Compact Laser Collimator Using Anamorphic Lens Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source apparatuses for projectors require a large distance between cylindrical lenses to convert laser beams into a circular shape, leading to increased size and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A collimator system comprising three lens groups, including a first anamorphic lens with negative power, a second anamorphic lens with positive power, and a third anamorphic lens with positive power, effectively converting the elliptical laser beam cross-section into a circular shape without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If two cylindrical lenses are used to convert the laser beam cross-section into a circular shape, then the light flux shape is converted into a substantially circular shape, but a large distance between the lenses is required, causing an increase in the size of the light source apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator system is divided into three lens groups (first, second, and third groups) with different functions. The first group diverges the laser beam, the second group parallelizes it, and the third group further shapes it. This segmentation allows each group to perform a specific function efficiently, achieving circular light flux conversion in a compact configuration rather than requiring a single large-distance lens pair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses anamorphic lenses with different power parameters (negative power in the first group, positive power in the second and third groups) to control the laser beam divergence and convergence. By carefully selecting and combining lenses with specific focal lengths and power values, the system achieves effective beam shaping while minimizing the overall optical path length and apparatus size
2Shape
If a large distance is used between cylindrical lenses to convert the laser beam shape, then the light flux can be converted into a circular shape, but the size of the light source apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three lens groups are arranged in a nested configuration along the optical axis, with each subsequent group positioned to utilize the output of the previous group. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and achieves compact packaging of the optical components, reducing the overall apparatus volume while maintaining effective beam shaping functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the beam shaping problem in multiple dimensions by using anamorphic lenses that have different optical powers in perpendicular directions (first direction and second direction). This dimensional approach allows independent control of beam divergence in horizontal and vertical planes, achieving circular cross-section in a compact three-dimensional space rather than requiring large linear distances
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
The solution allows for efficient conversion of the laser beam cross-section into a circular shape, reducing the size of the light source apparatus and improving the performance of the homogenizing illumination system, enabling efficient light modulation and projection.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator system that parallelizes the laser beam, the collimator system being formed of three lens groups
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a light source apparatus including a laser light source that outputs a laser beam and a collimator system that parallelizes the laser beam. The collimator system includes three lens groups. A first group includes a first anamorphic lens having negative power in a first direction. A second group includes a second anamorphic lens having positive power in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A third group includes a third anamorphic lens having positive power in the first direction.