Anisotropic Coupling Lens for Laser Diode Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector illumination systems face challenges in achieving high luminance and efficient light use while maintaining a simple configuration, as they rely on high-power, large-sized discharge lamps, which are being replaced by solid-state light-emitting devices like LEDs and laser diodes for better reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of an illumination unit with solid-state light-emitting devices, such as laser diodes, and optical coupling lenses that adjust the directivity angle of light, where the lens effect along the arrangement direction of light-emitting spots is minimized, allowing for improved light use efficiency and higher luminance without increasing the complexity of the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-power discharge lamps are used to achieve high luminance, then illumination intensity is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from discharge lamp illumination to laser diode illumination, fundamentally changing the light source parameters. Laser diodes provide high luminance with compact size and low power consumption, directly resolving the contradiction between high illumination intensity and small device size
2Illumination intensity
If discharge lamps are used to achieve high luminance, then illumination intensity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces discharge lamps with laser diodes, changing the energy conversion parameters. Laser diodes convert electrical energy to light energy with higher efficiency, achieving high luminance while significantly reducing power consumption compared to discharge lamps
3Volume of moving object
If conventional optical systems are used with solid-state light sources, then device size is reduced, but light use efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cylindrical lenses with different focal lengths in different directions (different local optical properties) to optimize light collection and directionality. This anisotropic optical design maintains compact device size while improving light use efficiency by directing more light toward the projection optical system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes optical parameters including lens focal lengths, light source positioning, and numerical aperture to maximize light collection efficiency. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high light use efficiency in a compact configuration
4Loss of energy
If complex optical systems are used to improve light use efficiency, then light use efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source and coupling lenses into a compact illumination unit where components work together in a unified optical path. This merging of functions achieves high light use efficiency without requiring separate complex optical subsystems
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 configuration enhances light use efficiency and achieves higher luminance with a simplified optical system, enabling the development of compact, high-performance projectors with lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode, and a first coupling lens of the one or more coupling lenses has a smaller lens effect along the predetermined direction than a lens effect along a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction in the light emission region
Implementation Method 2
an optical member allowing light incident from the solid-state light-emitting device to pass therethrough and exit therefrom, in which the optical member includes one or more coupling lenses changing a directivity angle of the light incident from the solid-state light-emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination unit includes: light sources each including a solid-state light-emitting device, the solid-state light-emitting device emitting light from a light emission region thereof, the light emission region including a plurality of light-emitting spots arranged along a predetermined direction; and an optical member, in which the optical member includes coupling lenses, the solid-state light-emitting device includes a single chip or a plurality of chips, the single chip or the plurality of chips in the solid-state light-emitting device having the plurality of light-emitting spots each include a laser diode, and a first coupling lens of the coupling lenses has a smaller lens effect along the predetermined direction than a lens effect along a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction in the light emission region, the first coupling lens on which laser light emitted from the solid-state light-emitting device having the plurality of light-emitting spots is incident.