Compact Light Source Device with Integrated Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices for projectors require separate light sources and optical systems to produce white light, leading to increased size and complexity, as they need to combine different colored lights, which results in a larger device.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with multiple wavelength conversion sections using phosphors to convert excitation light into different fluorescence bands, combined using a dichroic prism and prism configuration, allowing for the emission of white light from a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate light sources and optical systems are used to produce white light, then the light source device can achieve white light emission, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength conversion sections (first and second wavelength conversion sections with different phosphors) into a single integrated light source device. The excitation light from a single LED source is simultaneously converted to multiple wavelength bands (e.g., blue and yellow) through different phosphor materials, and these converted lights are merged together to produce white light. This eliminates the need for separate light sources and reduces overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single LED light source performs multiple functions by exciting different phosphor materials in the wavelength conversion sections. The same excitation light source generates multiple wavelength bands through phosphor conversion, which then combine to form white light. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If optical systems for combining colored lights are added, then white light can be produced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light combination function directly into the wavelength conversion process. Instead of using complex external optical systems to combine colored lights, the design combines multiple wavelength-converted light beams at the phosphor level within integrated wavelength conversion sections. The first and second fluorescence are combined through their respective end surfaces, simplifying the overall optical path and reducing system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple wavelength conversion sections are used, then light use efficiency is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges wavelength conversion sections in a spatial configuration where their side surfaces are opposed to each other. This dimensional arrangement allows efficient light extraction and combination from multiple conversion sections without requiring a large linear extension of the device. The opposed side surface configuration enables compact packaging of multiple functional sections.
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 enables the production of white light in a compact form, improving light use efficiency and reducing the size of the light source device, while allowing for adjustable white balance and efficient light combination.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength conversion section (51) including a first phosphor, and configured to convert the first excitation light into first fluorescence having a first wavelength band different from a wavelength band of the first excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a light source that emits first and second excitation lights, a first wavelength conversion section including a first phosphor, and configured to convert the first excitation light into first fluorescence having a first wavelength band, a second wavelength conversion section including a second phosphor, and configured to convert the second excitation light into second fluorescence having a second wavelength band, and a light combining section that combines the first fluorescence and the second fluorescence. A first side surface of the first wavelength conversion section and a second side surface of the second wavelength conversion section are opposed to each other, the first fluorescence is emitted from a first end surface of the first wavelength conversion section toward the light combining section, and the second fluorescence is emitted from a first end surface of the second wavelength conversion section toward the light combining section.