Diffractive Optical Element Focusing UVC Light Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
UVC light energy from UVC diodes and tubes experiences significant degradation over distance due to a wide radiation pattern, leading to inefficiencies in directing the light to desired areas using conventional reflectors.
Innovation Solution
The use of Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE) and relay lenses, combined with spacers, to focus UVC light into a beam, reducing energy loss and allowing for extended distance transmission with increased energy concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional reflectors are used to direct UVC light rays to the desired target area, then the light direction can be changed, but the method is inefficient and causes significant degradation of UVC light energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DOE (Diffractive Optical Element) as an intermediary component between the UVC light source and the target area. The DOE focuses the wide-angle UVC radiation into a concentrated beam, acting as a mediator that transforms the divergent light into a directed, high-intensity beam without the energy losses associated with conventional reflectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the UVC beam by using a DOE to alter the radiation pattern from wide-angle (120-150 degrees for diodes, up to 360 degrees for tubes) to a focused, narrow beam. This parameter change in beam divergence directly reduces energy degradation over distance while maintaining or increasing illumination intensity at the target
2Area of stationary object
If UVC light sources radiate in a wide angle pattern, then the light coverage area is increased, but the light energy degrades significantly over distance due to the inverse-square law
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional wide-angle radiation patterns to a three-dimensional focused beam structure. By using a DOE to create a collimated or convergent beam, the light energy is concentrated along the transmission axis, effectively extending the useful transmission distance while maintaining energy intensity, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and transmission distance
3Illumination intensity
If additional light sources are added to compensate for energy degradation, then the illumination intensity at distance can be maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UVC light source with a DOE in a single integrated optical system. This merging of the light source and focusing element eliminates the need for multiple separate light sources, reducing device complexity while achieving high illumination intensity at the target through efficient beam focusing
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 achieves a four-order-of-magnitude increase in power output at a target location, reducing the need for additional light sources and enhancing the effectiveness of UVC light delivery while minimizing energy wastage and irradiation time.
Implementation Method 1
Singular or plural optics or lens assemblies can each use a Diffractive Optical Element ('DOE') with a beam width of UVC energy
Implementation Method 2
transmits a UVC beam through a relay lens which thereby allows an extended distance greater that the fall off rate
Data Source
AI summary
An array that focuses UVC light energy from a UVC light source into a beam and thereby reduces the degradation of UVC light energy at a set distance. Singular or plural optics, or lens assemblies forming the array can each use a Diffractive Optical Element (“DOE”) with a beam width of UVC energy with acceptable transmission through the DOE, which transmits a UVC beam through a relay lens which thereby allows an extended distance greater that the fall off rate of the standard UVC energy source. Lens assemblies can include a series of spacers and lenses that allow the manipulation of a wide angle UVC light source for the purpose of focusing the light to a desired beam shape, i.e., a thin line or bar, or a pin point. Each of the optics may have one or more spacers set at a specific width to add to the total beam shaping of the lenses.