Integrated Diffractive Optical Element for Compact Laser Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection apparatuses for projecting multiple images are bulky, limiting their application to modern wearable devices, portable communication devices, and image capture devices due to their large volume.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting apparatus with a substrate-mounted optical member and diffractive optical element that collimates and converts laser beams into structured light patterns, reducing the overall volume and enabling use in small-sized devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional projection apparatus uses separate optical source module and diffractive optical element, then multiple images can be projected, but the volume becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical source module and diffractive optical element into a single integrated structure where the diffractive optical element is formed directly on the substrate covering the light-emitting surfaces of multiple lighting chips. This integration eliminates the need for separate optical components and their mounting structures, significantly reducing the overall apparatus volume while maintaining the capability to project multiple structured light patterns simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions: it acts as both a light source holder and a diffractive optical element for pattern generation. The single structure can produce multiple different structured light patterns by utilizing the diffraction properties of the integrated element, providing multi-functionality without increasing volume.
2Volume of stationary object
If optical component is integrated directly on substrate covering lighting chips, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical assembly of separate optical components with a direct formation process where the diffractive optical element is created directly on the substrate using semiconductor fabrication techniques. This substitution of mechanical assembly with integrated manufacturing simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the complexity of the diffractive pattern, as it eliminates multiple alignment and assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting chips are used to project structured light, then structured light pattern is achieved, but the height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional stacked arrangement of optical components to a two-dimensional planar integration where the diffractive optical element is formed directly on the substrate surface. This dimensional change allows multiple lighting chips to be arranged in a compact planar configuration, reducing the height dimension while maintaining the structured light projection capability through the diffractive pattern design.
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 allows for a compact, versatile lighting apparatus suitable for wearable devices and portable image capture or detecting devices, capable of producing structured light patterns with reduced height and volume, accommodating diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
A film-type or layer-type optical component is used for collimating plural laser beams and converting the laser beams into a structured light with a specified pattern. The optical member with a diffractive optical element... After plural light beams emitted by the plural lighting chips pass through the diffractive structure, a structural light pattern is produced.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes an optical member with a diffractive optical element. The optical member is directly fixed on a substrate with plural lighting chips. When the lighting apparatus is applied to a laser diode module, the height and volume of the overall laser diode module are reduced. Consequently, the laser diode module is suitably applied to a small-size device.