Wavelength-Dependent Optics for High-CRI Bright Phosphor Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power light sources face challenges in heat management and achieving high intensity while maintaining color rendering index (CRI) and efficiency, particularly when using garnet phosphors for white light production, as they tend to produce low CRI white light without sufficient red emission and require complex combinations of light sources for intense output.
Innovation Solution
A light generating system comprising pump light sources, two luminescent materials with different spectral power distributions, and optics for spectral separation and combination, allowing individual control of light contributions and thermal management, enabling the creation of high-intensity light sources with improved CRI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If garnet phosphors are used for white light production, then high brightness and intensity are achieved, but color rendering index (CRI) deteriorates due to insufficient red emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (garnet phosphor converted laser, red phosphor, and potentially other phosphors) into a single illumination system. The wavelength dependent optics merge the different spectral outputs into a unified light beam that provides both high intensity and improved CRI through spectral combination
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite phosphor materials including garnet phosphors (for high brightness yellow-green emission) combined with red phosphors (such as calcium aluminum nitride or barium magnesium aluminum oxide nitride). This composite approach allows the system to achieve both high intensity and broad spectral coverage for improved color rendering
2Reliability
If red phosphor is added to improve CRI, then color rendering index is improved, but heat management becomes more difficult due to additional heating from garnet phosphor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into separate modular components: a first light source for high brightness (garnet phosphor), a second light source for red emission, and separate optical paths for each. This segmentation allows independent thermal management of each module, preventing heat accumulation and improving overall heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength dependent optics (dichroic mirrors, beam combining optics) as intermediaries that selectively combine light from different sources while managing thermal loads. These optical elements enable spectral separation and combination without direct thermal interaction between the phosphor materials, acting as mediators that preserve optical performance while managing heat
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are combined to create intense light source, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength dependent optics that perform multiple functions: spectral separation of different light sources, beam combining, and color rendering optimization. These universal optical elements handle multiple tasks within a single integrated optical train, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture despite using multiple light sources
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 system effectively generates high-intensity light with enhanced CRI by individually controlling the contributions of different light sources and thermal management, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems using garnet phosphors.
Implementation Method 1
the first luminescent material is configured to convert at least part of the pump light source light into first luminescent material light having a first spectral power distribution; the second luminescent material is configured to convert at least part of the pump light source light into second luminescent material light having a second spectral power distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000), comprising (i) one or more pump light sources (100), (ii) a first luminescent material (210), (iii) a second luminescent material (220), and (iv) optics (400), wherein: (A) the one or more pump light sources (100) are configured to generate pump light source light (101); (B) the first luminescent material (210) is configured to convert at least part of the pump light source light (101) into first luminescent material light (211) having a first spectral power distribution; the second luminescent material (220) is configured to convert at least part of the pump light source light (101) into second luminescent material light (221) having a second spectral power distribution, different from the first spectral power distribution; and wherein the spectral power distribution of one of the first luminescent material light (211) and the second luminescent material light (221) overlaps with 5-50% of the spectral power distribution of the other; (C) the optics (400) comprise a first wavelength dependent optics (410) and a second wavelength dependent optics (420); wherein the first wavelength dependent optics (410) is configured downstream of the first luminescent material (210), and configured to spectrally separate the first luminescent material light (211) into a first part (1211) of the first luminescent material light (211) and a second part (2211) of the first luminescent material light (211) into two directions; (D) the second wavelength dependent optics (420) is configured downstream of (i) the first wavelength dependent optics (410) and (ii) the second luminescent material (220); and wherein the second wavelength dependent optics (420) is configured to spectrally combine the first part (1211) of the first luminescent material light (211), the second part (2211) of the first luminescent material light (211), and the second luminescent material light (221); and (E) the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) comprising one or more of the pump light source light (101), the first luminescent material light (211), and the second luminescent material light (221).