Addressable VCSEL Illuminator for Beam Divergence Without Moving Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination devices rely on mechanical movement of optical elements to adjust output divergence and power, leading to increased parts count, device size, and inconsistent illumination quality, limiting functional flexibility during use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-element vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array is used, where individual elements can be independently electrically addressed to vary output divergence and power without physical movement, utilizing a controller to select and drive emitter elements based on desired beam width and a diffuser to smooth the illumination beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement of optical elements is used to adjust output divergence and power, then functional flexibility is improved, but device complexity and parts count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VCSEL source is divided into multiple independently controllable emitter elements arranged in spatial zones. By selectively activating specific zones or elements, the system achieves variable beam divergence and power output without mechanical movement. Each emitter element can be independently addressed through separate electrical contacts, enabling digital control of illumination characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as rotating lenses or moving mirrors) with an electrical control system. The controller selectively energizes specific emitter elements based on desired beam characteristics, substituting physical movement with electronic selection and activation of laser elements.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical movement of optical elements is used to adjust focus, then focus control is improved, but reliability decreases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms by using optical diffusion through a diffuser element. The diffuser smooths the beam profile and provides focus control through optical rather than mechanical means, improving reliability by removing moving parts from the focus control system.
3Device complexity
If conventional illumination devices are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but illumination consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser element as an intermediary component in the optical path. This diffuser smooths the illumination beam by scattering and redistributing light from the VCSEL emitter elements, thereby improving illumination consistency and reducing hot spots or uneven brightness distribution.
4Power
If physical movement of optical elements is used to adjust output power, then power control is improved, but loss of time increases due to mechanical adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power adjustment mechanisms with electrical control of emitter element selection. The controller can instantly change power output by selectively energizing different numbers or combinations of emitter elements, eliminating the time required for mechanical adjustment and enabling rapid response to changing illumination requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control over illumination characteristics, reducing mechanical complexity, improving illumination consistency, and enhancing operational flexibility by allowing selective adjustment of divergence and power without mechanical parts movement.
Implementation Method 1
vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) die positioned perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens
Implementation Method 2
light emitted from the VCSEL die passing through the lens
Implementation Method 3
diffuser object situated opposite the VCSEL die with respect to the lens, resulting in an optical path of light emitted from the VCSEL die passing through the lens and the diffuser object
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) illuminator system includes a VCSEL die positioned perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens, the VCSEL die including respective emitter elements positioned within respective spatial zones of an emission surface of the VCSEL die, where a distance between the lens and the emission surface of the VCSEL die differs from a focal length of the lens; a diffuser situated opposite the VCSEL die with respect to the lens, resulting in an optical path of light emitted from the VCSEL die passing through the lens and the diffuser; a controller that selects emitter elements, of the emitter elements, based on an intended angular beam width of light to be emitted from the system; and a driver system that selectively applies a drive signal to the selected emitter elements in response to the selected emitter segments, elements, or zones being selected by the controller.