Compact Polarization Converter for Projector Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector technologies face challenges in reducing the size of the light source apparatus due to the difficulty in manufacturing a polarization converter with a small interval between polarization separation layers, which limits the miniaturization of the projector.
Innovation Solution
The light source apparatus employs a configuration with multiple polarization separators, retarders, and wavelength converters to align and separate polarization components, allowing for the output of spatially separated and polarized color light fluxes without the need for a small-interval polarization converter, thereby reducing the overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small-interval polarization converter is used to reduce the size of the light source apparatus, then the projector size can be reduced, but it becomes difficult to manufacture due to the small interval between polarization separation layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polarization conversion function into separate components: a polarization separator that separates s-polarized and p-polarized light into different directions, and individual converters for each polarization component. This segmentation eliminates the need for a small-interval polarization converter, making the system manufacturable while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarization separator as an intermediary component that directs s-polarized and p-polarized light to different paths. This mediator allows each polarization component to be converted independently using standard-interval converters, resolving the manufacturing difficulty while achieving size reduction.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple polarization components are converted independently, then the light source apparatus can be compact, but the device complexity increases due to multiple polarization separators and converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the s-polarized light path and p-polarized light path after independent conversion, combining them into a single output beam. This merging reduces the number of separate optical paths and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the benefits of independent polarization conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the polarization separator and converters to handle both s-polarized and p-polarized light using the same component types. This universality allows the system to process multiple polarization components with standardized components, reducing complexity compared to specialized components for each polarization state.
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 enables the production of a compact light source apparatus that outputs aligned and separated color light fluxes, enhancing image luminance and color reproducibility while reducing the projector's size.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization separator that receives first light outputted from the light source section and incident on the first polarization separator along a first direction, transmits a first polarization component of the first light in the first direction, and reflects a second polarization component of the first light in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a first retarder that is located between the first polarization separator and the first reflector in the second direction and converts the polarization components of the first light
Implementation Method 3
a wavelength converter that is located in a position shifted from the second polarization separator in the second direction, converts the first polarization component of the first light incident in the second direction on the wavelength converter in terms of wavelength into non-polarized second light
Implementation Method 4
a first reflector that is located in a position shifted from the first polarization separator in the second direction and reflects the first light incident on the first reflector in such a way that the reflected light travels in a third direction opposite the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Alight source apparatus includes a light source, a first polarization separator that transmits a first polarization component of first light in the first direction and reflects a second polarization component of the first light in a second direction, a second polarization separator that reflects the first polarization component of the first light in the second direction, a first reflector that reflects the second polarization component of the first light, a first retarder between the first polarization separator and the first reflector, a wavelength converter that converts the first light into second light and outputs the second light, a first color separator, a second retarder, a second color separator, and a third retarder.