a portion of wavelength components of the second fluorescent light, and third color light constituted by the third laser light emitted from the third laser light source; a first drive circuit that drives the first laser light source; a second driving circuit that drives the second laser light source; a third driving circuit that drives the third laser light source; a control device that individually controls the first drive circuit, the second drive circuit, and the third drive circuit; a peak wavelength of the second color light is longer than a peak wavelength of the third color light, and a peak wavelength of the first color light is longer than a peak wavelength of the second color light; Light source system.

2. The color synthesis optical system has at least one light guide member. The light source system of claim 1 .

3. The color synthesis optical system includes: a first dichroic mirror that combines the first color light and the second color light; a second dichroic mirror that combines the first color light, the second color light, and the third color light, The light source system of claim 1 .

4. The first dichroic mirror is transmittance for P-polarized light having a wavelength of the first laser light and P-polarized light having a wavelength of the second laser light is 80% or more, the reflectance for S-polarized light having a wavelength of the first laser light and S-polarized light having a wavelength of the second laser light is 80% or more; The light source system of claim 3 .

5. The second dichroic mirror is transmittance for P-polarized light having a wavelength of the third laser light and P-polarized light having a wavelength of the second laser light is 80% or more, the reflectance for S-polarized light having a wavelength of the third laser light and S-polarized light having a wavelength of the second laser light is 80% or more; 5. A light source system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The wavelength of the second laser light is the same as the wavelength of the first laser light. The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. a photosensor configured to detect a portion of the first fluorescent light and a portion of the second fluorescent light; The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The control device controlling the first drive circuit, the second drive circuit, and the third drive circuit to generate a first period in which only the first laser light source of the first laser light source, the second laser light source, and the third laser light source is driven, a second period in which only the second laser light source of the first laser light source, the second laser light source, and the third laser light source is driven, and a third period in which only the third laser light source of the first laser light source, the second laser light source, and the third laser light source is driven; The light source system of claim 7 .

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