Angled Semiconductor Planar Elements for Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor light sources lack the ability to produce a predeterminable emission pattern, which is essential for various applications, including efficient lighting and beam shaping without the use of additional optical elements.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor light source comprises at least two planar elements made of semiconductor material, with a high reflectivity for visible radiation and an angled arrangement to allow for adjustable emission patterns through reciprocal reflection, enabling beam shaping and focusing without external optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional semiconductor light sources are used, then the structure is simple, but the emission pattern cannot be predetermined
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple planar elements (at least two) with high reflectivity, arranged at specific angles to each other. Each planar element acts as an independent reflective surface that redirects light in specific directions, enabling predetermined emission patterns without requiring complex external optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular arrangement of planar elements in three-dimensional space. By positioning the planar elements at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to each other, the system controls light emission in different spatial dimensions, achieving directional beam shaping through spatial geometry rather than complex optical elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical elements are used to shape beams, then the emission pattern can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planar elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reflect light with high efficiency (at least 80% reflectivity), they shape the beam through their angular arrangement, and they determine the emission pattern through their geometric configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical elements for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar elements inherently provide beam shaping and emission pattern control through their own geometric arrangement and reflective properties. The system uses its own structural features (the angled planar elements) to achieve the desired optical effects, rather than requiring external optical components to impose these effects on the light.
3Productivity
If planar elements with high reflectivity are used, then radiation can be directed into specific angular ranges, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for the planar elements, such as angular arrangements of 45 degrees or other predetermined angles, and reflectivity thresholds of at least 80%. By defining these parameter ranges, the invention balances the need for high radiation directionality with practical manufacturing capabilities, allowing for mass production while maintaining effective beam control.
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
This design allows for a controlled emission pattern with a significant fraction of radiation directed into a specific angular range, enhancing the efficiency and directionality of light emission, making it suitable for applications like ceiling luminaires where pleasant illumination is desired.
Implementation Method 1
The reflectivity of the planar elements for visible radiation amounts at least when the light source is not in operation to at least 80%, in particular at least 85%, preferably at least 92%
Implementation Method 2
the planar elements each comprise an organic or inorganic semiconductor material for producing ultraviolet or visible radiation when the semiconductor light source is in operation
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment of the semiconductor light source (1), the latter comprises at least two planar elements (2). The planar elements (2) each contain a semiconductor material for producing ultraviolet or visible radiation (R) when the semiconductor light source (1) is in operation. The radiation (R) is in this case emitted at precisely one major face (3) of the planar elements (2). The reflectivity of the planar elements (2) for visible radiation, when the semiconductor light source (1) is not in operation, amounts to at least 80%. The planar elements (2) furthermore exhibit an average diameter (L) of at least 10 mm. Furthermore the major faces (3) of the planar elements (2) are arranged at an angle (α) to one another and facing one another. The angle (α) between the major faces (3) amounts in this case to between 30° and 120° inclusive.