Light source system

Abstract

To increase the degree of freedom in control of a spectrum.SOLUTION: A light distribution optical system 2 distributes a laser beam L1 emitted from a laser light source 1 into a first laser beam L11, a second laser beam L12, and a third laser beam L13. A first wavelength conversion member 4 emits first light PL1 excited by the first laser beam L11. A second wavelength conversion member 5 emits second light PL2 excited by the second laser beam L12. A color composition optical system 7 composes first color light CL1 formed of at least part of the wavelength component of the first light PL1, second color light CL2 formed of at least part of the wavelength component of the second light PL2, and third color light CL3 formed of the third laser beam L13. A control unit 10 controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system 2. A peak wavelength of the first color light CL1, a peak wavelength of the second color light CL2, and a peak wavelength of the third color light CL3, are different from each other.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 light guide optical system, a light emitting element, a light diffusion plate, a pickup lens, a dichroic mirror, and a combining optical system. The light source unit has one or more laser light sources and emits blue laser light.

[0003] In the light source device, by irradiating the light emitting element with blue laser light emitted from the light source unit, red fluorescence (red light) used as illumination light for the liquid crystal light valve is emitted from the red phosphor layer of the light emitting element, and similarly green fluorescence (green light) is emitted from the green phosphor layer. Furthermore, by combining these red and green lights with blue laser light, the light source device is configured to be able to emit white light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-111308 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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]

[0007] A light source system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a laser light source, a light distribution optical system, a first wavelength conversion member, a second wavelength conversion member, a color synthesis optical system, a drive circuit, and a control device. The light distribution optical system distributes laser light emitted from the laser light source into a first laser light, a second laser light, and a third laser light. The light distribution optical system is capable of varying a distribution ratio among the first laser light, the second laser light, and the third laser light. The first wavelength conversion member is excited by the first laser light and emits a first light having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light. The second wavelength conversion member is excited by the second laser light and emits a second light having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light. The color synthesis optical system combines a first color light, a second color light, and a third color light. The first color light is composed of at least some wavelength components of the first light. The second color light is composed of at least some wavelength components of the second light. The third color light is composed of the third laser light. The drive circuit drives the laser light source. The control device controls the distribution ratio in the distribution optical system. The peak wavelengths of the first color light, the second color light, and the third color light are different from each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a light source system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the light source system of the above embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the spectral characteristics of the first dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the spectral characteristics of the second dichroic mirror in the light source system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a color synthesis optical system in the light source system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light distribution ratio when a laser beam is irradiated onto a first position of a volume hologram in the light source system of the above embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light distribution ratio when a laser beam is irradiated at a second position on the volume hologram in the light source system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a light source system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the chopper wheel in the light source system. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the chopper wheel in the light source system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) A light source system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0012] The light source system 100 is applied to, for example, a projector or a lighting system.

[0013] (1) Composition As shown in FIG. 1 , the light source system 100 includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2 distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The light distribution optical system 2 is capable of varying the distribution ratio among the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a different wavelength from the first laser light L11 (in this embodiment, a longer wavelength than the first laser light L11). The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a different wavelength from the second laser light L12 (in this embodiment, a longer wavelength than the second laser light L12). The color combining optical system 7 combines the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3. The first colored light CL1 is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the first light PL1. The second colored light CL2 is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the second light PL2. The third colored light CL3 is composed of the third laser light L13. The drive circuit 8 drives the laser light source 1. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system 2. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from one another. In this embodiment, 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.

[0014] The above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control. In this embodiment, for example, the laser light L1, the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 are blue light having the same wavelength. The first light PL1 emitted from the first wavelength conversion member 4 is, for example, fluorescent light containing a yellow light wavelength component and a red light wavelength component. The second light PL2 emitted from the second wavelength conversion member 5 is, for example, fluorescent light containing a green wavelength component.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the light distribution optical system 2 includes a first light distribution unit 21 and a second light distribution unit 22. The first light distribution unit 21 has a first λ / 2 wave plate 211 and a first polarizing beam splitter 212. The first light distribution unit 21 distributes the laser light L1 into a third laser light L13. The second light distribution unit 22 has a second λ / 2 wave plate 221 and a second polarizing beam splitter 222. The second light distribution unit 22 distributes the laser light L1 into a first laser light L11 and a second laser light L12. The control device 10 controls the rotation angle of the first λ / 2 wave plate 211 and the rotation angle of the second λ / 2 wave plate 221.

[0016] The color combining optical system 7 also includes a mirror 71, a first dichroic mirror 72, and a second dichroic mirror 73. The first dichroic mirror 72 combines the first colored light CL1 and the second colored light CL2. The second dichroic mirror 73 combines the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3.

[0017] The light source system 100 further includes a mirror 3. The light source system 100 further includes a first condenser lens 41, a second condenser lens 51, and a third condenser lens 61. The light source system 100 further includes a transmissive diffuser plate 6. The light source system 100 further includes two condenser lenses 42 and 43, two condenser lenses 52 and 53, and two condenser lenses 62 and 63.

[0018] (2)Details Each component of the light source system 100 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0019] In the light source system 100, in a first direction D1 parallel to the optical axis of the laser light source 1, the laser light source 1, the first λ / 2 wave plate 211, the first polarizing beam splitter 212, the third focusing lens 61, the transmissive diffuser 6, the focusing lens 62, the focusing lens 63 and the second dichroic mirror 73 are arranged in the following order: laser light source 1, the first λ / 2 wave plate 211, the first polarizing beam splitter 212, the third focusing lens 61, the transmissive diffuser 6, the focusing lens 62, the focusing lens 63 and the second dichroic mirror 73.

[0020] In addition, in the light source system 100, in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, the first polarizing beam splitter 212, the second λ / 2 wave plate 221, the second polarizing beam splitter 222 and the mirror 3 are arranged in the order of the first polarizing beam splitter 212, the second λ / 2 wave plate 221, the second polarizing beam splitter 222 and the mirror 3.

[0021] In addition, in the light source system 100, in the first direction D1, the mirror 3, the first collecting lens 41, the first wavelength conversion member 4, the collecting lens 42, the collecting lens 43 and the mirror 71 are arranged in the order of the mirror 3, the first collecting lens 41, the first wavelength conversion member 4, the collecting lens 42, the collecting lens 43 and the mirror 71.

[0022] In addition, in the light source system 100, in the first direction D1, the second polarizing beam splitter 222, the second condenser lens 51, the second wavelength conversion member 5, the condenser lens 52, the condenser lens 53, and the first dichroic mirror 72 are arranged in the following order: second polarizing beam splitter 222, the second condenser lens 51, the second wavelength conversion member 5, the condenser lens 52, the condenser lens 53, and the first dichroic mirror 72.

[0023] In this embodiment, the laser light source 1 is, for example, a blue laser light source. The laser light source 1 includes, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor laser. In this embodiment, the peak wavelength of each of the laser light L1, the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 is, for example, 440 nm or more and 480 nm or less, e.g., 460 nm. In this embodiment, the laser light L1, the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 have the same peak wavelength.

[0024] In this embodiment, the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 is S-polarized blue light.

[0025] The first λ / 2 wave plate 211 and the first polarizing beam splitter 212 are disposed on the optical axis of the laser light source 1 .

[0026] The first optical distributor 21 includes a first λ / 2 wave plate 211 , a first polarizing beam splitter 212 , and a first motor 213 .

[0027] The first λ / 2 wave plate 211 is a half-wave plate. A half-wave plate is a phase plate that changes the optical path difference of polarized light oscillating in mutually perpendicular directions by half a wavelength. The first λ / 2 wave plate 211 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the laser light source 1.

[0028] The first polarizing beam splitter 212 is configured to transmit, for example, the P-polarized component of the laser light L1 and reflect the S-polarized component of the laser light L1.

[0029] The first motor 213 rotates the first λ / 2 wave plate 211 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the laser light source 1. Therefore, the first light distribution unit 21 is configured to be able to rotate the first λ / 2 wave plate 211 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the laser light source 1. In the first light distribution unit 21, the first motor 213 is controlled by the control device 10. In the first light distribution unit 21, the ratio of P-polarized components to S-polarized components of the laser light L1 emitted from the first λ / 2 wave plate 211 changes depending on the rotation angle of the first λ / 2 wave plate 211. In this embodiment, the light transmitted through the first polarizing beam splitter 212 constitutes the third laser light L13.

[0030] The second optical distributor 22 includes a second λ / 2 wave plate 221 , a second polarizing beam splitter 222 , and a second motor 223 .

[0031] The second λ / 2 wave plate 221 is a half-wave plate and is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0032] The second polarizing beam splitter 222 is configured to transmit, for example, the P-polarized component of the laser light L1 and reflect the S-polarized component of the laser light L1.

[0033] The second motor 223 rotates the second λ / 2 wave plate 221 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction D2. Therefore, the second light distribution unit 22 is configured to rotate the second λ / 2 wave plate 221 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction D2. In the second light distribution unit 22, the second motor 223 is controlled by the control device 10. In the second light distribution unit 22, the ratio of P-polarized components to S-polarized components of the laser light L1 emitted from the second λ / 2 wave plate 221 changes depending on the rotation angle of the second λ / 2 wave plate 221. In this embodiment, the light transmitted through the second polarizing beam splitter 222 constitutes the first laser light L11, and the light reflected by the second polarizing beam splitter 222 toward the second wavelength conversion member 5 constitutes the second laser light L12.

[0034] The mirror 3 is disposed so that the angle of incidence of the first laser light L11 is 45 degrees. The mirror 3 reflects the first laser light L11 emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter 222 in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. More specifically, the mirror 3 reflects the first laser light L11 emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter 222 towards the first wavelength conversion member 4.

[0035] The first condenser lens 41 condenses the first laser light L11 reflected by the mirror 3.

[0036] The second condenser lens 51 condenses the second laser light L12 split by the second polarizing beam splitter 222.

[0037] The third condenser lens 61 condenses the third laser beam L13 split by the first polarizing beam splitter 212.

[0038] The first wavelength conversion member 4 is, for example, a transmissive phosphor member. The first wavelength conversion member 4 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 light-transmitting material section and first phosphor particles. The first phosphor particles are, for example, YAG (Y3Al5O 12 :Ce). In this case, the fluorescence (first light 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 light 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). The first wavelength conversion member 4 is arranged so that the first transparent substrate of the first wavelength conversion unit is on the mirror 3 side. The dichroic mirror in the first wavelength conversion member 4 is configured to transmit blue light and reflect the first light PL1.

[0039] The second wavelength conversion member 5 is, for example, a transmissive phosphor member. The second wavelength conversion member 5 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 section disposed on the dichroic mirror. The second wavelength conversion section includes, for example, a second translucent material section and second phosphor particles. The second phosphor particles are, for example, YAG (Y3Al5O 12 :Ce). In this case, the fluorescence (second light 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 light 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 conversion member 5 is arranged such that the second transparent substrate of the second wavelength conversion unit is on the second polarizing beam splitter 222 side. The dichroic mirror in the second wavelength conversion member 5 is configured to transmit blue light and reflect the second light PL2.

[0040] The transmissive diffuser 6 diffuses the third laser light L13 collected by the third collecting lens 61. The transmissive diffuser 6 has a light incident surface on the third collecting lens 61 side and a light exit surface on the color combining optical system 7 side. The transmissive diffuser 6 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.

[0041] The two condenser lenses 42 and 43 condense the first light PL1 emitted from the first wavelength conversion member 4.

[0042] The two condenser lenses 52 and 53 condense the second light PL2 emitted from the second wavelength conversion member 5.

[0043] The two condenser lenses 62 and 63 condense the third light PL3 ​​emitted from the transmissive diffuser plate 6.

[0044] As described above, the color combining optical system 7 includes the mirror 71, the first dichroic mirror 72, and the second dichroic mirror 73.

[0045] The mirror 71 reflects the first light PL1 from the first wavelength converting member 4 side toward the first dichroic mirror 72 side.

[0046] The first dichroic mirror 72 is disposed parallel to the mirror 71. The first dichroic mirror 72 has, for example, the spectral characteristics shown in FIG. 3. The first dichroic mirror 72 reflects blue light and green light and transmits red light. The first dichroic mirror 72 has a reflectance of 80% or more for blue light and green light, and preferably 90% or more. The first dichroic mirror 72 also has a transmittance of 80% or more for red light, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0047] The first dichroic mirror 72 reflects green light and transmits red light contained in the fluorescence (first light PL1) emitted from the first wavelength converting member 4. The first dichroic mirror 72 also reflects green light contained in the fluorescence (second light PL2) emitted from the second wavelength converting member 5.

[0048] The second dichroic mirror 73 is disposed in parallel to the first dichroic mirror 72. The second dichroic mirror 73 has, for example, the spectral characteristics shown in FIG. 4. The second dichroic mirror 73 reflects blue light and transmits green and red light. The second dichroic mirror 73 has a reflectance of 80% or more for blue light, and preferably 90% or more. The second dichroic mirror 73 also has a transmittance of 80% or more for green and red light, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0049] The second dichroic mirror 73 transmits first colored light CL1, which includes red light from the first light PL1 that has passed through the first dichroic mirror 72, and second colored light CL2, which includes green light from the second light PL2 that has been reflected by the first dichroic mirror 72, and reflects third light PL3 ​​(third colored light CL3, which includes blue light composed of the third laser light L13).

[0050] The drive circuit 8 drives the laser light source 1. The drive circuit 8 includes, for example, a series circuit of a resistor and a switching element connected between the power supply circuit and the laser light source 1. The drive circuit 8 turns on the laser light source 1 by supplying a drive current to the laser light source 1. The drive circuit 8 turns on the laser light source 1 when the control device 10 turns on the switching element, and turns off the laser light source 1 when the control device 10 turns off the 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 power supply circuit is not included in the components of the light source system 100, but may be included.

[0051] As described above, the control device 10 controls the drive circuit 8. The control device 10 also controls the light distribution optical system 2. In this embodiment, the control device 10 controls the first motor 213 of the first light distribution unit 21 and the second motor 223 of the second light distribution unit 22.

[0052] 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.

[0053] (3) Advantages The light source system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2 distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits a first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits a second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color synthesis optical system 7 combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system 2. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from one another.

[0054] The above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control. More specifically, the above configuration allows for greater flexibility in spectrum control while employing a single laser light source 1 as a laser light source. Furthermore, the above configuration allows for spectrum control without changing the driving state of the laser light source 1 by the driving circuit 8, thereby enabling higher output and higher efficiency. In this embodiment, for example, the laser light L1, the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 are each blue light having the same wavelength. The first light PL1 emitted from the first wavelength conversion member 4 is, for example, fluorescent light containing a yellow light wavelength component and a red light wavelength component. The second light PL2 emitted from the second wavelength conversion member 5 is, for example, fluorescent light containing a green wavelength component. Therefore, the light source system 100 of this embodiment is capable of full-color color adjustment.

[0055] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a light source system 100A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. 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 (see Figs. 1 and 2) will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] (1) Composition As shown in FIG. 5, the light source system 100A differs from the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a light distribution optical system 2A instead of the light distribution optical system 2 of the light source system 100.

[0057] The light distribution optical system 2A includes a first light distribution unit 21A and a second light distribution unit 22A. The first light distribution unit 21A has a first liquid crystal panel 214 and a first polarizing beam splitter 212. The first light distribution unit 21A distributes the laser light L1 into a third laser light L13. The second light distribution unit 22A has a second liquid crystal panel 224 and a second polarizing beam splitter 222. The second light distribution unit 22A distributes the laser light L1 into a first laser light L11 and a second laser light L12. The control device 10 controls the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal panel 214 and the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal panel 224.

[0058] In the first light distribution unit 21A, the first liquid crystal panel 214 is disposed on the optical axis of the laser light source 1 between the laser light source 1 and the first polarizing beam splitter 212. The first light distribution unit 21A further includes a first driver 215. The first driver 215 is configured to be able to change the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal panel 214. The first driver 215 is controlled by, for example, the control device 10.

[0059] The first liquid crystal panel 214 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the laser light source 1 .

[0060] In the first light distribution unit 21A, the ratio between the P-polarized component and the S-polarized component of the laser light L1 emitted from the first liquid crystal panel 214 changes depending on the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal panel 214. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first polarizing beam splitter 212 is configured to transmit, for example, the P-polarized component of the laser light L1 and reflect the S-polarized component of the laser light L1. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the light that has transmitted through the first polarizing beam splitter 212 constitutes the third laser light L13.

[0061] In the second light distribution unit 22A, the second liquid crystal panel 224 is disposed between the first polarizing beam splitter 212 and the second polarizing beam splitter 222 in the second direction D2. The second light distribution unit 22A further includes a second driver 225. The second driver 225 is configured to be able to change the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal panel 224. The second driver 225 is controlled by, for example, the control device 10.

[0062] The second liquid crystal panel 224 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0063] In the second light distribution unit 22A, the ratio between the P-polarized component and the S-polarized component of the laser light L1 emitted from the second liquid crystal panel 224 changes depending on the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal panel 224. In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the second polarizing beam splitter 222 is configured to transmit the P-polarized component of the laser light L1 and reflect the S-polarized component of the laser light L1. In this embodiment, the light that has transmitted through the second polarizing beam splitter 222 constitutes the first laser light L11, and the light that has been reflected by the second polarizing beam splitter 222 toward the second wavelength conversion member 5 constitutes the second laser light L12.

[0064] The control device 10 controls the drive circuit 8, as in the first embodiment. The control device 10 also controls the light distribution optical system 2A. In this embodiment, the control device 10 controls the first driver 215 of the first light distribution unit 21A and the second driver 225 of the second light distribution unit 22A. As in the first embodiment, the control device 10 includes a computer system.

[0065] (2) Advantages A light source system 100A according to the second embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2A, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2A distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color combining optical system 7A combines first colored light CL1, which is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2, which is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3, which is composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio of the light distribution optical system 2A. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from each other.

[0066] According to the above configuration, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0067] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, a light source system 100B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. 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 (see Figs. 1 and 2) will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] (1) Composition As shown in FIG. 6, the light source system 100B differs from the light source system 100 in that it includes a light distribution optical system 2B instead of the light distribution optical system 2 of the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] The light distribution optical system 2B includes a diffuser plate 11, a collimator lens 12, a first movable mirror 23, and a second movable mirror 24. The diffuser plate 11 diffuses the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1. The collimator lens 12 collimates the laser light L1 emitted from the diffuser plate 11. The first movable mirror 23 is configured so that a portion of the laser light L1 collimated by the collimator lens 12 is incident on it. In this embodiment, the portion of the laser light L1 that does not enter the movable mirror 23 constitutes a third laser light L13. The second movable mirror 24 reflects a second laser light L12 from the laser light L1 reflected by the first movable mirror 23. The control device 10 controls the positions of the first movable mirror 23 and the second movable mirror 24.

[0070] The diffusion plate 11 diffuses the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1. The diffusion plate 11 has a light incident surface on the laser light source 1 side and a light exit surface on the collimator lens 12 side. The diffusion plate 11 transmits the laser light L1 incident on the light incident surface and diffuses the light by the fine uneven shape of the light exit surface before it is emitted.

[0071] In the light source system 100B, in the first direction D1, the laser light source 1, the diffuser plate 11, the collimator lens 12, the first movable mirror 23, the third condenser lens 61 and the transmissive diffuser plate 6, the condenser lens 62, the condenser lens 63, and the second dichroic mirror 73 are arranged in this order: the laser light source 1, the diffuser plate 11, the collimator lens 12, the first movable mirror 23, the third condenser lens 61 and the transmissive diffuser plate 6, the condenser lens 62, the condenser lens 63, and the second dichroic mirror 73. The first movable mirror 23 is arranged so as to be parallel to the mirror 3.

[0072] When viewed from the first direction D1 (in other words, when viewed from the laser light source 1), the first movable mirror 23 is smaller than the collimator lens 12. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first movable mirror 23 overlaps with a portion of the collimator lens 12.

[0073] When viewed from the first direction D1, the third condenser lens 61 is smaller than the collimator lens 12. When viewed from the first direction D1, a portion of the third condenser lens 61 overlaps with a portion of the first movable mirror 23, and the remaining portion of the third condenser lens 61 overlaps with a portion of the collimator lens 12. When viewed from the first direction D1, the third condenser lens 61 is not limited to being smaller than the collimator lens 12, and may be configured to be the same size as the collimator lens 12.

[0074] In light source system 100B, second movable mirror 24 is arranged so as to be parallel to first movable mirror 23 and mirror 3. In light source system 100B, first movable mirror 23, second movable mirror 24, and mirror 3 are arranged in the order of first movable mirror 23, second movable mirror 24, and mirror 3. When viewed from the second direction, second movable mirror 24 overlaps with a portion of first movable mirror 23 and a portion of mirror 3.

[0075] In the light source system 100B, the light of the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 that is collimated by the collimating lens 12 and enters the third condenser lens 61 becomes the third laser light L13. In the light source system 100B, the light of the laser light L1 that is collimated by the collimating lens 12 and then reflected by the first movable mirror 23 and enters the mirror 3 becomes the first laser light L11, and the light that is reflected by the first movable mirror 23 and then reflected by the second movable mirror 24 becomes the second laser light L12.

[0076] In the light distribution optical system 2B, the first movable mirror 23 is movable in a third direction D3 along the light incident surface of the first movable mirror 23. That is, the first movable mirror 23 is a mirror that is movable in the third direction D3. The third direction D3 forms an angle of 45 degrees with the first direction D1 and an angle of 45 degrees with the second direction D2. In addition, in the light distribution optical system 2B, the second movable mirror 24 is movable in a fourth direction D4 along the light incident surface of the second movable mirror 24. That is, the second movable mirror 24 is a mirror that is movable in the fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is a direction parallel to the third direction D3. The fourth direction D4 forms an angle of 45 degrees with the first direction D1 and an angle of 45 degrees with the second direction D2.

[0077] In the light distribution optical system 2B, the distribution ratio among the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 can be changed by changing the position of the first movable mirror 23 in the third direction D3. Also, in the light distribution optical system 2B, the distribution ratio among the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 can be changed by changing the position of the second movable mirror 24 in the fourth direction D4.

[0078] The control device 10 controls the drive circuit 8, as in the first embodiment. The control device 10 also controls the light distribution optical system 2B. In this embodiment, the control device 10 controls the first movable mirror 23 and the second movable mirror 24 of the light distribution optical system 2B. As in the first embodiment, the control device 10 includes a computer system.

[0079] (2) Advantages A light source system 100B according to a third embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2B, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2B distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color synthesis optical system 7 combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system 2B. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from one another.

[0080] According to the above configuration, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0081] (Embodiment 4) A light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. 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 (see Figures 1 and 2) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] (1) Composition 7 and 8, light source system 100C differs from light source system 100 in that it includes a light distribution optical system 2C instead of the light distribution optical system 2 of light source system 100 according to embodiment 1. Light source system 100C also differs from light source system 100 in that it includes a color combining optical system 7C (see FIG. 8) instead of the color combining optical system 7 of light source system 100 according to embodiment 1.

[0083] The light distribution optical system 2C has a first light distribution unit 21C and a second light distribution unit 22C. The first light distribution unit 21C has a first λ / 2 wave plate 211, a first polarizing beam splitter 212, and a motor 213C. The motor 213C rotates the first λ / 2 wave plate 211, similar to the first motor 213 in the first embodiment. The motor 213C is controlled by the control device 10. The second light distribution unit 22C has a second λ / 2 wave plate 221 and a second polarizing beam splitter 222.

[0084] Furthermore, in the light source system 100C, the third collecting lens 61 is not positioned on the optical axis of the laser light source 1, and the optical axis of the third collecting lens 61 intersects with the optical axis of the laser light source 1. The light source system 100C further includes two mirrors 65 and 66 that cause light to enter the third collecting lens 61. The mirror 65 is positioned on the optical axis of the laser light source 1, and reflects the third laser light L13 toward the mirror 66. The mirror 66 is positioned on the optical axis of the third collecting lens 61, and reflects the third laser light L13 reflected by the mirror 65 toward the third collecting lens 61.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 8, the color combining optical system 7C includes a light guide member 76. The light guide member 76 spatially combines, for example, the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3. As shown in Fig. 8, the color combining optical system 7C includes a condenser lens 74, a condenser lens 75, the light guide member 76, and a collimator lens 77.

[0086] In the color combining optical system 7C, first color light CL1 formed by the first light PL1 emitted from the first wavelength converting member 4, second color light CL2 formed by the second light PL2 emitted from the second wavelength converting member 5, and third color light CL3 formed by the third light PL3 ​​emitted from the transmissive diffuser plate 6 are collected by condensing lenses 74 and 75 and enter a light guide member 76. The light guide member 76 combines the first color light CL1, the second color light CL2, and the third color light CL3 and outputs the combined light.

[0087] The light guide member 76 is, for example, a dense-type light guide member, but may also be a hollow-type light guide member. Dense-type light guide members include light guide rods and optical fibers. Hollow-type light guide members include light guide pipes.

[0088] The collimating lens 77 collimates the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 emitted from the light guide member 76 and emits the collimated light.

[0089] The control device 10 controls the drive circuit 8, as in the first embodiment. The control device 10 also controls the light distribution optical system 2C. In this embodiment, the control device 10 controls the motor 213C of the light distribution optical system 2C. As in the first embodiment, the control device 10 includes a computer system.

[0090] (2) Advantages A light source system 100C according to a fourth embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2C, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7C, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2C distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color combining optical system 7C combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least some wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least some wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio of the light distribution optical system 2C. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from each other.

[0091] According to the above configuration, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0092] (Embodiment 5) A light source system 100D according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Regarding the light source system 100D according to the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment (see Figures 7 and 8) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] (1) Composition 9, the light source system 100D differs from the light source system 100C in that the light source system 100D includes a light distribution optical system 2D instead of the light distribution optical system 2C of the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the light source system 100D includes a color synthesis optical system 7C (see FIG. 8), similar to the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment.

[0094] The light source system 100D further includes a mirror 9 that reflects the third laser light L13 distributed by the light distribution optical system 2D toward the third condenser lens 61.

[0095] The light distribution optical system 2D includes a scanning mirror 25 and a volume hologram 26. The scanning mirror 25 can change its angle with respect to the optical axis of the laser light source 1. The volume hologram 26 distributes the laser light L1 reflected by the scanning mirror 25 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the angle of the scanning mirror 25 to control the irradiation position of the laser light L1 on the volume hologram 26.

[0096] The scanning mirror 25 scans the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1. This makes it possible to change the irradiation position of the laser light L1 on the light incident surface of the volume hologram 26. The scanning mirror 25 is controlled by the control device 10, for example.

[0097] Fig. 10 schematically illustrates the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 distributed by the volume hologram 26 when the irradiation position of the laser light L1 on the volume hologram 26 is a first position P1. Fig. 11 schematically illustrates the first laser light L11, the second laser light L12, and the third laser light L13 distributed by the volume hologram 26 when the irradiation position of the laser light L1 on the volume hologram 26 is a second position P2 different from the first position P1.

[0098] The control device 10 controls the drive circuit 8, as in the fourth embodiment. The control device 10 also controls the light distribution optical system 2D. In this embodiment, the control device 10 controls the scanning mirror 25 of the light distribution optical system 2D. As in the first embodiment, the control device 10 includes a computer system.

[0099] (2) Advantages A light source system 100D according to the fifth embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2D, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7C (see FIG. 8), a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2D distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color combining optical system 7C combines first colored light CL1, which is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2, which is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3, which is composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system 2D. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from each other.

[0100] According to the above configuration, similar to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0101] (Embodiment 6) A light source system 100E according to the sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 12. Regarding the light source system 100E according to the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment (see Figs. 7 and 8) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] (1) Composition The light source system 100E differs from the light source system 100C in that it is equipped with a first wavelength conversion member 4E, a second wavelength conversion member 5E and a color synthesis optical system 7E instead of the first wavelength conversion member 4, the second wavelength conversion member 5 and the color synthesis optical system 7C of the light source system 100C of embodiment 4.

[0103] The light source system 100E further includes a diffuser plate 18 and a collimator lens 19.

[0104] The first wavelength conversion member 4E is disposed between the first collecting lens 41 and the collecting lens 44. The first wavelength conversion member 4E is an optical fiber having a core doped with first phosphor particles. The first wavelength conversion member 4E is bent. The first phosphor particles are excited by blue light and emit first fluorescence (first light PL1) having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light. The first phosphor particles are, for example, YAG. The first phosphor particles are not limited to YAG, and may be, for example, CASN (CaAlSiN3:Eu).

[0105] The second wavelength conversion member 5E is disposed between the second collecting lens 51 and the collecting lens 54. The second wavelength conversion member 5E is an optical fiber having a core doped with a second phosphor. The second wavelength conversion member 5E is bent. The second phosphor particles are excited by the blue light and emit second fluorescence (second light PL2) having a longer wavelength than the blue light. The second phosphor particles are, for example, YAG.

[0106] Furthermore, the light source system 100E further includes a mirror 90 that reflects the third laser light L13 distributed by the light distribution optical system 2C toward the color synthesis optical system 7E.

[0107] The color combining optical system 7E includes a prism 70 that combines the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3. In the light source system 100E, the first condenser lens 41, the second condenser lens 51, and the mirror 90 are arranged so that the first colored light PL1, the second colored light PL2, and the third laser light L13 enter the prism 70 at different positions and the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 exit from a single point on the prism 70.

[0108] The diffusion plate 18 diffuses the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 emitted from the prism 70.

[0109] The collimating lens 19 collimates the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 emitted from the diffusing plate 18.

[0110] (2) Advantages A light source system 100E according to the sixth embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2C, a first wavelength conversion member 4E, a second wavelength conversion member 5E, a color synthesis optical system 7E, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2C distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4E is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5E is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color combining optical system 7E combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least some wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least some wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio of the light distribution optical system 2C. The peak wavelengths of the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 are different from each other.

[0111] According to the above configuration, similar to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0112] (Embodiment 7) A light source system 100F according to the seventh embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. Regarding the light source system 100F according to the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100C according to the fourth embodiment (see Figs. 7 and 8) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0113] (1) Composition The light source system 100F differs from the light source system 100C in that it is provided with a first wavelength conversion member 4F, a second wavelength conversion member 5F and a color synthesis optical system 7F instead of the first wavelength conversion member 4, the second wavelength conversion member 5 and the color synthesis optical system 7C of the light source system 100C of embodiment 4.

[0114] The light source system 100F further includes a first collimating lens 45, a second collimating lens 55, and a third collimating lens 67.

[0115] The first wavelength conversion member 4F is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits the first light PL1 having a different wavelength from the first laser light L11 (in this embodiment, a shorter wavelength than the first laser light L11).

[0116] The second wavelength conversion member 5F is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a different wavelength from the second laser light L12 (in this embodiment, a shorter wavelength than the second laser light L12).

[0117] The first wavelength conversion member 4F includes a first nonlinear optical element. The first nonlinear optical element is, for example, a THG (Third Harmonic Generation) element that generates light with a frequency three times that of the laser light L1 (a wavelength one-third that of the laser light L1), and includes, for example, an LBO crystal. In this embodiment, the laser light source 1 is an infrared laser. In this embodiment, the wavelength of the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 is 1064 nm, which is different from the wavelength of the laser light source 1 in embodiment 1. The wavelength of the first colored light CL1 emitted from the first wavelength conversion member 4F is 355 nm. The first colored light CL1 is violet light.

[0118] The second wavelength conversion member 5F includes a second nonlinear optical element. The second nonlinear optical element is, for example, an SHG (Second Harmonic Generation) element that generates light with a frequency twice that of the laser light L1 (half the wavelength of the laser light L1), and includes, for example, a KTP crystal. The wavelength of the second colored light CL2 emitted from the second wavelength conversion member 5F is 532 nm. The second colored light CL2 is green light.

[0119] The first collimator lens 45 is disposed on the optical axis of the first wavelength conversion member 4F between the first wavelength conversion member 4F and the color synthesis optical system 7F.

[0120] The second collimator lens 55 is disposed on the optical axis of the second wavelength conversion member 5F between the second wavelength conversion member 5F and the color synthesis optical system 7F.

[0121] The third collimator lens 67 is disposed on the optical axis of the third condenser lens 61 between the third condenser lens 61 and the color synthesis optical system 7F.

[0122] The color combining optical system 7F includes a diffraction grating 78. The diffraction grating 78 combines the first color light CL1, the second color light CL2, and the third color light CL3, each of which is coherent light. In this embodiment, the wavelength of the third color light CL3 is 1064 nm.

[0123] The diffusion plate 18 diffuses the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 emitted from the prism 70.

[0124] The collimating lens 19 collimates the first colored light CL1, the second colored light CL2, and the third colored light CL3 emitted from the diffusing plate 18.

[0125] (2) Advantages A light source system 100F according to the seventh embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2C, a first wavelength conversion member 4F, a second wavelength conversion member 5F, a color synthesis optical system 7F, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2C distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4F is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits first light PL1 having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light L11. The second wavelength conversion member 5F is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits second light PL2 having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light L12. The color combining optical system 7E combines first colored light CL1, which is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2, which is composed of at least some of the wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3, which is composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio of the light distribution optical system 2C. The peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2 is shorter than the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3, and the peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1 is shorter than the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2.

[0126] According to the above configuration, similar to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0127] (Embodiment 8) A light source system 100G according to the eighth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Regarding the light source system 100G according to the eighth embodiment, the same components as those in the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0128] (1) Composition The light source system 100G differs from the light source system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a light distribution optical system 2G instead of the light distribution optical system 2 of the light source system 100.

[0129] The light distribution optical system 2G includes a first light distribution unit 21G and a second light distribution unit 22G. The first light distribution unit 21G has a first chopper wheel 27 and distributes the laser light L1 into a third laser light L13. The second light distribution unit 22G has a second chopper wheel 28 and distributes the laser light L1 into a first laser light L11 and a second laser light L12. The control device 10 controls the first chopper wheel 27 and the second chopper wheel 28.

[0130] The first light distribution unit 21G further includes a first motor 217 that rotates the first chopper wheel 27 in a predetermined first rotation direction R1 (see FIGS. 15 and 16). The first chopper wheel 27 has a plurality of holes 271 aligned in the first rotation direction R1. The first motor 217 is controlled by the control device 10. In the first light distribution unit 21G, the light of the laser light L1 that passes through the holes 271 of the first chopper wheel 27 constitutes the third laser light L13. The first light distribution unit 21G also reflects the light that has entered the reflecting surface 270 of the first chopper wheel 27 toward the second chopper wheel 28 of the second light distribution unit 22G. Note that the first chopper wheel 27 may have first transmitting portions, each of which transmits the laser light L1, instead of the plurality of holes 271.

[0131] The second light distribution unit 22G further includes a second motor 227 that rotates the second chopper wheel 28 in a predetermined second rotation direction (for example, the same direction as the first rotation direction R1 of the first chopper wheel 27). The second chopper wheel 28 has a plurality of holes aligned in the second rotation direction. The second motor 227 is controlled by the control device 10. In the second light distribution unit 22G, light of the laser light L1 that passes through the holes of the second chopper wheel 28 constitutes the first laser light L11. The second light distribution unit 22G also reflects light that is incident on the reflecting surface 280 of the second chopper wheel 28 toward the second wavelength conversion member 5. In the second light distribution unit 22G, light of the laser light L1 that is reflected by the reflecting surface 280 of the second chopper wheel 28 constitutes the second laser light L12. Note that the second chopper wheel 28 may have second transmitting portions, each of which transmits the laser light L1, instead of the plurality of holes.

[0132] The control device 10 controls the drive circuit 8, as in the first embodiment. The control device 10 also controls the light distribution optical system 2G. In this embodiment, the control device 10 controls the first motor 217 and the second motor 227 of the light distribution optical system 2G. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio by synchronizing the rotation of the first chopper wheel 27 and the second chopper wheel 28 with the lighting of the laser light source 1. As in the first embodiment, the control device 10 includes a computer system.

[0133] (2) Advantages A light source system 100G according to the eighth embodiment includes a laser light source 1, a light distribution optical system 2G, a first wavelength conversion member 4, a second wavelength conversion member 5, a color synthesis optical system 7, a drive circuit 8, and a control device 10. The light distribution optical system 2G distributes the laser light L1 emitted from the laser light source 1 into a first laser light L11, a second laser light L12, and a third laser light L13. The first wavelength conversion member 4 is excited by the first laser light L11 and emits the first light PL1. The second wavelength conversion member 5 is excited by the second laser light L12 and emits the second light PL2. The color synthesis optical system 7 combines first colored light CL1 composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the first light PL1, second colored light CL2 composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second light PL2, and third colored light CL3 composed of the third laser light L13. The control device 10 controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system 2G. The peak wavelength of the first colored light CL1, the peak wavelength of the second colored light CL2, and the peak wavelength of the third colored light CL3 are different from each other.

[0134] According to the above configuration, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0135] (Variation) The above-described first to eighth 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.

[0136] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0137] A light source system (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F; 100G) according to a first aspect includes a laser light source (1), a light distribution optical system (2; 2A; 2B; 2C; 2D; 2G), a first wavelength conversion member (4; 4E; 4F), a second wavelength conversion member (5), a color synthesis optical system (7; 7C; 7E; 7F), a drive circuit (8), and a control device (10). The light distribution optical system (2; 2A; 2B; 2C; 2D; 2G) distributes a laser beam (L1) emitted from the laser light source (1) into a first laser beam (L11), a second laser beam (L12), and a third laser beam (L13). The light distribution optical system (2; 2A; 2B; 2C; 2D; 2G) can change the distribution ratio between the first laser light (L11), the second laser light (L12), and the third laser light (L13). The first wavelength conversion member (4; 4E; 4F) is excited by the first laser light (L11) and emits a first light (PL1) having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light (L11). The second wavelength conversion member (5; 5E; 5F) is excited by the second laser light (L12) and emits a second light (PL2) having a wavelength different from that of the second laser light (L12). The color synthesis optical system (7; 7C; 7E; 7F) combines the first color light (CL1), the second color light (CL2), and the third color light (CL3). The first color light (CL1) is composed of at least some wavelength components of the first light (PL1). The second colored light (CL2) is composed of at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second light (PL2). The third colored light (CL3) is composed of a third laser light (L13). A drive circuit (8) drives the laser light source (1). A control device (10) controls the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system (2; 2A; 2B; 2C; 2D; 2G). The peak wavelengths of the first colored light (CL1), the second colored light (CL2), and the third colored light (CL3) are different from each other.

[0138] According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the spectrum.

[0139] In a light source system (100) according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the light distribution optical system (2) includes a first light distribution unit (21) and a second light distribution unit (22). The first light distribution unit (21) has a first λ / 2 wave plate (211) and a first polarizing beam splitter (212). The first light distribution unit (21) distributes a third laser light (L13) from the laser light (L1). The second light distribution unit (22) has a second λ / 2 wave plate (221) and a second polarizing beam splitter (222). The second light distribution unit (22) distributes a first laser light (L11) and a second laser light (L12) from the laser light (L1). The control device (10) controls the rotation angle of the first λ / 2 wave plate (211) and the rotation angle of the second λ / 2 wave plate (221).

[0140] In a light source system (100A) according to a third aspect, in the first aspect, the light distribution optical system (2A) includes a first light distribution unit (21A) and a second light distribution unit (22A). The first light distribution unit (21A) has a first liquid crystal panel (214) and a first polarizing beam splitter (212). The first light distribution unit (21A) distributes a third laser light (L13) from a laser light (L1). The second light distribution unit (22A) has a second liquid crystal panel (224) and a second polarizing beam splitter (222). The second light distribution unit (22A) distributes a first laser light (L11) and a second laser light (L12) from the laser light (L1). The control device (10) controls a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal panel (214) and a voltage applied to the second liquid crystal panel (224).

[0141] In a light source system (100B) according to a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the light distribution optical system (2B) includes a diffuser plate (11), a collimator lens (12), a first movable mirror (23), and a second movable mirror (24). The diffuser plate (11) diffuses the laser light (L1). The collimator lens (12) collimates the laser light (L1) emitted from the diffuser plate (11). The first movable mirror (23) is configured to receive a portion of the laser light (L1) collimated by the collimator lens (12). The second movable mirror (24) reflects a second laser light (L12) from the laser light (L1) reflected by the first movable mirror (23). The portion of the laser light (L1) that does not enter the first movable mirror (23) constitutes a third laser light (L13). The control device (10) controls the positions of the first movable mirror (23) and the second movable mirror (24).

[0142] In a light source system (100C) according to a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the light distribution optical system (2C) includes a first light distribution unit (21) and a second light distribution unit (22C). The first light distribution unit (21C) has a first λ / 2 wave plate (211) and a first polarizing beam splitter (212). The first light distribution unit (21C) distributes a third laser light (L13) from the laser light (L1). The second light distribution unit (22C) has a second λ / 2 wave plate (221) and a second polarizing beam splitter (222). The second light distribution unit (22C) distributes a first laser light (L11) and a second laser light (L12) from the laser light (L1). The control device (10) controls the rotation angle of the first λ / 2 wave plate (211).

[0143] In a light source system (100D) according to a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the light distribution optical system (2D) includes a scanning mirror (25) and a volume hologram (26). The scanning mirror (25) can change its angle with respect to the optical axis of the laser light source (1). The volume hologram (26) distributes the laser light (L1) reflected by the scanning mirror (25) into a first laser light (L11), a second laser light (L12), and a third laser light (L13). The control device (10) controls the irradiation position of the laser light (L1) on the volume hologram (26) by controlling the angle of the scanning mirror (25).

[0144] In a light source system (100; 100A; 100B; 100G) according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the color combining optical system (7) includes a first dichroic mirror (72) and a second dichroic mirror (73). The first dichroic mirror (72) combines the first color light (CL1) and the second color light (CL2). The second dichroic mirror (73) combines the first color light (CL1), the second color light (CL2), and the third color light (CL3).

[0145] A light source system (100E) according to an eighth aspect is the same as any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the color synthesis optical system (7E) includes a prism (70).

[0146] In a light source system (100C; 100D) according to a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the color synthesis optical system (7C) includes a light guide member (76).

[0147] In a light source system (100F) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the color synthesis optical system (7F) includes a diffraction grating (78).

[0148] In a light source system (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E; 100G) according to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first wavelength conversion member (4; 4E) includes a first phosphor that is excited by the first laser light (L11) and emits a first fluorescence, and the second wavelength conversion member (5; 5E) includes a second phosphor that is excited by the second laser light (L12) and emits a second fluorescence.

[0149] In a light source system (100F) according to a twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first wavelength conversion member (4F) includes a first nonlinear optical element, and the second wavelength conversion member (5F) includes a second nonlinear optical element.

[0150] In a light source system (100G) according to a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the light distribution optical system (2G) includes a first light distribution unit (21G) and a second light distribution unit (22G). The first light distribution unit (21G) has a first chopper wheel (27) and distributes a third laser light (L13) from the laser light (L1). The second light distribution unit (22G) has a second chopper wheel (28) and distributes a first laser light (L11) and a second laser light (L12) from the laser light (L1). The control device (10) controls the first chopper wheel (27) and the second chopper wheel (28). [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Laser light source 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2G light distribution optics 21, 21A, 21C, 21G 1st optical distribution section 211 First λ / 2 wave plate 212 First polarizing beam splitter 213 First Motor 22, 22A, 22C, 22G 2nd optical distribution section 221 Second λ / 2 wave plate 222 Second polarizing beam splitter 223 Second Motor 23 First movable mirror 24 Second movable mirror 25 Scanning mirror 26 Volume Hologram 27 No. 1 Chopper Wheel 28 Second Chopper Wheel 3. Mirror 4, 4E, 4F First wavelength conversion member 5, 5E, 5F Second wavelength conversion member 7, 7B Color synthesis optical system 70 Prism 71 Mirror 72 1st dichroic mirror 73 Second dichroic mirror 74 Condenser Lens 75 Condenser Lens 76 Light guide member 77 Collimating Lens 78 Diffraction Grating 8 Drive circuit 9. Mirror 10 Control device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G Light Source System CL1 1st color light CL2 second color light CL3 3rd color light L1 laser light L11 First laser beam L12 Second laser beam L13 Third laser beam

Claims

1. a laser light source; a light distribution optical system that distributes the laser light emitted from the laser light source into a first laser light, a second laser light, and a third laser light, and that can vary a distribution ratio among the first laser light, the second laser light, and the third laser light; a first wavelength conversion member that is excited by the first laser light and emits first light having a wavelength different from that of the first laser light; a second wavelength conversion member that is excited by the second laser light and emits second light having a wavelength different from the second laser light; a color combining optical system that combines a first color light constituted by at least a portion of the wavelength components of the first light, a second color light constituted by at least a portion of the wavelength components of the second light, and a third color light constituted by the third laser light; a drive circuit for driving the laser light source; a control device for controlling the distribution ratio in the light distribution optical system, the peak wavelength of the first color light, the peak wavelength of the second color light, and the peak wavelength of the third color light are different from each other; Light source system.

2. The light distribution optical system includes: a first optical distribution unit including a first λ / 2 wave plate and a first polarizing beam splitter, and distributing the third laser light from the laser light; a second light distribution unit that has a second λ / 2 wave plate and a second polarizing beam splitter and distributes the first laser light and the second laser light from the laser light, the control device controls a rotation angle of the first λ / 2 wave plate and a rotation angle of the second λ / 2 wave plate. The light source system of claim 1 .

3. The light distribution optical system includes: a first light distribution unit including a first liquid crystal panel and a first polarizing beam splitter, and distributing the third laser light from the laser light; a second light distribution unit that has a second liquid crystal panel and a second polarizing beam splitter and distributes the first laser light and the second laser light from the laser light, the control device controls a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal panel and a voltage applied to the second liquid crystal panel. The light source system of claim 1 .

4. The light distribution optical system includes: a diffusion plate that diffuses the laser light; a collimating lens that collimates the laser light emitted from the diffusion plate; a first movable mirror configured to receive a portion of the laser light collimated by the collimator lens; a second movable mirror that reflects the second laser light from the laser light reflected by the first movable mirror, a portion of the laser light that is not incident on the first movable mirror constitutes the third laser light, the control device controls the positions of the first movable mirror and the second movable mirror, The light source system of claim 1 .

5. The light distribution optical system includes: a first optical distribution unit including a first λ / 2 wave plate and a first polarizing beam splitter, and distributing the third laser light from the laser light; a second light distribution unit that has a second λ / 2 wave plate and a second polarizing beam splitter and distributes the first laser light and the second laser light from the laser light, the control device controls the rotation angle of the first λ / 2 wave plate. The light source system of claim 1 .

6. The light distribution optical system includes: a scanning mirror capable of changing an angle with respect to the optical axis of the laser light source; a volume hologram that divides the laser light reflected by the scanning mirror into a first laser light, a second laser light, and a third laser light, The control device controls the angle of the scanning mirror to thereby control the irradiation position of the laser light on the volume hologram. The light source system of claim 1 .

7. 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 according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The color synthesis optical system includes a prism. The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The color synthesis optical system includes a light guide member. The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. the color synthesis optical system includes a diffraction grating; The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. the first wavelength conversion member includes a first fluorescent material that is excited by the first laser light and emits first fluorescence, the second wavelength conversion member includes a second fluorescent material that is excited by the second laser light and emits second fluorescent light; The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. the first wavelength conversion member includes a first nonlinear optical element, the second wavelength conversion member includes a second nonlinear optical element; The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. The light distribution optical system includes: a first optical distributor having a first chopper wheel and distributing the third laser beam from the laser beam; a second optical distributor having a second chopper wheel and distributing the first laser beam and the second laser beam from the laser beam; the control device controls the first chopper wheel and the second chopper wheel. The light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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