Spider module of the light guide of the laser light source

Abstract

The light generation system 1000 has (i) a beam combiner body 500 and (ii) k arrays 1050. The beam combiner body 500 has a first surface 501, and the first surface 501 has n grooves 510 extending from a central cavity 520, where n≥2. The n grooves 510 have a first end 513 and a second end 514. The first end 513 is configured farther from the central cavity 520 than the second end 514, and the second end 514 faces the central cavity 520. Each of the k arrays 1050 has a light generation device 100, a luminescence body 210, a first optical element 551, and a light guide 530, where 2≤k≤n. The light generation device 100 is configured to generate device light 101, and the light generation device 100 has one or more light sources selected from the group of lasers and superluminescent diodes. The luminescence body 210 has a luminescence material 200 configured to convert at least a part of the device light 101 into luminescence material light 201. The first optical element 551 has one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens. The light guide 530 is configured in one of the grooves 510. The light guide 530 is light transmissive with respect to the luminescence material light 201. The light guide 530 has a first body end 531 and a second body end 532. The first body end 531 is configured farther from the central cavity 520 than the second body end 532. The luminescence body 210 is configured downstream of the light generation device 100, the first optical element 551 is configured downstream of the luminescence body 210, and the first body end 531 of the light guide 530 is configured downstream of the first optical element 551.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a system for generating light and a light generation device having such a system.

Background Art

[0002] Laser light array assemblies are known in the art. For example, US20200026169A1 describes a laser configured to generate laser light, a crystal phosphor waveguide adjacent to the laser and within the laser light, configured to generate luminescence light based on receiving the laser light and direct the luminescence light away from the base end, and a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) coupled to the crystal phosphor waveguide on the side opposite the base end, configured to collect the luminescence light from the crystal phosphor waveguide and project the luminescence light away from the crystal phosphor waveguide, in an illumination system including a laser array assembly.

[0003] US2020 / 400299A1 discloses an illumination device having at least one laser configured to emit excitation light, a substrate, a reflective layer, a wavelength conversion layer, and a light guiding element. The substrate is made of a material having high thermal conductivity and has a notch. The laser is received at the sidewall of the notch. The reflective layer covers the wall of the notch and is configured to reflect the excitation light. The wavelength conversion layer is provided on a part of the reflective layer and is configured to perform wavelength conversion on the excitation light to obtain excited light. The light guiding element covers the opening of the notch and is configured to guide the excitation light and the excited light to obtain the light to be emitted by the light source system.

[0004] WO2021 / 063878A1 discloses a light generating device configured to generate device light, the light generating device having a first light source for UV or blue first source light, a second light source for green light, a third light source for red light, and a fourth light source for blue light. The device further has a first luminescent material configured to convert at least a portion of the light of the first source light into yellow or green luminescent material light. The optical element combines the light of the various light sources into white light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] White LED light sources can provide intensities up to, for example, about 300 lm / mm 2 whereas static phosphor conversion laser white light sources can provide intensities up to about 20,000 lm / mm 2 Ce-doped garnets (e.g., YAG, LuAG) can be the most suitable luminescence converters for pumping with blue laser light because the garnet matrix has very high chemical stability. Further, at low Ce concentrations (e.g., less than 0.5%), temperature quenching may occur only above about 200° C. Further, the emission from Ce has a very fast decay time, and thus the occurrence of optical saturation can be essentially prevented. Assuming, for example, reflection mode operation, blue laser light may be incident on the phosphor. This can, in embodiments, achieve a nearly complete conversion of the blue light that results in the emission of converted light. For this reason, the use of garnet phosphors with relatively high stability and thermal conductivity is proposed. However, other phosphors may also be applied. Thermal management can still be an issue when extremely high output densities are used.

[0006] High-brightness light sources can be used in applications such as projection, stage lighting, spot lighting, and automotive lighting. For this purpose, laser-phosphor technology can be used, in which a laser supplies laser light and, for example, a (remote) phosphor converts the laser light into converted light. In embodiments, the phosphor may be disposed on or inserted into a heat sink for improved thermal management and thus for higher brightness.

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

[0008] Furthermore, the lighting module may have mirrors, dichroic filters, and / or beam combiners that can be used to extract light from various light sources. However, the use of such optical elements can consume valuable space that may not necessarily be properly accommodated within the lighting module.

[0009] Accordingly, providing an alternative (light generation) system is an aspect of the present invention, and the alternative (light generation) system preferably further at least partially eliminates one or more of the above disadvantages. The present invention may aim to solve or improve at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an optical generation system configured to generate system light, the optical generation system having (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k arrays. In particular, the beam combiner body may have a first surface, and the first surface may have n grooves extending from a central cavity and configured to supply light directed to the central cavity. In particular, n ≧ 2. In an embodiment, the n grooves may have a first end and a second end. More particularly, the first end may be configured further from the central cavity than the second end. Further, in a particular embodiment, the second end may face the central cavity. Further, in an embodiment, each of the k arrays may have a light generation device, a luminescence body, a first optical element, and a light guide. In particular, 2 ≦ k ≦ n. In an embodiment, the light generation device may be configured to generate device light. In particular, the light generation device may have one or more light sources selected from the group of lasers and superluminescent diodes. Further, in an embodiment, the luminescence body may have a luminescence material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescence material light. In an embodiment, the first optical element may have one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens. Further, in an embodiment, the light guide may be configured in one of the grooves. In particular, the light guide may be light transmissive to the luminescence material light. Further, in an embodiment, the light guide may have a first body end and a second body end. In particular, the first body end may be configured further from the central cavity than the second body end. The light guide is configured to propagate light to the central cavity through the second body end. In an embodiment, the luminescence body may be configured downstream of the light generation device, the first optical element may be configured downstream of the luminescence body, and the first body end of the light guide may be configured downstream of the first optical element.The system light includes one or more of the device light and the luminescence material light, and during operation of the light generation system, the system light exits from the central cavity.

[0011] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention is an optical generation system having (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k arrays, wherein the beam combiner body has a first surface, the first surface has n grooves extending from a central cavity, n ≥ 2, the n grooves have a first end and a second end, the first end is configured further from the central cavity than the second end, each of the k arrays has a light generation device, a luminescence body, a first optical element, and a light guide, 2 ≤ k ≤ n, the light generation device is configured to generate device light, the light generation device has one or more light sources selected from the group consisting of lasers and superluminescent diodes, the luminescence body has a luminescence material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescence material light, the first optical element has one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens, the light guide is configured in one of the grooves, the light guide is light transmissive to the luminescence material light, the light guide has a first body end and a second body end, the first body end is configured further from the central cavity than the second body end, the luminescence body is configured downstream of the light generation device, the first optical element is configured downstream of the luminescence body, and the first body end of the light guide is configured downstream of the first optical element, thereby providing an optical generation system.More particularly, in certain embodiments, the present invention is an optical generation system having (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k arrays, wherein the beam combiner body has a first surface, the first surface having n radially disposed grooves extending radially from a central cavity, where n ≧ 2, the n grooves having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured further from the central cavity than the second end, each of the k arrays having a light generation device, a luminescence body, a first optical element, and a light guide, where 2 ≦ k ≦ n, the light generation device being configured to generate device light, the light generation device having one or more light sources selected from the group consisting of lasers and superluminescent diodes, the luminescence body having a luminescence material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescence material light, the first optical element having one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens, the light guide being configured in one of the grooves, the light guide being light transmissive to the luminescence material light, the light guide having a first body end and a second body end, the first body end being configured further from the central cavity than the second body end, the luminescence body being configured downstream of the light generation device, the first optical element being configured downstream of the luminescence body, and the first body end of the light guide being configured downstream of the first optical element. Thus, in embodiments, the present invention may provide a laser source lightguide spider-like module.

[0012] In such a system, since a large area of the luminescence body may be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive material such as a heat sink, the efficiency may be relatively high. Further, a relatively small device, such as a package, that may be capable of supplying light having a relatively high intensity may be provided. The present invention may provide a compact transmissive configuration or a compact reflective configuration with improved heat removal from the phosphor. Further, a system having a controllable color point, such as the correlated color temperature of the system light generated by the system, may be provided. Such a system may further provide the advantages of a simple mechanical solution for combining light from various light sources into a single extractor.

[0013] As described above, the present invention may provide a light generation system (or "system") having (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k arrays.

[0014] In an embodiment, the beam combiner body may have a first surface, and the first surface may have n grooves extending from a central cavity. The beam combiner may be used to combine light from a plurality of light sources, particularly in the central cavity. Each of the n grooves may be capable of supplying light directed towards the central cavity, and the light may then be combined and reflected in the central cavity. Here, "light" may refer to the device light or the luminescence material light. In an embodiment, the first surface may be larger than the central cavity.

[0015] In particular, the groove may extend from the central cavity towards the edge of the beam combiner body. Thus, in particular, the first surface may have n substantially radially arranged grooves extending substantially radially from the central cavity. Thus, the groove may be configured parallel to the radius or may be slightly offset. Therefore, the first surface has n substantially radially arranged grooves extending substantially radially from the central cavity. More particularly, the first surface may have n radially arranged grooves extending radially from the central cavity.

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

[0017] Light may come out of the central cavity. This light may be the system light. Thus, the system light generated by the light generation system may include one or more of the device light and the luminescence material light escaping from the central cavity. As can be derived from the above, the central cavity may have a reflective bottom. The central cavity may also have a wall portion that is reflective.

[0018] In particular, the n grooves arranged (substantially) radially may have a groove length (L). As viewed from the central cavity, the grooves may be configured to extend (substantially) radially from the central cavity. The central cavity may be a recess in the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, the central cavity is a cavity or recess in the beam combiner body rather than a through hole. The depths of the cavity and the grooves may be essentially the same in an embodiment. The central cavity may have a substantially circular shape.

[0019] In an embodiment, the length of the groove may have a value of 0.5×Df - 0.5×Dc. However, shorter grooves are not excluded, in which case a mirror may be available in the groove or the groove may have a mirroring end. In this specification, the present invention is described with respect to grooves having a length from the edge of the first surface to the central cavity.

[0020] Furthermore, the beam combiner may have a substantially circular shape. For example, the beam combiner may have a cylindrical shape. For example, the central cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The grooves may extend from the central cavity such that spokes in a wheel can extend from a central hub. However, here, the central hub and the spokes are hollow elements in the beam combiner body. Unless otherwise indicated, the grooves may in particular be elongated grooves arranged essentially radially.

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

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

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

[0024] During operation, light can travel along a path along the axis of the groove. Generally, light can travel from one end to the other end, particularly from the first end to the second end. In an embodiment, the groove may have the light generating device at one end, such as the first end. Accordingly, light from the light generating device can travel from the first end to the second end along the (respective) groove. In an embodiment, instead, the light generating device may (also) be configured outside the groove such that light generated by the light generating device is directed towards the beam combiner body through the first end of the groove. Further, in an embodiment, additional optical elements may be used to reflect or transmit light from the light generating device to each of the first ends of the beam combiner body. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the light generating device may not be configured along the axis of the groove. For example, the light generating device may be configured perpendicular to the axis of the groove and may have a reflector to reflect the light to the first surface of each groove.

[0025] In an embodiment, two or more of the n grooves may have the k arrays. It is not essential for all of the n (substantially) radially arranged grooves to have an array. In an embodiment, only k of the n grooves may have an array. In particular, 2 ≤ k ≤ n, such as 4 ≤ k ≤ n, or in an embodiment 6 ≤ k ≤ n. Of course, the number (k) of arrays may not exceed the number (n) of radial grooves in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the light generating system may have at least two arrays, such as at least four arrays, particularly at least six arrays.

[0026] An array may here refer to a number of elements (which may further include optical elements) placed in a specific sequence or order. In an embodiment, each array may have a light generating device, a luminescence body, a first optical element, and a light guide.

[0027] Accordingly, in an embodiment, the (each) array may have a light generation device. In particular, the light generation device may be a device for generating device light. However, the light generation device may not be limited to only a device for generating device light. That is, in an embodiment, the light generation device may also have a package of light generation elements or additional components such as mirrors, lenses, reflectors, collimators, etc. for facilitating the generation and propagation of light. Accordingly, the light generation device may not be limited to a light source, and may be a device including the light source and additional elements for supplying or generating device light.

[0028] Furthermore, in an embodiment, there may be at least two different light generation devices configured to generate device light having different spectral power distributions, and the device light of a certain type among the at least two light generation devices is used for generating device light, and the device light of another type among the at least two light generation devices may be used for admixing in the system light via reflection in the central cavity.

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

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

[0031] In an embodiment, each of the k arrays may include a luminescence body. In particular, the luminescence body may include a luminescent material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescent material light. In an embodiment, the light source may be configured to supply primary radiation, and a portion of the primary radiation may be converted into secondary radiation. The secondary radiation may be based on conversion by the luminescent material. Therefore, the secondary radiation may sometimes be referred to as luminescent material light (or "luminescent material radiation" or "converted light").

[0032] The light of the light generating device having different spectral power distributions may be used for different luminescence bodies including different luminescent materials. In this way, the spectral power distribution of the light generating device may be matched to the excitation spectrum of each luminescent material.

[0033] The term "luminescence material" particularly refers to a material that can convert one or more of the first radiation, particularly UV radiation and blue radiation, into the second radiation. Generally, the first radiation and the second radiation have different spectral power distributions. Therefore, instead of the term "luminescence material", the terms "luminescence converter" or "converter" may be applied. Generally, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution at a wavelength greater than that of the first radiation, which is the case of so-called downconversion. However, in certain embodiments, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution with intensity at a wavelength smaller than that of the first radiation, which is the case of so-called upconversion. Luminescence materials and embodiments including such luminescence materials will be described in more detail (see further below).

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

[0035] In an embodiment, each array may have a first optical element. In particular, the (each) first optical element may have one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens. The light generating device (or light source) may supply light with a wide beam angle. Therefore, it may be desirable to focus this beam into a narrower beam. In an embodiment, the first optical element may thus have a lens or a beam shaping reflective element. The first optical element may focus a wide light beam into a narrower light beam. The first optical element may be used, for example, in an embodiment, to shape the device light into a relatively collimated beam such as ≦2° (FWHM). It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that "FWHM" refers to the full width at half maximum. In particular, the beam shaping reflective element may have a collimator (or "collimator element").

[0036] Furthermore, in an embodiment, each of the k arrays may have a light guide. The light guide may also be referred to as a "light guide body", "light - guide body" or "first optical body". In particular, the (each) light guide may be configured in one of the grooves. More particularly, the (each) light guide may be light - transmissive to the luminescence material light. In an embodiment, the (each) light guide may have a first body end and a second body end. In particular, the first body end may be configured further away from the central cavity than the second body end.

[0037] The light guide may have a light guide height, the light guide height may be determined parallel to the groove, and the light guide height may be shorter than the groove length. Therefore, in particular, the light guide has a light guide height (H1) smaller than the groove length (L).

[0038] In an embodiment, the (each) light guide may be a ceramic body or a single crystal. In particular, the (each) light guide may have a light - transmissive body, for example, a glass body that may be transmissive to the luminescence material light. In an embodiment, the (each) may have a polymer body.

[0039] In an embodiment, the (each) light guide may be operated in a transmission mode, and the device light at least partially converted by the luminescence material propagates in a groove disposed (substantially radially) in the same (radial) direction as the light guide in which the light guide is formed, in the direction of the central cavity during operation of each light generating device. Accordingly, the device light and / or the luminescence light may propagate in the groove in the direction of the central cavity. Therefore, the device light to be at least partially converted by the luminescence material may propagate in a groove disposed (substantially radially) in the same (radial) direction as the light guide in which the light guide is formed, in the direction of the central cavity during operation of each light generating device.

[0040] The first body end or the second body end (or both) may have any shape. In an embodiment, the first body end or the second body end (or both) may have two (substantially parallel) surfaces that define the (light guide's) length. Further, the light guide may have an end face that fills the distance between the first body end and the second body end.

[0041] In an embodiment, the (each) light guide may have a width or length (W1 or L1) or diameter (D) in the lateral dimension and a thickness or height (H1). In an embodiment, (i) D≧H1, or (ii) W1≧H1 and / or L1≧H1. In a particular embodiment, L1≦10 mm, such as particularly L1≦5 mm, more particularly L1≦3 mm, and most particularly L1≦2 mm. In a particular embodiment, W1≦10 mm, such as particularly W1≦5 mm, more particularly W1≦3 mm, and most particularly W1≦2 mm. In a particular embodiment, H1≦10 mm, such as particularly H1≦5 mm, more particularly H1≦3 mm, and most particularly H1≦2 mm. In a particular embodiment, D≦10 mm, such as particularly D≦5 mm, more particularly D≦3 mm, and most particularly D≦2 mm. In a particular embodiment, the light guide may have a thickness in the range of 50 μm to 1 mm in the embodiment. Further, the light guide may have a lateral dimension (width / diameter) in the range of 100 μm to 10 mm. In yet another particular embodiment, (i) D>H1 or (ii) W1>H1 and W1>H1. In particular, the lateral dimension such as length, width, and diameter is at least twice as large as the height, such as at least five times the height. In a particular embodiment, the first body has a first length L1, a first height H1, and a first width W1, and H1≦0.5×L1 and H1≦0.5×W1. In the case of a square body tile, L1 = W1. The (above-mentioned) dimensions of the light guide may be applied to the (each) light guide included in the light generation system. However, in an embodiment, one or more light guides may not necessarily be the same as other light guides.

[0042] The groove can be adapted, in particular, to receive such a light guide, i.e., to be a host for it. Thus, the cross-sectional dimensions of the groove can be essentially the same as the width or length (W1 or L1) of the light guide. In particular, the fit of the light guide into the groove can be a transition fit. Thus, the groove can essentially have the cross-sectional dimensions of the width (W1) and the length (L1) of the light guide. The better the fit, the more thermal energy can be dissipated from the edge of the light guide to the walls and bottom of the groove.

[0043] Thus, in an embodiment, each of the k arrays may include a light generation device, a luminescence body, a first optical element, and a light guide.

[0044] In an embodiment, the luminescence body may be configured downstream of the light generation device. In particular, the first optical element may be configured downstream of the luminescence body. More particularly, the first body end of the light guide may be configured downstream of the first optical element. Each of the k arrays is configured to facilitate the propagation of light along the elements included in the array. The light generation device may generate device light, which may be converted by the luminescence body, which may be aligned by the first optical element to the axis of the groove, and which may be propagated along the axis of the groove through the light guide. In particular, the light may enter the light guide through the first body end and be propagated to the central cavity through the second body end. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the luminescence body is configured downstream of the light generation device, the first optical element is configured downstream of the luminescence body, and the first body end of the light guide is configured downstream of the first optical element.

[0045] The phrase "each of the k arrays" and similar phrases do not exclude the existence of other arrays that, in addition to the k arrays, may have features different from those described and claimed herein for the k arrays.

[0046] In embodiments, (i) the second body end is at least partially configured within the central cavity and the second body end is inclined, and (ii) at least one of the central cavities having an inclined reflective surface may apply.

[0047] In embodiments, it may be desirable to have the second body end configured at an angle and / or having an inclined surface directed towards the central cavity to improve the escape of luminescent material light and / or device light from the central cavity. In certain embodiments, the n ((substantially) radially) disposed grooves have a groove axis, and the second body end directed towards the central cavity may be configured at a first angle (α1) with the groove axis of the groove in which the light guide is configured. In particular, the first angle (α1) may be selected from the range of 15 to 75°, such as 30 to 60°, particularly 40 to 50°.

[0048] Furthermore, in embodiments, the central cavity may have an inclined reflective surface. In particular, the inclined reflective surface may be reflective with respect to device light and / or luminescent material light. Accordingly, the inclined reflective surface may be configured at a second angle (α2), and the second angle (α2) may be selected from the range of 15 to 75°, such as 30 to 60°, particularly 40 to 50°. This may also give the cavity a collimator function.

[0049] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, at least one of (i) the second body end is at least partially configured within the central cavity and the second body end is inclined, and (ii) the central cavity has an inclined reflective surface may apply.

[0050] In an embodiment, the (each) light generation device may be configured at least partially within one of the grooves and may be configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body. The light generation device may get hot (or its temperature may increase) during operation of the light generation system. Thus, in an embodiment, the light generation device may be in direct contact with the beam combiner body via the groove. Here, direct contact may refer to the light generation device being in physical contact with the groove, whereby heat may be conducted from the light generation device to the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, the light generation device may (also) be in indirect contact with the beam combiner body. That is, the light generation device may be in contact with the beam combiner body via one or more thermally conductive elements. In particular, these thermally conductive elements may have a thermally conductive material and thus may (also) facilitate removal of heat by conduction from the light generation device to the beam combiner body. This may be particularly useful in embodiments where the light generation device is configured outside the groove.

[0051] In an embodiment, the (each) luminescence body may be configured at least partially in one of the grooves and may be configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body. The (each) luminescence body may be heated as a result of absorption of radiation from the device light or luminescence material light during operation of the light generation system. Thus, in an embodiment, the (each) luminescence body may be in direct contact with the beam combiner body via the groove. Here, direct contact may refer to the (each) luminescence body being in physical contact with the groove, whereby heat may be conducted from the luminescence body to the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, the (each) luminescence body may also be in indirect contact with the beam combiner body. That is, the (each) luminescence body may be in contact with the beam combiner body via one or more thermally conductive elements. In particular, these thermally conductive elements may have a thermally conductive material and thus may also facilitate removal of heat by conduction from the (each) luminescence body to the beam combiner body.

[0052] In an embodiment, the (each) first optical element may be configured at least partially within one of the grooves and may be configured in direct (thermal contact) or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body. The (each) first optical element may be heated as a result of absorption of radiation from the device light or the luminescence material light during operation of the light generation system. Thus, in an embodiment, the (each) first optical element may be in direct contact with the beam combiner body via the groove. Here, direct contact may refer to the first optical element being in physical contact with the groove, whereby heat can be conducted from the first optical element to the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, the first optical element may (also) be in indirect contact with the beam combiner body. That is, the first optical element may be in contact with the beam combiner body via one or more thermally conductive elements. In particular, these thermally conductive elements may have a thermally conductive material and thus may (also) facilitate removal of heat by conduction from the first optical element to the beam combiner body.

[0053] In particular, the (each) beam combiner may be made of a material that is thermally conductive. Thus, the groove may (also) have a material that is thermally conductive. Further, in an embodiment, the groove surface may have a material that is reflective to the device light and / or reflective to the luminescence material light. Therefore, in particular, the (each) beam combiner body is (a) thermally conductive and / or (b) reflective to one or more of the device light and the luminescence material light. For example, in an embodiment, the (each) beam combiner body may have a metal body or a ceramic body.

[0054] Accordingly, in an embodiment, the (each) beam combiner body may be a heat conductive element (or may have a heat conductive element). The heat conductive element may particularly include a heat conductive material. The heat conductive material may particularly have a thermal conductivity of at least about 20 W / (m×K), such as at least about 30 W / (m×K), at least about 100 W / (m×K), particularly at least about 200 W / (m×K). In still other specific embodiments, the heat conductive material may particularly have a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W / (m×K). In an embodiment, the heat conductive material may have one or more of copper, aluminum, silver, gold, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, aluminum silicon carbide, beryllium oxide, silicon carbide composite, aluminum silicon carbide, copper tungsten alloy, copper molybdenum carbide, carbon, diamond, and graphite. Alternatively, or in addition, the heat conductive material may have aluminum oxide or may consist of aluminum oxide. If the heat conductive material is not reflective, a reflective coating, such as an aluminum or aluminum oxide coating, may be provided in the groove.

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

[0056] In an embodiment, the (each) first optical element may have a first refractive index n1. In particular, the (each) light guide may have a second refractive index n2. More particularly, 1.4 ≦ n2 ≦ n1 ≦ 1.8. In an embodiment, the refractive indices of the first optical element and the light guide may be selected to prevent the occurrence of reflection of device light or luminescence material light at the interface between the first optical element and the light guide. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical body may be optically coupled to the light guide via a transparent film such as an epoxy film and / or a layer having a matching refractive index. Such a selection of refractive index can prevent or limit the reflection of light by total internal reflection. Further, at the interface between the first optical element and the light guide, the incident angle of incident light (such as device light or luminescence material light) may be lower than the critical angle. Therefore, minimal reflection by total internal reflection can be expected. Further, the first optical element may also have an anti-reflection coating to prevent any backscattering of light. Therefore, such a selection of refractive index can facilitate the transmission of at least 80%, particularly at least 95%, more particularly at least 99% of the device light or the luminescence material light, such as the device light or the luminescence material light.

[0057] In an embodiment, the (each) light guide and the first optical element may have the same material. Therefore, the (each) light guide and the first optical element may have essentially the same refractive index. Therefore, this can provide the advantage of preventing or limiting the reflection of the device light or the luminescence material light.

[0058] In an embodiment, the (each) light guide may have glass, quartz, a ceramic body, or a polymer material.

[0059] In an embodiment, the (each) luminescence body may be in thermal contact with the first optical element. In particular, the surface of the luminescence body through which light exits may have the same cross-sectional shape as the surface of the first optical element through which light can enter (the first optical element). The above two surfaces may be in physical contact, thus facilitating heat transfer between the luminescence body and the first optical element by conduction.

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

[0061] Such physical contact as described above can provide the advantage of preventing unwanted leakage of light (when light is transmitted along the groove through each of the aforementioned elements). Furthermore, the thermal contact between the luminescence body, the first optical element, and the light guide can effectively transfer heat from these elements to the beam combiner body, thus cooling the light generation system.

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

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

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

[0065] In particular, the second optical body can provide the advantage of beam shaping the system light, for example, focusing the system light in a specific direction and / or shaping it into a specific beam angle. Therefore, the system light escaping from the central cavity may undergo one or more reflections and / or one or more refractions through the optical element.

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

[0067] It should be noted that in an embodiment, the second optical body may be configured outside the central cavity. In an embodiment, the second optical body may be configured above the groove, and the light supplied to the central cavity may be reflected in the direction of the second optical body. Therefore, in an embodiment, the second optical body may be configured above the groove to capture the extracted light.

[0068] As described above, in the embodiment, the (each) light guide may have a second refractive index n2. In particular, the second optical body may have a third refractive index n3. More particularly, 0≦|n3 - n2|≦0.4. In the embodiment, the refractive indices of the light guide and the second optical body may be selected to prevent the occurrence of reflection of device light and / or luminescence material light at the interface between the light guide and the second optical body. The small difference in refractive index between the (each) light guide and the second optical body can prevent or limit total internal reflection. (Due to the small incident angle of light (such as device light or luminescence material light),) minimal total internal reflection can be expected at the interface between the (each) light guide and the second optical body, but such a selection of refractive index can prevent or limit any reflection of light due to total internal reflection. Further, such a selection of refractive index can facilitate the transmission of at least 80%, particularly at least 95%, more particularly at least 99% of the device light or the luminescence material light, such as the device light or the luminescence material light. Further, in the embodiment, the roughness of the second optical body may be selected to enhance light extraction. In a particular embodiment, the surface roughness RMS of the dome may be selected in the range of 50 to 100 μm, such as 65 to 85 μm, particularly 70 to 80 μm.

[0069] In the embodiment, the light guide and the second optical body may be a monolithic body. In particular, the light guide and the second optical body may be a single unit, that is, they may be formed from a single material.

[0070] In the embodiment, the dome-shaped body may have glass, quartz, a ceramic body, or a polymer material.

[0071] Both the dome-shaped body and the light guide material may have a light-transmissive material. These materials may be selected individually, but in the embodiment, they may be the same (when the dome is available).

[0072] In particular, the material has a light transmittance in the range of 50 to 100%, in particular in the range of 70 to 100%, with respect to light having a wavelength selected from the visible wavelength range. In the present specification, the term "visible light" relates in particular to light having a wavelength selected from the range of 380 to 780 nm.

[0073] The transmittance (or light ray transmittance) can be determined by irradiating light perpendicularly to the light transmissive material at a first luminance at a specific wavelength and associating the luminance of the light at that wavelength measured after passing through the material with the first luminance of the light supplied to the material at that specific wavelength (see also E-208 and E-406 of the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 69th edition, 1088 - 1989).

[0074] In certain embodiments, the material has a transmittance of at least 40%, such as at least 60%, in particular at least 80%, such as at least about 85%, further such as at least about 90%, such as at least about 20% of radiation, in particular of radiation generated by a radiation source as described herein, at a wavelength or within a wavelength range, under perpendicular irradiation of the radiation, by a layer of the material 1 mm thick, in particular by a layer of the material 5 mm thick, and may be considered transmissive.

[0075] The light transmissive material has light guiding properties or waveguide properties. Thus, the light transmissive material is also referred to herein as a waveguide material or a light guiding material. The light transmissive material generally has a (certain degree of) transmittance of one or more of (N)UV radiation, visible radiation and (N)IR radiation, in embodiments at least visible light, in a direction perpendicular to the length of the light transmissive material. Without an activator (dopant) such as trivalent cerium, the internal transmittance in visible radiation may be close to 100%.

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

[0077] In this specification, the transmittance value refers in particular to the transmittance that does not take into account Fresnel losses at the interface (e.g., with air). Thus, the term "transmittance" refers in particular to the internal transmittance. The internal transmittance may be determined, for example, by measuring the transmittances of two or more bodies having different widths over which the transmittance is measured. In that case, based on such measurements, the contribution of Fresnel reflection losses can be determined and, as a result, the internal transmittance can be determined. Thus, in particular, the transmittance values shown in this specification ignore Fresnel losses.

[0078] In an embodiment, an antireflection coating may be applied to the luminescence body to suppress Fresnel reflection losses (during the light coupling process).

[0079] In addition to having a high transmittance for the wavelength of interest, the scattering for the wavelength may be particularly low. Thus, the mean free path of the wavelength of interest, which only takes into account the scattering effect (thus not taking into account possible absorption which should be low anyway in view of the high transmittance), may be at least 0.5 times the length of the body, such as at least 2 times the length of the body. For example, in an embodiment, the mean free path that only takes into account the scattering effect may be at least 5 mm, such as at least 10 mm. The wavelength of interest may in particular be the wavelength at the emission maximum of the emission of the luminescence material. The term "mean free path" is in particular the average distance traveled by a light ray before experiencing a scattering event that changes its propagation direction.

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

[0081] In particular, the light-transmissive element, such as the optically transparent element, may in an embodiment have an absorption length and / or a scattering length of at least the length (or thickness) of the light-transmissive element, such as at least 2 times the length of the light-transmissive element. The absorption length is a length defined as the length over which the intensity of light along the propagation direction is reduced by 1 / e due to absorption. Similarly, the scattering length is a length along the propagation direction defined as the length over which light along the propagation direction is lost due to scattering, thereby reducing by a factor of 1 / e. Thus, here, the length may in particular refer to the distance between the primary surface and the secondary surface of the light-transmissive element comprising the light-transmissive material configured between the primary surface and the secondary surface.

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

[0083] However, in another embodiment, the light transmissive material may have an inorganic material. In particular, the inorganic light transmissive material may be selected from the group consisting of glass, (fused) quartz, a transmissive ceramic material, and silicone. Hybrid materials containing both an inorganic part and an organic part may also be applicable. In particular, the light transmissive material has one or more of PMMA, transparent PC, or glass.

[0084] In an embodiment, the groove may have a groove axis. In particular, in an embodiment, at least one set of two groove axes may be configured to be parallel, but may not be configured to coincide. The groove axis is a direction and may serve as a proxy for the direction in which the device light or the luminescence material light can travel along the direction within the groove. Accordingly, configuring two grooves that are aligned parallel but do not coincide provides the advantage of accommodating two light guides in a smaller space. That is, instead of aligning the two grooves such that the two second ends of the two light guides face each other, in an embodiment, the two grooves may be aligned side by side. Accordingly, the two light guides can be accommodated within the light generation system such that the length of the light generation system along any direction is shorter than twice the length of the beam combiner body. In an embodiment, a plurality of different arrangements can be accommodated such that device light or luminescence material light is supplied from a plurality of beam combiner bodies whose axes are aligned parallel but do not coincide into the central cavity. Embodiments of such are illustrated in the figures (see below). Another advantage of having light guides that are not configured on opposite sides of each other is that it may be easier to prevent one light generation device from illuminating the opposite light generation device. Nevertheless, the present invention also includes embodiments in which at least one set of two groove axes may be configured to be parallel and coincide.

[0085] Furthermore, the (each) beam combiner body may be combined with an optical element, for example, for shaping the system light. For example, a collimator may be applied to create a beam with low divergence of the device light. In certain embodiments, the beam combiner body may be configured within an optical element, particularly a hollow optical element. For example, the beam combiner body may be configured within a hollow reflector, and in particular, the focus of the hollow reflector may coincide with at least a part of the central cavity of the beam combiner body. The optical element, such as a hollow reflector, may include a parabolic reflector, such as a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), or a similar (hollow) reflector. In particular, the optical element is configured to be in a light receiving relationship with the beam combiner body.

[0086] Accordingly, in an embodiment, the light generation system may include a hollow reflector, and the beam combiner body may be configured within the hollow reflector. Further, in particular, the hollow reflector may have a reflector optical axis (O R ), and at least a part of the reflector optical axis (O R ) may coincide with at least a part of the central cavity. More particularly, the focus of the hollow reflector may coincide with at least a part of the central cavity of the beam combiner body. The light generation device may be configured outside the hollow reflector. To introduce the device light into the hollow reflector, the hollow reflector may have (relatively small) holes in the reflective wall. The holes may be significantly smaller than the outlet opening of the hollow reflector. For example, the cross-sectional area of the holes of the reflector, denoted as Ah, may be at least 20 times smaller, such as at least 50 times smaller, than the area of the outlet opening of the hollow reflector, denoted as Ao, i.e., Ah / Ao ≦ 0.05. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the hollow reflector has a reflective wall, and the reflective wall may have at least m light injection holes configured upstream of the grooves arranged (substantially) radially and downstream of each light generation device.

[0087] In an embodiment, the light generation system may have a hollow reflector. In particular, the beam combiner body may be configured within the hollow reflector. Further, in an embodiment, the hollow reflector may have a reflective wall, and the reflective wall may have at least m light injection holes configured upstream of respective (substantially) radially arranged grooves and downstream of respective light generation devices. In particular, the hollow reflector may have a reflector optical axis (O R ), and at least a part of the reflector optical axis (O R ) may coincide with at least a part of the central cavity. In an embodiment, the optical axis of the beam combiner body may essentially coincide with the reflector optical axis (O R ). In an embodiment, the light generation system may have at least two luminescence bodies including at least two different luminescence materials. A primary luminescence body of the at least two luminescence bodies may be configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light having a primary spectral power distribution. Further, in an embodiment, a secondary luminescence body of the at least two luminescence bodies may be configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution.

[0088] In a particular embodiment, in the case of different spectral power distributions, the at least two spectral power distributions of the device light (in at least two respective operating modes) may have center wavelengths that differ by at least 10 nm, such as a difference selected from the range of 30 to 200 nm, such as at least 20 nm, or even at least 30 nm. Spectral power distributions having center wavelengths that differ by at least 10 nm, such as at least 20 nm, or even at least 30 nm, may be regarded as different spectral power distributions, for example, different colors.

[0089] In other embodiments, two or more of the k light generating devices may be configured to generate device light having essentially the same spectral power distribution. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least two different luminescence materials may be 12 a Ce-type luminescence material, where A has one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, and B has one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc.

[0090] In particular, A may include one or more of Y, Gd, and Lu, such as one or more of Y and Lu in particular. In particular, B may include at least one of Al and Ga, more particularly, at least Al, such as essentially only Al. Thus, a particularly suitable luminescence material is a cerium comprising garnet material. Garnet embodiments particularly include A3B5O 12 and include garnet, where A includes at least yttrium or lutetium, and B includes at least aluminum. Such garnets may be doped with cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), or a combination of cerium and praseodymium, but may particularly be doped with Ce. In particular, B includes aluminum (Al), but B may also partially include gallium (Ga) and / or scandium (Sc) and / or indium (In), particularly up to about 20% of Al at most, more particularly up to about 10% of Al at most (i.e., the B ions consist essentially of at least 90 mol% Al and one or more of Ga, Sc, and In of up to 10 mol%). B may particularly include up to about 10% gallium. In another variant, B and O may be at least partially replaced by Si and N. Element A may particularly be selected from the group consisting of yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), and lutetium (Lu). Further, Gd and / or Tb particularly only exist in an amount of up to about 20% of A. In certain embodiments, the garnet luminescence material is (Y 1-x Lu x )3B5O12 :Ce-containing, where x is from 0 to 1. The term ":Ce" indicates that a part of the metal ions in the luminescence material (i.e., in garnet, a part of the "A" ions) is replaced by Ce. For example, (Y 1-x Lu x )3Al5O 12 :Ce, a part of Y and / or Lu is replaced by Ce. This is known to those skilled in the art. Ce generally replaces A by 10% or less, and generally, the Ce concentration is in the range of 0.1 to 4%, particularly 0.1 to 2% (relative to A). Assuming 1% Ce and 10% Y, the completely correct formula can be (Y 0.1 Lu 0.89 Ce 0.01 )3Al5O 12 . Ce in garnet is substantially in the trivalent state or only in the trivalent state, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0091] In an embodiment, the luminescence material contains (therefore) A3B5O 12 , and in a specific embodiment, up to 10% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N.

[0092] In a specific embodiment, the luminescence material contains (Y x1 A' x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1 B' y2 )5O 12 , where x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, x3 > 0, 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, y1 + y2 = 1, 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2, A' contains one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanides, and B' contains one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc. In an embodiment, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1. In the present invention, in particular, x1 > 0, such as at least 0.8 like x1 > 0.2. Garnet with Y can provide an appropriate spectral power distribution.

[0093] In certain embodiments, up to 10% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, B in B-O refers to one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc (and O refers to oxygen), and in certain embodiments, B-O may refer to Al-O. As noted above, in certain embodiments, x3 can be selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.04. In particular, such luminescence materials have an appropriate spectral distribution (see below), relatively high efficiency, relatively high thermal stability, and can enable a high CRI (in combination with the first light source light and the second light source light (and the optical filter)). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, A can be selected from the group consisting of Lu and Gd. Alternatively, or in addition, B can include Ga. Accordingly, in embodiments, the luminescence material is (Y x1 (Lu,Gd) x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1 Ga y2 )5O 12 and Lu and / or Gd may be available. Even more particularly, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1, 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.1, and 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.1. Further, in certain embodiments, up to 1% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, the percentage refers to moles (as is known in the art), and see also, for example, EP3149108. In still other particular embodiments, the luminescence material is (Y x1 Ce x3 )3Al5O 12 where x1 + x3 = 1, 0 < x3 ≤ 0.2, and is, for example, 0.001 to 0.1, etc.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the light generating device may only include a luminescence material selected from the type of garnet containing cerium. In still other particular embodiments, the light generating device is (Y x1 A' x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1 B' y2 )5O 12including a single type of luminescence material such as. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light generating device has a luminescence material, and at least 85 wt%, even more particularly at least about 90 wt%, for example even more particularly at least about 95 wt% of the luminescence material is (Y x1 A' x2 Ce x3 )3(Al y1 B' y2 )5O 12 . Here, A' includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanides, B' includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc, x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, x3 > 0, 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, y1 + y2 = 1, and 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2. In particular, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1. It should be noted that in embodiments, x2 = 0. Alternatively, or in addition, in embodiments, y2 = 0.

[0095] In certain embodiments, A may particularly include at least Y, and B may particularly include at least Al.

[0096] However, other luminescence materials may also be possible.

[0097] Alternatively, or in addition, the luminescence material may include a luminescence material of the A3Si6N 11 :Ce 3+ type, and A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, such as one or more of La and Y in embodiments.

[0098] In embodiments, the luminescence material may alternatively, or in addition, be M2Si5N8:Eu 2+ and / or MAlSiN3:Eu 2+ and / or Ca2AlSi3O2N5:Eu 2+It may contain one or more of the like, and M contains one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca, and in particular embodiments, contains at least Sr. Accordingly, in embodiments, the luminescence material may contain one or more materials selected from the group consisting of (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu, (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu, and (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu. In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially divalent or only divalent and replaces one or more of the divalent cations shown. Generally, Eu does not exist in an amount greater than 10% of the cations, and the presence of Eu is in the range of about 0.5 to 10%, more particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 5%, especially with respect to the cations replaced by Eu. The term ":Eu" indicates that some of the metal ions are replaced by Eu (Eu in these examples). For example, assuming 2% Eu in CaAlSiN3:Eu, the correct formula can be (Ca 2+ )AlSiN3 with Eu 0.98 Eu 0.02 ). Divalent europium generally replaces divalent cations such as the above divalent alkaline earth cations, especially Ca, Sr, or Ba. The material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu may also be denoted as MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca), and in particular, M contains calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, in this compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca). Further, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu may also be denoted as M2Si5N8:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca), and in particular, M contains Sr and / or Ba in this compound. In a further specific embodiment, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (without considering the presence of Eu), Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5Specifically, the material Si5N8:Eu (i.e., 75% Ba; 25% Sr) is composed of 50 to 100%, more particularly 50 to 90% Ba and 50 to 0%, particularly 50 to 10% Sr, where Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca). Similarly, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu may be denoted as MAlSiN3:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca), and particularly M includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, in this compound. Where Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca). The Eu in the above luminescent materials is substantially or exclusively in a divalent state, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0099] In embodiments, the red luminescent material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu, (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu, and (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu. In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or exclusively divalent, replacing one or more of the indicated divalent cations. Generally, Eu is not present in an amount greater than 10% of the cations, and the presence of Eu is particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 10%, more particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 5%, relative to the cations it replaces. The term ":Eu" indicates that a portion of the metal ions are Eu (in these examples, Eu 2+ For example, if we assume 2% Eu in CaAlSiN3:Eu, the correct formula is (Ca 0.98 EU 0.02 )AlSiN3. Divalent europium generally replaces a divalent cation, such as the divalent alkaline earth cations mentioned above, particularly Ca, Sr, or Ba.

[0100] The material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu may also be denoted as MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca). In particular, M contains calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, in this compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca).

[0101] Furthermore, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)2Si5N8:Eu may also be denoted as M2Si5N8:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca). In particular, M contains Sr and / or Ba in this compound. In a further specific embodiment, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (without considering the presence of Eu), and Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5 consists of, in particular, 50 to 100%, more particularly 50 to 90%, of Ba, and 50 to 0%, particularly 50 to 10%, of Sr, such as Si5N8:Eu (i.e., 75% Ba; 25% Sr). Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca).

[0102] Similarly, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu may also be denoted as MAlSiN3:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and calcium (Ca). In particular, M contains calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, in this compound. Here, Eu is introduced and replaces at least a part of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca).

[0103] Eu in the above luminescence materials is substantially in a divalent state, or only in a divalent state, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0104] The blue luminescence material may include YSO (Y2SiO5:Ce 3+ ), or a similar compound, or BAM (BaMgAl 10 O 17 :Eu 2+ ), or a similar compound. Some other examples of the luminescence materials used in the embodiments will be further described below.

[0105] Therefore, in certain embodiments, the light generation system may have at least two luminescence bodies including at least two different luminescence materials. The primary luminescence body among the at least two luminescence bodies is configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light having a primary spectral power distribution. The secondary luminescence body among the at least two luminescence bodies is configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution. At least one of the at least two different luminescence materials includes an A3B5O 12 :Ce type luminescence material, where A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, and B includes one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc. In an embodiment, the two luminescence bodies may have different A3B5O 12 :Ce type luminescence materials.

[0106] The light generation device may be controlled by a control system. Therefore, in an embodiment, the system may further include a control system, and the control system is configured to control the light generation device. In certain embodiments, in the operating mode of the light generation system, the light generation system may be configured to generate white system light. In particular, in the operating mode, the system light may include at least the device light and the luminescence material light.

[0107] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the light generation system may further include a control system, the control system being configured to control the light generation device, and in the operating mode of the light generation system, the light generation system is configured to generate white system light, the system light including at least device light and luminescence material light.

[0108] In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to individually control the light generation device. In yet other embodiments, the control system may be configured to individually control a set of light generation devices, each set having one or more light generation devices and there being at least two sets.

[0109] In yet other embodiments, the present invention also provides a lamp or luminaire having a light generation system as defined herein. The luminaire may further include a housing, optical elements, louvers, and the like. The lamp or luminaire may further include a housing surrounding the light generation system. The lamp or luminaire may have a light window in the housing, or a housing opening, and the system light may escape from the housing through the light window or the housing opening. In yet other embodiments, the present invention also provides a projection device having a light generation system as defined herein. In particular, a projection device or "projector" or "image projector" may be an optical device that projects an image (or video) onto a surface such as a projection screen. The projection device may include one or more light generation systems as described herein. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a lighting device selected from the group consisting of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reaction device, and a free-space optical communication device, the lighting device having a light generation system as defined herein. The lighting device may have a housing configured to accommodate or a carrier configured to support one or more elements of the light generation system. For example, in an embodiment, the lighting device may have a housing configured to accommodate or a carrier configured to support one or more of the lighting device and the beam combiner body. The lighting device may be a package in an embodiment. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a lighting device selected from the group consisting of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reaction device, and a free-space optical communication device, the lighting device having the light generation system.

[0110] Some further embodiments are described below.

[0111] As described above (and further above reference), the light source may have one or more light sources. In certain embodiments, the light source has a solid-state LED light source (such as an LED or a laser diode (or "diode laser")). The term "light source" may relate to a plurality of light sources such as two to two hundred (solid-state) LED light sources. Accordingly, the term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Further, the term "light source" may, in embodiments, refer to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term "COB" particularly refers to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip that is not encapsulated and not connected and is directly mounted on a substrate such as a PCB. Accordingly, a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor light sources may be configured on the same substrate. In an embodiment, the COB is a multi-LED chip configured together as a single lighting module.

[0112] The light source may have a light escape surface. For a conventional light source such as an incandescent bulb or a fluorescent lamp, the light escape surface may be the outer surface of a glass or quartz envelope. In the case of an LED, the light escape surface may be, for example, the LED die, or, if a resin is applied to the LED die, the outer surface of the resin. In principle, the light escape surface may also be the end of a fiber. The term light escape surface particularly relates to the part of the light source from which light actually exits or escapes from the light source. The light source is configured to supply a light beam. (Accordingly) this light beam escapes from the light-emitting surface of the light source.

[0113] Similarly, the light generation device may include a light escape surface such as an end window. Further, similarly, the light generation system may include a light escape surface such as an end window.

[0114] The term "light source" can refer to semiconductor light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), resonant cavity light-emitting diodes (RCLEDs), vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), edge-emitting lasers, etc. The term "light source" may also refer to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) such as passive matrix (PMOLED) or active matrix (AMOLED). As described above, in certain embodiments, the light source has a solid light source (such as an LED or a laser diode). In an embodiment, the light source has an LED (light-emitting diode). The term "light source" or "solid light source" may also refer to a superluminescent diode (SLED).

[0115] The term LED may refer to a plurality of LEDs. Further, in an embodiment, the term "light source" may also refer to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term "COB" specifically refers to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip that is not encapsulated, not connected, and directly mounted on a substrate such as a PCB. Thus, a plurality of semiconductor light sources may be configured on the same substrate. In an embodiment, a COB is a multi-LED chip configured together as a single lighting module.

[0116] The term "light source" may relate to a plurality of (essentially identical (or different)) light sources such as 2 to 2000 solid light sources. In an embodiment, the light source may have one or more micro-optical elements (an array of microlenses) downstream of a single solid light source such as an LED, or downstream of a plurality of solid light sources (i.e., shared by, for example, a plurality of LEDs). In an embodiment, the light source may have an LED with an on-chip optical system. In an embodiment, the light source has a pixelated single LED (which, in an embodiment, provides on-chip beam steering) with or without an optical system.

[0117] The term "white light" as used herein is known to those skilled in the art. Said white light relates in particular to light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) within a range of from about 1800K to 20000K, such as between 2000K and 20000K, in particular between 2700K and 20000K, and in the case of general illumination, particularly within a range of from about 2700 to 6500K. In an embodiment, in the case of a backlight application, said correlated color temperature (CCT) can in particular be within a range of from about 7000 to 20000K. Further, in an embodiment, said correlated color temperature (CCT) is in particular within about 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (black body locus), in particular within about 10 SDCM from the BBL, and even more particularly within about 5 SDCM from the BBL.

[0118] In an embodiment, the term "light source" may refer to a combination of a light source such as an LED and an optical filter capable of changing the spectral power distribution of the light generated by said light source. In particular, a "light generating device" may be used to handle a light source and further optical components such as an optical filter and / or a beam shaping element.

[0119] The phrases "different light sources" or "a plurality of different light sources", and similar phrases, may in an embodiment refer to a plurality of solid light sources selected from at least two different bins. Similarly, the phrases "the same light source" or "a plurality of the same light sources", and similar phrases, may in an embodiment refer to a plurality of solid light sources selected from the same bin.

[0120] As described above, the term "light source" may in this specification refer to a light source including a solid light source such as an LED or a laser diode or a superluminescent diode.

[0121] The term "solid light source" or "solid material light source", and similar terms, may in particular refer to a semiconductor light source such as a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, or a superluminescent diode.

[0122] Superluminescent diodes are known in the art. A superluminescent diode can be shown as a semiconductor device that has brightness comparable to that of a laser diode and can potentially emit low-coherence light with a broad spectrum like an LED.

[0123] US2020192017 shows, for example, that "in the current technology, a single SLED can emit over a bandwidth of, for example, up to 50 to 70 nm in the wavelength range of 800 to 900 nm with sufficient spectral flatness and sufficient output". In the visible range used for display applications, i.e., in the wavelength range of 450 to 650 nm, a single SLED can, with the current technology, emit over a bandwidth of up to 10 to 30 nm at most. These emission bandwidths are too small for display or projector applications that require red (640 nm), green (520 nm), and blue (450 nm), i.e., RGB emission. Furthermore, superluminescent diodes are described, inter alia, in Chapter 9.3 superluminescent diodes of "Edge Emitting Laser Diodes and Superluminescent Diodes", first published on August 3, 2020, with the authors being Szymon Stanczyk, Anna Kafar, Dario Schiavon, Stephen Najda, Thomas Slight, Piotr Perlin and the book editors being Fabrizio Roccaforte, Mike Leszczynski, available at https: / / doi.org / 10.1002 / 9783527825264.ch9. This book, particularly Chapter 9.3, is incorporated herein by reference. In said book, it is shown, inter alia, that a superluminescent diode (SLD) is an emitter that combines the characteristics of a laser diode and a light-emitting diode. The SLD emitter utilizes stimulated emission. This means that these devices operate at a current density similar to that of a laser diode. The main difference between an LD and an SLD is that in the latter case, the device waveguide may be designed in a special way to prevent the formation of standing waves and laser oscillation. Nevertheless, the presence of the waveguide ensures the emission of a high-quality light beam with high spatial coherence of the light, which, at the same time, is characterized by low temporal coherence.Currently, the most successful designs of nitride SLDs are curved, bent, or tilted waveguide geometries, and tilted facet geometries, while in all cases, as shown in Figure 9.10, the front end of the waveguide is in inclined contact with the device facet. The tilted waveguide suppresses the reflection of light by directing the light from the facet to the waveguide outward into the lossy unpumped area of the device chip. Thus, the SLD can be, in particular, a semiconductor light source in which spontaneous emission light is amplified by stimulated emission in the active region of the device. Such emission is called "superluminescence". A superluminescent diode combines the high output and brightness of a laser diode with the low coherence of a conventional light-emitting diode. The low (temporal) coherence of the light source has the advantage that the speckle is significantly reduced or invisible, and the spectral distribution of the emission is much broader than that of a laser diode, which may be more suitable for lighting applications. In particular, by changing the current, the spectral power distribution of the superluminescent diode can be varied. In this way, the spectral power distribution can be controlled (see, for example, Optics Express Vol. 26, Issue 20, pp. 26355-26364, https: / / doi.org / 10.1364 / OE.26.026355 by Abdullah A. Alatawi et al. as well).

[0124] The term "laser light source" specifically refers to a laser. Such a laser can be configured to generate laser light having a wavelength selected from a spectral wavelength range of 200 to 2000 nm, in particular having one or more wavelengths in the UV, visible, or infrared, in particular 300 to 1500 nm.

[0125] In particular, in an embodiment, the term "laser" may refer to a solid-state laser. In certain embodiments, the term "laser" or "laser light source", or similar terms, may refer to a laser diode (or diode laser).

[0126] Accordingly, in an embodiment, the light source has a laser light source. In an embodiment, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" or "solid material laser" refers to one or more of cerium-doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride (Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF), chromium-doped chrysoberyl (alexandrite) laser, chromium ZnSe (Cr:ZnSe) laser, divalent samarium-doped calcium fluoride (Sm:CaF2) laser, Er:YAG laser, erbium-doped and erbium-ytterbium codoped glass laser, F-center laser, holmium (Ho:YAG) laser, Nd:YAG laser, NdCrYAG laser, neodymium-doped yttrium calcium oxoborate Nd:YCa4O(BO3)3 or Nd:YCOB, neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, neodymium glass (Nd:glass) laser, neodymium YLF (Nd:YLF) solid-state laser, promethium 147-doped phosphate glass (147Pm 3+ :glass) solid-state laser, ruby laser (Al2O3:Cr 3+ )、 thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) laser, titanium sapphire (Ti:sapphire; Al2O3:Ti 3+ ) laser, trivalent uranium-doped calcium fluoride (U:CaF2) solid-state laser, ytterbium-doped glass laser (rod, plate / chip and fiber), ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) laser, Yb2O3 (glass or ceramics) laser, etc.

[0127] For example, including embodiments of second and third harmonic generation, the light source is an F center laser, a yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, a promethium 147-doped phosphate glass (147Pm 3+: glass), and titanium sapphire (Ti: sapphire; Al2O3: Ti 3+ ) may include one or more of the lasers. For example, considering second and third harmonic generation, such a light source can be used to generate blue light.

[0128] In embodiments, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" or "solid material laser" may refer to one or more of semiconductor laser diodes such as GaN, InGaN, AlGaInP, AlGaAs, InGaAsP, lead salts, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), quantum cascade lasers, and hybrid silicon lasers.

[0129] The laser may be combined with an upconverter to reach a shorter (laser) wavelength. For example, upconversion can be achieved with some (trivalent) rare earth ions, or upconversion can be achieved with a nonlinear crystal. In other examples, a laser such as a dye laser can be combined with a downconverter to reach a longer (laser) wavelength.

[0130] As can be derived from the following, the term "laser light source" may refer to a plurality of (different or identical) laser light sources. In certain embodiments, the term "laser light source" may refer to a plurality of N (identical) laser light sources. In embodiments, N is 2 or more. In certain embodiments, N can be at least 5, especially at least 8 or the like. In this way, higher brightness can be obtained. In embodiments, the laser light source may be disposed within a laser bank (see also above). The laser bank may include, in embodiments, a heat sink and / or an optical system, for example, a lens for collimating the laser light.

[0131] The laser light source is configured to generate laser light source light (or "laser light"). The source light may essentially consist of the laser light source light. The source light may also have laser light source light from two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. For example, in order to supply a single light beam having the laser light source light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources, the laser light source light of the two or more (different or identical) laser light sources may be coupled to an optical waveguide. Thus, in certain embodiments, the source light is particularly collimated source light. In still other embodiments, the source light is particularly (collimated) laser light source light.

[0132] In embodiments, the laser light source light may have one or more bands having a bandwidth as known for lasers. In certain embodiments, the band may be a relatively sharp line, such as having a full width half maximum (FWHM) within a range of less than 20 nm at room temperature (RT), such as 10 nm or less. Thus, the source light has a spectral power distribution (intensity in an energy scale as a function of wavelength) that may include one or more (narrow) bands.

[0133] (The beam of) the source light may be a focused or collimated beam of (laser) source light. The term "focused" may in particular refer to being converged into a small spot. This small spot may be in an individual converter region, or may be slightly upstream or slightly downstream of the individual converter region. In particular, the focusing and / or collimation may be such that the cross-sectional shape of the beam in the individual converter region (perpendicular to the optical axis) on the side is not essentially larger than the cross-sectional shape of the individual converter region (perpendicular to the optical axis) at the location where the source light irradiates the individual converter region. The focusing may be carried out by one or more optical systems such as (focusing) lenses. In particular, two lenses may be applied to focus the laser source light. The collimation may be carried out by one or more (other) optical systems such as collimation elements such as lenses and / or parabolic mirrors. In an embodiment, the beam of (laser) source light may be relatively highly collimated such as ≦2° (FWHM), more particularly ≦1° (FWHM), and most particularly ≦0.5° (FWHM) in the embodiment. Thus, ≦2° (FWHM) may be regarded as highly collimated source light. An optical system may be used to provide (high) collimation (see also above).

[0134] The term "solid-state material laser" and similar terms may refer to solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, photonic crystal lasers, such as semiconductor lasers like vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), etc., based on crystals or glasses doped with ions such as transition metal ions and / or lanthanide ions.

[0135] The term "solid-state light source" and similar terms may in particular refer to semiconductor light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or superluminescent diodes.

[0136] In an embodiment, the "luminescence material" may particularly refer to a material that can convert radiation, for example, into visible light and / or infrared light. For example, in an embodiment, the luminescence material may be able to convert one or more of UV radiation and blue radiation into visible light. In certain embodiments, the luminescence material may convert radiation into infrared radiation (IR). Therefore, when excited by radiation, the luminescence material emits radiation. Generally, the luminescence material is a downconverter, that is, radiation with a smaller wavelength is converted into radiation with a larger wavelength (λ ex <λ em ), but in certain embodiments, the luminescence material may have an upconverter luminescence material, that is, radiation with a larger wavelength is converted into radiation with a smaller wavelength (λ ex >λ em ).

[0137] In an embodiment, the term "luminescence" may refer to phosphorescence. In an embodiment, the term "luminescence" may also refer to fluorescence. Instead of the term "luminescence", the term "light emission" may be applied. Therefore, the terms "first radiation" and "second radiation" may respectively refer to excitation radiation and light emission (radiation). Similarly, the term "luminescence material" may refer to phosphorescence and / or fluorescence in an embodiment.

[0138] The term "luminescence material" may also refer to a plurality of different luminescence materials. Examples of possible luminescence materials are shown below. Therefore, the term "luminescence material" may refer to a luminescence material composition in certain embodiments.

[0139] In an embodiment, the luminescence materials are each selected from garnets and nitrides, particularly doped with trivalent cerium or divalent europium. The term "nitride" may also refer to oxynitrides or nitridosilicates, etc.

[0140] The term "luminescence material" in this specification particularly relates to inorganic luminescence materials.

[0141] Instead of the term "luminescence material", the term "phosphor" may be applied. These terms are known to those skilled in the art.

[0142] Alternatively, or in addition, other luminescence materials may be applied. For example, quantum dots and / or organic dyes may be applied, and optionally, may be embedded in a permeable matrix such as a polymer such as PMMA or polysiloxane.

[0143] Organic phosphors can also be used. Examples of suitable organic phosphor materials are organic luminescence materials based on perylene derivatives, for example, compounds sold under the name Lumogen® by BASF. Examples of suitable compounds include, but are not limited to, Lumogen® Red F305, Lumogen® Orange F240, Lumogen® Yellow F083, and Lumogen® F170.

[0144] Different luminescence materials can each have luminescence material light of different spectral power distributions. Alternatively, or in addition, such different luminescence materials can particularly have different color points (or dominant wavelengths).

[0145] As described above, other luminescence materials may also be possible. Thus, in certain embodiments, the luminescence material is selected from divalent europium-containing nitrides, divalent europium-containing oxynitrides, divalent europium-containing silicates, garnets containing cerium, and groups of quantum structures. The quantum structure may include, for example, quantum dots or quantum rods (or other quantum-type particles) (see above). The quantum structure may also include quantum wells. The quantum structure may also include photonic crystals.

[0146] The luminescence material light may particularly have one or more wavelengths within the visible range. More particularly, the centroid wavelength of the luminescence material light may be within the visible range.

[0147] In certain embodiments, the luminescence material may be configured to convert a portion of the light source light into luminescence material light having a wavelength within 495 to 605 nm. In certain embodiments, a significant portion, such as at least 90%, more particularly (essentially) 100%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 85% of the spectral power of the system light, may be within the wavelength range of 495 to 650 nm. In an embodiment, the centroid wavelength may be configured within the wavelength range of 495 to 605 nm. The centroid wavelength may more particularly be configured within the wavelength range of 510 to 590 nm, and even more particularly within the wavelength range of 570 to 590 nm. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light source light may be blue light, the luminescence material light may be yellow light, or may have a combination of yellow light and red light.

[0148] The term "center wavelength", also denoted as λc, is known in the art and refers to the wavelength value at which half of the optical energy is at a shorter wavelength and half of the optical energy is at a longer wavelength, and the value is expressed in nanometers (nm). It is the wavelength that divides the integral of the spectral power distribution, as represented by the formula λc = Σλ × I(λ) / (ΣI(λ)), into two equal parts, where the sum is over the wavelength range of interest and I(λ) is the spectral energy density (i.e., the integral of the product of wavelength and intensity over the emission band normalized to the integrated intensity). The center wavelength may be determined, for example, in an operating state.

[0149] The term "control" and similar terms refer, in particular, to at least determining the behavior of an element or supervising the operation of an element. Thus, in this specification, the term "control" and similar terms may refer to, for example, measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing the temperature, etc., such as imposing behavior on the element (determining the behavior of the element or supervising the operation of the element). The term "control" and similar terms may further include monitoring. Thus, the term "control" and similar terms may include imposing behavior on an element and may also include imposing behavior on an element and monitoring the element. The control of the element may be performed by a control system, which may also be referred to as a "controller". Thus, the control system and the element may be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The element may have the control system. In an embodiment, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control can be performed via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" may particularly refer to a plurality of different control systems that are functionally coupled, and for example, one of the plurality of different control systems may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. The control system may have a user interface or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0150] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control device. In an embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an app on a device such as a smartphone or iPhone, tablet, or other portable device. Thus, the device does not necessarily have to be coupled to the lighting system, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0151] Accordingly, in an embodiment, the control system may also be configured to be controlled by an app on a remote device. In such an embodiment, the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or may be controlled in slave mode. For example, the lighting system may be identifiable by a code, particularly a unique code for each lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled by an external control system that accesses the lighting system based on knowledge input by a user interface comprising an optical sensor for the (unique) code (e.g., a QR code reader). The lighting system may also have means for communicating with other systems or devices based on Bluetooth, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE, or WiMAX, or other wireless technologies.

[0152] The system, apparatus, or device may execute operations in a certain "mode" or "operating mode" or "mode of operation" or "operable mode". The term "operating mode" may also be referred to as "control mode". Similarly, in a method, an operation, step, or stage may be executed in a certain "mode" or "operating mode" or "mode of operation" or "operable mode". This does not exclude the possibility that the system, apparatus, or device may be adapted to provide another control mode or multiple other control modes. Similarly, this may not exclude the possibility that one or more other modes may be executed before and / or after executing the mode.

[0153] However, in embodiments, a control system adapted to provide at least the control mode may be available. When other modes are available, the selection of such modes may be performed, in particular, via a user interface, but other options such as executing a mode depending on sensor signals or a (time) scheme may also be possible. In embodiments, the operating mode may refer to a system, apparatus, or device that can operate only in a single operating mode (i.e., "on" without further adjustability).

[0154] Therefore, in embodiments, the control system may control depending on one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal (of a sensor), and a timer. The term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0155] The light generation system may be, for example, an office lighting system, a home application system, a store lighting system, a home lighting system, an accent lighting system, a spot lighting system, a theater lighting system, an optical fiber application system, a projection system, a self-lit display system, a pixelated display system, a segmented display system, a warning sign system, a medical lighting application system, an indicator sign system, a decorative lighting system, a portable system, an automotive application, an (outdoor) road lighting system, an urban lighting system, a greenhouse lighting system, horticultural lighting, digital projection, or part of an LCD backlight, or may be used therein. The light generation system (or the lighting fixture) may be, for example, part of an optical communication system or a disinfection system, or may be used therein.

[0156] The terms "visible", "visible light", or "visible emission", and similar terms, refer to light having one or more wavelengths within the range of about 380 to 780 nm. In this specification, UV may refer to wavelengths selected from the range of 190 to 380 nm, particularly 200 to 380 nm.

[0157] In this specification, unless it is clear from the context that the term "light" refers only to visible light, the terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably. Thus, the terms "light" and "radiation" may refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In particular embodiments for lighting applications, the terms "light" and "radiation" refer to (at least) visible light.

[0158] The terms "violet light" or "violet emission" relate in particular to light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 380 to 440 nm. The terms "blue light" or "blue emission" relate in particular to light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 440 to 495 nm (including somewhat of the violet and cyan hues). The terms "green light" or "green emission" relate in particular to light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 495 to 570 nm. The terms "yellow light" or "yellow emission" relate in particular to light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 570 to 590 nm. The terms "orange light" or "orange emission" relate in particular to light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 590 to 620 nm. The terms "red light" or "red emission" relate in particular to light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 620 to 780 nm. The terms "pink light" or "pink emission" refer to light having a blue component and a red component. The term "cyan" may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of approximately 490 to 520 nm. The term "amber" may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of approximately 585 to 605 nm, such as approximately 590 to 600 nm. The phrase "light having one or more wavelengths within a wavelength range" and similar phrases may in particular indicate that the light (or radiation) shown has a spectral power distribution having at least one intensity at these one or more wavelengths within the wavelength range shown. For example, a blue-emitting solid-state light source has a spectral power distribution having an intensity at one or more wavelengths within the wavelength range of 440 to 495 nm.

[0159] In relation to the propagation of light and the like, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" may in particular relate to the arrangement of an item or feature with respect to the propagation of light from a light-generating element (herein, in particular, the first light source), and with respect to a first position within a light beam from the light-generating element, a second position within the light beam closer to the light-generating element (compared to the first position) is "upstream", and a third position within the light beam further away from the light-generating element (compared to the first position) is "downstream". For example, instead of the term "light-generating element", the term "light-generating means" may also be applied.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0160] Here, as an example only, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0161] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0162] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates two cross-sectional views of a beam combiner body 500 having essentially the same beam combiner body 500 but k arrays 1050 of different configurations in Embodiments I and II. In an embodiment, the present invention may provide a light generation system 1000 having (i) a beam combiner body 500 and (ii) k arrays 1050.

[0163] In an embodiment, the beam combiner body 500 may have a first surface 501, and the first surface 501 has n grooves 510 that extend (substantially) radially from the central cavity 520 and are (substantially) radially arranged. In particular, n ≧ 2. The cross-sectional views illustrate embodiments I and II in which at least two such arrays are shown. Further, in an embodiment, the n grooves 510 may have a first end 513 and a second end 514. In particular, the first end 513 may be configured further from the central cavity 520 than the second end 514, and the second end 514 may end up within the central cavity.

[0164] In an embodiment, each of the k arrays 1050 may have a light generation device 100, a luminescence body 210, a first optical element 551, and a light guide 530. In particular, 2 ≦ k ≦ n.

[0165] In an embodiment, the light generation device 100 may be configured to generate device light 101. In particular, the light generation device 100 may have one or more light sources selected from the group of lasers and superluminescent diodes. In an embodiment, the luminescence body 210 may have a luminescence material 200 configured to convert at least a part of the device light 101 into luminescence material light 201. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may have one or more of a beam shaping element and a lens. In an embodiment, the light guide 530 may be configured in one of the grooves 510. In particular, the light guide 530 may be light transmissive with respect to the luminescence material light 201. Further, the light guide 530 may have a first body end 531 and a second body end 532, and the first body end 531 may be configured further away from the central cavity 520 than the second body end 532. Light may essentially enter the groove through the first body end 531, and thus the surface of the first body end may (also) be referred to as the primary surface. Similarly, light may escape from the second body end 532, and thus the surface of the second body end may (also) be referred to as the secondary surface. In other examples, a surface of the luminescence body 210 or the first optical element 551 through which light may enter the groove 510 may (also) be further referred to as the primary surface.

[0166] In an embodiment, the luminescence body 210 may be configured downstream of the light generation device 100. In particular, the first optical element 551 may be configured downstream of the luminescence body 210, and the first body end 531 of the light guide 530 may be configured downstream of the first optical element 551.

[0167] In an embodiment, (i) the second body end 532 is at least partially configured within the central cavity 520, the second body end 532 is inclined, and (ii) at least one of the central cavities 520 having an inclined reflecting surface 521 (illustrated in Embodiment I) may apply. In particular, the second body end 532 may have a first angle (α1) with the groove axis 511 of the groove 510 in which the light guide 530 is configured. In an embodiment, the first angle (α1) may be selected from the range of 15 to 75°, or the inclined reflecting surface 521 of the central cavity may have a second angle (α2) with the groove axis 511 of the groove 510 configured to face each other, and the second angle (α2) may be selected from the range of 15 to 75°. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may have a collimator element. Further, in an embodiment, the light generation device 100 may have at least one or more laser diodes.

[0168] In an embodiment, the light generation device 100 may be at least partially configured within one of the grooves 510 and may be configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body 500. Further, in an embodiment, the luminescence body 210 may be at least partially configured within one of the grooves 510 and may be configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body 500. Further, in an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may be at least partially configured within one of the grooves 510 and may be configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body 500. In an embodiment, the beam combiner body 500 may have a heat conductor. In particular, the groove 510 may have a groove surface 512, and the groove surface 512 may have a material reflective to the luminescence material light 201.

[0169] In an embodiment, the first optical element 551 may have a first refractive index n1, the light guide 530 may have a second refractive index n2, and 1.4 ≦ n2 - n1 ≦ 1.8. In particular, the first optical element 551 and the light guide 530 may have the same material. More particularly, the light guide 530 may have a glass, quartz, ceramic, or polymer material.

[0170] In an embodiment, the light generation system may have at least two luminescence bodies 210 including at least two different luminescence materials 200. In particular, the primary luminescence body 210 among the at least two luminescence bodies 210 may be configured to convert at least a part of the device light 101 into luminescence material light 201 having a primary spectral power distribution. In particular, one or more secondary luminescence bodies 210 among the at least two luminescence bodies 210 may be configured to convert at least a part of the device light 101 into luminescence material light 201 having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least two different luminescence materials 200 may have an A3B5O 12 :Ce type luminescence material, A may have one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, and B may have one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc.

[0171] In an embodiment, the light generation system 1000 may further include a control system 300. In particular, the control system 300 may be configured to control the light generation device 100, and in the operation mode of the light generation system 1000, the light generation system 1000 may be configured to generate white system light 1001. In an embodiment, the system light may include at least the device light 101 and the luminescence material light 201.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 2, the light generation system 1000 may include an optical element 610 such as a hollow reflector. The beam combiner body 500 may be configured within the optical element 610 such as a hollow reflector. The hollow reflector may have a reflective wall 611. The reflective wall 611 may have at least m light injection holes 612 configured upstream of each of the grooves 510 arranged (substantially) radially and downstream of each light generation device 100. The optical element 610 such as a hollow reflector may include a reflector optical axis O R . At least a part of the reflector optical axis O R may coincide with at least a part of the central cavity 520. In an embodiment, the light generation device 100 may be configured outside the hollow reflector 610. In such an embodiment, the beam combiner body 500 may be disposed within the hollow reflector 610. In particular, a lens 120 may be used to focus the device light 101. More particularly, the device light 101 may be supplied to the beam combiner body 500 through the light injection holes 612. The left figure illustrates an embodiment in which the light generation device is configured along the axis of the groove. The right figure illustrates an embodiment in which the light generation device is configured perpendicular to the axis of the groove.

[0173] The n grooves 510 arranged (substantially) radially may have a rectangular cross section (perpendicular to the respective groove axes 511).

[0174] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate top views of two embodiments of the light generation system. In an embodiment, the beam combiner body 500 may have a first surface 501, and the first surface 501 has n grooves 510 arranged (substantially) radially extending (substantially) radially from the central cavity 520. In particular, n ≧ 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the light generation system has four such grooves. Further, in an embodiment, the n grooves 510 may have a first end 513 and a second end 514. In particular, the first end 513 may be configured further away from the central cavity 520 than the second end 514, and the second end 514 may end within the central cavity.

[0175] In an embodiment, the light generation system may have k arrays. In particular, each of the k arrays 1050 may have a light generation device 100, a luminescence body 210, a first optical element 551, and a light guide 530. In particular, 2 ≦ k ≦ n. In the illustrated embodiment, the light generation system has three such arrays. The central cavity may have a wall portion, and the second end is an opening. However, when the number of grooves is large, the second ends may be adjacent to each other without any intermediate wall portion 537.

[0176] FIG. 3b illustrates an embodiment of a light generation system having four grooves and further having four arrays. In an embodiment, at least one set of two groove axes 511 may be configured in parallel, but may not be configured to coincide. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two sets of grooves that are parallel but do not coincide.

[0177] Referring to the embodiment schematically illustrated in FIG. 3b, the first surface 501 may have n substantially radially arranged grooves 510 extending substantially radially from the central cavity 520. Referring to the embodiment schematically illustrated in FIG. 3a, the first surface 501 may have n radially arranged grooves 510 extending radially from the central cavity 520.

[0178] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a light generation system having a second optical body 570. In particular, the second optical body 570 may be a dome-shaped optical body. In an embodiment, the second optical body 570 may at least partially extend from the central cavity 520. In particular, the second optical body 570 may be configured downstream of the light guide 530. Further, in an embodiment, the light guide 530 may have a second refractive index n2, and the second optical body 570 may have a third refractive index n3. In particular, 0 ≦ n3 - n2 ≦ 0.4. In an embodiment, the light guide 530 and the second optical body 570 may be a monolithic body. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the hollow reflector 610 can be configured without a light injection hole 612, especially since the second optical body 570 can be configured above the groove 510 and within the hollow reflector 610. Therefore, in an embodiment, the hollow reflector 610 may also be configured above one or more grooves 510.

[0179] In an embodiment, the second optical body 570 may be configured essentially on top of the end(s) of one or more grooves 510. Thus, in such an embodiment, the hollow reflector 610 may also be configured substantially on top of one or more grooves 510.

[0180] Note that FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which both the second optical body 570 and the hollow reflector 610 are shown. However, the present invention is also directed to systems 1000 that include such a second optical body 570 but do not include such a hollow reflector 610, and systems 1000 that do not include such a second optical body 570 but include such a hollow reflector 610.

[0181] In particular, the optical body 570 may be configured to beam shape the luminescent material light 201 received from the light guide 530 by the optical body 570 and / or extract the luminescent material light 210 from the light guide 530.

[0182] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the lighting fixture 2 including the light generation system 1000 as described above. Reference numeral 301 indicates a user interface that can be functionally coupled to a control system 300 included in or functionally coupled to the light generation system 1000. FIG. 3 also schematically illustrates an embodiment of the lamp 1 having the light generation system 1000. Reference numeral 3 indicates a projector device or a projector system that can be used to project an image onto a wall or the like, and the projector device or the projector system may also include the light generation system 1000. Accordingly, FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the lighting device 1200 selected from the group of the lamp 1, the lighting fixture 2, the projector device 3, the disinfection device, the photochemical reaction device, and the optical wireless communication device, the lighting device 1200 having the light generation system 1000 as described herein. In an embodiment, such a lighting device can be the lamp 1, the lighting fixture 2, the projector device 3, the disinfection device, or the optical wireless communication device. The lighting device light escaping from the lighting device 1200 is indicated by reference numeral 1201. The lighting device light 1201 may essentially consist of the system light 1001, and thus, in a particular embodiment, may be the system light 1001. Reference numeral 1300 refers to a space such as a room.

[0183] The term "plurality" refers to two or more.

[0184] The terms "substantially" or "essentially" herein, and similar terms, will be understood by those skilled in the art. The terms "substantially" or "essentially" may include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the adjectives "substantially" or "essentially" may be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" or the term "essentially" may relate to 90% or more, including 100%, 95% or more, particularly 99% or more, and even more particularly 99.5% or more.

[0185] The term "comprising" includes embodiments in which the term "comprising" means "consisting of".

[0186] The term "and / or" relates in particular to one or more of the items mentioned before and after "and / or". For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2", and similar phrases, may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may in certain embodiments refer to "consisting of", but in other embodiments may refer to "including at least the specified species and optionally one or more other species".

[0187] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, third, etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or temporal order. Such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in an order other than the order described or illustrated herein.

[0188] In this specification, among other things, a device, apparatus, or system in operation may be described. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to a method of operation or a device, apparatus, or system in operation.

[0189] Note that the above embodiments do not limit the present invention but explain it, and those skilled in the art will be able to design many other embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0190] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0191] The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in the claims. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, words such as "comprise" are to be interpreted in a non-exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e., in the inclusive sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0192] The singular form of an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0193] The present invention may be implemented by hardware having several distinct elements, or may be implemented by a computer suitably programmed. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim listing several means, some of these means may be implemented by exactly the same item of hardware. Merely the fact that a particular means is recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously. (Accordingly), in yet another aspect, the present invention provides software which, when executed on a computer, is capable of realizing one or more embodiments of the method as described herein.

[0194] The present invention also provides a control system capable of controlling a device, an apparatus, or a system, or of executing a method or process described herein. Additionally, the present invention provides a computer program product which, when executed on a computer functionally coupled to or included in a device, an apparatus, or a system, controls one or more controllable elements of such a device, apparatus, or system.

[0195] The present invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system having one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention further relates to a method or process having one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0196] The various aspects described in this patent can be combined to provide further advantages. Further, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that three or more embodiments can also be combined. Further, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

[0197] In an embodiment, the holes in the reflection cup may be used as part of the optical path to address a first body containing a luminescent material within the beam combiner body. These holes can provide a path for the laser beam to enter the internal space of the reflection cup at the bottom of the reflection cup and can address a first body containing an attached luminescent material around or at the center of the optical axis of the reflection cup. With this optical solution, the laser can be arranged in the same plane as the first body containing the luminescent material. The advantage can be a compact assembly for the laser and the first body containing the luminescent material without an additional beam splitter or beam condenser. The holes can be divided across the circumference of the reflection cup, where the holes are aligned with radially arranged rectangular grooves on the beam combiner body towards the center of the disk.

[0198] In an embodiment, the number of grooves can be selected from 1 to 100, but in particular, it is at least 2. It should be noted that adding four or more grooves radially increases the intermediate distance of the grooves to the center of the disk, which can affect the étendue of the optical system.

[0199] As described above, the groove can be used, in particular, to attach a first body containing a luminescence material. The first body containing the luminescence material may be attached to a rectangular rod having the size of the rectangular groove of the beam combiner body. The rectangular rod can be made of metal when used in reflection mode or can be made of sapphire when used in translucent mode. In either setup, the rod can be glued or soldered in the groove of the beam combiner body. By fitting the first body rod containing the luminescence material snugly into the groove, high thermal contact can be achieved.

[0200] Utilizing the beam combiner body enables the combination of first bodies containing luminescence materials with different CCTs at the center of the optical axis within a simple plane. To place first bodies containing two or more different luminescence materials at the center of the optical path, additional optical systems such as beam splitters or dichroic mirrors may not be substantially necessary.

[0201] In this approach, two or more lasers can address first bodies containing two or more luminescence materials with different CCTs. The light emitting surface is already placed within the reflective cup. Only minimal additional optical systems are required to guide and mix the light in the reflector.

[0202] By adjusting the output of the laser, various color temperatures can be obtained.

[0203] Adding a first body containing a red phosphor luminescence material to the light source can result in a high CRI.

[0204] Direct red, green, or blue lasers can also be installed, and there are (diffusing) mirrors placed to guide the individual lasers to the location where the first body containing the phosphor option luminescence material is installed.

[0205] In an embodiment, the first body including the luminescence material may be adhered to a rectangular sapphire rod using a transparent dye attach material. The sapphire rod can serve as an optical waveguide and at the same time can serve as a heat conductor that takes heat away from the first body including the luminescence material. The first body - rod assembly including the luminescence material may be clamped or adhered to the heat sink of the beam combiner body. The first body including the luminescence material may be disposed at the center of the optical path of the beam combiner body. During operation, the laser is directed at the rear end of the sapphire rod and is incident at the rear end. The laser impinges on the surface of the first body including the luminescence material by total internal reflection (TIR). The light is emitted towards the reflector. Attaching a first body including a second luminescence material having a different CCT to a second sapphire rod and arranging it in the opposite direction to the first body assembly including the first luminescence material is applied to an adjustable CCT optical module. As described above, the first body assembly including a plurality of luminescence materials can be disposed on the heat sink of the optical module, and different combinations of CCT and red phosphors are possible to adjust the CRI. The advantage of the transmissive mode assembly is that the laser beam impinges on the first body including the luminescence material from the rear side. This means that in the beam combiner body, there may be more space available for mounting individual lasers across the diameter of the assembly, and thus there may also be more space available for mounting the first body including the luminescence material. The disadvantage may be the low cooling efficiency of the first body including the luminescence material by the sapphire rod.

[0206] In another embodiment, the first body including the luminescence material may be adhered or soldered to a rectangular metal rod and then attached to the beam combiner body. When the position of the first body including the luminescence material is at the center of the optical path. In this mode, the laser is disposed on the side opposite to the position of the first body including the luminescence material and can directly hit the first body including the luminescence material on the front side. The light is emitted in the reflection mode. The heat load of the first body including the luminescence material can be immediately directed towards the beam combiner body serving as a heat sink. In the transmissive mode, a sapphire rod can be used, whereas in the reflection mode, a copper rod insert can be utilized to adhere the first body including the luminescence material. The advantage of the reflection mode assembly can be the better thermal behavior of the first body including the luminescence material. The first body including the luminescence material can be plated with a metal coating that enables soldering the first body including the luminescence material to the heat sink at its rear side, which further improves the thermal behavior. Soldering can increase the thermal conductivity, generally 50 to 70 Wm / K for solder and 0.2 to 0.4 Wm / K for the dye-attached epoxy material. Next to the better thermal behavior, the light efficiency is also increased. The heat sink can be plated with a reflective coating that makes the extraction of light from the first body including the luminescence material more efficient. The disadvantage of the reflection mode is that the laser beam impinging on the first body including the luminescence material occupies the space on the side opposite to the first body including the luminescence material. Half of the amount of the first body including the laser / luminescence material can be arranged in the available space within the optical module.

[0207] A more direct approach may be to place the laser diode at a radial distance from the axial axis of the optical module, and the TO can be arranged in a straight line with the radial axis. This design method arranges the laser beam in a straight line with the first body containing the luminescent material. Here, the laser beam also penetrates the reflecting cup through a small hole. With this design, a thin module may be possible.

[0208] In the transmission mode where a sapphire rod is used, the rod may have the same size as the first body. Otherwise, the (blue) light from the laser may leak beside the first body. The first body can be adhered to the sapphire rod using a transparent dye attach paste.

[0209] In the reflection mode, the rod may be somewhat larger than the first body. In that case, the first body can be adhered or soldered to the metal rod.

Claims

Claim 1 An optical generation system configured to generate system light, the optical generation system having (i) a beam combiner body and (ii) k arrays, wherein the beam combiner body has a first surface, the first surface has n grooves extending from a central cavity, the n grooves are configured to supply light directed toward the central cavity, n ≥ 2, the n grooves have a first end and a second end, and the first end is configured further from the central cavity than the second end, each of the k arrays has an optical generation device, a luminescence body, a first optical element, and a light guide, and 2 ≤ k ≤ n, the optical generation device is configured to generate device light, and the optical generation device has one or more light sources selected from the group consisting of a laser and a superluminescent diode, the luminescence body has a luminescence material configured to convert at least a portion of the device light into luminescence material light, the first optical element has one or more of a beam shaping reflective element and a lens, the light guide is configured in one of the grooves, the light guide is light transmissive to the luminescence material light, the light guide has a first body end and a second body end, the first body end is configured further from the central cavity than the second body end, and the light guide is configured to propagate light to the central cavity through the second body end, the luminescence body is configured downstream of the optical generation device, the first optical element is configured downstream of the luminescence body, and the first body end of the light guide is configured downstream of the first optical element, the system light includes one or more of the device light and the luminescence material light, and during operation of the optical generation system, the system light exits the central cavity. Claim 2 The groove is arranged radially, extends radially from the central cavity, and at least one of (i) the second body end is at least partially configured within the central cavity and the second body end is inclined, and (ii) the central cavity has an inclined reflective surface applies. The light generation system according to claim 1, wherein the first optical element has a collimator element and the light generation device has at least one or more laser diodes.

3. The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the light generation device is at least partially configured within one of the grooves and is configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body.

4. The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the luminescence body is at least partially configured within one of the grooves and is configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body.

5. The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first optical element is at least partially configured within one of the grooves and is configured in direct or indirect thermal contact with the beam combiner body.

6. The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the beam combiner body has a heat conductor, the groove has a groove surface, and the groove surface has a material that is reflective to the luminescence material light.

7. The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second optical body that at least partially extends from the central cavity, and the second optical body is configured downstream of the light guide.

8. The light generation system according to claim 7, wherein the light guide has a second refractive index n2, the second optical body has a third refractive index n3, and 0 ≦ n3 - n2 ≦ 0.

4.

9. The light generation system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the second optical body is configured to beam shape and / or extract the luminescence material light received from the light guide by the second optical body, and the second optical body is dome-shaped.

10. The light generation system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the light guide and the second optical body are a monolithic body.

11. The optical generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the groove has a groove axis, and at least one set of two groove axes are configured to be parallel but not to coincide.

12. Having a hollow reflector, the beam combiner body is configured within the hollow reflector, The hollow reflector has a reflective wall, and the reflective wall has at least m optical injection holes configured upstream of each optical groove and downstream of each optical generation device, The optical generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hollow reflector has a reflector optical axis, and at least a part of the reflector optical axis coincides with at least a part of the central cavity.

13. Having at least two luminescence bodies including at least two different luminescence materials, wherein a primary luminescence body among the at least two luminescence bodies is configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light having a primary spectral power distribution, a secondary luminescence body among the at least two luminescence bodies is configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light having a secondary spectral power distribution different from the primary spectral power distribution, and at least one of the at least two different luminescence materials is A ３ B ５ O １２ : The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a Ce-type luminescence material, wherein A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, and B includes one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc.

14. Further comprising a control system, the control system is configured to control the optical generation device, in the operating mode of the optical generation system, the optical generation system is configured to generate white system light, and the system light includes at least device light and luminescence material light. The optical generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An illumination device selected from the group of a lamp, a lighting fixture, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reaction device, and an optical wireless communication device, having the optical generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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