Dichroic Reflector Optical Element for Laser Projector Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projectors using laser diodes and color wheels have low efficiency due to the large number of components and size, resulting in inefficient light concentration and wavelength conversion.
Innovation Solution
A compact reflector/imaging optical element that doubles as a beam shaper and reflector, focusing primary light onto a first focal point and reflecting wavelength-converted light back to a second focal point, using a dichroic reflector to separate pure wavelength-converted light from unconverted light, thereby reducing component count and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens system and color wheel with multiple components are used for wavelength conversion, then light concentration capability is achieved, but device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lens system and color wheel into a single integrated reflector/imaging optical element. This element simultaneously performs beam shaping and wavelength conversion functions that were previously separated, reducing the number of components while maintaining light concentration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector/imaging optical element serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam shaper for primary light, a reflector for wavelength-converted light, and provides structural support for the luminescent material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for beam shaping and wavelength conversion, then functional versatility is achieved, but luminous efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the beam shaping optics and wavelength conversion medium into a single integrated element, the patent eliminates light loss that would occur during transfer between separate components. The direct integration ensures that all generated wavelength-converted light is efficiently collected and directed
3Volume of moving object
If a compact optical element is designed to perform multiple functions, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector/imaging optical element can be manufactured as separate sub-elements (reflector portion and imaging optical unit) that are subsequently assembled. This segmentation allows each sub-element to be optimized and manufactured independently using appropriate processes, then combined into the final compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element may incorporate different materials with specific optical properties in different regions or layers, allowing each material to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness. Composite construction enables tailored optical performance
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 solution allows for a compact and efficient generation of wavelength-converted light by focusing primary light onto a luminescent material at the first focal point, reflecting back-scattered wavelength-converted light to a second focal point, and transmitting unconverted light, resulting in improved luminous yield and reduced component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
concentrate or focus primary light shone through the reflector/imaging optical element onto a first focal point
Implementation Method 2
concentrate or focus primary light shone through the reflector/imaging optical element onto a first focal point
Implementation Method 3
reflect light of at least one second wavelength, shone (back) from the first focal point onto the reflector/imaging optical element, onto a second focal point
Implementation Method 4
a luminescent material region which converts incident primary light at least partially into emission light of at least one second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43) which is configured in order to transmit light (P1) of at least one first wavelength, concentrate light (P1) shone through the reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43) onto a first focal point (F) and reflect light (R) of at least one second wavelength, shone from the first focal point (F) onto the reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43), onto a second focal point (F′) of the reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43).