Beam Shaper With Segmented Intensity-Modulating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam shapers used in lighting and projective displays are limited in generating complex emission profiles, as they primarily rely on collimation optics that produce uniform but not complex radiation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A beam shaper comprising multiple optical beam-shaping elements with different types and optical properties, including intensity-modulating and refractive elements, arranged adjacent to each other to create a complex radiation profile, with features such as varying shapes, sizes, and spacings, and optional separating structures to reduce stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If collimation optics are used to parallelize rays from light sources, then a directed beam profile is obtained, but the radiation profile remains uniform and complex beam patterns cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaper is divided into multiple beam shaping elements, each comprising an intensity-modulating element and a refractive element. These elements are arranged in an array where each element can be independently designed with different optical properties (aperture size, shape, position, refractive index) to generate specific beam patterns. This segmentation allows complex beam profiles to be constructed from simpler individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the beam shaper are assigned different optical properties. Each beam shaping element has locally optimized characteristics such as varying aperture sizes, shapes, and positions of intensity-modulating elements, as well as different refractive elements. This local differentiation enables the generation of complex spatially varying beam patterns while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam shaping elements with different optical properties are used to generate complex radiation profiles, then arbitrary emission characteristics are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping functionality is merged into a single integrated structure where multiple beam shaping elements are arranged in an array on a common substrate. Each element combines an intensity-modulating element and a refractive element in close proximity, merging multiple optical functions into a compact unified device that achieves complex beam shaping without requiring separate optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam shaper is designed as a universal optical device that can generate various beam patterns by selectively controlling different combinations of beam shaping elements. The array structure allows different subsets of elements to be activated for different applications, providing multi-functionality and adaptability across various lighting and display applications without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam shaping elements with varying shapes, sizes, and spacings are implemented, then complex beam profiles are generated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relative positions and configurations of intensity-modulating elements and refractive elements within each beam shaping element are predetermined during the design and manufacturing process. The array geometry and element spacing are pre-planned to achieve the desired beam patterns, allowing for systematic fabrication approaches that reduce the need for high-precision post-manufacturing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs systematic variations of key parameters across the beam shaping elements, including aperture sizes, shapes, and positions of intensity-modulating elements, as well as refractive element properties. These parameter changes are designed in a controlled manner to achieve complex beam profiles while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes and tolerances.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If separating structures are added between beam shaping elements to reduce stray light, then target distribution intensity increases, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Stray light is extracted and removed from the optical path by introducing separating structures between beam shaping elements. These structures, such as absorbing or reflective layers positioned at the boundaries between adjacent elements, selectively remove stray light that would otherwise contaminate the desired beam pattern, thereby improving the quality of the target distribution without fundamentally changing the core beam shaping mechanism.
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 a more compact and efficient generation of complex radiation profiles, allowing for the creation of arbitrary emission characteristics with reduced stray light and increased intensity in the target distribution.
Implementation Method 1
each comprise an intensity-modulating element and a refractive element
Implementation Method 2
each comprise an intensity-modulating element and a refractive element
Data Source
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AI summary
A beam shaper (100) according to an embodiment example of the present invention for a light source arrangement for producing a radiation profile comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged optical beam shaping elements (110), which each belong to one type of a plurality of different types having different optical characteristics. The beam shaping elements (100) effect the radiation profile of the beam shaper (100) when the beam shaping elements (110) are jointly illuminated and each comprise an intensity-modulating element (120) and a refractive element (130).