Safe and efficient patterned and beam-shaping of laser light

Abstract

The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprises: (A) a first light generating device (110) configured to provide first device light (111); (B) optics (500) comprising a first redirection optical element (510) configured to (i) direct first device light (111), received by the first redirection optical element (510), in an optical path to a diffuser arrangement (700), and (ii) direct first diffused device light (711), received by the first redirection optical element (510), in an optical path to a light exit (1090); (C) the diffuser arrangement (700) comprising a diffuser (710) and a diffuser arrangement λ / 4 waveplate (720), wherein: (C1) the diffuser (710) comprises a polarization maintaining diffuser, wherein the diffuser (710) is configured to diffuse first device light (111) received by the diffuser (710) into first diffused device light (711); (C2) the diffuser arrangement λ / 4 waveplate (720) is configured to direct (i) first device light (111) received by the diffuser arrangement λ / 4 waveplate (720) to the diffuser (710), and to direct (ii) first diffused device light (711) received by the diffuser arrangement λ / 4 waveplate (720) to the first redirection optical element (510); wherein the first device light (111), received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the first light generating device (110), has a first linear polarization and the first diffused device light (711), received by the first redirection optical element (510), has a second linear polarization, different from the first linear polarization; (D) a patterned reflector (400) configured to pattern the first diffused device light (711), thereby providing patterned diffused device light (712); wherein the patterned reflector (400) comprises (i) one or more first sections (401) configured to reflect the first diffused device light (711) received by the one or more first sections (401) of the patterned reflector (400) and (ii) one or more second sections (402) configured to transmit first diffused device light (711) received by the one or more second sections (402) of the patterned reflector (400); and wherein (E) the light generating system (1000) is configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system (1000), via the light exit (1090), system light (1001) comprising at least part of the patterned diffused device light (712).

Description

[0001] 2024PF80285

[0002] 1

[0003] Safe and efficient patterned and beam-shaping of laser light

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a light generating system. The invention further relates to a lighting device comprising said light generating system.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Laser-based light generating devices are known in the art. W02023030016A1, for instance, describes a laser projection device, comprising a light source assembly, a light machine and a lens. The light source assembly is configured to emit an illumination beam. The light machine is configured to modulate the illumination beam emitted by the light source assembly so as to obtain a projection beam. The lens is configured to image the projection beam. The light source assembly comprises a first laser array, a second laser array and a first light-combining component. The first laser array is configured to emit a first laser beam. The second laser array is configured to emit a second laser beam. The light exit direction of the first laser array is perpendicular to the light exit direction of the second laser array, and both the first laser beam and the second laser beam comprise three-color laser light. The first light-combining component is arranged at the intersection of the first laser beam and the second laser beam, and is configured to reflect the first laser beam and transmit the second laser beam.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Laser-phosphor systems may allow generation of high brightness light and may therefore be used in projection systems, including displays such as cinema projectors and projectors for home, school, and office applications, car front lighting, search lighting, stage lighting, architectural lighting, and special lighting applications. However, the maximum brightness may be limited by the components used, the engine volume may be large due to the many components, and the system cost may be high due to the many dedicated components. Further, prior art systems may have relatively high risks for eyesafety should one or more optical components break or malfunction. Therefore, it may be desired to improve the safety, compactness and / or performance / cost ratio of laser-phosphor 2024PF80285

[0010] 2 technology. Especially, it may be desired to provide higher flux high brightness light engines that provide improved optical performance, such as efficient beam shaping and beam patterning, while remaining compact and eye-safe architectures. Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative light generating system, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of above-described drawbacks. The present invention may have as object to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a light generating system comprising a lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement may comprise a first light generating device, optics, a diffuser arrangement, a patterned reflector, and a light exit. In embodiments, the first light generating device may comprise a solid-state light source selected from the group of laser diodes, superluminescent diodes, and multi-junction diodes. Furthermore, in embodiments, the first light generating device may be configured to provide first device light. The optics may especially comprise a first redirection optical element. In embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured in an optical path between the first light generating device and the diffuser arrangement. Further, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, in an optical path to a diffuser arrangement. Additionally, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element, in an optical path to a light exit. In embodiments, the first device light received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device may comprise linear polarized light. Further, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may comprise a diffuser and a diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate. In embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a polarization maintaining diffuser. Further, in embodiments, the diffuser may be configured in a light receiving relationship with the first light generating device via the first redirection optical element. As such, the diffuser may be configured to diffuse at least part of the first device light, received by the diffuser (via the first redirection optical element), into first diffused device light. Further, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the diffuser. As such, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate. In embodiments, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct first device light, received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate from the first 2024PF80285

[0012] 3 redirection optical element, to the diffuser. Additionally, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct first diffused device light, received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate from the diffuser, to the first redirection optical element. The first device light, received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device, may especially have a first linear polarization. Conversely, the first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, may have a second linear polarization. The second linear polarization may especially be different from the first linear polarization. Further, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured in an optical path between the X / 4 waveplate and the light exit. The patterned reflector may especially be configured to pattern the first diffused device light (received via the diffuser arrangement and optionally first redirection optical element), thereby providing patterned diffused device light. Therefore, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may comprise one or more first sections and one or more second sections. In embodiments, the one or more first sections may be configured to reflect (at least part of) the first diffused device light received by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector. Conversely, in embodiments, the one or more second sections may be configured to transmit (at least part of) the first diffused device light received by the one or more second sections of the patterned reflector. In further embodiments, the light generating system may be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, system light. Especially, the light generating system may be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, via the light exit, system light comprising at least part of the patterned diffused device light. Hence, in specific embodiments, the invention provides a light generating system comprising a lighting arrangement, wherein the lighting arrangement comprises: (A) a first light generating device comprising a solid-state light source selected from the group of laser diodes, superluminescent diodes, and multi -junction diodes; wherein the first light generating device is configured to provide first device light; (B) optics comprising a first redirection optical element wherein the first redirection optical element is configured in an optical path between the first light generating device and a diffuser arrangement; wherein the first redirection optical element is configured to (i) direct first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, in an optical path to a diffuser arrangement, and (ii) direct first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element, in an optical path to a light exit; wherein first device light received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device comprises linear polarized light; (C) the diffuser arrangement comprising a 2024PF80285

[0013] 4 diffuser and a diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, wherein: (Cl) the diffuser comprises a polarization maintaining diffuser, wherein the diffuser is configured in a light receiving relationship with the first light generating device via the first redirection optical element, wherein the diffuser is configured to diffuse at least part of the first device light received by the diffuser via the first redirection optical element into first diffused device light; (C2) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate is configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the diffuser, wherein the first redirection optical element is configured to direct first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, wherein the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate is configured to direct (i) first device light received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate from the first redirection optical element to the diffuser, and to direct (ii) first diffused device light received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate from the diffuser to the first redirection optical element; wherein the first device light, received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device, has a first linear polarization and the first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, has a second linear polarization, different from the first linear polarization; (D) a patterned reflector configured in an optical path between the X / 4 waveplate and the light exit; wherein the patterned reflector is configured to pattern the first diffused device light, thereby providing patterned diffused device light; wherein the patterned reflector comprises (i) one or more first sections configured to reflect the first diffused device light received by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector and (ii) one or more second sections configured to transmit the first diffused device light received by the one or more second sections of the patterned reflector; and wherein (E) the light generating system is configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, via the light exit, system light comprising at least part of the patterned diffused device light.

[0014] With such a light generating system, high intensity (laser) light may be provided, that may still be relatively safe in case of break or malfunction of components. Moreover, the light generating system may provide recycling of light, therewith improving the system efficiency. Further, when using an element comprising light-reflecting sections and light-transmitting sections beam shaping and / or beam patterning may be achieved with relatively high efficiency. Further, with the system it may be possible to provide white light, optionally having controllable spectral properties. Further, should a luminescent material be applied, the beam sizes and / or full width half maximum angles of the luminescent material light and the first diffused device light may better be matched. The system may be relatively 2024PF80285

[0015] 5 compact as a limited number of components are required. As a result, the system may further be relatively cost-efficient. Hence, amongst others the invention may provide safe and efficient patterned and beam-shaping of laser light.

[0016] As indicated above, the invention may provide a light generating system (or “system”) comprising a lighting arrangement and a light exit. In embodiments, the lighting arrangement may comprise a first light generating device, optics, a diffuser arrangement, and a patterned reflector. Here below, embodiments of the different components of the light generating system will be described in further detail.

[0017] In embodiments, the system may comprise a light exit, like an end window or an (other) optical element, like a lens, or an opening, from which the system light may escape to the external of the system. Hence, the term “light exit” may refer to a part of the system, such as in specific embodiment a part in a housing enclosing the herein described elements of the light generating system (such as optics and light generating devices), from which the system light may emanate (during an operational mode of the light generating system). Hence, the system may comprise a housing, comprising such light exit. The housing may at least partly enclose one or more light generating devices and one or more (other) optical elements.

[0018] The system especially comprises a first light generating device. The term “first light generating device” may also refer to a plurality of (essentially identical) first light generating devices, such as from the same bin. Especially, each light generating device may comprise a (solid state) light source, configured to generate light source light. Hence, especially the light of the light generating device may in embodiments comprise, or essentially consist, of the light source light of the (solid state) light source. Here below, some embodiments of light generating devices and light sources are described in general.

[0019] The term “light source” may in principle relate to any light source known in the art. It may be a conventional (tungsten) light bulb, a low pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an LED (light emitting diode). In a specific embodiment, the light source comprises a solid state light source (such as an LED or laser diode (or “diode laser”)). The term “light source” may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2-2000 (solid state) LED light sources. Hence, the term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Further, the term “light source” may in embodiments also refer to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term “COB” especially refers to LED chips in the form of a semiconductor chip that is neither encased nor connected but directly mounted onto a substrate, such as a PCB. Hence, a plurality of light emitting semiconductor 2024PF80285

[0020] 6 light source may be configured on the same substrate. In embodiments, a COB is a multi LED chip configured together as a single lighting module.

[0021] The term “light source” may also refer to a chip scaled package (CSP). A CSP may comprise a single solid state die with provided thereon a luminescent material comprising layer. The term “light source” may also refer to a midpower package. A midpower package may comprise one or more solid state die(s). The die(s) may be covered by a luminescent material comprising layer. The die dimensions may be equal to or smaller than 2 mm, such as in the range of e.g. 0.2-2 mm. Hence, in embodiments the light source comprises a solid state light source. Further, in specific embodiments, the light source comprises a chip scale packaged LED. Herein, the term “light source” may also especially refer to a small solid state light source, such as having a mini size or micro size. For instance, the light sources may comprise one or more of mini LEDs and micro LEDs. Especially, in embodiment the light sources comprise micro LEDs or “microLEDs” or “pLEDs”. Herein, the term mini size or mini LED especially indicates to solid state light sources having dimensions, such as die dimension, especially length and width, selected from the range of 100 pm - 1 mm. Herein, the term p size or micro LED especially indicates to solid state light sources having dimensions, such as die dimension, especially length and width, selected from the range of 100 pm and smaller.

[0022] The light source may have a light escape surface. Referring to conventional light sources such as light bulbs or fluorescent lamps, it may be an outer surface of a glass or a quartz envelope. For LED’s it may for instance be the LED die, or when a resin is applied to the LED die, the outer surface of the resin. In principle, it may also be the terminal end of a fiber. The term escape surface especially relates to that part of the light source, where the light actually leaves or escapes from the light source. The light source is configured to provide a beam of light. This beam of light (thus) escapes from the light exit surface of the light source.

[0023] Likewise, a light generating device may comprise a light escape surface, such as an end window. Further, likewise a light generating system may comprise a light escape surface, such as an end window.

[0024] The term “light source” may refer to a semiconductor light-emitting device, such as a light emitting diode (LEDs), a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSELs), an edge emitting laser, etc... The term “light source” may also refer to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), such as a passive-matrix (PMOLED) or an active-matrix (AMOLED). In a specific embodiment, the light source 2024PF80285

[0025] 7 comprises a solid-state light source (such as an LED or laser diode). In an embodiment, the light source comprises an LED (light emitting diode). The terms “light source” or “solid state light source” may also refer to a superluminescent diode (SLED).

[0026] The term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs.

[0027] The term “light source” may also relate to a plurality of (essentially identical (or different)) light sources, such as 2-2000 solid state light sources. In embodiments, the light source may comprise one or more micro-optical elements (array of micro lenses) downstream of a single solid-state light source, such as an LED, or downstream of a plurality of solid-state light sources (i.e. e.g. shared by multiple LEDs). In embodiments, the light source may comprise an LED with on-chip optics. In embodiments, the light source comprises pixelated single LEDs (with or without optics) (offering in embodiments on-chip beam steering).

[0028] In embodiments, the light source may be configured to provide primary radiation, which is used as such, such as e.g. a blue light source, like a blue LED, or a green light source, such as a green LED, and a red light source, such as a red LED. Such LEDs, which may not comprise a luminescent material (“phosphor”) may be indicated as direct color LEDs.

[0029] In other embodiments, however, the light source may be configured to provide primary radiation and part of the primary radiation is converted into secondary radiation. Secondary radiation may be based on conversion by a luminescent material. The secondary radiation may therefore also be indicated as luminescent material radiation. The luminescent material may in embodiments be comprised by the light source, such as an LED with a luminescent material layer or dome comprising luminescent material. Such LEDs may be indicated as phosphor converted LEDs or PC LEDs (phosphor converted LEDs). In other embodiments, the luminescent material may be configured at some distance (“remote”) from the light source, such as an LED with a luminescent material layer not in physical contact with a die of the LED. Hence, in specific embodiments the light source may be a light source that during operation emits at least light at wavelength selected from the range of 380-470 nm. However, other wavelengths may also be possible. This light may partially be converted by the luminescent material.

[0030] In embodiments, the light generating device may comprise a luminescent material. In embodiments, the light generating device may comprise a PC LED. In other embodiments, the light generating device may comprise a direct LED (i.e. no phosphor). In embodiments, the light generating device may comprise a laser device, like a laser diode. In 2024PF80285

[0031] 8 embodiments, the light generating device may comprise a superluminescent diode. Hence, in specific embodiments, the light source may be selected from the group of laser diodes and superluminescent diodes. In other embodiments, the light source may comprise an LED.

[0032] The light source may especially be configured to generate light source light having an optical axis (O), (a beam shape,) and a spectral power distribution. The light source light may in embodiments comprise one or more bands, having band widths as known for lasers.

[0033] The term “light source” may (thus) refer to a light generating element as such, like e.g. a solid state light source, or e.g. to a package of the light generating element, such as a solid state light source, and one or more of a luminescent material comprising element and (other) optics, like a lens, a collimator. A light converter element (“converter element” or “converter”) may comprise a luminescent material comprising element. For instance, a solid state light source as such, like a blue LED, is a light source. A combination of a solid state light source (as light generating element) and a light converter element, such as a blue LED and a light converter element, optically coupled to the solid state light source, may also be a light source (but may also be indicated as light generating device). Hence, a white LED is a light source (but may e.g. also be indicated as (white) light generating device).

[0034] The term “light source” herein may also refer to a light source comprising a solid state light source, such as an LED or a laser diode or a superluminescent diode.

[0035] The term “light source” may (thus) in embodiments also refer to a light source that is (also) based on conversion of light, such as a light source in combination with a luminescent converter material. Hence, the term “light source” may also refer to a combination of an LED with a luminescent material configured to convert at least part of the LED radiation, or to a combination of a (diode) laser with a luminescent material configured to convert at least part of the (diode) laser radiation.

[0036] In embodiments, the term “light source” may also refer to a combination of a light source, like an LED, and an optical filter, which may change the spectral power distribution of the light generated by the light source. Especially, the term “light generating device” may be used to address a light source and further (optical components), like an optical filter and / or a beam shaping element, etc.

[0037] The phrases “different light sources” or “a plurality of different light sources”, and similar phrases, may in embodiments refer to a plurality of solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins. Likewise, the phrases “identical light sources” or “a plurality of same light sources”, and similar phrases, may in embodiments refer to a plurality of solid-state light sources selected from the same bin. 2024PF80285

[0038] 9

[0039] The term “solid state light source”, or “solid state material light source”, and similar terms, may especially refer to semiconductor light sources, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, or a superluminescent diode.

[0040] In embodiments, the terms “laser” or “solid state laser” or “solid state material laser” may refer to one or more of a semiconductor laser diodes, such as GaN, InGaN, AlGalnP, AlGaAs, InGaAsP, lead salt, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), quantum cascade laser, hybrid silicon laser, etc. Suitable solid state lasers may be selected from (III-V compound) semiconductor lasers, such as in specific embodiments semiconductor lasers selected from the group of GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, and AlGalnN, (especially for blue-green), GaP, InP, GalnP, and AlGalnP (especially for red-NIR), GaAs, AlGaAs, InGaAs, and InGaAsP (especially for NIR-MIR). Hence, in embodiments one or more of the light generating devices may comprise a semiconductor laser selected from the group of GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlGalnN, GaP, InP, GalnP, and AlGalnP lasers. The semiconductors for lasers mentioned herein may also be used as (semiconductor) LEDs.

[0041] The term “semiconductor light source” may comprise a semiconductor configured to generate light, herein also indicated a “solid state light source”. The term “solid state light source” may refer to a LED, a laser diode, a super luminescent diode, multijunction diode, VCSELs (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser), etc. The term semiconductor light source and light generating device may herein interchangeably be used; the semiconductor light source or light generating device may comprise one or more semiconductors (configured to generate light) and optionally a luminescent material. Here below, some aspects in relation to (solid state) light sources and light generating devices are described.

[0042] A laser diode (or diode laser) may be a semiconductor device substantially similar to a light-emitting diode in which a diode pumped directly with electrical current can create lasing conditions at the diode's junction. This is known to a person skilled in the art. In embodiments, laser banks may be applied. Laser banks may also be used to boast the input power. Therefore, in embodiments the system may comprise a plurality of light generating devices configured in a laser bank. A laser bank may comprise a light emitting arrangement comprising an (2D) array of a plurality of laser diodes arranged on a thermally conductive carrier and a (lens array having a) plurality of collimator lenses corresponding to the laser diodes such that each laser diode of the plurality of laser diodes comprises a collimator lens for collimating laser light emitted by the laser diode. The arrangement may comprise a package architecture or a canned architecture. In case of the package architecture a laser 2024PF80285

[0043] 10 diode chip array is arranged on the thermally conductive carrier. A plurality of electrodes may be present for electrically connecting the plurality of laser diodes.

[0044] In relation to the first light generating device, it is noted that especially the first light generating device may be configured to generate first device light. In specific embodiments, the first light generating device may comprise one or more of a laser diode, a superluminescent diode, and a multi -junction diode. Especially, the first light generating device may comprise a laser diode. In specific embodiments, the first light generating device may comprise a first laser bank comprising a plurality of first lasers (i.e. especially first laser diodes). The spectral power distribution of the first device light may be selected from essentially any possible option, though in general with at least some spectral power, if not all, in the visible wavelength range. Hence, in embodiments the first device light may have spectral power at one or more wavelengths selected from the range of 380-780 nm. More especially, the first device light may have a peak wavelength in the wavelength range of 380- 780 nm. When white system light may be desirable in one or more operational modes of the light generating system, the spectral power distribution of the first device light may especially be chosen having a peak wavelength in the blue wavelength range, i.e., the wavelength range of 380-490 nm. Herein, in specific embodiments the first device light may have a peak wavelength in the wavelength range of 380-490 nm, more especially a peak wavelength in the wavelength range of 430-490 nm, such as a peak wavelength in the wavelength range of 440-490 nm. However, intensity at other wavelengths may also be possible, such as within the wavelength range of 620-780 nm.

[0045] As indicated above, in embodiments, the lighting arrangement may further comprise the diffuser assembly, the patterned reflector, and optics. The optics may, in embodiments, be configured to (re-)direct (or guide) first device light (generated by the first light generating device) to the diffuser arrangement. Additionally, in embodiments, the optics may be configured to (re-)direct (or guide) first diffused device light (received from the diffuser arrangement) to the patterned reflector. Therefore, in embodiments, the lighting arrangement (especially the optics) may comprise redirection optical elements. Herein, a redirection optical element may especially refer to an optical element configured to receive and redirect one or more beams of light.

[0046] In particular, in embodiments, the optics (especially the redirection optical elements) may comprise a first redirection optical element. Herein, instead of the term “redirection optical element” also the term “beam splitter” or “beam combiner” may be applied. 2024PF80285

[0047] 11

[0048] In embodiments, the first light generating device may be configured to provide first device light in an optical path to the first redirection optical element. Hence, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured downstream of (especially in a light-receiving relationship with) the first light generating device. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of the light from a light generating means (here especially the light source), wherein relative to a first position within a beam of light from the light generating means, a second position in the beam of light closer to the light generating means is “upstream”, and a third position within the beam of light further away from the light generating means is “downstream”.

[0049] The first redirection optical element may especially be configured in an optical path between the first light generating device and the diffuser arrangement. As such, the first redirection optical element may be configured in a light-receiving relationship with the first light generating device. In embodiments, during operation of the light generating system, the first light generating device may generate first device light. The first device light may especially propagate along an optical path to the first redirection optical element. In embodiments, other optical elements may be configured in the optical path between the first light generating device and the first redirection optical element, such as for example a (specular) reflector or (metallic) mirror.

[0050] Moreover, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured in a light-receiving relationship with the first redirection optical element. Therefore, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct the first device light received by the first redirection optical element (from the first light generating device) in an optical path to the diffuser arrangement. Especially, the first redirection optical element may be configured to transmit or reflect the first device light received by the first redirection optical element (from the first light generating device) in an optical path to the diffuser arrangement. Whether the first redirection optical element transmits or reflects the first device light may depend on the characteristics of the first device light and the first redirection optical element.

[0051] In embodiments, the first redirection optical element may comprise a polarizing beam splitter. Hence, in such embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to transmit or reflect light received by the first redirection optical element in dependence of its (linear) polarization. The first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, may thus, in embodiments, be polarized light. Especially, in 2024PF80285

[0052] 12 embodiments, the first device light, received by the first redirection optical element (from the first light generating device), may comprise linear polarized light. In specific embodiments, the first device light may comprise linear polarized light. Linear polarized light may herein refer to light having oscillations predominantly aligned in a single plane. Hence, it is not excluded that some oscillations occur outside of the single plane, such as in a plane perpendicular thereto. For instance, in embodiments, the linear polarized light may have at least 80% of (electric field) oscillations in a single plane, such as at least 90%, especially at least 95%, such as at least 99%, including 100%. The linearly polarized light may, in embodiments, also comprise elliptically polarized light with a large ratio of perpendicular polarization components, such as a ratio > 4, especially > 6, such as > 10, especially > 20. Linear polarized light may be generated by optical elements of the solid state light sources (e.g. lasers), e.g., polarizing filters and / or intracavity elements.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may comprise a geometric beam splitter. Hence, in such embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to transmit or reflect light received by the first redirection optical element in dependence of its geometric distribution, i.e., in dependence of its respective projection onto the plane of the geometric beam splitter. The first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, may thus, in embodiments, be configured to irradiate a specific location on the geometric beam splitter.

[0054] Moreover, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured in a light-receiving relationship with the diffuser arrangement. Therefore, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured to direct at least part of a first diffused device light (see also further below) provided by the diffuser arrangement in an optical path (back) to the first redirection optical element.

[0055] Should the diffuser arrangement be configured in a reflective mode, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured to (i) diffuse the first device light received by the diffuser arrangement into first diffused device light, and (ii) reflect the first diffused device light in an optical path back to the first redirection optical element. In the reflective mode, thermal management may be easier, as a substantial part of the diffuser may be in thermal contact with a thermally conductive element, like a heatsink or heat spreader. Furthermore, in the reflective mode the light generating system may be intrinsically safe, should the diffuser break or malfunction.

[0056] Should the diffuser arrangement be configured in a transmissive mode, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured to (i) diffuse the first device light 2024PF80285

[0057] 13 received by the diffuser arrangement into first diffused device light, and (ii) transmit the first diffused device light in an optical path to the patterned reflector. In such embodiments, a part of the first diffused device light may then be reflected in an optical path back to the diffuser arrangement by the patterned reflector. Since the diffuser arrangement is, in such embodiments, configured in the transmissive mode, the diffuser arrangement may then again be configured to (i) (re-)diffuse the (patterned) first diffused device light received by the diffuser arrangement, and (ii) transmit the (patterned) first diffused device light in an optical path back to the first redirection optical element.

[0058] The first redirection optical element may thus be configured in a lightreceiving relationship with the diffuser arrangement. Especially, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct the first diffused device light (see also further below) received by the first redirection optical element in an optical path to the light exit. Especially, the first redirection optical element may be configured to transmit or reflect the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element (from the diffuser arrangement) in an optical path to the light exit. Whether the first redirection optical element transmits or reflects the first diffused device light may depend on the characteristics of the first diffused device light and the first redirection optical element.

[0059] In embodiments, the first redirection optical element may comprise a polarizing beam splitter. Hence, in such embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to transmit or reflect light received by the first redirection optical element in dependence of its (linear) polarization. The first device light, received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device, may thus, in embodiments, be polarized light. Especially, in embodiments, the first device light, received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device, may comprise linear polarized light. In some embodiments, the first light generating device may be configured to generate linear polarized first device light, especially first device light having a first linear polarization. In other embodiments, the first light generating device may be configured to generate unpolarized (or circular / elliptical polarized) first device light. In such embodiments, the light generating system may further comprise a polarizer configured to impose a linear polarization on the first device light. For example, in embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a polarizer configured in an optical path between the first light generating device and the first redirection optical element.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may comprise a geometric beam splitter. Hence, in such embodiments, the first 2024PF80285

[0061] 14 redirection optical element may be configured to transmit or reflect light received by the first redirection optical element in dependence of its geometric distribution, i.e., in dependence of its respective projection onto the plane of the geometric beam splitter. The first device light, received by the first redirection optical element, may thus, in embodiments, be configured to irradiate a specific location on the geometric beam splitter.

[0062] Referring to the diffuser arrangement, in embodiments, it may comprise a diffuser and a diffuser arrangement birefringent rotator. In embodiments, the diffuser arrangement birefringent rotator may comprise a / 4 waveplate. Hence, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may comprise a diffuser and a diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate.

[0063] In embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a polarization maintaining diffuser. As described above, the diffuser arrangement may be configured in a light-receiving relationship with the first light generating device via the first redirection optical element. Especially, the diffuser may be configured in a light-receiving relationship with the first light generating device via the first redirection optical element.

[0064] In embodiments, the diffuser may thus be configured to receive at least part of the first device light (via the first redirection optical element). The diffuser may, in embodiments, be configured to diffuse (or scatter) at least part of the first device light received by the diffuser via the first redirection optical element. Especially, in embodiments, the diffuser may be configured to diffuse at least 60%, such as at least 70%, especially at least 80%, more especially at least 90% of the first device light, received by the diffuser via the first redirection optical element, into first diffused device light. Moreover, in embodiments, the diffuser may be configured to diffuse at least 95%, such as at least 98%, especially at least 99%, including essentially 100% of the first device light, received by the diffuser via the first redirection optical element, into first diffused device light.

[0065] As described above, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured in the transmissive mode or in the reflective mode. Especially, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement (and thus the diffuser) may be configured in the reflective mode. Therefore, in embodiments, the diffuser may be (diffuse) reflective for first device light. In embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a surface diffuser, a volume diffuser, or a combination of a surface and volume diffuser. The diffuser may, in embodiments, comprise one or more materials selected from the group comprising: a glass with high transmission in the spectral range of the first device light, a silicone-based material, and a transparent ceramic material such as e.g. sapphire. Especially, in embodiments, the diffuser may comprise one (or more) of: a small angle scattering metallic substrate, a white ceramic 2024PF80285

[0066] 15 reflector, a patterned glass-based substrate with a (deposited metallic or (layered) dielectric) reflective coating, a combination of optical micro-structures with specular reflective elements, a combination of a solid optical body with a diffuse reflector, a combination of a structured surface with a dichroic or thin film deposited reflector, and a combination of a total internal reflector element with additional surface structuring. The diffuser may especially be selected based on preferred system characteristics, such as thermal management, bulkiness, and cost.

[0067] Alternatively, in embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a transmissive diffuser. For example, the transmissive diffuser may comprise optical micro-structures configured to provide (both) transmissive and reflective diffusion of light received by the diffuser.

[0068] Further, in embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a static diffuser. Alternatively, in embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a dynamic diffuser, such as e.g. a rotating wheel comprising a reflective diffuser track.

[0069] Furthermore, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may comprise a diffuser arrangement polarization converter. In embodiments, the diffuser arrangement polarization converter may comprise a diffuser arrangement birefringent rotator, more especially a diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (or quarter waveplate). Hence, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be a X / 4 waveplate that is comprised by the diffuser arrangement. As known from the art, a waveplate or retarder is an optical device that may alter the polarization state of a light wave travelling through it depending on the orientation of the waveplate relative to the propagation direction and the state of polarization of the light wave. A halfwave plate may shift the polarization direction of linear polarized light (especially from s to p or from p to s polarization). Conversely, a quarter-wave plate may convert linear polarized light into elliptically (such as especially circularly) polarized light (and vice versa). Especially, herein, in embodiments, the X / 4 waveplate may be configured to convert linear polarized light received by the X / 4 waveplate into elliptical (such as especially circularly) polarized light. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the X / 4 waveplate may be configured to convert elliptical polarized light (such as especially circularly polarized light) received by the X / 4 waveplate into linear polarized light.

[0070] The X / 4 waveplate may especially be configured in an optical path between (relative to the propagation of light through the system) the first redirection optical element and the diffuser. Hence, in reference to the above described, the first redirection optical element may especially be configured to direct first device light, received by the first 2024PF80285

[0071] 16 redirection optical element from the first light generating device, to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate. As such, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may, in embodiments, be configured to direct first device light received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (from the first redirection optical element) to the diffuser. Especially, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be configured to convert the first device light, received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, having a first linear polarization into first device light having a (first) elliptical (such as especially circular) polarization. At the diffuser, in embodiments, the first device light having the (first) elliptical polarization may be diffused into first diffused device light having a second elliptical (such as especially circular) polarization.

[0072] Furthermore, in embodiments (e.g. when the diffuser arrangement is configured in the reflective mode), the X / 4 waveplate may also be configured to direct first diffused device light received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (from the diffuser) to the first redirection optical element. Especially, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be configured to convert first diffused device light received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (via the diffuser) and having the (second) elliptical polarization into first diffused device light having a second linear polarization. For example, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may be configured to convert p-polarized light into lefthanded elliptically polarized light. Further, in such embodiments, the diffuser may be configured to diffuse the left-handed elliptically polarized light received by the diffuser into right-handed elliptically polarized diffused light. The diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate may then, in embodiments, be configured to convert the right-handed elliptically polarized diffused light received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (back) to linear polarized light, especially to s-polarized diffused light. However, in embodiments, different polarizations and conversions from the example described here may be possible too, such as e.g. starting from s-polarized light. Hence, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may comprise an arrangement of a polarization converter and a diffuser.

[0073] Hence, in embodiments, the first device light, received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device, may have a first linear polarization. For example, the first device light, received by the first redirection optical element from the first light generating device, may have a linear polarization selected from p-polarization and s- polarization. Conversely, in embodiments, the first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, may have a second linear polarization. In embodiments, the first linear polarization and the second linear 2024PF80285

[0074] 17 polarization may especially be different linear polarizations. For example, the first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, may have another linear polarization selected from p-polarization and s- polarization. The linear polarizations s-polarized and p-polarized may be considered complementary polarizations (or orthogonal polarizations (i.e. 90° rotated)). In specific embodiments, the first linear polarization and the second linear polarization may be 90° rotated relative to each other.

[0075] Hence, in embodiments, the diffuser may be configured to diffuse the first device light, received by the diffuser, upstream of the light exit. In this way, non-first diffused device light may essentially not escape from the light generating system, and first device light may essentially only escape from the light generating system as first diffused device light.

[0076] The light generating system may further comprise the patterned reflector. In embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured in an optical path between the (diffuser arrangement) X / 4 waveplate and the light exit. For example, in embodiments, an optical path of the first device light from the first light generating device may subsequently (and in order) pass via: (i) the first redirection optical element, (ii) the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate, (iii) the diffuser, (iv) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate again, (v) the first redirection optical element again, and (vi) the patterned reflector, to the light exit. Hence, in such embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured in the reflective mode. Note that, in embodiments, other (optical) elements (such as e.g. the diffuser) may be present in the optical path between the (diffuser arrangement) X / 4 waveplate, the patterned reflector, and the light exit. Thus, in an alternative example, in embodiments, an optical path of the first device light from the first light generating device may subsequently (and in order) pass via: (i) the first redirection optical element, (ii) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate, (iii) the diffuser, and (iv) the patterned reflector, to the light exit. Hence, in such embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured in the transmissive mode.

[0077] In embodiments, the patterned reflector may thus be configured in a lightreceiving relationship with the diffuser arrangement (optionally via the first redirection optical element). The patterned reflector may especially be configured to pattern the first diffused device light (received via the diffuser arrangement and optionally the first redirection optical element), thereby providing patterned diffused device light. To do so, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may comprise a pattern (consisting) of (i) one or more first sections and (ii) one or more second sections. 2024PF80285

[0078] 18

[0079] The one or more first sections may, in embodiments, be configured to reflect (at least part of) the first diffused device light received by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector. Hence, in embodiments, at least part of the patterned reflector may be configured to reflect (at least part of) the first diffused device light received by the patterned reflector. In specific embodiments, the one or more first sections may be reflective for (device) light having the first linear polarization. Moreover, in specific embodiments, the one or more first sections may be reflective for (device) light having the second linear polarization. Hence, in embodiments, the one or more first sections may be configured to reflect the first diffused device light received by the one or more first sections regardless of its respective polarization. Such embodiments may provide the benefit that downstream of the one or more first sections a dark (or shadowed) spot may occur in the beam of first diffused device light. Therewith, the one or more first sections may provide a pattern (of negative spaces) in the beam of first diffused device light.

[0080] Conversely, in embodiments, the one or more second sections may be configured to transmit (at least part ol) the first diffused device light received by the one or more second sections of the patterned reflector. Hence, in embodiments, at least part of the patterned reflector may be configured to transmit (at least part ol) the first diffused device light received by the patterned reflector. In specific embodiments, the one or more second sections may be reflective for (device) light having the first linear polarization. Moreover, in specific embodiments, the one or more second sections may be transmissive for (device) light having the second linear polarization. Hence, in embodiments, the one or more second sections may be configured to (i) reflect (at least part of) the first diffused device light received by the one or more first sections and having the first linear polarization, and (ii) transmit (at least part of) the first diffused device light received by the one or more first sections and having the second linear polarization. Such embodiments may provide the benefit that downstream of the one or more second sections a spot of light may occur in the beam of first diffused device light. Therewith, the one or more second sections may provide a pattern (of positive spaces) in the beam of first diffused device light. Furthermore, such embodiments may provide the benefit that the part of light that is reflected by the one or more second sections (i.e. the first diffused device light having the first linear polarization) may be recycled in the light generating system (see also further below). Therewith, the (energy) efficiency of the light generating system may be improved.

[0081] The one or more first sections and the one or more second sections may be configured in (or on) the patterned reflector so as to provide a pattern. Especially, the one or 2024PF80285

[0082] 19 more first sections and the one or more second sections may be configured in (or on) the patterned reflector so as to allow a pattern of light to be projected from the patterned reflector. In specific embodiments, the patterned reflector may be a GOBO. As is known to the person skilled in the art, a GOBO may refer to an object that may be placed inside or in front of a light source to control the shape of the emitted light and its respective shadow. Hence, herein, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may be a GOBO that may be placed inside of the light generating system (especially downstream of the first light generating device and upstream of the light exit). As such, the patterned reflector, especially the GOBO, may be configured to control the shape of the system light escaping the light generating system at the light exit.

[0083] Hence, in specific embodiments, the one or more first sections and the one or more second sections may (both) be reflective for (device) light having the first linear polarization, and the one or more second sections may be transmissive for (device) light having the second linear polarization.

[0084] In embodiments, the patterned reflector may thus comprise one or more (reflective) first sections and one or more (transmissive) second sections. Especially, the patterned reflector may comprise m (reflective) first sections. In embodiments, m may be selected from the range of 1-100, such as from the range of 2-50, like from the range of 5-25, especially from the range of 5-15. Similarly, the patterned reflector may comprise n (transmissive) second sections. In embodiments, n may be selected from the range of 1-100, such as from the range of 2-50, like from the range of 5-25, especially from the range of 5- 15.

[0085] Furthermore, the patterned reflector may have a cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area may especially be defined in a plane (substantially) perpendicular to an optical axis of the incoming (first diffused) device light on the patterned reflector. The term “optical axis” may be defined as an imaginary line that defines the path along which light propagates through a system starting from the light generating element, here especially the light source. Especially, the optical axis may coincide with the direction of the light with the highest radiant flux.

[0086] In embodiments, the one or more first sections (of the patterned reflector) may comprise at least 1% of the cross-sectional area, such as at least 2%, like at least 5%, especially at least 10% of the cross-sectional area. Moreover, in embodiments, the one or more first sections (of the patterned reflector) may comprise at most 85% of the cross- 2024PF80285

[0087] 20 sectional area, such as at most 80%, like at most 70%, especially at most 60% of the cross- sectional area.

[0088] Conversely, in embodiments, the one or more second sections (of the patterned reflector) may comprise at least 15% of the cross-sectional area, such as at least 20%, like at least 30%, especially at least 40% of the cross-sectional area. Moreover, in embodiments, the one or more second sections (of the patterned reflector) may comprise at most 99% of the cross-sectional area, such as at most 98%, like at most 95%, especially at most 85% of the cross-sectional area.

[0089] In embodiments, the one or more first sections may comprise 5-70% of the cross-sectional area, and the one or more second sections may comprise 30-95% of the cross- sectional area. In particular, in embodiments, the one or more first sections may comprise less of the cross-sectional area than the one or more second sections. Such embodiments may be beneficial as more device light may be provided in without requiring a recycling pathway in the light generating system. On the other hand, the percentage of cross-sectional area being comprised by the one or more first sections relative to the percentage of cross-sectional area being comprised by the one or more second sections may be strongly dependent on the desired pattern of the system light.

[0090] For example, in embodiments, the one or more first sections may comprise 50% of the cross-sectional area, and the one or more second section may comprise the other 50% of the cross-sectional area. In such embodiments, the patterned reflector may for example consist of equal amounts of first sections and second sections with equal dimensions. However, other embodiments may be possible as well. For example, in other embodiments, the patterned reflector may comprise an equal amount of first sections and second sections, but with different dimensions. In such embodiments, the patterned reflector may for example comprise concentric rings of alternating first sections and second sections. Yet in other embodiments, the patterned reflector may comprise an unequal amount of first sections and second sections. For example, in such embodiments, the patterned reflector may comprise a single reflective plate (i.e. the first section) with a plurality of through-holes (i.e. a plurality of second sections). Such a plurality of through-holes may be configured in essentially any pattern desired, such that system light with said desired pattern may be provided.

[0091] Hence, the patterned reflector may be configured to pattern the first diffused device light (received via the diffuser arrangement and optionally the first redirection optical element), thereby providing patterned diffused device light, as the first diffused device light 2024PF80285

[0092] 21 transmitted by the patterned reflector, is provided with a pattern due to the presence of the first sections and second section. The transmitted patterned diffused device light may in embodiments escape from the lighting arrangement, and in specific embodiments also from the light generating system. In embodiments wherein part of the first diffused device light is reflected by the one or more first sections, then effectively the reflected first diffused device light may also be patterned.

[0093] In embodiments, the light generating system may be configured to operate in an operational mode. The system, or apparatus, or device may execute an action in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation” or “operational mode”. The term “operational mode may also be indicated as “controlling mode”. Likewise, in a method an action or stage, or step may be executed in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation” or “operational mode”. This does not exclude that the system, or apparatus, or device may also be adapted for providing another controlling mode, or a plurality of other controlling modes. Likewise, this may not exclude that before executing the mode and / or after executing the mode one or more other modes may be executed. Herein, the light generating system may especially be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, system light. The system light may especially be provided via the light exit. Moreover, in embodiments, the system light may comprise at least part of the patterned diffused device light (as provided by the patterned reflector).

[0094] The light generating system may further, in embodiments, comprise a movement element. In embodiments, the movement element may be configured to laterally move the patterned reflector relative to the optical axis of the first device light. Such embodiments may provide the benefit that the pattern of the system light may, during operation of the movement element, be varied in the spatial and / or temporal domain.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the movement element may be configured to rotationally move the patterned reflector relative to the optical axis of the first device light. Such embodiments may provide the benefit that the pattern of the system light may, during operation of the movement element, be varied in the spatial and / or temporal domain.

[0096] The patterned reflector may thus, in an operational mode of the light generating system, be laterally and / or rotationally moved. Therefore, in embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a control system. The control system may especially be configured to control movement of the patterned reflector by controlling the movement element. Especially, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, 2024PF80285

[0097] 22 the control system may be configured to control a pattern of the patterned system light over time by controlling the movement element. In other words, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the control system may be configured to control a pattern of the patterned system light in the spatial and / or temporal domain, by controlling the movement element.

[0098] The term “controlling” and similar terms especially refer at least to determining the behavior or supervising the running of an element. Hence, herein “controlling” and similar terms may e.g. refer to imposing behavior to the element (determining the behavior or supervising the running of an element), etc., such as e.g. measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc.. Beyond that, the term “controlling” and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Hence, the term “controlling” and similar terms may include imposing behavior on an element and also imposing behavior on an element and monitoring the element. The controlling of the element can be done with a control system, which may also be indicated as “controller”. The control system and the element may thus at least temporarily, or permanently, functionally be coupled. The element may comprise the control system. In embodiments, the control system and element may not be physically coupled. Control can be done via wired and / or wireless control. In other words, control can be achieved through mechanical and / or electrical adjustment. Alternatively, control can be done manually. In such embodiments, a control system may not strictly be necessary.

[0099] The term “control system” may also refer to a plurality of different control systems, which especially are functionally coupled, and of which e.g. one control system may be a master control system and one or more others may be slave control systems. A control system may comprise or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0100] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control. In embodiments, the control system may be controlled via an App on a device, such as a portable device, like a Smartphone or I-phone, a tablet, etc.. The device is thus not necessarily coupled to the lighting system, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0101] Hence, in embodiments the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an App on a remote device. In such embodiments the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or control in a slave mode. For instance, the lighting system may be identifiable with a code, especially a unique code for the respective lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled 2024PF80285

[0102] 23 by an external control system which has access to the lighting system on the basis of knowledge (input by a user interface of with an optical sensor (e.g. QR code reader) of the (unique) code. The lighting system may also comprise means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as on the basis of Bluetooth, Thread, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE or WiMAX, or another wireless technology.

[0103] In embodiments a control system may be available, that is adapted to provide at least the controlling mode (see also further above). Would other modes be available, the choice of such modes may especially be executed via a user interface, though other options, like executing a mode in dependence of a sensor signal or a (time) scheme, may also be possible. The operation mode may in embodiments also refer to a system, or apparatus, or device, that can only operate in a single operation mode (i.e. “on”, without further tunability).

[0104] Hence, in embodiments, the control system may control in dependence of one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal (of a sensor), and a timer. The term “timer” may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0105] Hence, in specific embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a control system and a movement element; wherein the movement element may be configured to one or more of (i) laterally move the patterned reflector relative to an optical axis (O) of the first device light, and (ii) rotationally move the patterned reflector relative to the optical axis (O) of the first device light; wherein the control system may be configured to control movement of the patterned reflector by controlling the movement element; and wherein in an operational mode of the light generating system the control system may be configured to control a pattern of the patterned system light over time by controlling the movement element.

[0106] As described above, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate and the light exit. In specific embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the light exit. In some embodiments, the optical path may especially relate to the optical path of the first diffused device light from the diffuser arrangement to the light exit. In particular, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured in said optical path of the first diffused device light, such that the optical path passes the first redirection optical element followed by the patterned reflector, without passing the diffuser arrangement again. Such embodiments may especially apply when the diffuser may be configured in the reflective mode. In alternative embodiments, said optical path may 2024PF80285

[0107] 24

[0108] In alternative embodiments, the optical path may especially relate to the optical path of the first device light from the first light generating device to the light exit. In particular, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured in said optical path of the first device light, such that the optical path passes the first redirection optical element followed by the diffuser arrangement, before reaching the patterned reflector. Such embodiments may especially apply when the diffuser may be configured in the transmissive mode, see also further below.

[0109] In specific embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement and the light exit, wherein the diffuser may especially be configured in the reflective mode. As such, (the optical path of) the first device light provided by the first light generating device may successively pass: (i) the first redirection optical element (where it is transmitted or reflected in dependence of its linear polarization), (ii) the (reflective) diffuser arrangement (where it is diffused into first diffused device light therewith switching its linear polarization), (iii) the first redirection optical element again (where it is reflected or transmitted as first diffused device light in dependence of its linear polarization), and (iv) the patterned reflector (where it is patterned by the first and second sections). At the patterned reflector, (i) part of the device light may be transmitted to the light exit by the one or more second sections, and (ii) another part of the device light may be reflected back into the light generating system.

[0110] Especially, the light generating system may be configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light may reflected by the one or more first sections into a recycling optical path. In embodiments, the recycling optical path may comprise an internal recycling optical path or an external recycling optical path. Herein the term “internal recycling optical path” may refer to an optical path wherein the light may be recycled or reused by propagating through the light generating system again, so as to be rediffused and provided to the light exit. Conversely, herein the term “external recycling optical path” may refer to an optical path wherein the light may be recycled or reused by being provided to a light-recycling element, such as e.g. one or more of a beam dump and a photovoltaic cell.

[0111] In specific embodiments, the light generating system may be configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light may reflected by the one or more first sections into an internal recycling optical path. Especially, in embodiments, the light generating system may be configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light, reflected by the one or more first sections may, in a recycling optical path (i) propagate away from the patterned reflector to the diffuser and may (ii) also return to the patterned reflector. 2024PF80285

[0112] 25

[0113] In such embodiments, the optical path may be (or pass) at least twice via the first redirection optical element. Additionally, in such embodiments, the optical path may be (or pass) at least twice via the X / 4 waveplate.

[0114] For such embodiments, the light generating system may further comprise a polarization maintaining reflective element. In embodiments, the polarization maintaining reflective element may for example comprise an element selected from the group comprising: a pinhole reflector, a specular reflector, and a reflective diffuser. Such a polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured such that the recycling pathway may comprise a closed optical loop. The concept of such a closed optical loop is below explained in view of the different polarization maintaining reflective elements.

[0115] In specific embodiments, the light generating system may comprise (a polarization maintaining reflective element comprising) a pinhole reflector. The pinhole reflector may, in embodiments, be configured in an optical path between the first light generating device and the first redirection optical element. The pinhole reflector may especially be configured to transmit at least 80%, such as at least 85%, like at least 90%, especially at least 95% of the first device light received by the pinhole reflector (from the first light generating device). Moreover, in embodiments, the pinhole reflector may be configured to transmit at least 98%, such as at least 99%, including essentially 100% of the first device light received by the pinhole reflector (from the first light generating device).

[0116] In embodiments, the pinhole reflector may comprise a reflector comprising a through-hole having a cross-sectional dimension that is large enough to allow a beam of first device light (received by the pinhole reflector from the first light generating device) having a first beam angle (01) and a first beam diameter (dl) to be transmitted. Additionally, in such embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension of the through hole may be selected small enough such that at least 60%, such as at least 70%, like at least 80%, especially at least 90% of the first diffused device light (received by the pinhole reflector from the first redirection optical element) having a second beam angle (02) and a second beam diameter (d2) may be reflected. In other words, in embodiments, the pinhole reflector may be configured to reflect at least 55% of the diffused device light received by the pinhole reflector, such as at least 65%, like at least 70%, especially at least 75%. Alternatively to a through-hole, in embodiments, the pinhole reflector may also comprise a reflector comprising a transmissive section, e.g. a glass section, which may function essentially similarly as the through-hole.

[0117] The first beam angle (01) may especially be smaller than the second beam angle (02). In embodiments, 02 / 01>l.1, such as 02 / 01>l .5, like 02 / 01>2, especially 02 / 01>3. 2024PF80285

[0118] 26

[0119] Additionally or alternatively, the first beam diameter (dl) may especially be smaller than the second beam diameter (d2). In embodiments, d2 / dl>1.05, such as d2 / dl>l .1, like d2 / dl>l .5, especially d2 / dl>2.

[0120] Herein, the beam angle may especially be defined by the full width half maximum (FWHM). In embodiments, the first beam angle (01) may be selected from the range of 0-30°, such as from the range of 0.5-20°, like from the range of 1-15°. In other words, the first device light may have a FWHM selected from the range of 0-30°. Furthermore, the second beam angle (02) may be selected from the range of 10-120°, such as from the range of 20-100°, like from the range of 30-90°. The first diffused device light may especially have a (relatively broad) light distribution of at least 25° FWHM, such as at least 50° FWHM, like at least 75° FWHM, especially at least 100° FWHM. In other words, the second diffused device light may have a FWHM selected from the range of 15-115°. For example, in embodiments, the first beam angle (01) may be 5° (i.e. a FWHM of 5°) and the second beam angle may be 45° (i.e. a FWHM of 45°). Herein, “the phrase FWHM of 5°”, and similar phrases, may refer to a beam having a beam angle of 5° (or 2*2.5°), wherein the beam (angle) is defined by the full width half maximum of the beam. The angular width or angular extent of e.g. at least 3°, may indicate a beam divergence.

[0121] Moreover, in embodiments, the pinhole (or through-hole) of the pinhole reflector may have a cross-sectional diameter selected from the range of 2 pm - 20 mm, such as from the range of 20 pm - 10 mm, like from the range of 200 pm - 5 mm. Especially, the pinhole (or through-hole) of the pinhole reflector may have a cross-sectional diameter selected from the range of 0.3 - 3 mm. The diameter may be a circular equivalent diameter in embodiments wherein the pinhole has no circular cross-section.

[0122] Hence, in specific embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a pinhole reflector, wherein the pinhole reflector may be configured in an optical path between the first light generating device and the first redirection optical element, wherein the pinhole reflector may be configured (i) to transmit at least 80%, more especially at least 90% of the first device light received by the pinhole reflector (in an optical path to the diffuser arrangement) and (ii) to reflect at least 55%, such as in embodiments at least 70%, of the diffused device light received by the pinhole reflector via the recycling optical path (in an optical path back to the diffuser arrangement). In such embodiments, the first diffused device light, after being reflected by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector, may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the first redirection optical element (where it is transmitted or reflected back to the diffuser arrangement), (ii) the diffuser 2024PF80285

[0123] 27 arrangement (where it is (re-)diffused and the linear polarization is rotated 90°), (iii) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted to the pinhole reflector), (iv) the pinhole reflector (where it is reflected back to the first redirection optical element), (v) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted back to the diffuser arrangement), (vi) the diffuser arrangement (where it is (re-)diffused and the linear polarization is again rotated 90°), (vii) the first redirection optical element (where it is transmitted or reflected back to the patterned reflector, and (viii) the patterned reflector (where at least part of the (re-)diffused light is transmitted to the light exit by the one or more second sections, and optionally another part of the (re-)diffused light is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections).

[0124] In alternative embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a second X / 4 waveplate and a second reflective arrangement comprising a second polarization maintaining reflective element.

[0125] In embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may comprise one of a polarization maintaining diffuser and a polarization maintaining specular reflector. The second polarization maintaining reflective element may especially be configured in a light receiving relationship with the (first) diffuser arrangement. In embodiments, the light-receiving relationship of the second polarization maintaining reflective element and the diffuser arrangement may especially be a light-receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and via the first redirection optical element. Hence, in embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured to receive at least part of the first diffused device light reflected by the one or more first sections (of the patterned reflector). In embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light (reflected by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector and) received by the second polarization maintaining reflective element (via the first redirection optical element) to provide second diffused device light. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured to direct the second diffused device light in an optical path (back) to the first redirection optical element.

[0126] Further, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate may be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the patterned reflector. Especially, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first diffused device light and second diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element, to the patterned reflector via the second X / 4 waveplate. In embodiments, the second 2024PF80285

[0127] 28

[0128] X / 4 waveplate may then be configured to direct first diffused device light received by the second X / 4 waveplate from the first redirection optical element to the patterned reflector. Additionally, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct first diffused device light, reflected by the one or more first sections (of the patterned reflector) and received by second X / 4 waveplate from the patterned reflector, to the first redirection optical element. The second X / 4 waveplate may, similarly to the above described X / 4 waveplate be configured to convert linear polarized light received by the second X / 4 waveplate into elliptical (such as especially circularly) polarized light. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate may be configured to convert elliptical polarized light (such as especially circularly polarized light) received by the second X / 4 waveplate into linear polarized light.

[0129] Therefore, in such embodiments, the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element from the diffuser arrangement may especially have the second linear polarization and the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element from the patterned reflector may have the first linear polarization.

[0130] Further, in embodiments, the patterned reflector may be configured to pattern the second diffused device light (similarly to the first diffused device light) thereby providing patterned second diffused device light. As a result, in embodiments, the light generating system may especially be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, via the light exit, system light further comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light. In other words, in embodiments, the system light may comprise at least part of the patterned second diffused device light.

[0131] Hence, in specific embodiments, wherein the light generating system may comprise a second X / 4 waveplate and a second reflective arrangement comprising a second polarization maintaining reflective element, wherein: (A) the second polarization maintaining reflective element may comprise a polarization maintaining diffuser or a polarization maintaining specular reflector, wherein the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured in a light receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and via the first redirection optical element with the diffuser arrangement, wherein the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured (i) to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light reflected by the one or more first sections and received by the second polarization maintaining reflective element via the first redirection optical element to provide second diffused device light and (ii) to direct the second diffused device light in an optical path to the first redirection optical element; (B) the second X / 4 waveplate may be 2024PF80285

[0132] 29 configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the patterned reflector, wherein the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first diffused device light and second diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element, to the patterned reflector via the second X / 4 waveplate, wherein second X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct (i) first diffused device light received by the second X / 4 waveplate from the first redirection optical element to the patterned reflector, and to direct (ii) first diffused device light reflected by the one or more first sections and received by second X / 4 waveplate from the patterned reflector to the first redirection optical element, wherein the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element from the diffuser arrangement may have the second linear polarization and the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element from the second X / 4 waveplate may have the first linear polarization; (C) the patterned reflector may be configured to pattern the second diffused device light, thereby providing patterned second diffused device light; and (D) the light generating system may be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, via the light exit system light further comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light. In such embodiments, the light generating system may especially be configured such that: (at least) part of the first diffused device light, reflected by the one or more first sections, in a recycling optical path (i) may propagate away from the patterned reflector via the first redirection optical element to the second polarization maintaining reflective element and (ii) may be reflected by the second polarization maintaining reflective element and directed to the patterned reflector. Especially, in such embodiments, this optical path may be (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element, and (b) twice via the second X / 4 waveplate. Additionally, in such embodiments, the light generating system may especially be configured such that: (at least) part of the first diffused device light, transmitted by the one or more second sections may propagate in an optical path to the light exit.

[0133] Hence, in embodiments, the first diffused device light, after being reflected by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector, may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the second X / 4 waveplate (where its linear polarization is changed to a circular( / elliptical) polarization), (ii) the first redirection optical element (where it is transmitted or reflected to the second reflective arrangement), (iii) the second reflective arrangement comprising one of a polarization maintaining diffuser and a polarization maintaining specular reflector (where it is reflected and optionally (re-)diffused into second diffused device light and the circular polarization is changed from left-handed to right- 2024PF80285

[0134] 30 handed or vice versa), (iv) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted back to the second X / 4 waveplate), (v) second X / 4 waveplate (where its circular( / elliptical) polarization is changed back to a linear polarization 90° rotated relative to its linear polarization in step i), (vi) the patterned reflector (where at least part of the second diffused device light is transmitted to the light exit by the one or more second sections, and optionally another part of the second diffused device light is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections).

[0135] As above described, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement and the light exit; and the diffuser may be configured in the reflective mode. In specific embodiments, the light generating system may be configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light may reflected by the one or more first sections into an external recycling optical path. In such embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a beam dump. The beam dump may especially be configured downstream of the (one or more first sections of the) patterned reflector.

[0136] In embodiments, the beam dump may be configured to receive first diffused device light reflected from the (one or more first sections of the) patterned reflector. In embodiments, the beam dump may simply receive and capture the first diffused device light. Further, in specific embodiments, the beam dump may comprise a photovoltaic cell. In such embodiments, at least part of the first diffused device light received by the beam dump may be absorbed by the photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell may especially be configured to convert (at least part ol) the first diffused device light into electricity.

[0137] The beam dump may, in embodiments, be configured in a non-collinear arrangement or a substantially collinear arrangement with the patterned reflector and the first redirection optical element.

[0138] Especially, in embodiments, the beam dump may be configured in a non- collinear arrangement with the patterned reflector and the first redirection optical element. In such embodiments, the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector may be configured (i) to receive at least part of the first diffused device light from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received the first diffused device light into a second direction. Especially, the second direction may be non-collinear relative to the first direction. For example, in embodiments, a normal of the patterned reflector may be configured at an angle (a) with the optical axis (O) of the first diffused device light propagating from the first redirection optical element to the patterned reflector. In embodiments, the angle (a) may especially be unequal 2024PF80285

[0139] 31 to both 0° and 90°, i.e., o ()° and a 90°. In specific embodiments, the second direction may be orthogonal relative to the first direction. For example, in such embodiments, the angle (a) may be 45°. Hence, in specific embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a beam dump, wherein the beam dump may be configured downstream of the (one or more first sections of the) patterned reflector, wherein the beam dump may be configured to receive first diffused device light reflected from the patterned reflector, wherein the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector may be configured (i) to receive at least part of the first diffused device light from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received first diffused device light into a second direction, wherein the second direction may be non-collinear relative to the first direction.

[0140] Alternatively, in embodiments, the beam dump may be configured in a collinear arrangement with the patterned reflector and the first redirection optical element. In such embodiments, the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector may be configured (i) to receive at least part of the first diffused device light from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received first diffused device light into a second direction. Especially, the second direction may be collinear (especially antiparallel) relative to the first direction. For example, in embodiments, a normal of the patterned reflector may be configured at a perpendicular angle (a) with the optical axis (O) of the first diffused device light propagating from the first redirection optical element to the patterned reflector, i.e., a=90°.

[0141] In such embodiments, the light generating system may further comprise a second X / 4 waveplate (see also further above) configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the patterned reflector. In embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct at least part of the first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element, to the second X / 4 waveplate. Furthermore, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct at least part of the first diffused device light received by the second X / 4 waveplate from the first redirection optical element to the patterned reflector. Additionally, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct first diffused device light, received by the second X / 4 waveplate from the patterned reflector, to the first redirection optical element.

[0142] Furthermore, in such embodiments, the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first diffused device light, reflected by the one or more first sections and received by the first redirection optical element from the patterned reflector, to the beam dump. The first redirection optical element may especially do so in dependence of the linear polarization of the first diffused device light. Especially, the first diffused device light 2024PF80285

[0143] 32 received by the first redirection optical element from the diffuser arrangement may especially have the second linear polarization and the first diffused device light reflected by the one or more first sections and received by the first redirection optical element from the patterned reflector (via the second X / 4 waveplate) may have the first linear polarization. Hence, in specific embodiments, the light generating system may comprise a beam dump, wherein the beam dump may be configured downstream of the (one or more first sections of the) patterned reflector, wherein the beam dump may be configured to receive first diffused device light reflected from the patterned reflector, wherein the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector may be configured (i) to receive first diffused device light from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received first diffused device light in a second direction, wherein the second direction may be collinear (especially antiparallel) relative to the first direction; wherein the light generating system may further comprise a second X / 4 waveplate configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the patterned reflector, wherein the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first diffused device light, received by the first redirection optical element, to the second / 4 waveplate, wherein the second X / 4 waveplate may be configured to direct (i) first diffused device light received by the second X / 4 waveplate from the first redirection optical element to the patterned reflector, and to direct (ii) first diffused device light reflected from the one or more first sections and received by the second X / 4 waveplate from the patterned reflector to the first redirection optical element, wherein the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element from the diffuser arrangement may have the second linear polarization and the first diffused device light received by the first redirection optical element from the second X / 2 waveplate may have the first linear polarization; and wherein the first redirection optical element may be configured to direct first diffused device light reflected by the one or more first sections and received by the first redirection optical element to the beam dump.

[0144] As described above, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement may be configured in the transmissive mode. In such embodiments, the patterned reflector may especially be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element and the light exit. More especially, the patterned reflector may be configured in an optical path between the diffuser and the light exit.

[0145] In such embodiments, the light generating system may further comprise the second reflective arrangement comprising the second polarization maintaining reflective 2024PF80285

[0146] 33 element (see also further above). Moreover, in such embodiments, the light generating system may comprise the pinhole reflector as described above.

[0147] Moreover, in embodiments, the light generating system may be configured such that at least part of the first diffused device light reflected by the (one or more first sections of the) patterned reflector, in a recycling optical path (i) propagates away from the patterned reflector via the diffuser to the second diffuser and (ii) also returns to the patterned reflector. Further, in embodiments, this optical path may be (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element, and (b) twice via the / 4 waveplate.

[0148] Therefore, in embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured in a light receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and the first redirection optical element with the diffuser arrangement. Further, in embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light (reflected by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector and) received by the second polarization maintaining reflective element to provide second diffused device light. Additionally, in such embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element may be configured to direct the second diffused device light in an optical path (back) to the first redirection optical element.

[0149] Moreover, the patterned reflector may be configured to pattern the second diffused device light received by the patterned reflector, thereby providing patterned second diffused device light. Such patterning may be achieved in a similar manner as described above for the first diffused device light.

[0150] Thus, in embodiments, the light generating system may be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system, via the light exit system light comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light.

[0151] In embodiments where the diffuser is configured in the transmissive mode, the first device light may especially propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the pinhole reflector (where it is transmitted through the pinhole), (ii) the reflector (where it is reflected towards the first redirection optical element while maintaining its first linear polarization), (iii) the first redirection optical element (where it is transmitted or reflected towards the diffuser arrangement), (iv) the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate (where the first linear polarization is changed to first circular / elliptical polarization), (v) the diffuser (where the first device light having the first circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and transmitted to provide first diffused device light having the second circular / elliptical polarization to the patterned reflector), (vi) the patterned reflector (where at least part of the 2024PF80285

[0152] 34 first diffused device light is transmitted to the light exit as patterned first diffused device light by the one or more second sections, and another part of the first diffused device light is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections).

[0153] In such embodiments, the first diffused device light, after being reflected by the one or more first sections of the patterned reflector, may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the diffuser (where the first diffused device light having the second circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and reflected to provide first diffused device light having the first circular / elliptical polarization back to the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate), (ii) the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate (where the first circular / elliptical polarization is changed to the second linear polarization), (vii) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted towards the second reflective arrangement), (viii) the second polarization maintaining reflective element (where it is reflected back towards the first redirection optical element while maintaining its polarization), (ix) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted towards the reflector), (x) the reflector (where it is reflected towards the pinhole reflector), (xi) the pinhole reflector (where it is substantially reflected back to the first redirection optical element), (xii) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted back to the second reflective arrangement), (xiii) the second polarization maintaining reflective element (where it is reflected back towards the first redirection optical element while maintaining its polarization), (xiv) the first redirection optical element (where it is reflected or transmitted back towards the diffuser arrangement), (xv) the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate (where the second linear polarization is changed to second circular / elliptical polarization), (xvi) the diffuser (where the first diffused device light having the second circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and transmitted to provide second diffused device light having the first circular / elliptical polarization to the patterned reflector), (xvii) the patterned reflector (where at least part of the second diffused device light is transmitted to the light exit as patterned second diffused device light by the one or more second sections, and another part of the second diffused device light is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections).

[0154] The light generating system may be part of or may be applied in e.g. office lighting systems, household application systems, shop lighting systems, home lighting systems, accent lighting systems, spot lighting systems, theater lighting systems, fiber-optics application systems, projection systems, self-lit display systems, pixelated display systems, segmented display systems, warning sign systems, medical lighting application systems, 2024PF80285

[0155] 35 indicator sign systems, decorative lighting systems, portable systems (e.g. a torch), automotive lighting devices, stage lighting devices, (outdoor) road lighting systems, urban lighting systems, greenhouse lighting systems, horticulture lighting, digital projection, or LCD backlighting. The light generating system (or luminaire) may be part of or may be applied in e.g. optical communication systems or disinfection systems.

[0156] In embodiments, the light generating system may be configured to generate white light. Hence, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the system light may be white light.

[0157] The term “white light”, and similar terms, herein, is known to the person skilled in the art. It may especially relate to light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) between about 1800 K and 20000 K, such as between 2000 and 20000 K, especially 2700- 20000 K, for general lighting especially in the range of about 2000-7000 K, such as in the range of 2700 K and 6500 K. In embodiments, e.g. for backlighting purposes, or for other purposes, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may especially be in the range of about 7000 K and 20000 K. Yet further, in embodiments the correlated color temperature (CCT) is especially within about 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (black body locus), especially within about 10 SDCM from the BBL, even more especially within about 5 SDCM from the BBL.

[0158] In specific embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 6000-12000 K, like selected from the range of 7000-12000 K, like at least 8000 K. Yet further, in embodiments the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 6000-12000 K, like selected from the range of 7000-12000 K, in combination with a CRI of at least 70. Especially, in embodiments, the correlated color temperature (CCT) may be selected from the range of 2000-12000 K, in combination with a CRI of at least 65, such as at least 70, like at least 75, especially at least 80.

[0159] In embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the system light may especially be white light having a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 2000-12000 K, such as selected from the range of 6000-10000 K, like selected from the range of 6500-8000K. Especially, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the system light may especially be white light having a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 2000-900K. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the system light may especially be white light having a color rendering index of at least 60, such as at least 65, like at least 70, especially at least 80, more especially at least 90. In specific 2024PF80285

[0160] 36 embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the system light is white light having a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 6000-10000 K and a color rendering index of at least 65. For example, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system, the system light may be white light having a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 7800-10000 K and a color rendering index of at least 70.

[0161] The terms “light” and “radiation” are herein interchangeably used, unless clear from the context that the term “light” only refers to visible light. The terms “light” and “radiation” may thus refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In specific embodiments, especially for lighting applications, the terms “light” and “radiation” refer to (at least) visible light.

[0162] The terms “visible”, “visible light” or “visible emission” and similar terms refer to light having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 380-780 nm. Herein, UV may especially refer to a wavelength selected from the range of 190-380 nm, such as 200-380 nm. The terms “violet light” or “violet emission” especially relates to light having a wavelength in the range of about 380-440 nm. The terms “blue light” or “blue emission” especially relates to light having a wavelength in the range of about 440-495 nm (including some violet and cyan hues). The terms “green light” or “green emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 495-570 nm. The terms “yellow light” or “yellow emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 570- 590 nm. The terms “orange light” or “orange emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 590-620 nm. The terms “red light” or “red emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 620-780 nm. The term “pink light” or “pink emission” refers to light having a blue and a red component. The term “cyan” may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 490-520 nm. The term “amber” may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 585-605 nm, such as about 590-600 nm. Herein, IR (infrared) may especially refer to radiation having a wavelength selected from the range of 780-3000 nm, such as 780-2000 nm, e.g. a wavelength up to about 1500 nm, like a wavelength of at least 900 nm, though in specific embodiments other wavelengths may also be possible. Hence, the term IR may herein refer to one or more of near infrared (NIR (or IR-A)) and short-wavelength infrared (SWIR (or IR-B)), especially NIR. The phrase “light having one or more wavelengths in a wavelength range” and similar phrases may especially indicate that the indicated light (or radiation) has a spectral power distribution with at least intensity or intensities at these one or 2024PF80285

[0163] 37 more wavelengths in the indicate wavelength range. For instance, a blue emitting solid state light source will have a spectral power distribution with intensities at one or more wavelengths in the 440-495 nm wavelength range.

[0164] In yet a further aspect, the invention also provides a lamp or a luminaire comprising the light generating system as defined herein. The luminaire may further comprise a housing, optical elements, louvres, etc. etc... The lamp or luminaire may further comprise a housing enclosing the light generating system. The lamp or luminaire may comprise a light window in the housing or a housing opening, through which the system light may escape from the housing. The lamp may be a portable lamp, such as a torch. In yet a further aspect, the invention also provides a projection device comprising the light generating system as defined herein. Especially, a projection device or “projector” or “image projector” may be an optical device that projects an image (or moving images) onto a surface, such as e.g. a projection screen. The projection device may include one or more light generating systems such as described herein. In particular, in an aspect the invention also provides a lighting device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire a lighting fixture, an automotive lighting device, and an entertainment lighting device, comprising the light generating system as defined herein. The lighting device may comprise a housing or a carrier, configured to house or support, one or more elements of the light generating system. For instance, in embodiments the lighting device may comprise a housing or a carrier, configured to house or support one or more of the first light generating device, the diffuser arrangement, the patterned reflector, and the optics.

[0165] Instead of the terms “lighting device” or “lighting system”, and similar terms, also the terms “light generating device” or “light generating system”, (and similar terms), may be applied. A lighting device or a lighting system may be configured to generate device light (or “lighting device light”) or system light (“or lighting system light”). As indicated above, the terms light and radiation may interchangeably be used.

[0166] In yet a further aspect, the invention also provides a lighting fixture comprising the light generating system as defined herein. Hence, in yet a further aspect, the light generating system may comprise a device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, or a lighting fixture, wherein the lamp, luminaire, or lighting fixture may comprise one or more elements of the light generating system, such as the first light generating device, the diffuser arrangement, the patterned reflector, and the optics, etc. and the light generating system may further comprise e.g. a control system configured to control the device. 2024PF80285

[0167] 38

[0168] The term “lighting fixture” may refer to a light emitting system like a moving head, a search light, a stage light, etc. Generally these fixtures may have various control options for changing one or more of the direction of the light (e.g. via gimbals or rotary stages), the beam angle / width (e.g. via zoom optics), the beam pattern (e.g. via mechanical selection of a specific aperture that defines a virtual and patterned source for the further projection optics), the color of the light (e.g. via mechanical selection of a certain color filter), and of course the luminous flux, and mostly these are remotely controllable.

[0169] In embodiments, the lamp or luminaire may be a downlighter or an uplighter. In embodiments, the lamp may comprise a torch.

[0170] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0171] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0172] Figs. 1-5 schematically depict some embodiments of the light generating system.

[0173] Fig. 6 schematically depicts some applications of the light generating system in lighting devices.

[0174] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0175] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0176] Fig. 1 schematically depicts a light generating system 1000 comprising a lighting arrangement 1100 and a light exit 1090. Especially, the lighting arrangement 1100 comprises a first light generating device 110, optics 500, a diffuser arrangement 700, and a patterned reflector 400.

[0177] The first light generating device 110 especially comprises a solid-state light source selected from the group of laser diodes, superluminescent diodes, and multi -junction diodes. In embodiments, the first light generating device 110 may be configured to provide first device light 111. In specific embodiments, the first light generating device 110 may comprise a first laser bank comprising a plurality of first lasers 10. The first lasers may be configured to generate first laser light 11. In embodiments, the first device light 111 may comprise, or even essentially consist of, the first laser light 11.

[0178] Furthermore, as depicted in Fig. 1, the optics 500 comprise at least a first redirection optical element 510. The first redirection optical element 510 may be configured 2024PF80285

[0179] 39 in an optical path between the first light generating device 110 and the diffuser arrangement 700. As such, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element 510 may be configured to direct first device light 111, received by the first redirection optical element 510, in an optical path to a diffuser arrangement 700. Additionally, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element 510 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 (see also further below), received by the first redirection optical element 510, in an optical path to the light exit 1090. As depicted here in Fig. 1, the first diffused device light 711 may especially propagate from the diffuser arrangement 700 via the first redirection optical element 510, a second X / 4 waveplate (see also further below), and the patterned reflector 400, to the light exit 1090.

[0180] In embodiments, first device light 111 received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the first light generating device 110 may comprise linear polarized light. Especially, the first device light 111, received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the first light generating device 110, may have a first linear polarization. In the embodiment depicted here the first device light 111 comprises p-polarized light, i.e., the first linear polarization comprises p-polarization.

[0181] In embodiments, the diffuser arrangement 700 comprises a diffuser 710 and a diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate 720. The diffuser 710 may especially comprise a polarization maintaining diffuser. Hence, the diffuser 710 may be configured to retain the polarization of the light diffused by the diffuser 710. However, in embodiments, the diffusion of (circular / elliptical) polarized light by the diffuser 710 may cause the polarization to undergo a change of handedness. In other words, the polarization may be retained, but right handed circular polarization may change to left handed circular polarization and vice versa.

[0182] Further, in embodiments, the diffuser 710 may be configured in a light receiving relationship with the first light generating device 110 via the first redirection optical element 510. Especially, the diffuser 710 may be configured to diffuse at least part of the first device light 111 received by the diffuser 710 via the first redirection optical element 510 into first diffused device light 711.

[0183] As depicted, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 may be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element 510 and the diffuser 710. As such, in embodiments, the first redirection optical element 510 may be configured to direct first device light 111, received by the first redirection optical element 510, to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720. The diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 may, in embodiments, be configured to direct (especially transmit) the first device light 111, received 2024PF80285

[0184] 40 by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 from the first redirection optical element 510, to the diffuser 710. In doing so, the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate 720 may further be configured to change the first linear polarization of the first device light 111 into a first circular( / elliptical) polarization.

[0185] Additionally, in embodiments, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 may be configured to direct (especially transmit) first diffused device light 711, received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 from the diffuser 710, to the first redirection optical element 510. In doing so, the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 may further be configured to change a second circular( / elliptical) polarization of the first device light 111 into a second linear polarization. Hence, in embodiments, the first diffused device light 711, received by the first redirection optical element 510 via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720, may have a second linear polarization, different from the first linear polarization. In the embodiment depicted here the first diffused device light 711 comprises s- polarized light, i.e., the second linear polarization comprises s-polarization.

[0186] The optics 500 of the light generating system 1000 may further comprise one or more condensing and / or collimating optics. For example, as depicted here, the optics 500 may comprise a lens 550, or a plurality of (micro) lenses 550, configured between the first light generating device 110 and the first redirection element 510. Alternatively or additionally, a lens 550, or a plurality of (micro) lenses 550, may be configured in the optical path between the diffuser 710 and the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720.

[0187] Moreover, in embodiments, the optics 500 of the light generating system 1000 may further comprise one or more (specular) reflectors 560. For example, as depicted here, the optics 500 may comprise a specular reflector 560 configured between the first light generating device 110 and the first redirection optical element 510. However, other configurations and additional optical elements 500 may be possible as well.

[0188] Further, the patterned reflector 400 may be configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 and the light exit 1090. Especially, as depicted here, the patterned reflector 400 may be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element 510 and the light exit 1090.

[0189] In embodiments, the patterned reflector 400 may be configured to pattern the first diffused device light 711 (received via the diffuser arrangement 700 and the first redirection optical element 510, thereby providing patterned diffused device light 712. Therefore, in embodiments, the patterned reflector 400 may comprise (i) one or more first sections 401 configured to reflect (at least part ol) the first diffused device light 711 received 2024PF80285

[0190] 41 by the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400 and (ii) one or more second sections 402 configured to transmit (at least part ol) the first diffused device light 711 received by the one or more second sections 402 of the patterned reflector 400.

[0191] Furthermore, in embodiments, the one or more first sections 401 and the one or more second sections 402 may be (both) reflective for (device) light having the first linear polarization, and the one or more second sections 402 may be transmissive for (device) light having the second linear polarization.

[0192] Yet further, the patterned reflector 400 may have a cross-sectional area. The one or more first sections 401 may, in embodiments, comprise 5-70% of the cross-sectional area. Moreover, in embodiments, the one or more second section 402 may comprise 30-95% of the cross-sectional area. In specific embodiments, the patterned reflector 400 may be a GOBO.

[0193] Furthermore, in embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system 1000, system light 1001 comprising at least part of the patterned diffused device light 712. The system light 1001 may especially be provided via the light exit 1090.

[0194] Further, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system 1000 the system light 1001 may be white light having a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 6000-10000 K and a color rendering index of at least 65.

[0195] As depicted in Fig. 1, the light generating system 1000 may further comprise a control system 300 and a movement element 600. In embodiments, the movement element 600 may be configured to laterally move the patterned reflector 400 relative to an optical axis (O) of the first device light 111. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the movement element 600 may be configured to rotationally move the patterned reflector 400 relative to the optical axis (O) of the first device light 111.

[0196] The control system 300 may especially be configured to control movement of the patterned reflector 400 by controlling the movement element 600. Hence, in embodiments, in an operational mode of the light generating system 1000 the control system 300 may be configured to control a pattern of the patterned system light 1001 over time by controlling the movement element 600.

[0197] For the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 may further apply that: (i) the first redirection optical element 510 is configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement 700 and the light exit 1090, and (ii) the diffuser 710 is configured in the reflective mode. 2024PF80285

[0198] 42

[0199] In such embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may further comprise a second X / 4 waveplate 610 and a second reflective arrangement 2700 comprising a second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710. As such, the light generating system 1000 is configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light 711, reflected by the one or more first sections 401, in a recycling optical path propagates away from the patterned reflector 400 via the first redirection optical element 510 to the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710.

[0200] In embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may comprise a polarization maintaining diffuser or a polarization maintaining specular reflector. Especially, the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may be configured in a light receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and via the first redirection optical element 510 with the diffuser arrangement 700. Further, in embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may be configured to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light 711 reflected by the one or more first sections 401 and received by the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 via the first redirection optical element 510 to provide second diffused device light 721. Additionally, in such embodiments, second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may be configured to direct the second diffused device light 721 in an optical path to the first redirection optical element 510. Furthermore, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate 610 may be configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element 510 and the patterned reflector 400. Especially, the first redirection optical element 510 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 and second diffused device light 721, received by the first redirection optical element 510, to the patterned reflector 400 via the second X / 4 waveplate 610. Moreover, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate 610 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 received by the second X / 4 waveplate 610 from the first redirection optical element 510 to the patterned reflector 400. Especially, the first diffused device light 711, received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the diffuser arrangement 700, may have the second linear polarization, i.e., may be s-polarized.

[0201] Additionally, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate 610 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 reflected by the one or more first sections 401 and received by second X / 4 waveplate 610 from the patterned reflector 400 to the first redirection optical element 510. Especially, the first diffused device light 711, received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the (patterned reflector 400 via the) second X / 4 waveplate 610, may have the first linear polarization., i.e., may be p-polarized. 2024PF80285

[0202] 43

[0203] Further, in embodiments as depicted here, the light generating system 1000 is configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light 711, transmitted by the one or more second sections 402 propagates in an optical path to the light exit 1090.

[0204] Yet further, in embodiments, the patterned reflector 400 may be configured to pattern the second diffused device light 721, thereby providing patterned second diffused device light 722. In embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may thus be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system 1000, via the light exit 1090 system light 1001 comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light 722.

[0205] Hence, in embodiments, part of the first diffused device light 711, in a recycling optical path propagating to the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710, may be reflected by the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 and directed (back) to the patterned reflector 400. Hence, in such embodiments, the first diffused device light 711 may follow an optical path propagating (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element 510, and (b) twice via the second X / 4 waveplate 610.

[0206] Referring to Fig. 1, the first device light 111 may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the reflector 560 (where it is reflected towards the first redirection optical element 510 while maintaining its p-polarization), (ii) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is transmitted towards the diffuser arrangement 700), (iii) the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate 720 (where the p-polarization is changed to first circular / elliptical polarization), (iv) the diffuser 710 (where the first device light 111 having the first circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and reflected to provide first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization back to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720), (v) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the second circular / elliptical polarization is changed to s-polarization), (vi) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected towards the second X / 4 waveplate 610), (vii) the second X / 4 waveplate 610 (where the s-polarization is changed to second circular / elliptical polarization), and (viii) the patterned reflector 400 (where at least part of the first diffused device light 711 is transmitted to the light exit 1090 as patterned first diffused device light 712 by the one or more second sections 402, and another part of the first diffused device light 711 is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections 401).

[0207] The first diffused device light 711, after being reflected by the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400, may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the second X / 4 waveplate 610 (where second circular / elliptical polarization is again changed to p-polarization), (ii) the first redirection optical element 510 2024PF80285

[0208] 44

[0209] (where it is transmitted to the second reflective arrangement 2700), (iii) the second reflective arrangement 2700 comprising one of a polarization maintaining diffuser 2710 and a polarization maintaining specular reflector (where it is reflected and optionally (re-)diffused into second diffused device light 721 while maintaining the p-polarization), (iv) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is transmitted back to the second X / 4 waveplate 610), (v) the second X / 4 waveplate 610 (where its p- polarization is changed back to a circular / elliptical polarization), (vi) the patterned reflector 400 (where at least part of the second diffused device light 721 is transmitted to the light exit 1090 as patterned second diffused device light 722 by the one or more second sections 402, and optionally another part of the second diffused device light 721 is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections 401).

[0210] Fig. 2 schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of the light generating system 1000, where instead of a second reflective arrangement 2700, the light generating system 1000 comprises a pinhole reflector 800.

[0211] In embodiments, the pinhole reflector 800 is configured in an optical path between the first light generating device 110 and the first redirection optical element 510. As such, in embodiments, the pinhole reflector 800 may be configured to transmit at least 90% of the first device light 111 received by the pinhole reflector 800 (in an optical path to the diffuser arrangement 700. Additionally, in embodiments, the pinhole reflector 800 may be configured to reflect at least 55% of the diffused device light 711 received by the pinhole reflector 800 via the recycling optical path (in an optical path back to the diffuser arrangement 700.

[0212] In such embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may be configured such that (at least) part of the first diffused device light 711, reflected by the one or more first sections 401, in a recycling optical path (i) propagates away from the patterned reflector 400 to the diffuser 710 and (ii) also returns to the patterned reflector 400. Especially, this optical path may be (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element 510, and (b) twice via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720.

[0213] Referring to Fig. 1, the first device light 111 may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the pinhole reflector 800 (where it is transmitted through the pinhole), (ii) the reflector 560 (where it is reflected towards the first redirection optical element 510 while maintaining its p-polarization), (iii) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is transmitted towards the diffuser arrangement 700), (iv) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the p-polarization is changed to first circular / elliptical 2024PF80285

[0214] 45 polarization), (v) the diffuser 710 (where the first device light 111 having the first circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and reflected to provide first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization back to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720), (vi) the diffuser arrangement / 4 waveplate 720 (where the second circular / elliptical polarization is changed to s-polarization), (vii) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected towards the patterned reflector 400), and (viii) the patterned reflector 400 (where at least part of the first diffused device light 711 is transmitted to the light exit 1090 as patterned first diffused device light 712 by the one or more second sections 402, and another part of the first diffused device light 711 is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections 401).

[0215] In such embodiments, the first diffused device light 711, after being reflected by the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400, may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected back to the diffuser arrangement), (ii) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the s-polarization is changed to second circular / elliptical polarization), (iii) the diffuser 710 (where the first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and reflected to provide first diffused device light 711 having the first circular / elliptical polarization back to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720), (iv) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the first circular / elliptical polarization is changed to p-polarization), (v) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is transmitted to the pinhole reflector 800), (iv) the pinhole reflector 800 (where it is reflected back to the first redirection optical element 510), (v) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is transmitted back to the diffuser arrangement 700), (vi) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the p-polarization is changed to first circular / elliptical polarization), (vii) the diffuser 710 (where the first diffused device light 711 having the first circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and reflected to provide first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization back to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720), (viii) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the second circular / elliptical polarization is changed to s-polarization), (ix) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected back to the patterned reflector 400), and (x) the patterned reflector 400 (where at least part of the (re-)diffused light 711 is transmitted to the light exit 1090 as patterned first diffused device light 712 by the one or more second sections 402, and optionally another part of the (re-)diffused light 711 is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections 401). 2024PF80285

[0216] 46

[0217] Fig. 3 schematically depicts an embodiment of the light generating system 1000 where recycling is not achieved through an internal recycling pathway, but through the application of a beam dump 900. Thus, in embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may comprise a beam dump 900. The beam dump 900 may be configured downstream of the (one or more first sections 401 of the) patterned reflector 400. Especially, the beam dump 900 may be configured to receive first diffused device light 711 reflected from the patterned reflector 400. In specific embodiments, the beam dump 900 may comprise a photovoltaic cell. In such embodiments, at least part of the first diffused device light 711 received by the beam dump may be absorbed by the photovoltaic cell. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the photovoltaic cell may be configured to convert the first diffused device light 711 into electricity.

[0218] As depicted here, the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400 may be configured to receive first diffused device light 711 from a first direction. Subsequently, the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400 may be configured to reflect the received first diffused device light 711 in a second direction. In embodiments as depicted here, the second direction may be collinear relative to the first direction.

[0219] To achieve such collinearity, the light generating system 1000 requires a means to distinguish the incoming (relative to the patterned reflector 400) first diffused device light 711 from the outgoing (relative to the patterned reflector 400) patterned first diffused device light 712. Therefore, the light generating system 1000 may further comprise a second X / 4 waveplate 610 configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element 510 and the patterned reflector 400. Further, in embodiments, the first diffused device light 711 received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the diffuser arrangement 700 may have the second linear polarization (here especially s-polarization), whereas the first diffused device light 711 received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the (patterned reflector 400 via the) second X / 4 waveplate 610 may have the first linear polarization (here especially p-polarization).

[0220] In embodiments, the first redirection optical element 510 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711, received by the first redirection optical element 510, to the second X / 4 waveplate 610. The second X / 4 waveplate 610 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 received by the second X / 4 waveplate 610 from the first redirection optical element 510 to the patterned reflector 400. Additionally, in embodiments, the second X / 4 waveplate 610 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 2024PF80285

[0221] 47 reflected by the one or more first sections 401 and received by the second X / 4 waveplate 610 from the patterned reflector 400 to the first redirection optical element 510. Subsequently, the first redirection optical element 510 may be configured to direct first diffused device light 711 received by the first redirection optical element 510 from the (patterned reflector 400 via the) second / 4 waveplate 610 to the beam dump 900.

[0222] Fig. 4 schematically depicts another embodiments where the light generating system 1000 comprises a beam dump 900. However, in this embodiments, the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400 may be configured (i) to receive first diffused device light 711 from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received first diffused device light 711 into a second direction. Especially here, the second direction may be non-collinear relative to the first direction. In other words, a normal of the patterned reflector 400 may be configured at an angle (a) with an optical axis (O) of the first diffused device light 711 propagating from the first redirection optical element 510 to the patterned reflector 400. In embodiments, the angle (a) may especially be unequal to both 0° and 90°, i.e., o 0° and a 90°. In specific embodiments, the second direction may be orthogonal relative to the first direction. For example, in such embodiments, the angle (a) may be 45°.

[0223] Fig. 5 schematically depicts an embodiments where the patterned reflector 400 is configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element 510 and the light exit 1090, and the diffuser arrangement 700 is configured in the transmissive mode.

[0224] The light generating system 1000, as depicted here, may comprise the pinhole reflector 800, as described above.

[0225] As depicted, the light generating system 1000 may further comprise the second reflective arrangement 2700 comprising the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 (see also further above). The second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may especially be configured in a light receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and the first redirection optical element 510 with the diffuser arrangement 700. Moreover, in embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may be configured to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light 711 received by the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 to provide second diffused device light 721. Additionally, in such embodiments, the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 may be configured to direct the diffused second device light 721 in an optical path (back) to the first redirection optical element 510. 2024PF80285

[0226] 48

[0227] Furthermore, in embodiments, the patterned reflector 400 may be configured to pattern the second diffused device light 721 received by the patterned reflector 400, thereby providing patterned second diffused device light 722.

[0228] In such embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may be configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system 1000, via the light exit 1090 system light 1001 comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light 722.

[0229] Hence, in such embodiments, the light generating system 1000 may be configured such that at least part of the first diffused device light 711 reflected by the (one or more first sections 401 of the) patterned reflector 400, in a recycling optical path (i) propagates away from the patterned reflector 400 via the diffuser 710 to the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 and (ii) also returns to the patterned reflector 400. Especially, in embodiments, this optical path may be (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element 510, and (b) twice via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720.

[0230] Referring to Fig. 5, the first device light 111 may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the pinhole reflector 800 (where it is transmitted through the pinhole), (ii) the reflector 560 (where it is reflected towards the first redirection optical element 510 while maintaining its p-polarization), (iii) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is transmitted towards the diffuser arrangement 700), (iv) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the p-polarization is changed to first circular / elliptical polarization), (v) the diffuser 710 (where the first device light 111 having the first circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and transmitted to provide first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization to the patterned reflector 400), (vi) the patterned reflector 400 (where at least part of the first diffused device light 711 is transmitted to the light exit 1090 as patterned first diffused device light 712 by the one or more second sections 402, and another part of the first diffused device light 711 is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections 401).

[0231] In such embodiments, the first diffused device light 711, after being reflected by the one or more first sections 401 of the patterned reflector 400, may propagate along the following succession of elements: (i) the diffuser 710 (where the first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and reflected to provide first diffused device light 711 having the first circular / elliptical polarization back to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720), (ii) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the first circular / elliptical polarization is changed to s-polarization), (vii) the first redirection 2024PF80285

[0232] 49 optical element 510 (where it is reflected towards the second reflective arrangement 2700), (viii) the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 (where it is reflected back towards the first redirection optical element 510 while maintaining its polarization), (ix) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected towards the reflector 560), (x) the reflector 560 (where it is reflected towards the pinhole reflector 800), (xi) the pinhole reflector 800 (where it is substantially reflected back to the first redirection optical element 510), (xii) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected back to the second reflective arrangement 2700), (xiii) the second polarization maintaining reflective element 2710 (where it is reflected back towards the first redirection optical element 510 while maintaining its polarization), (xiv) the first redirection optical element 510 (where it is reflected back towards the diffuser arrangement 700), (xv) the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate 720 (where the s-polarization is changed to second circular / elliptical polarization), (xvi) the diffuser 710 (where the first diffused device light 711 having the second circular / elliptical polarization is diffused and transmitted to provide second diffused device light 721 having the first circular / elliptical polarization to the patterned reflector 400), (xvii) the patterned reflector 400 (where at least part of the second diffused device light 721 is transmitted to the light exit 1090 as patterned second diffused device light 722 by the one or more second sections 402, and another part of the second diffused device light 721 is reflected back into the recycling pathway by the one or more first sections 401).

[0233] Fig. 6 schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire 2 comprising the light generating system 1000 as described above. Reference 301 indicates a user interface which may be functionally coupled with the control system 300 comprised by or functionally coupled to the light generating system 1000. Fig. 6 also schematically depicts an embodiment of lamp 1 comprising the light generating system 1000. Reference 3 indicates a projector device or projector system, which may be used to project images, such as at a wall, which may also comprise the light generating system 1000. Hence, Fig. 6 schematically depicts embodiments of a lighting device 1200 selected from the group of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the light generating system 1000 as described herein. In embodiments, such lighting device may be a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, or an optical wireless communication device. Lighting device light escaping from the lighting device 1200 is indicated with reference 1201. Lighting device light 1201 may essentially consist of system light 1001, and may in specific embodiments thus be system light 1001. Reference 1300 refers to a space, such as a room. Reference 1305 2024PF80285

[0234] 50 refers to a floor, reference 1310 to a ceiling, and reference 1307 to a wall. Fig. 6 also schematically depicts an embodiment of an outdoor light, or stage light, or stadium light. Fig. 6 also schematically depicts a vehicle, like an automobile, but this may also be a truck, a motor cycle, etc. etc., with automotive lighting 4, e.g. headlights. These automotive lighting 4 may also comprise the lighting device 1200. Another embodiment of a lamp may be a torch.

[0235] The term “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0236] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

[0237] The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

[0238] The term “and / or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and / or”. For instance, a 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 an embodiment refer to "consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to "containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species".

[0239] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0240] The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0241] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0242] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. 2024PF80285

[0243] 51

[0244] Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0245] The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0246] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In yet a further aspect, the invention (thus) provides a software product, which, when running on a computer is capable of bringing about (one or more embodiments ol) the method as described herein.

[0247] The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0248] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings.

[0249] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

2024PF8028552CLAIMS:

1. A light generating system (1000) comprising a lighting arrangement (1100), wherein the lighting arrangement (1100) comprises: a first light generating device (110) comprising a solid-state light source selected from the group of laser diodes, superluminescent diodes, and multi -junction diodes; wherein the first light generating device (110) is configured to provide first device light (i n); optics (500) comprising a first redirection optical element (510) wherein the first redirection optical element (510) is configured in an optical path between the first light generating device (110) and a diffuser arrangement (700); wherein the first redirection optical element (510) is configured to (i) direct first device light (111), received by the first redirection optical element (510), in an optical path to a diffuser arrangement (700), and (ii) direct first diffused device light (711), received by the first redirection optical element (510), in an optical path to a light exit (1090); wherein first device light (111) received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the first light generating device (110) comprises linear polarized light; the diffuser arrangement (700) comprises a diffuser (710) and a diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720), wherein: the diffuser (710) comprises a polarization maintaining diffuser, wherein the diffuser (710) is configured in a light receiving relationship with the first light generating device (110) via the first redirection optical element (510), wherein the diffuser(710) is configured to diffuse at least part of the first device light (111) received by the diffuser (710) via the first redirection optical element (510) into first diffused device light(711); the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720) is configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element (510) and the diffuser (710), wherein the first redirection optical element (510) is configured to direct first device light (111), received by the first redirection optical element (510), to the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720), wherein the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720) is configured to direct (i) first device light (111) received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720) from the2024PF8028553 first redirection optical element (510) to the diffuser (710), and to direct (ii) first diffused device light (711) received by the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720) from the diffuser (710) to the first redirection optical element (510); wherein the first device light (111), received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the first light generating device (110), has a first linear polarization and the first diffused device light (711), received by the first redirection optical element (510) via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720), has a second linear polarization, different from the first linear polarization; a patterned reflector (400) configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720) and the light exit (1090); wherein the patterned reflector (400) comprises (i) one or more first sections (401) configured to reflect the first diffused device light (711) received by the one or more first sections (401) of the patterned reflector (400) and (ii) one or more second sections (402) configured to transmit the first diffused device light (711) received by the one or more second sections (402) of the patterned reflector (400); wherein the patterned reflector (400) is configured to pattern the first diffused device light (711), thereby providing patterned diffused device light (712); and wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system (1000), via the light exit (1090), system light (1001) comprising at least part of the patterned diffused device light (712).

2. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first sections (401) and the one or more second sections (402) are reflective for light having the first linear polarization, and the one or more second sections (402) are transmissive for light having the second linear polarization.

3. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patterned reflector (400) has a cross-sectional area, wherein the one or more first sections (401) comprise 5-70% of the cross-sectional area, and wherein the one or more second section (402) comprise 30-95% of the cross-sectional area.

4. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light generating system (1000) comprises a control system (300) and a movement element (600); wherein the movement element (600) is configured to one or more of (i) laterally moving the patterned reflector (400) relative to an optical axis (O) of the first device light (111), and (ii) rotationally moving the patterned reflector (400) relative to the2024PF8028554 optical axis (O) of the first device light (111); wherein the control system (300) is configured to control movement of the patterned reflector (400) by controlling the movement element (600); and wherein in an operational mode of the light generating system (1000) the control system (300) is configured to control a pattern of the patterned system light (1001) over time by controlling the movement element (600).

5. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patterned reflector (400) is configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element (510) and the light exit (1090).

6. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first redirection optical element (510) is configured in an optical path between the diffuser arrangement (700) and the light exit (1090); and wherein the diffuser (710) is configured in the reflective mode.

7. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 6, wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured such that part of the first diffused device light (711), reflected by the one or more first sections (401), in a recycling optical path (i) propagates away from the patterned reflector (400) to the diffuser (710) and (ii) also returns to the patterned reflector (400); wherein this optical path is (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element (510), and (b) twice via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720).

8. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 7, wherein the light generating system (1000) comprises a pinhole reflector (800), wherein the pinhole reflector (800) is configured in an optical path between the first light generating device (110) and the first redirection optical element (510), wherein the pinhole reflector (800) is configured (i) to transmit at least 90% of the first device light (111) received by the pinhole reflector (800) and (ii) to reflect at least 55% of the diffused device light (711) received by the pinhole reflector (800) via the recycling optical path.

9. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 7, wherein the light generating system (1000) comprises a second X / 4 waveplate (610) and a second reflective arrangement (2700) comprising a second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710), wherein:2024PF8028555 the light generating system (1000) is configured such that: part of the first diffused device light (711), reflected by the one or more first sections (401), in a recycling optical path (i) propagates away from the patterned reflector (400) via the first redirection optical element (510) to the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) and (ii) is reflected by the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) and directed to the patterned reflector (400); wherein this optical path is (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element (510), and (b) twice via the second X / 4 waveplate (610); and part of the first diffused device light (711), transmitted by the one or more second sections (402) propagates in an optical path to the light exit (1090); the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) comprises a polarization maintaining diffuser or a polarization maintaining specular reflector, wherein the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) is configured in a light receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and via the first redirection optical element (510) with the arrangement (700), wherein the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) is configured (i) to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light (711) reflected by the one or more first sections (401) and received by the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) via the first redirection optical element (510) to provide second diffused device light (721) and (ii) to direct the second diffused device light (721) in an optical path to the first redirection optical element (510); the second X / 4 waveplate (610) is configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element (510) and the patterned reflector (400), wherein the first redirection optical element (510) is configured to direct first diffused device light (711) and second diffused device light (721), received by the first redirection optical element (510), to the patterned reflector (400) via the second X / 4 waveplate (610), wherein second X / 4 waveplate (610) is configured to direct (i) first diffused device light (711) received by the second X / 4 waveplate (610) from the first redirection optical element (510) to the patterned reflector (400), and to direct (ii) first diffused device light (711) reflected by the one or more first sections (401) and received by second X / 4 waveplate (610) from the patterned reflector (400) to the first redirection optical element (510), wherein the first diffused device light (711) received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the diffuser arrangement (700) has the second linear polarization and the first diffused device light (711) received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the second X / 4 waveplate (610) has the first linear polarization;2024PF8028556 the patterned reflector (400) is configured to pattern the second diffused device light (721), thereby providing patterned second diffused device light (722); and the light generating system (1000) is configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system (1000), via the light exit (1090) system light (1001) further comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light (722).

10. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 6, wherein the light generating system (1000) comprises a beam dump (900), wherein the beam dump (900) is configured downstream of the patterned reflector (400), wherein the beam dump (900) is configured to receive first diffused device light (711) reflected from the patterned reflector (400), wherein the beam dump (900) comprises a photovoltaic cell, wherein at least part of the first diffused device light (711) received by the beam dump is absorbed by the photovoltaic cell, wherein the photovoltaic cell is configured to convert the first diffused device light (711) into electricity.

11. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 10, wherein the one or more first sections (401) of the patterned reflector (400) are configured (i) to receive the first diffused device light (711) from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received first diffused device light (711) into a second direction, wherein the second direction is non-collinear relative to the first direction.

12. The light generating system (1000) according to claim 10, wherein (A) the one or more first sections (401) of the patterned reflector (400) are configured (i) to receive at least part of the first diffused device light (711) from a first direction and (ii) to reflect the received the first diffused device light (711) in a second direction, wherein the second direction is collinear relative to the first direction; (B) the light generating system (1000) further comprises a second X / 4 waveplate (610) configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element (510) and the patterned reflector (400), wherein the first redirection optical element (510) is configured to direct the first diffused device light (711), received by the first redirection optical element (510), to the second X / 4 waveplate (610), wherein the second X / 4 waveplate (610) is configured to direct (i) the first diffused device light (711) received by the second X / 4 waveplate (610) from the first redirection optical element (510) to the patterned reflector (400), and to direct (ii) the first diffused device light (711) reflected by the one or more first sections (401) and received by the second X / 42024PF8028557 waveplate (610) from the patterned reflector (400) to the first redirection optical element (510), wherein the first diffused device light (711) received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the diffuser arrangement (700) has the second linear polarization and the first diffused device light (711) received by the first redirection optical element (510) from the second X / 4 waveplate has the first linear polarization; and (C) the first redirection optical element (510) is configured to direct first diffused device light (711) reflected by the one or more first sections (401) and received by the first redirection optical element (510) to the beam dump (900).

13. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-5, further comprising a second reflective arrangement (2700) comprising a second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710), wherein: the patterned reflector (400) is configured in an optical path between the first redirection optical element (510) and the light exit (1090); the diffuser (710) is configured in the transmissive mode; the light generating system (1000) is configured such that at least part of the first diffused device light (711) reflected by the patterned reflector (400), in a recycling optical path (i) propagates away from the patterned reflector (400) via the diffuser (710) to the second diffuser (2710) and (ii) also returns to the patterned reflector (400); wherein this optical path is (a) at least twice via the first redirection optical element (510), and (b) twice via the diffuser arrangement X / 4 waveplate (720); wherein the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) is configured in a light receiving relationship via the recycling optical path and the first redirection optical element (510) with the diffuser arrangement (700), wherein the second polarization maintaining reflective element (2710) is configured (i) to reflect at least part of the first diffused device light (711) received by the second reflective element (2710) to provide second diffused device light (721) and (ii) to direct the second diffused device light (721) to the first redirection optical element (510); the patterned reflector (400) is configured to pattern the second diffused device light (721) received by the patterned reflector (400), thereby providing patterned second diffused device light (722); and the light generating system (1000) is configured to provide, in an operational mode of the light generating system (1000), via the light exit (1090) system light (1001) further comprising at least part of the patterned second diffused device light (722).2024PF802855814. The light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in an operational mode of the light generating system (1000) the system light (1001) is white light having a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 6000- 10000 K and a color rendering index of at least 65; and wherein the first light generating device (110) comprises a laser diode.

15. A lighting device (1200), selected from the group of a lamp (1), a luminaire (2), a projector device (3), a lighting fixture, an automotive lighting device, and an entertainment lighting device, comprising the light generating system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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