Uniform Light Distribution via Single Blue Laser and Etendue Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projection systems using lasers as light sources require complex and costly setups with multiple electrical drivers, thermal management systems, and optical paths, and face challenges in distributing light evenly and efficiently to multiple projectors without significant loss.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single blue laser light source and colour conversion systems to produce white light, reducing complexity by using a single electrical driver, thermal management system, and optical path, with a light distribution system that can equally distribute light to multiple projectors and colour conversion systems with minimal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If three separate lasers (red, green, blue) are used as light sources, then the light source can provide complete colour coverage, but the system complexity and cost increase due to multiple electrical drivers, thermal management systems, and optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate laser systems (red, green, blue lasers with their own drivers and thermal management) into a single blue laser source. The blue laser light is then converted to other colours using colour conversion elements (phosphors or quantum dots), eliminating the need for multiple electrical drivers, thermal management systems, and optical paths while maintaining complete colour coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from multiple wavelengths (three lasers) to a single wavelength (blue laser) that is then converted to other wavelengths through colour conversion materials. This parameter change simplifies the system architecture while preserving the ability to generate all necessary colours for projection
2Productivity
If light from a single source is distributed to multiple projectors, then resource efficiency improves, but achieving equal intensity distribution without significant light loss becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution path by introducing individual optical fibers for each projector channel. Each optical fiber independently conveys light from the single source to its destination, enabling precise control and equal distribution of light intensity to multiple projectors while minimizing cross-interference and light loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical fiber system between the single light source and multiple projectors. This intermediary enables efficient light distribution by providing dedicated transmission paths for each projector, ensuring equal intensity distribution without significant light loss while maintaining resource efficiency
3Loss of energy
If optical fibers are used to convey light, then light distribution efficiency improves, but matching etendue from source to fiber and maintaining uniform intensity distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses etendue matching by transforming the light spatial distribution through carefully designed optical elements. The integrating rod and lens array manipulate light rays in multiple dimensions to achieve uniform angular and spatial distribution at the fiber input, enabling efficient coupling while maintaining uniform intensity distribution across all projector channels
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 approach simplifies the system, reduces costs, and ensures efficient light distribution to multiple projectors with minimal loss, using sub-integrating rods or array of lenslets to match etendue and distribute light evenly, while also allowing for tunable intensity through reflective optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each colour conversion system comprises a beam splitter, a first colour conversion medium illuminated by a first portion of the blue laser light and configured to convert some of the blue laser light to a first colour other than blue, a second colour conversion medium illuminated by a second portion of the blue laser light and configured to convert some of the blue laser light to a second colour other than blue and different from the first colour
Implementation Method 2
light from red, green and blue lasers are fed into a common optical fiber to create white light
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (505) for uniform distribution of light is provided. The system comprises: an integrating rod (510) comprising an output end (512) opposite an input end (514), the integrator rod configured to emit, at the output end an integrated image of light received at the input end, the integrated image having an etendue Eimg and an area Aimg at a given distance from the output end; and, an apparatus (516) comprising an input side (518) located at the given distance, the apparatus configured to: receive, at the input side, the integrated image from the output end of the integrating rod; split the integrated image into a number N of sub-images, each of the sub-images having an area Asub, and an etendue Esub, such that Aimg is about N*Asub, and Eimg is about N*Esub; and, relay the sub-images.