Stacking laser bank with holes for obtaining a high-brightness white light source

Abstract

The present invention relates to a photogenerating system (1000) comprising a first support (2100), a first 2D array (2110) of a first light source (10), a first optical element (410), a second support (2200), a second 2D array (2210) of a second light source (20), and a second optical element (420), wherein (A) the first support (2100) is configured to support the first light source (10), and the second support (2200) is configured to support the second light source (20). (B) The first light source (10) is configured to generate a first light source (11), the second light source (20) is configured to generate a second light source (21), the first light source (10) includes a laser diode, the second light source (20) includes a laser diode, the first support (2100) includes a first thermal conductive element (2160), and / or the second support (2200) includes a second thermal conductive element (2260), (B) the first optical element (410) is (C) The first support (2100) and the second support (2200) are configured to be stacked and configured to collide the first light source (11) with the first beam (15) of the collimated first light source (11), the second optical element (420) is configured to be stacked and configured to collide the second light source (21) with the second beam (25) of the collimated second light source (21), and (C) the first support (2100) and the second support (2200) are stacked and configured (D) The photogenerating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) comprising one or more of the first light source light (11) and the second support (2200), wherein the second support (2200) includes an array (2220) of through holes (2250) configured to align with a first optical element (410) that allows at least a portion of the collimated first light source light (11) to propagate through the second support (2200), and (D) the photogenerating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) comprising one or more of the first light source light (11) and the second light source light (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light generation system including a first and a second support, first and second 2D arrays of first and second light sources, and first and second optical elements. The present invention further relates to an illumination device including the light generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Light generation systems including optical systems are known in the art. For example, WO2022073895A1 is a light generation system having a light generation device, a luminescence body, and a first optical system, wherein the light generation device is configured to generate device light, the light generation device has a laser, the luminescence body has a luminescence material, the luminescence material is configured to convert at least a part of the device light into luminescence material light, the luminescence body is transmissive to at least a part of the luminescence material light, the first optical system is transmissive to at least a part of the device light and reflective to at least a part of the luminescence material light, the first optical system has a primary optical surface having a first surface area A1, the primary optical surface is configured to be in a light receiving relationship with the light generation device, the luminescence body is surrounded by a cavity having a cavity opening with a minimum cross-sectional area A2, the cavity is at least partially defined by the first optical system, the first optical system has the cavity opening, A2 < A1, the cavity is reflective to the luminescence material light, and the luminescence material light exits the cavity substantially only through the cavity opening.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Applications such as stage lighting, stadium lighting, and transportation infrastructure may require the use of high-intensity white light. Laser illumination can be used for high-brightness white lighting applications. Recent developments have shown that laser banks can be used for laser illumination instead of individual lasers. A laser bank is an array of aligned laser diodes placed on a carrier, and the laser beam is collimated by a lens plate containing an array of small lenses. It is desirable that laser banks improve the performance and / or functionality of laser illumination. However, compact, high-intensity systems may not be feasible for current applications.

[0004] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is preferably to provide a photogenerating system that further eliminates at least partially one or more of the disadvantages described above. The present invention may also aim to overcome or improve upon at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a photogenerating system. In some embodiments, the photogenerating system may include, in particular, a first support, a first 2D array of a first light source, and a first optical element. Furthermore, the photogenerating system may include a second support, a second 2D array of a second light source, and a second optical element. In some embodiments, the first support may be configured to support the first light source. Furthermore, the second support may be configured to support the second light source. In particular, the first light source may be configured to generate first light source light. Furthermore, the second light source may be configured to generate second light source light. In particular, the first light source may include a laser diode. Furthermore, the second light source may also include a laser diode. The first support may include a first thermal conductive element. Additionally or alternatively, the second support may include a second thermal conductive element. In some embodiments, the first optical element may be configured downstream of the first light source. Furthermore, the first optical element may be configured to collimate the first light source to the first beam of the collimated first light source. Furthermore, the second optical element may be configured downstream of the second light source. In particular, the second optical element may be configured to collimate the second light source to the second beam of the collimated second light source. In some embodiments, the first and second supports may be configured stacked. The second support may include an array of through-holes, in particular an opening array of through-holes. The through-holes may be configured aligned with the first optical element, in particular. This allows the through-holes to propagate at least a portion of the collimated first light source through the second support. In some embodiments, the photogenerating system may be configured to generate system light. In particular, the system light may include one or more of the first and second light sources.Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention is a photogenerating system comprising a first support, a first 2D array of a first light source, a first optical element, a second support, a second 2D array of a second light source, and a second optical element, wherein the first support is configured to support the first light source, the second support is configured to support the second light source, the first light source is configured to generate first light source light, the second light source is configured to generate second light source light, the first light source includes a laser diode, the second light source includes a laser diode, the first support includes a first thermal conductive element, and / or the second support includes a second thermal conductive element, and the first optical element is a first A photogenerating system is provided, comprising a first optical element configured downstream of a light source and configured to collide a first light source beam with a first beam of collimated first light source beam, a second optical element configured downstream of a second light source and configured to collide a second light source beam with a second beam of collimated second light source beam, the first and second supports configured to be stacked, the second support including an array of through-holes configured to be aligned with the first optical element, allowing at least a portion of the collimated first light source beam to propagate through the second support, and the photogenerating system configured to generate system light including one or more of the first and second light source beams.

[0006] The present invention may provide a laser-based (or laser bank-based) system for generating high-intensity white light. In particular, the present invention may further improve the functionality of a laser-based (e.g., laser bank-based) photogenerating system by using two (or more) stacked laser arrangements (e.g., a stacked laser bank). Since lasers provide (extremely) high-intensity collimated light, the light generated by a first laser arrangement (e.g., a laser bank) may, in some embodiments, pass through holes in a second laser arrangement (e.g., a laser bank). This allows the system light to include light from both laser arrangements, such as the laser bank. Thus, the system light may, in some embodiments, have improved brightness and / or intensity. In this way, the present invention may, in some embodiments, provide a stacking laser bank with through holes for obtaining a high-brightness white light source for use, for example, in stage lighting fixtures, stage stadium lighting, or transportation infrastructure lighting. The present invention further describes laser banks including laser bars and arrays of (diode) lasers, but other laser arrangements may be mentioned as well.

[0007] As described above, the present invention provides, in particular, a photogenerating system comprising at least two stacked laser configurations (or "laser array configurations") in certain embodiments. The first laser configuration may, in particular, include a first support, a first 2D array of first light sources, and a first optical element. The second laser configuration may, in certain embodiments, include a second support, a second 2D array of second light sources, and a second optical element. Embodiments of these elements are described in more detail below.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the light generation system may include a first support and a second support. In certain embodiments, the support may include a material having high thermal conductivity. The laser bar may be placed directly on such a support having high thermal conductivity, or a canned laser may be placed in an opening in the support having high thermal conductivity. In certain embodiments, the support may include one or more structural elements, particularly a substrate. In certain embodiments, the support may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”). Further, in certain embodiments, the support may include a main support and additional structural elements, such as a PCB, that may be functionally coupled to the main support. In certain embodiments, the support may include metals such as aluminum and / or copper, and their alloys.

[0009] In particular, the support may be a structure to which other elements may be coupled or configured. In particular, the support may be configured to support a light source. Further, in certain embodiments, the light generation system may include one or more light sources functionally coupled to the support. Thus, the support may particularly have features for accommodating the aforementioned light sources. For example, the support may include ports for connecting to the light sources. In particular, the light source may include electrodes or nodes that may be functionally coupled to the support. Here, functionally coupled may refer to fixing the light source to the support such that the electrical component is fixed in a predetermined position without substantially relative movement between the support and the light source. In certain embodiments, the light source may be electrically coupled to the support. That is, the light source may particularly be connected to (other) electrical components via the support. Thus, alternatively or additionally, functionally coupled may refer to electrical contact between the light source and one or more conductive tracks included in the support. Here, each of the first support and the second support may support a set of light sources. Thereby, the first support may be configured to support a first light source, and the second support may be configured to support a second light source.

[0010] Furthermore, the support may include elements for thermal management. In particular, the support may include thermally conductive elements for thermal management. The thermally conductive elements may transfer heat from warmer elements to cooler elements and / or air. For this purpose, the thermally conductive elements, particularly thermally conductive sheet-like elements, may have thermal conductivity. The thermally conductive elements may particularly have a thermal conductivity of at least about 0.5 W / (m*K), more particularly at least about 1 W / (m*K), for example at least about 2 W / (m*K), for example at least about 5 W / (m*K), particularly at least about 10 W / (m*K), etc. However, lower thermal conductivities may also be usable for transferring heat (e.g., from an electrical component). The thermally conductive elements may have a thermal conductivity of up to 500 W / (m*K), for example up to 300 W / (m*K). However, in particular, the thermally conductive elements may have a thermal conductivity of at least about 100 W / (m*K), for example at least about 200 W / (m*K). Thus, the thermally conductive elements can be effective conductors of heat (from heat-sensitive elements or heat-generating elements, such as from a light source). Thereby, the lifespan / performance of the light generation system can be improved. Therefore, the first support may include a first thermally conductive element. Additionally or alternatively, the second support may include a second thermally conductive element. The first thermally conductive element and the second thermally conductive element may, in some embodiments, be individually selected from the group including heat sinks, heat spreaders, and two-phase cooling devices.

[0011] Therefore, the thermally conductive element may include a heatsink. Heatsinks are well known in the art. The term "heatsink" (or "heat sink") may be a passive heat exchanger that transfers heat generated by a device, such as an electronic or mechanical device, to a fluid (cooling) medium, often air or a coolant. This allows the heat to be dissipated (at least partially) away from the device. A heatsink is designed in particular to maximize the surface area of ​​the heatsink in contact with the fluid cooling medium surrounding it. Therefore, a heatsink may include multiple fins. For example, a heatsink may be a body from which multiple fins extend. A heatsink may include (more particularly, consist of) a thermally conductive material. The term "heatsink" may also refer to multiple (different) heatsinks.

[0012] Furthermore, the thermally conductive element may include a heat spreader. The heat spreader may be configured to transfer energy as heat from a first element to a second element. The second element may be, in particular, a heat sink or a heat exchanger. The heat spreader may be passive or active. Embodiments of a passive heat spreader may have a plate or block of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or diamond. An active heat spreader may be configured to accelerate heat transfer by consuming energy as work supplied by an external source. In this specification, the heat spreader may be a passive heat spreader in particular. Additionally or alternatively, the heat spreader may be an active heat spreader selected from, for example, heat pipes and vapor chambers. The heat spreader may include (more particularly, consist of) a thermally conductive material. Also, the term “heat spreader” may refer to multiple (different) heat spreaders.

[0013] Furthermore, the thermally conductive element may include a two-phase cooling device. The two-phase cooling device may be a device that transfers heat between two locations based on both thermal conductivity and phase transitions. In particular, a liquid such as water (for example, in the case of a copper device) or acetone (for example, in the case of an aluminum device) may be added to the two-phase cooling device, and the two-phase cooling device may be vacuum sealed. When heat is applied to an area of ​​the two-phase cooling device, the liquid may turn into vapor and move to an area of ​​lower pressure, where the vapor cools and returns to liquid form, and in doing so, the liquid returns to the heat source.

[0014] In some embodiments, the two-phase cooling device may include, in particular, a heat pipe or a vapor chamber element. Vapor chamber elements and heat pipes are known in the art and may be based on essentially the same principle. The difference between a heat pipe and a vapor chamber element is that a heat pipe can typically have an essentially rod-like shape, whereas a vapor chamber element can generally have a planar shape. In particular, a vapor chamber element may include two essentially planar plates at a short relative distance (e.g., up to 5 mm). Furthermore, in the case of a vapor chamber element, the hot spot can be selected relatively freely, whereas in the case of a heat pipe, there are generally hot and cold sides on the opposite sides of the rod, such as the base of a cylindrical heat pipe.

[0015] A two-phase cooling device may have a device wall, in particular, that defines a (elongated) chamber. In particular, the device wall may surround the chamber. The device wall may generally be airtight. The device wall may, in particular, contain a thermally conductive material. A two-phase cooling device configured to functionally couple to a luminescent body may have a device wall containing a thermally conductive material selected from the group including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium, which may be particularly suitable for the operating temperature of such a system.

[0016] Both heat pipes and vapor chambers are two-phase devices used as thermal management solutions. Heat pipes can be devices with high thermal conductance, capable of transporting large amounts of heat with only a small temperature difference between their hot and cold ends. Vapor chambers, on the other hand, have very high thermal conductance and may consist of flat heat pipes with flat surfaces on the top and bottom. Compared to conventional solutions such as copper heat spreaders, heat pipes and vapor chambers can offer several advantages. Firstly, they have higher thermal conductivity. Secondly, the density of heat pipes and vapor chambers is much lower than that of copper. Due to their hollow structure, heat spreaders made from vapor chambers are much lighter than those made of copper. These characteristics make them stand out as ideal thermal management solutions. The advantages of heat pipes may include high conductance and design flexibility. The advantages of vapor chambers may include high conductance, the ability to transfer large amounts of heat, the ability to be made very thin, the ability to maintain efficient heat transfer even at high heat sources, and the ability to instantly dissipate heat over large areas due to their planar structure. Both devices have excellent heat transport efficiency for heat dissipation. While heat pipes can remove heat from a heat source, vapor chambers dissipate heat. Heat pipes can be bent and installed in any direction. This gives heat pipes design flexibility, allowing them to be used individually or in combination in various locations. Vapor chambers can also be bent. Vapor chambers can be planar, which can affect the degree of freedom of bending the vapor chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second thermal conductive element, in particular the two-phase cooling device, may be located on a portion of the second support away from the array of through-holes in the second support, for example, a heat pipe running between the array of through-holes. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the two-phase cooling device may be specifically bent around the through-holes. In another embodiment, the second thermal conductive element may be designed to include an array of openings aligned with the array of through-holes in the second support. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the two-phase cooling device is closed, and the through-holes do not have fluid communication with the interior of the two-phase cooling device.

[0018] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first thermal conductive element, in particular a two-phase cooling device, may be located on a part of the first support away from the light source, for example, a heat pipe running between the array of light sources (in a canned laser configuration, etc.). Furthermore, in such embodiments, the two-phase cooling device may be specifically bent around the array of light sources. In other embodiments, the first thermal conductive element may be designed to include an array of apertures for the light source (in a canned laser configuration, etc.). In further embodiments, the first thermal conductive element may be located on the bottom side of the first support, for example, a heat spreader, a heat sink, and a blower fan may be located on the bottom side of the first support containing the (diode) laser.

[0019] Therefore, the first support may have a support function for the first light source and may also have a thermal function. For this purpose, the first light source may be configured on the first thermal conductive element or at least partially within the first thermal conductive element. Similarly, the second support may have a support function for the second light source and may also have a thermal function. For this purpose, the second light source may be configured on the second thermal conductive element or at least partially within the second thermal conductive element. However, the second support may also have the function of providing through holes.

[0020] Therefore, each support may include a thermal conductor, a heat sink, a heat spreader, or (other) two-phase cooling device. Furthermore, each (light source) may be at least partially configured within or on each support.

[0021] Furthermore, other elements known to those skilled in the art may be configured on the support, bonded to the support, supported by the support, or included in the support. For example, a light source may, in particular, be connected to a power source via the support. In some embodiments, the power source may be configured on the support. However, alternatively, in some embodiments, the power source may be configured outside the support. Thus, in some embodiments, the support may include a metal core printed circuit board (which itself may be a thermally conductive element). In yet another embodiment, the support may include a printed circuit board thermally bonded to a thermally conductive element. In yet another embodiment, the support may include a metal core printed circuit board thermally bonded to a thermally conductive element.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the light source may be embedded at least partially in a thermally conductive element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the photogenerating system may include a first light source and a second light source. The first light source may be placed on a first support, and the second light source may be placed on a second support. In particular, each set of light sources may be arranged on each support in a 2D array (or "matrix"). In one embodiment, the 2D array may be a rectangular array, a square array, a circular array, etc. Thus, the photogenerating system may include a first 2D array of the first light source and a second 2D array of the second light source.

[0024] In some embodiments, the light generation system may include a light source. The light source may, in particular, be a first light source or a second light source. Furthermore, the light source may be configured to generate light. Thus, the first light source may be configured to generate first light source light, and the second light source may be configured to generate second light source light. The light source may, in particular, be a laser diode (or "diode laser"). In some embodiments, the term "light source" may refer to a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSEL), an edge-emitting laser, etc.

[0025] The term “light source” may also refer to multiple light sources, such as 2 to 2000 (laser diode) light sources. The phrases “different light sources” or “a plurality of different light sources,” and similar phrases, may, in some embodiments, refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins. Similarly, the phrases “identical light sources” or “a plurality of same light sources,” and similar phrases, may, in some embodiments, refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from the same bin.

[0026] The term “laser light source” specifically refers to a laser. Such a laser may be configured to produce laser light source light having one or more wavelengths, particularly in the UV, visible, or infrared range, and especially wavelengths selected from the spectral wavelength range of 200 to 2000 nm, such as 300 to 1500 nm. The term “laser” specifically refers to a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the term “laser” may refer to a solid-state laser. In certain embodiments, the terms “laser” or “laser light source,” or similar terms, refer to a laser diode (or diode laser). In particular, the first light source may include a laser diode, and the second light source may include a laser diode.

[0027] Therefore, in some embodiments, the light source includes a laser light source. In some embodiments, the term "laser" or "solid-state laser" or "solid-state material laser" is used. The term "laser" refers to cerium-doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride (Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF), chromium-doped chrysoberyl (alexandrite) lasers, chromium-zincSe (Cr:ZnSe) lasers, divalent samarium-doped calcium fluoride (Sm:CaF2) lasers, Er:YAG lasers, erbium-doped and erbium-ytterbium-co-doped glass lasers, F-center lasers, holmium-yAG (Ho:YAG) lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, NdCrYAG lasers, neodymium-doped yttrium calcium oxoborate (Nd:YCa4O(BO3)3) or Nd:YCOB, neodymium-doped orthovanadium yttrium (Nd:YVO4) lasers, neodymium-glass (Nd:glass) lasers, neodymium-yLF (Nd:YLF) solid-state lasers, and promethium-147-doped phosphate glass (147Pm 3+ Solid-state laser (glass), ruby ​​laser (Al2O3:Cr 3+ ), Thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) laser, Titanium sapphire (Ti:Sapphire; Al2O3:Ti3+ This may refer to one or more of the following: lasers, trivalent uranium-doped calcium fluoride (U:CaF2) solid-state lasers, ytterbium-doped glass lasers (rods, plates / tips, and fibers), ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) lasers, Yb2O3 (glass or ceramic) lasers, etc.

[0028] For example, including embodiments of second and third harmonic generation, the light source is an F-center laser, an orthovanadium yttrium (Nd:YVO4) laser, and a promethium-147 doped phosphate glass (147Pm 3+ :glass), and titanium sapphire (Ti:sapphire;Al2O3:Ti 3+ ) may include one or more lasers. For example, considering second and third harmonic generation, such light sources may be used to generate blue light.

[0029] In some embodiments, the terms “laser,” “solid-state laser,” or “solid-state material laser” may refer to one or more 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.

[0030] Lasers may be combined with upconverters to reach shorter wavelengths. For example, upconversion may be achieved with some (trivalent) rare earth ions, or with a nonlinear crystal. Alternatively, lasers, such as dye lasers, may be combined with downconverters to reach longer wavelengths.

[0031] The term "solid-state material laser," and similar terms, may refer to solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, photonic crystal lasers, semiconductor lasers, such as vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), and others, based on ion-doped crystals or glass bodies, such as transition metal ions and / or lanthanide ions.

[0032] As can be derived from the following, the term “laser light source” may also refer to multiple (different or identical) laser light sources. In certain embodiments, the term “laser light source” may refer to multiple N (identical) laser light sources. In some embodiments, N = 2 or more. In certain embodiments, N may be at least 5, particularly at least 8. In this way, higher brightness can be obtained.

[0033] In one embodiment, the (laser) light sources may be arranged in a laser bank (see also above). The (laser) light sources may, in particular, be arranged in a 2D array within the laser bank. In one embodiment, the laser bank may include supports, heat sinks, and optical elements, such as lenses for collimating the laser light. Thus, in one embodiment, the lasers in the laser bank (or "laser array bank") may share the same supports, heat sinks, and optical elements.

[0034] A (laser) light source may be configured to produce light source light having an optical axis (O), (beam shape), and spectral power distribution. In some embodiments, the light source light may have one or more bandwidths having bandwidths known for lasers. Thus, a laser light source is configured to produce laser light source light (or "laser light"). The light source light may consist of laser light source light in essence. The light source light may also include laser light source light from two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. For example, to provide a single optical beam containing laser light source light from two or more (different or identical) laser light sources, the laser light source light from two or more (different or identical) laser light sources may be coupled to an optical guide. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light source light is, in particular, collimated light source light. In yet another embodiment, the light source light is, in particular, (collimated) laser light source light.

[0035] In some embodiments, the laser light source may include one or more bands having bandwidths known for lasers. In certain embodiments, the bands may be relatively sharp lines, such as having a full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the range of less than 20 nm at room temperature (RT), such as 10 nm or less. Thus, the light source has a spectral power distribution (intensity as a function of wavelength) which may include one or more (narrow) bands.

[0036] The (light source) beam may be a focused or collimated beam of (laser) light source. The term "focused" may specifically refer to being converged into a small spot. This small spot may be in a discrete converter region, or slightly upstream or slightly downstream of a discrete converter region. In particular, focusing and / or collimation may be such that the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the beam in the discrete converter region (on the side) is not inherently larger than the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the discrete converter region (where the light source illuminates the discrete converter region). Focusing may be performed by one or more optical elements, such as a focusing lens. In particular, two lenses may be used to focus the laser light source. Collimation may be performed by one or more (other) optical elements, such as a lens and / or a parabolic mirror. In some embodiments, the beam of (laser) light source light may be relatively highly collimated, such as ≤2°(FWHM), more particularly ≤1°(FWHM), most particularly ≤0.5°(FWHM), etc. Thus, ≤2°(FWHM) may be considered (highly) collimated light source. Optical elements may be used to provide (high) collimation (see also above). In this specification, the term “optical element” may mean, in particular, optics that affect beam shaping, e.g., collimation and / or focusing of light. Each laser bank may include one or more optical elements. Therefore, in some embodiments, the photogenerating system may include a first optical element and a second optical element. In some embodiments, the first optical element may be configured downstream of the first light source. Furthermore, the first optical element may be configured to collimate the first light source light to a first beam of collimated first light source light. In one embodiment, the second optical element may be configured downstream of the second light source. Furthermore, one or more second optical elements may be configured to collimate the light from the second light source to the second beam of the collimated second light source.Therefore, the light source may be provided as a (highly) collimated light source.

[0037] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" relate to the arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of light from a light-generating means (in this case, particularly a light source). With respect to a first position in the light beam from the light-generating means, a second position in the light beam closer to the light-generating means is "upstream," and a third position in the light beam further from the light-generating means is "downstream."

[0038] Other optics known to those skilled in the art may be provided. Such other optics may include, for example, wavelength conversion optics (e.g., dichroic elements, e.g., wavelength conversion elements described in US7070300B2 incorporated herein by reference) or polarization optics (e.g., reflective polarizers).

[0039] In some embodiments, the laser configuration may be a stacked configuration. Thus, the first and second supports may be configured in a stacked manner. In particular, the second support may be configured stacked on top of the first support. Therefore, the second support may be configured downstream of the first light source. In some embodiments, the second support may include an array of through-holes, in particular an array of through-hole openings. The through-holes may be provided in various shapes, such as cylindrical, rectangular, or frustoconical. In some embodiments, the through-holes may have a cylindrical shape in particular. In particular, the through-holes may have an elongated cylindrical shape. In certain embodiments, the through-holes may have other elongated shapes, such as an elongated rectangular shape or an elongated frustoconical shape. Generally, the through-holes in an array of through-holes may have (essentially) the same shape. In certain embodiments, the array of through-holes may include through-holes having different shapes. The array of through-holes may be configured downstream of the light source. This allows the first light source to propagate through the second support via an array of through-holes (in the second support). Furthermore, the array of through-holes may be configured to align with the first optical element. This allows the array of through-holes to be configured to enable the propagation of at least a portion of the collimated first light source through the second support via the array of through-holes. Thus, the array of through-holes facilitates the propagation of the first light source in a stacked laser bank configuration. In particular, the first 2D array of the first light source may correspond to the pattern of through-holes (in the second support).

[0040] In some embodiments, the photogenerating system may be configured to generate system light. The system light may include, in particular, one or more of a (collimated) first light source and a (collimated) second light source (propagated through a second support via an array of through-holes). In particular, the system light may include both the (collimated) first light source and the (collimated) second light source. In certain embodiments, the system light may include converted system light.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the second support may include a second cavity. The second cavity may be provided in various shapes, such as cylindrical, square, or frustoconical. In general, the second cavities within the second support may have (essentially) the same shape. The cavity may be configured to host at least a subset of the first optical elements. In particular, the cavity may be configured to host at least a portion of the total number of the first optical elements. In further embodiments, the second cavity may be configured to host the total number of the first optical elements. In certain embodiments, the second cavity may be further configured to host at least a subset of the first light sources. Furthermore, the second cavity may be further configured to host the total number of the first light sources. The second cavity may be configured, in particular, upstream of the array of through-holes. That is, the light from the first light source may first propagate through the second cavity before entering the array of through-holes. In other embodiments, the second cavity may include through-holes. That is, the second cavity may be a through-hole in the second support, configured to (i) accommodate at least a subset of the total number of first optical elements, and (ii) allow the propagation of at least a portion of the collimated first light source light through the second support. Thus, the second cavity may provide a configuration within the second support for the first optical elements to be downstream of the first light source and upstream of the through-hole.

[0042] Here, the first support and the second support may have an upper side and a bottom side, in particular. The upper side and bottom side of the support may be defined in particular in relation to the direction of the light source. That is, the upper side may be in the same direction as the downstream of the light source relative to the bottom side. Specifically, in one embodiment, the light source may be configured on the upper side of the support, but in other embodiments, the light source may be at least partially located in a cavity on the upper side of the support. In further embodiments, the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support may be configured to be in contact with each other. In particular, in certain embodiments, the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support may be configured to be in physical contact with each other. The distance (d1) between the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support may be (essentially) 0 mm. In such a configuration, the first light source may be received in particular by the second cavity. Thus, the light source may be received in the second cavity when the first support and the second support are configured to be in contact with each other. Therefore, the second cavity may be configured to conform to the 2D array of the first light source. As a result, the second optical element may be recessed into this configuration to have good thermal contact and thus improve thermal management.

[0043] In other embodiments configured such that the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support are in contact with each other, the first support may further include a first cavity configured to receive a first light source. In such embodiments, the first light source may be received by a first cavity in the first support, and the first optical element may be received by a second cavity in the second support. In certain other embodiments, the first light source and the first optical element may be received by a first cavity in the first support.

[0044] However, in still other embodiments, the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support may be configured to be separated from each other by a non-zero distance (d1). The non-zero distance (d1) may be selected from the range of 0.1 to 200 mm, for example, the range of 0.5 to 100 mm, particularly the range of 1 to 10 mm. In such an embodiment, the first light source may be particularly configured within the space of the non-zero distance (d1). In a specific embodiment, the first light source may be at least partially configured within the first cavity or the second cavity. In particular, the first light source and one or more first optical elements may be configured such that the first light source light reaches the through-hole of the second support. Thereby, the non-zero distance can enable an air flow through the light generation system and thus improve heat management.

[0045] In one embodiment, the through-hole may have a hole axis. The hole may be particularly configured parallel to the path of the (collimated) first light source light. The through-hole may have an equivalent circular diameter (D C ). The through-hole may particularly have a maximum equivalent circular diameter (D C1 ). The equivalent circular diameter (or ECD) (or "circular equivalent diameter") of a two-dimensional shape (irregular shape) is the diameter of a circle of equivalent area. For example, the equivalent circular diameter of a square with side a is 2*a*SQRT(1 / π). In the case of a circle, the diameter is the same as the equivalent circular diameter. When a circle with a diameter D in the xy plane is deformed into any other shape (in the xy plane) without changing the area size, the equivalent circular diameter of the shape is D. The maximum equivalent circular diameter D C1 may be particularly defined perpendicular to the hole axis. The maximum equivalent circular diameter D C1 may be selected from the range of 0.1 to 5 mm, for example, the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, particularly the range of 1 to 2 mm. Most specifically, the maximum equivalent circular diameter (D C1The diameter may be at most 5 mm. If the through hole is cylindrical, the diameter is essentially constant throughout the entire height of the through hole. Therefore, the maximum equivalent diameter is also the minimum equivalent diameter, since the diameter is constant throughout the height. However, in the case of a conical through hole, the diameter may increase or decrease throughout the height. In this case, the maximum diameter is the maximum equivalent diameter (D C1 Similarly, this can apply to through holes with a non-circular cross-section.

[0046] In some embodiments, for example, when the through hole has a cylindrical shape, the equivalent diameter D is C The diameter along the through hole may remain (essentially) the same. In such embodiments, the equivalent circular diameter D along the through hole is C The maximum equivalent diameter of the circle is D. C1 It is (essentially) identical to the above. In other embodiments, for example, when the through hole is frustoconical, the equivalent diameter D C The diameter may vary along the through hole. In such embodiments, the maximum equivalent diameter D of the through hole is C1 and minimum circle equivalent diameter D C2 It may have both. Equivalent diameter D C2 It may also be defined perpendicular to the hole axis. Furthermore, the minimum equivalent diameter D C2 The through-hole may be selected from a range of 0.1 to 5 mm, for example, 0.5 to 3 mm, and especially 1 to 2 mm. Thus, the through-hole can allow for sufficient heat sinking to cool the light source.

[0047] In further embodiments, the optical elements may be included in a monolithic optical body, such as a lens plate. In particular, the second optical element may be included in the monolithic optical body. A monolithic optical body including such a second optical element may be referred to herein as the second monolithic optical body. The second monolithic optical body may include optical through-holes. Such optical through-holes may be provided in various shapes, such as cylindrical, square, or frustoconical. In some embodiments, the optical through-holes may have a cylindrical shape, such as an elongated cylindrical shape. In general, the optical through-holes may have (essentially) the same shape. In certain embodiments, the optical through-holes may include optical through-holes having different shapes. The optical through-holes may be aligned with through-holes in the second support, in particular. Furthermore, the optical through-holes may be aligned with the path of light from the first light source. Additionally or alternatively, the optical through-holes may be aligned with the path of light from the second light source. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a monolithic optical body including a first optical element may be referred to herein as the first monolithic optical body. Such a first monolithic optical body may optionally include a first optical body through-hole. The monolithic body may be shown as a lens plate.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first 2D array may have a first array pitch (P1). Furthermore, the second 2D array may have a second array pitch (P2). Array pitch may be defined herein as the distance between individual light sources in the 2D array. The array pitch may be selected from a range of 0.1 to 20 mm, for example, a range of 0.5 to 10 mm, and particularly a range of 1 to 5 mm. Furthermore, the photogenerating system may have an overall pitch (P2) of the light sources. A), that is, there may be a distance between the centers of individual light sources selected from both the first light source and the second light source. In some embodiments, the first array pitch P1 and the second array pitch P2 may be different. In some embodiments, the first array pitch P1 and the second array pitch P2 may be (essentially) the same. In such embodiments, the first array pitch P1 and the second array pitch P2 may, in some embodiments, have a mutual angle (α) of 90°. In such embodiments, P A = 0.5 * P1. Furthermore, P A = 0.5 * P2.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first 2D array may have a first array pitch P1, and the second 2D array may have a second array pitch P2, (a) the first array pitch and the second array pitch have a mutual angle (α) of 90°, and (b) the photogenerating system has an overall pitch P of the light source. A It has the following characteristics: Pa = 0.5 * P1. One or more of these may apply.

[0050] In this invention, the packing of light sources can be increased (e.g., doubled) compared to a single laser bank, thus increasing the intensity of the system light. Therefore, a high-intensity light source can be obtained by stacking.

[0051] In one embodiment, the laser banks may be stacked by rotating the second laser bank relative to the first laser bank so that the through-holes and light sources are aligned in a rotated configuration. Therefore, when using identical types of laser banks, including holes, which are configured as arrays with light sources, the two arrays can be stacked after a 90° rotation in certain embodiments.

[0052] Another option is to use two different types of laser banks, where the configuration of the light source in one laser bank may differ from that of the other, so that the through-hole in the second laser bank is configured downstream of the light source contained in the first laser bank.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first 2D array and / or the second 2D array may be a square array. In another embodiment, the first 2D array and / or the second 2D array may be a (non-square) rectangular array. Other types of arrays may also be possible.

[0054] (Rectangular) arrays have a longest array pitch (P L ) and array shortest pitch (P S ) may have. In the case of some rectangular arrays, especially square arrays, the longest array pitch (P L ) and array shortest pitch (P S ) can be essentially the same. For other (rectangular) arrays, the longest array pitch (P L ) and array shortest pitch (P S ) can be different. As a result, the first 2D array has the longest pitch of the first array (P L1 ) and the shortest pitch of the first array (P S1 ) may have. Furthermore, the second 2D array may have the longest pitch of the second array (P L2 ) and the shortest pitch of the second array (P S2 ) may have. Furthermore, the photogenerating system may have an overall longest pitch (P) of the light source. LA ) and overall shortest pitch (P SA ) may have, i.e., these pitches are based on the combination of the first and second light sources, i.e., the pitch when viewed upstream with respect to the second support. If both arrays are square, the overall pitch may be the same.

[0055] In one embodiment, the longest pitch P of the first array 1Land the longest pitch P of the second array 2L The mutual angle (α) may be not equal to 0° or 180°. In such embodiments, the mutual angle (α) may be 60° or 90°. In certain embodiments, P LA =0.5*P L1 Furthermore, P LA =0.5*P L2 Furthermore, in such an embodiment, P SA =0.5*P S1 and P SA =0.5*P S2 Therefore, compared to a single laser bank, the packing of light sources can be increased (e.g., doubled), thus increasing the density of light sources.

[0056] In further embodiments, the first and second light sources have different centroid wavelengths. In such embodiments, the first light source may be essentially the same light source (particularly with respect to the light source produced). Furthermore, the second light source may be essentially the same light source (particularly with respect to the light source produced). However, the first and second light sources may be different light sources (particularly with respect to the light source produced). In such embodiments, the centroid wavelengths of the first and second light sources may differ by at least 5 nm, for example, at least 10 nm, and particularly at least 20 nm. In particular, the wavelengths of the first and second light sources may be selected such that the system light (including the first and second light sources) is high-intensity white light.

[0057] The term "centroid wavelength," also known as λc, is known in the art and refers to the wavelength value at which half of the light energy lies at shorter wavelengths and half of the light energy lies at longer wavelengths, with the value expressed in nanometers (nm). This is the wavelength that bisects the integral of the spectral power distribution, as expressed by the equation λc = Σλ*I(λ) / (ΣI(λ)), where the sum spans 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 integral intensity). The centroid wavelength may be determined, for example, under operating conditions.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first and second light sources may have different color points. In certain embodiments, the colors or color points of the first and second light sources may be essentially the same if the respective color points of the first and second types of light differ by at most 0.03 for u' and / or at most 0.03 for v', and more particularly by at most 0.02 for u' and / or at most 0.02 for v'. In even more certain embodiments, the respective color points of the first and second types of light may differ by at most 0.01 for u' and / or at most 0.01 for v', where u' and v' are the color coordinates of the light in the CIE1976UCS (uniform chromaticity scale) diagram. Alternatively, the color points may be represented as coordinates in the CIE1931 color space chromaticity diagram.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the first light source may include at least two different types of first light sources. Furthermore, the second light source may include at least two different types of second light sources. Also, the two different types of first light sources may differ in one or more of the centroid wavelength and color points. The two different types of second light sources may differ in one or more of the centroid wavelength and color points. In some embodiments, the centroid wavelengths of the first light source light of at least two different types of first light sources may differ by at least 5 nm, for example, at least 10 nm, and in particular at least 20 nm. The color points u' and / or v' of the first light source light of at least two different types of first light sources may differ in particular by at least 0.01, for example, at least 0.03, and in particular at least 0.05. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the centroid wavelengths of the second light source light of at least two different types of second light sources may differ by at least 5 nm, for example, at least 10 nm, and in particular at least 20 nm. The color points u' and / or v' of the second light source light of at least two different types of second light sources may differ in particular by at least 0.01, for example, at least 0.03, and especially at least 0.05. In this way, it may be possible to provide an RGB solution or other white light solution using, for example, a laser diode. Each laser configuration may provide an RGB solution or other white light solution using a laser diode, or these laser configurations together may provide an RGB solution or other white light solution using a laser diode.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the first and second optical elements may include aspheric lenses (also called aspherical lenses). Aspheric lenses are rotationally symmetric lenses with a more complex surface profile compared to spherical lenses (or "simple lenses"). That is, the surface profile of an aspheric lens cannot be described as part of a single sphere or a single cylinder. In the context of (diode) lasers, aspheric lenses may be used, in particular, for light collimation. Specifically, aspheric lenses may collimate laser light such that the collimated laser light has a spherical beam shape. Furthermore, aspheric lenses may be used to correct optical aberrations that may occur with the use of spherical lenses. Thus, a first aspheric lens may be used to generate a collimated first light source having a spherical beam shape without optical aberration. Furthermore, a second aspheric lens may be used to generate a collimated second light source having a spherical beam shape without optical aberration.

[0061] Furthermore, the first optical element and the second optical element may be arranged at a 90° angle. In particular, the first aspherical lens and the second aspherical lens may be arranged at a 90° angle.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first laser configuration may be a first laser bank or be included in the first laser bank. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second laser configuration may be a second laser bank or be included in the second laser bank.

[0063] When a laser is collimated with a spherical lens, the cross-sectional shape of the beam can be rectangular in particular. As a result, the beam packing density can be higher in one direction of the laser bank than in another orthogonal direction of the laser bank. In such embodiments, through-holes may be configured, in particular, in the direction of lower density between lasers. Therefore, a higher packing density can be promoted to achieve higher light intensity.

[0064] In some embodiments, a laser bank may be applied. The laser bank may be used to increase the input power. Therefore, in some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of light-generating devices configured in the laser bank. The laser bank may include a light-emitting arrangement that includes a (2D) array of a plurality of laser diodes arranged on a thermally conductive carrier, and a plurality of collimator lenses (a lens array having them) corresponding to the laser diodes, such that each laser diode of the plurality of laser diodes includes a collimator lens for collimating the laser light emitted by the laser diodes. This arrangement may include a package architecture or a canned architecture. In the package architecture, the laser diode chip array is arranged on a thermally conductive carrier. A plurality of electrodes may be present for electrically connecting the plurality of laser diodes.

[0065] Accordingly, in further embodiments, the first laser bank includes a first support, a first 2D array of the first light source, and a first optical element. In particular, the second laser bank may include a second support, a second 2D array of the second light source, and a second optical element.

[0066] In particular, a first optical element (e.g., a first aspherical lens) included in the first laser bank may be configured to collide the first light source with the first beam of the collimated first light source. The first light source may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the range of 10° to 30° before collimation. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the light source (beam) may be elliptical, for example, in one embodiment the minor axis may be in the range of about 10° FWHM and the major axis may be in the range of about 30° FWHM. The collimated first light source may have a first full width at half maximum (FWHM) defined beam angle (β1). The first FWHM defined beam angle (β1) may be at most 3° (i.e., 3° ​​or less), for example, at most 2°, and in particular at most 1.5°. By using an aspherical lens (first), a less collimated light source with an elliptical shape may be produced. Furthermore, using an aspherical lens may provide substantially collimated light.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, a second optical element (e.g., a second aspherical lens) included in the second laser bank may be configured to collimate the second light source to the second beam of the collimated second light source. The second light source may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the range of 10° to 30° before collimation. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the light source (beam) may be elliptical, for example, in one embodiment the minor axis may be in the range of about 10° FWHM and the major axis may be in the range of about 30° FWHM. The collimated second light source may have a second FWHM-defining beam angle (β2), in particular. The second FWHM-defining beam angle (β2) may be at most 3°, for example, at most 2°, and in particular at most 1.5°. By using the (second) aspherical lens, a collimated light source with less elliptical shape may be obtained. Furthermore, using aspherical lenses can provide substantially collimated light from a light source.

[0068] In one embodiment, the photogenerating system may further include a homogenizer element. Such a homogenizer element may include, in particular, a beam homogenizer, i.e., an element configured to homogenize a (laser) beam having an irregular energy profile (e.g., a Gaussian energy distribution) and to provide a (laser) beam having a uniformly distributed energy profile. Here, the homogenizer element may, among other things, be configured to homogenize a first beam of collimated first light source light together with a second beam of collimated second light source light. Therefore, the homogenizer element may be configured downstream of the first and second optics. In this way, the light source light of the laser light source may be emitted only through the homogenizer element. Thus, the homogenizer element can provide system light containing a more uniform (laser) beam.

[0069] In further embodiments, the photogenerating system may include a system light window. Such a system light window may be transparent and may be configured to outcoupling (homogenized) light source light as system light. Therefore, the system light window may be located downstream of the homogenizer element. In some embodiments, such a system light window may be provided as part of an optical device (as further described below). In some embodiments, the system light window may include a homogenizer element. In some embodiments, the system light window may be a homogenizer element.

[0070] In one embodiment, the photogenerating system may be configured to provide light including a first light source and / or a second light source in an operating mode of the photogenerating system. In a further embodiment, the photogenerating system may be configured to provide light including a first light source and a second light source in a further operating mode of the photogenerating system. In a particular embodiment, the system light may include homogenized light provided by a homogenizer element (after the collimated light source light has been homogenized). Furthermore, the system light may be provided after being outcoupled, in particular, through a system light window.

[0071] The first light source and / or the second light source may be controlled. In other embodiments, a subset of the first light source may be controlled individually, and / or a subset of the second light source may be controlled individually. Thus, in some embodiments, the first light source and the second light source may be controlled. Therefore, the photogenerating system may include a control system, or may be functionally coupled to a control system.

[0072] The term "controlling" and similar terms particularly refer to at least determining the behavior of an element or supervising its execution. Therefore, in this specification, "controlling" and similar terms may also refer to imposing behavior on an element (determining the behavior of an element or supervising its execution), such as measuring, displaying, operating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc. In addition, "controlling" and similar terms may also include monitoring. Therefore, "controlling" and similar terms may include imposing behavior on an element, and imposing behavior on an element and monitoring the element. Control of an element can be performed using 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. In some embodiments, where the element may include a control system, 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 also refer to a group of different control systems that are functionally coupled, where, for example, one control system may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. A control system may include a user interface, or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0073] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute commands from a remote control. In one embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an app on a portable device such as a smartphone or iPhone, tablet, etc. Thus, the device is not necessarily coupled to the lighting system, but may be functionally coupled to the lighting system (temporarily).

[0074] Therefore, in one 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, in particular 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 entered by a user interface equipped with an optical sensor (e.g., a QR code reader) of the (unique) code. The lighting system may also include means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on Bluetooth®, Thread, WIFI®, LiFi, ZigBee®, BLE or WiMAX, or other wireless technology.

[0075] A system, apparatus, or device may perform actions in a “mode,” “operation mode,” “mode of operation,” or “operational mode.” The term “operation mode” may also be expressed as “controlling mode.” Similarly, in a method, an action, or a stage, or a step may be performed in a “mode,” “operation mode,” “mode of operation,” or “operational mode.” This does not preclude a system, apparatus, or device from being adapted to provide another control mode, or more other control modes. Similarly, this does not preclude one or more other modes from being performed before and / or after a mode has been performed.

[0076] However, in some embodiments, a control system adapted to provide at least one control mode may be available. If other modes are available, the selection of such modes may be performed in particular via a user interface, although other options are also possible, such as performing the mode depending on a sensor signal or (time) scheme. In embodiments, an operating mode may refer to a system, apparatus, or device that can operate in only one operating mode (i.e., "on" with no further adjustability).

[0077] Therefore, in one embodiment, the control system may be controlled by relying on one or more of the following: input signals from a user interface, sensor signals (from a sensor), and timers. The term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0078] As described above, for example, a (diode) laser can be used to provide an RGB solution or other white light solution. A diffuser element may be configured downstream of the laser configuration. In this way, the light source of the laser light source may be emitted only through the diffuser element. In one embodiment, the system light may thus consist essentially of a first light source and / or a second light source emitted from the system through the diffuser element. In particular, the diffuser element may be configured downstream of the first light source and / or the second light source. This may cause the diffuser element to diffuse at least a portion of the first light source into diffuse light. Additionally or alternatively, the diffuser element may be configured to diffuse at least a portion of the second light source into diffuse light. Thus, the diffuse light may include at least a portion of the first light source and / or a portion of the second light source. The system light may include (a) one or more of the first and second light sources, and (b) diffuse light.

[0079] However, additionally or alternatively, a luminescent material (particularly a phosphor-based luminescent material) may be applied to convert at least a portion of the light source light. The luminescent material is configured to convert at least a portion of the light source from the first source and / or at least a portion of the light source from the second source into luminescent material light, and the luminescent material may be configured downstream of the first and second light sources. This can result in a white system light in certain embodiments. Such a white system light may include (a) one or more of the light sources from the first and second sources, and (b) the luminescent material light.

[0080] In particular, the photogenerating system may be configured to provide system light including luminescent material light, a first light source, and / or a second light source in its operating mode. However, in some embodiments, the photogenerating system may be configured to provide system light including diffuse light, a first light source, and / or a second light source in its operating mode. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the photogenerating system may be configured to provide system light including luminescent material light and diffuse light in its operating mode. In particular, the system light may include (a) luminescent material light, (b) diffuse light, and (c) one or more of the first and second light sources. In certain embodiments, the system light may be white light having a color rendering index of at least 80 and a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 10000K.

[0081] The terms “visible,” “visible light,” or “visible emission,” and similar terms, refer to light having one or more wavelengths in the range of approximately 380–780 nm. In this specification, UV may refer in particular to wavelengths selected from the range of 190–380 nm, such as 200–380 nm.

[0082] The terms “white light” and similar terms used herein are known to those skilled in the art. White light can have correlated color temperatures (CCTs) in the range of about 2000K to 7000K, particularly between about 2000K and 20000K, especially between about 1800K and 20000K, and especially in the range of 2700K to 6500K for general illumination. In some embodiments, for example for backlighting purposes or for other purposes, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be particularly in the range of about 7000 to 20000K. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be particularly within about 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the black body locus (BBL), particularly within about 10 SDCM from the BBL, and even more particularly within about 5 SDCM from the BBL.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 6000K to 12000K, such as at least 8000K, or selected from the range of 7000K to 12000K. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 6000K to 12000K, such as selected from the range of 7000K to 12000K, in combination with at least 70 CRI.

[0084] In one embodiment, the photogenerating system may be configured to generate system light including a first light source and a second light source. In particular, the photogenerating system may be configured in this way in the operating mode of the photogenerating system. Here, the system light may be white light having a color rendering index of at least 60, for example at least 80, and particularly at least 90. Furthermore, the system light may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1600 to 21000K, for example 1800 to 20000K, and particularly 2000 to 10000K.

[0085] Therefore, the photogenerating system may include two stacked laser banks that generate (narrow) light beams of a first and a second light source, together providing high-intensity white system light.

[0086] The light generation system may be part of, or used in, an office lighting system, a household application system, a retail 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 an LCD backlight, for example. The light generation system (or lighting fixture) may also be part of, or used in, an optical communication system or a disinfection system, for example.

[0087] In a further embodiment, the present invention also provides a lamp or luminaire including a light-generating system as defined herein. The luminaire may further include a housing, optical elements, louvers, etc. The lamp or luminaire may further include a housing enclosing the light-generating system. The lamp or luminaire may have a light window or housing opening in the housing, and the system light may escape from the housing through the light window or housing opening. In a further embodiment, the present invention also provides a projection device including a light-generating system as defined herein. In particular, the 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-generating systems as described herein. Thus, in a certain embodiment, the present invention also provides a lighting device selected from the group consisting of lamps, luminaires, projector devices, disinfection devices, photochemical reactors, and optical wireless communication devices, which includes a light-generating system as defined herein. The lighting device may include a housing configured to house or a carrier configured to support one or more elements of a photogenerating system. For example, in one embodiment, the lighting device may include a housing configured to house or a carrier configured to support one or more photogenerating systems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0088] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The schematic diagrams are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1] Figures 1A to 1F schematically show embodiments of a photogenerating system or elements of a photogenerating system. [Figure 2] Figures 2A-C schematically show further embodiments of the photogeneration system. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B schematically show top and bottom views of an embodiment of the photogeneration system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 schematically illustrates some applications of the photogeneration system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0089] Figures 1A and 1B schematically show various embodiments of the photogenerating system 1000. In one embodiment, the photogenerating system 1000 may include a first support 2100, a first 2D array 2110 of the first light source 10, a first optical element 410, a second support 2200, a second 2D array 2210 of the second light source 20, and a second optical element 420.

[0090] Furthermore, the first support 2100 may be configured to support a first light source 10, and the second support 2200 may be configured to support a second light source 20. In particular, the first light source 10 may be configured to generate first light source light 11, and the second light source 20 may be configured to generate second light source light 21. In particular, the first light source 10 may include a laser diode, and the second light source 20 may include a laser diode. Furthermore, the first support 2100 may include a first thermal conductive element 2160, and / or the second support 2200 may include a second thermal conductive element 2260.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first optical element 410 may be configured downstream of the first light source 10 and may be configured to collide the first light source beam 11 with the first beam 15 of the collimated first light source beam 11. Similarly, the second optical element 420 may be configured downstream of the second light source 20 and may be configured to collide the second light source beam 21 with the second beam 25 of the collimated second light source beam 21.

[0092] In particular, the first support 2100 and the second support 2200 may be configured in a stacked manner. The second support 2200 may include an array 2220 of through-holes 2250 configured in alignment with the first optical element 410. This allows the through-holes to propagate at least a portion of the collimated first light source 11 through the second support 2200.

[0093] In particular, one embodiment of the light generation system 1000 may be configured to generate system light 1001 including one or more of the first light source light 11 and the second light source light 21.

[0094] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the photogenerating system 1000 includes a first laser configuration 4100, which includes a first laser bank 3100, the first laser bank 3100, which may include a first support 2100, a first 2D array 2110 of the first light source 10, and a first optical element 410. Furthermore, the photogenerating system 1000 includes a second laser configuration 4200, which includes a second laser bank 3200, the second laser bank 3200, which may include a second support 2200, a second 2D array 2210 of the second light source 20, and a second optical element 420.

[0095] In particular, the first optical element 410 may be configured to collide the first light source 11 with the first beam 15 of the collimated first light source 11 having a first full width at half maximum defined beam angle (β1) of at most 2°. Furthermore, the second optical element 420 may be configured to collide the second light source 21 with the second beam 25 of the collimated second light source 21 having a second full width at half maximum defined beam angle (β2) of at most 2°.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first light source 11 and the second light source 21 may have a difference in their centroid wavelengths of at least 10 nm.

[0097] In particular, the first optical element 410 and the second optical element 420 may include aspherical lenses. Furthermore, one or more of the first optical elements 410 and the second optical elements 420 may be arranged at a 90° angle.

[0098] Furthermore, the light generation system 1000 may be configured to provide system light 1001 including a first light source 11 and a second light source 21 in the operating mode of the light generation system 1000. In one embodiment, the system light 1001 may be white light having a color rendering index of at least 80 and a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 20000K.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the first thermal conductive element 2160 and the second thermal conductive element 2260 may be individually selected from the group consisting of heat sinks, heat spreaders, and two-phase cooling devices.

[0100] As shown in the embodiment (I) of Figure 1A and in Figure 1D, the upper side 2101 of the first support 2100 and the lower side 2202 of the second support 2200 may be configured to be in contact with each other, in particular to be in physical contact with each other, where the distance (d1) may be essentially zero. Reference numeral 2201 refers to the upper side of the second support 2200.

[0101] In embodiments (II) and (III) of Figure 1A, and in Figure 1B, the upper side 2101 of the first support 2100 and the bottom side 2202 of the second support 2200 may be configured to be separated from each other by a non-zero distance (d1).

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in embodiment (I) of Figure 1A, the second support 2200 may include a cavity 2300, in particular a second cavity 2320. The second cavity 2320 may be configured to accept at least a subset of the first optical elements 410. In particular, the second cavity 2320 may be configured upstream of the through hole 2250, or may include the through hole 2250.

[0103] Specifically, Figure 1B shows an embodiment of a photogenerating system 1000 in which the first light source 10 may include at least two different types of first light sources 10, and the second light source 20 may include at least two different types of second light sources 20. Here, the first light source 10 may differ in one or more of the following: (a) centroid wavelength, (b) color point, and (c) correlated color temperature. The second light source 20 may also differ in one or more of the following: (a) centroid wavelength, (b) color point, and (c) correlated color temperature. Here, the centroid wavelength may differ by at least 10 nm. Furthermore, u' may differ by at least 0.03, and / or v' may differ by at least 0.03. Thus, the first type of first light source 10' may generate first light source light 11', and the second type of first light source 10'' may generate first light source light 11'' having a different spectral power distribution from the first light 11. Furthermore, a second light source 20' of the first type may generate a second light source 21', and a second light source 20'' of another type may generate a second light source 21''.

[0104] Figure 1C shows a second optical element 420 contained in a second monolithic optical body 2410, which includes an optical body through-hole 2450 aligned with the through-hole 2250. Here, the second optical element 420 may have a second optical element pitch P3, i.e., the distance between the centers of one second optical element 420 and the center of another second optical element 420.

[0105] Figure 1D shows an embodiment of the photogenerating system 1000 in which the first support 2100 may include a cavity 2300, in particular a first cavity 2310. The first cavity 2310 may be configured to receive at least a subset of the first light source 10. The photogenerating system 1000 further includes a first thermal conductive element 2160 and a blower fan 2165 that supplies an airflow 2166 to the first thermal conductive element 2160.

[0106] Figures 1E-F schematically show a second optical element 420, in particular a monolithic body 2410 including a lens. The monolithic body 2410 may be a second monolithic body 2410 included in a second laser configuration 4200. The second monolithic body 2410 may include an optical through-hole 2450 aligned with a through-hole 250 of the second support 2200. The through-hole 2250 may have a hole axis 2251.

[0107] Figure 1E specifically shows an embodiment in which the second optical element 420 includes a circular lens, although other shapes are also possible. The packing density of the laser in the Y direction is equal to the packing density of the light source in the X direction.

[0108] Figure 1F specifically illustrates an embodiment in which the second optical element 420 includes an aspherical lens. The packing density of the laser in the Y direction is lower than the packing density of the light source in the X direction.

[0109] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a light generation system 1000 further comprising (a) a diffuser element 710 and (b) a luminescent material 200. In particular, the diffuser element 710 may be configured downstream of the first light source 10 and the second light source 20. Furthermore, the diffuser element 710 may be configured to diffuse at least a portion of the light from the first light source 11 and / or at least a portion of the light from the second light source 21 into diffused light 711. Furthermore, the luminescent material 200 may be configured downstream of the first light source 10 and the second light source 20. Furthermore, the luminescent material 200 may be configured to convert at least a portion of the light from the first light source 11 and / or at least a portion of the light from the second light source 21 into luminescent material light. Here, the light generation system 1000 may be configured to provide system light 1001 comprising luminescent material light 201 and diffused light 711 in the operating mode of the light generation system 1000. In particular, the system light 1001 may be white light having at least a color rendering index of 80 and a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 10000K.

[0110] In particular, Figure 2A shows one embodiment of a photogenerating system 1000 that includes a luminescent material 200 configured downstream of light sources 10 and 20. Furthermore, the illustrated photogenerating system 1000 includes a diffuser element 710 configured downstream of the luminescent material 200. The system light 1001, including the first light source light 11 and / or the second light source light 21, may be configured at least partially as system light including at least the luminescent material light 201. The latter (converted) system light is indicated by reference numeral 1001'.

[0111] On the other hand, Figure 2B shows one embodiment of a photogenerating system 1000 that includes a diffuser element 710 configured downstream of the light sources 10 and 20. Furthermore, the illustrated photogenerating system 1000 includes a luminescent material 200 configured downstream of the diffuser element 710.

[0112] In particular, Figure 2A shows one embodiment including two configurations: a first laser configuration 4100 and a second laser configuration 4200. In one configuration, the first laser configuration 4100 and the second laser configuration 4200 are aligned and stacked together. In another configuration, the first laser configuration 4100 and the second laser configuration 4200 are stacked partially overlapping each other (see also, for example, Figures 3a-3b).

[0113] Furthermore, Figure 2C shows a photogenerating system 1000 including a homogenizer element 720. The homogenizer element 720 may be configured to homogenize the first beam 15 of the collimated first light source 11 and the second beam 25 of the collimated second light source 21. Therefore, the homogenizer element 720 may be configured downstream of the light sources 10, 20. Furthermore, the photogenerating system 1000 may include a system light window 750 located downstream of the homogenizer element 720. Thus, the photogenerating system 1000 may be configured to provide system light 1001 including the first light source 11 and the second light source 21, in particular homogenized system light 721, in the operating modes of the photogenerating system 1000.

[0114] Figures 3A and 3B show top-bottom views of the photogenerating system 1000. Here, the through-hole 2250 may have a hole axis 2251. Furthermore, the through-hole 2250 has a maximum equivalent circular diameter D defined perpendicular to the hole axis 2251, with a maximum of 5 mm. C1 It may have, in particular, the maximum equivalent diameter D C1 The size may be selected from a range of 0.5 to 3 mm.

[0115] As shown in Figure 3A, the through-hole 2250 may have a cylindrical shape, particularly an elongated cylindrical shape. In particular, the first 2D array 2110 may have a first array pitch P1. Similarly, the second 2D array 2210 may have a second array pitch P2. The first array pitch P1 and the second array pitch P2 may, in particular, have a mutual angle α of 90°. Thus, the photogenerating system 1000 has an overall pitch P of the light sources (10, 20). A It may have P. Therefore, P A = 0.5 * P1. Furthermore, P A = 0.5 * P2.

[0116] As shown in Figure 3B, the through-hole 2250 may have a rectangular shape, particularly a shape that fits the laser bar. Furthermore, the first 2D array 2110 has the longest first array pitch P L1 and the shortest first array pitch P S1 It may have the longest second array pitch P. L2 and the shortest second array pitch P S2 It may have the following: This allows the light generation system 1000 to have the overall longest pitch P of the light sources 10 and 20. LA and the overall shortest pitch P SA It may have.

[0117] In an alternative embodiment, the first support 2100 and the second support 2200 may be rotated (see also Figure 3a).

[0118] In further embodiments, two different types of first and second supports 2100 and 2200 may be used, in which the hole positions and light source positions are reversed. In this way, a small pitch, and thus a high-intensity photogenerating system, can be applied.

[0119] Depending on the choice, the supports 2100 and 2200 may be stacked and essentially configured on top of each other, as shown on the right side of Figures 3a and 2a, or they may be stacked and shifted, as shown on the left side of Figures 3b and 2a.

[0120] Figure 4 schematically shows an embodiment of a 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 that is included in or functionally coupled to the light generation system 1000. Figure 4 also schematically shows an embodiment of a lamp 1 including the light generation system 1000. Reference numeral 3 indicates a projector device or projector system that can be used to project an image onto a wall or the like, and the projector device or projector system may also include the light generation system 1000. Accordingly, Figure 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a lighting device 1200, which is selected from the group consisting of lamp 1, lighting fixture 2, projector device 3, disinfection device, photochemical reactor, and optical wireless communication device, and includes a light generation system 1000 as described herein. In some embodiments, such a lighting device may be lamp 1, lighting fixture 2, projector device 3, disinfection device, optical wireless communication device, or automotive lighting device. The illumination device light escaping from the illumination device 1200 is indicated by reference numeral 1201. The illumination device light 1201 may essentially consist of system light 1001, and thus, in certain embodiments, it may be system light 1001. Reference numeral 1300 refers to a space, such as a room. Reference numeral 1305 refers to the floor, reference numeral 1310 refers to the ceiling, and reference numeral 1307 refers to the wall.

[0121] The term "plural" refers to two or more items.

[0122] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” as used herein will be understood by those skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely,” “completely,” “all,” and so on. Therefore, in embodiments, the adjectives “substantially” or “essentially” may be omitted. Where applicable, the terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also relate to 90% or more, including 100%, such as 95% or more, 99% or more, and even more specifically 99.5% or more.

[0123] The term "comprise" also includes embodiments in which the term "comprise" means "consists of".

[0124] The term "and / or" specifically relates to one or more of the items mentioned before or after it. 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 one embodiment, mean "consisting of," but in another embodiment, it may also mean "including at least the defined species, and optionally one or more other species."

[0125] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in the text and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order. Such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in other orders than those described or illustrated herein.

[0126] Devices, apparatus, or systems are described herein, in particular, in their operation. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0127] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting to the present invention, and that those skilled in the art can design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0128] In a claim, no reference numeral in parentheses should be construed as limiting the claim.

[0129] The use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not preclude the existence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. Unless the context makes it clear that there is a different meaning, terms such as "comprise" and "comprising" throughout the specification and claims should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to," rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0130] The singular notation of an element does not exclude the possibility of multiple instances of that element.

[0131] The present invention may be implemented by hardware comprising several individual elements and by a suitably programmed computer. In device, apparatus, or system claims that enumerate several means, some of these means may be embodied by the same hardware item. The mere fact that certain means are enumerated in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously. Thus, in yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a software product that, when run on a computer, can implement one or more of the methods described herein.

[0132] The present invention also provides a control system capable of controlling a device, apparatus, or system, or performing a method or process described herein. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a computer program product that, when executed on a computer functionally coupled to or included in a device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0133] The present invention further applies to devices, apparatus, or systems that include one or more of the features described in the text of the specification and / or the features shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention further relates to methods or processes that include one or more of the features described in the text of the specification and / or the features shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0134] The various embodiments discussed in this patent can be combined to provide further advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that three or more embodiments can be combined. Moreover, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A photogenerating system comprising a first support, a first 2D array of a first light source, a first optical element, a second support, a second 2D array of a second light source, and a second optical element, The first support is configured to support the first light source, the second support is configured to support the second light source, the first light source is configured to generate first light source light, the second light source is configured to generate second light source light, the first light source includes a laser diode, the second light source includes a laser diode, the first support includes a first thermal conductive element, and / or the second support includes a second thermal conductive element. The first optical element is configured downstream of the first light source and is configured to collide the light from the first light source with the first beam of the collimated first light source; the second optical element is configured downstream of the second light source and is configured to collide the light from the second light source with the second beam of the collimated second light source; The first support and the second support are configured to be stacked, and the second support includes an array of through-holes configured to be aligned with the first optical element, which allows at least a portion of the collimated first light source light to propagate through the second support. The first laser bank includes the first support, the first 2D array of the first light source, and the first optical element, and / or the second laser bank includes the second support, the second 2D array of the second light source, and the second optical element, The first optical element is configured to collide the first light source to a first beam of collimated first light source having a first full width at half maximum defined beam angle of at most 2°, and / or the second optical element is configured to collide the second light source to a second beam of collimated second light source having a second full width at half maximum defined beam angle of at most 2°, The light generation system is configured to generate system light including one or more of the first light source light and the second light source light.

2. The photogenerating system according to claim 1, wherein the second support includes a second cavity, the second cavity being configured to accept at least a subset of the first optical elements.

3. The photogenerating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support are configured to be in contact with each other, or the upper side of the first support and the bottom side of the second support are configured to be separated from each other by a non-zero distance.

4. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the through hole has a hole axis, and the through hole has a maximum circular equivalent diameter defined perpendicular to the hole axis, with a maximum of 5 mm.

5. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the through-hole has a cylindrical shape.

6. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second optical element is included in a monolithic optical body including an optical body through-hole aligned with the through-hole, and the first thermal conductive element and the second thermal conductive element are individually selected from the group consisting of a heat sink, a heat spreader, and a two-phase cooling device.

7. The first 2D array has a first array pitch (P1), and the second 2D array has a second array pitch. (a) The first array pitch and the second array pitch have a mutual angle of 90°, and (b) The light generation system has an overall pitch (P Ａ ) has the property that Pa = 0.5 * P1, A photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of the above apply.

8. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first light source and the second light source have a difference in centroid wavelength of at least 10 nm.

9. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element include an aspherical lens.

10. The photogenerating system according to claims 6 and 9, wherein the second optical element includes a rectangular lens, the through-hole is located between a subset of three or four second optical elements, and the monolithic optics includes the rectangular lens.

11. The first light source includes at least two different types of first light sources that differ in one or more of the following: (a) centroid wavelength, where the centroid wavelengths differ by at least 10 nm; and (b) color points, where u' differs by at least 0.03 and / or v' differs by at least 0.

03. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second light source includes at least two different types of second light sources, each differing in one or more of the following: (a) centroid wavelength, wherein the centroid wavelengths differ by at least 10 nm; and (b) color point, wherein u' differs by at least 0.03 and / or v' differs by at least 0.

03.

12. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first laser bank includes the first 2D array and a shared first support, a shared first heat sink, and a shared first optical element, and / or the second laser bank includes the second 2D array and a shared second support, a shared second heat sink, and a shared second optical element.

13. The photogenerating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the photogenerating system includes a homogenizer element configured to homogenize a first beam of collimated first light source light and a second beam of collimated second light source light, the photogenerating system includes a system light window located downstream of the homogenizer element, and the photogenerating system is configured to provide homogenized system light including the first light source light and the second light source light in an operating mode of the photogenerating system.

14. The light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising (a) a diffuser element and (b) a luminescent material, wherein (a) the diffuser element is configured downstream of the first light source and the second light source, and the diffuser element is configured to diffuse at least a portion of the light from the first light source and / or at least a portion of the light from the second light source into diffused light, and (b) the luminescent material is configured downstream of the first light source and the second light source, and the luminescent material is configured to convert at least a portion of the light from the first light source and / or at least a portion of the light from the second light source into luminescent material light, and the light generation system is configured to provide system light comprising the luminescent material light and the diffused light in an operating mode of the light generation system, and the system light is white light having a color rendering index of at least 80 and a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 10000 K.

15. A lighting device selected from the group consisting of lamps, lighting fixtures, projector devices, disinfection devices, photochemical reaction devices, automotive lighting devices, and optical wireless communication devices, comprising a light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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