Curved Laser Reflector Layout for Beam Divergence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical systems with multiple light emitting elements, such as projectors and displays, the increased beam path length due to light reflecting members like mirrors or prisms leads to increased beam divergence, which is not effectively managed, resulting in reduced optical efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with a base, semiconductor laser elements, and curved light reflecting members that reflect light to reduce beam divergence, where the light reflecting surface of the first light reflecting member is designed to have a beam divergence angle greater than zero but smaller than the initial angle, allowing for controlled beam path management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a light reflecting member is interposed to increase the beam path length in a compact package, then the optical path can be extended and light can be directed to lenses, but the beam divergence angle increases which reduces optical efficiency and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a curved reflecting surface (cylindrical or spherical curvature) to the light reflecting member instead of a flat surface. This curvature is specifically designed to counteract the natural beam divergence that occurs over extended path lengths, maintaining a reduced beam divergence angle while allowing the beam path length to be extended within the compact package structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the reflecting surface from flat to curved, with specific curvature radii selected to optimize beam control. The curvature radius is chosen based on the beam path length and desired divergence control, transforming the reflecting member's optical characteristics to achieve both extended path length and controlled divergence.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple light reflecting members are used to manage beam paths in a compact arrangement, then space utilization is improved, but the complexity of aligning and managing multiple reflection points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light reflecting members into a single integrated component with multiple curved reflecting surfaces, rather than using separate flat mirrors. This merging reduces the number of independent alignment adjustments needed while achieving the same beam path management functions, thereby reducing device complexity within the compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The light reflecting member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: extending the beam path, controlling beam divergence through curvature, and directing light to multiple lenses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall optical system within the compact package.
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 effectively reduces beam divergence, improving optical efficiency and accuracy by allowing a larger portion of the light to pass through a smaller lens, suitable for applications requiring collimated light and efficient light collection.
Implementation Method 1
The light reflecting surface of the first light reflecting member is a curved surface configured such that, with respect to the major portion of the light emitted from the first semiconductor laser element, the beam divergence angle of the light reflected by the light reflecting surface is greater than zero and smaller than the beam divergence angle of the light irradiating the light reflecting surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A light emitting device includes a base having a bottom part, a first semiconductor laser element disposed on the bottom part of the base, and a first light reflecting member disposed on the bottom part of the base. The first light reflecting member has a light reflecting surface configured to reflect light emitted from the first semiconductor laser element. The light reflecting surface of the first light reflecting member is a curved surface configured such that, with respect to the major portion of the light emitted from the first semiconductor laser element, the beam divergence angle of the light reflected by the light reflecting surface is greater than zero and smaller than the beam divergence angle of the light irradiating the light reflecting surface.