Electrodynamic Actuator Drives Thin-Film Diffuser for Laser Speckle Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing de-speckle devices in laser projector systems have complex structures, making it difficult to position and adjust the vibration path and direction of moving parts, leading to bulky and noisy systems.

Innovation Solution

A de-speckle device comprising an optical homogenizer with a diffuse surface and a reflecting surface, connected by a mechanism to an actuator that moves the optical homogenizer back and forth along its axis, simplifying the structure and facilitating assembly and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wheel-shaped diffuser with motor is used to eliminate speckles, then the speckle elimination effect is improved, but the device becomes bulky and noisy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeckle elimination effectVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional motor-driven wheel-shaped diffuser with an electrodynamic actuator that directly drives a thin-film diffuser membrane. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission components (gears, belts, bearings) while achieving the same speckle elimination function through electromagnetic-driven vibration, thus reducing device complexity and noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin-film diffuser membrane as the vibrating element instead of a rigid wheel-shaped diffuser. This flexible membrane can be driven by the electrodynamic actuator to vibrate at high frequencies, effectively eliminating speckles while significantly reducing the overall device size, weight, and mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If multiple elastic components and magnet coils are used in dynamic diffuser assembly, then the speckle elimination function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and positioning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeckle elimination functionVSAvoidpositioning and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the diffuser function and the actuation function into a single unified structure. The thin-film diffuser membrane is directly coupled to the electrodynamic actuator, eliminating the need for separate elastic components and magnet coil assemblies. This merging simplifies the structure and makes positioning straightforward, as the actuator directly controls the diffuser membrane position and vibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional diffuser vibration mechanisms are used, then speckle elimination is achieved, but the vibration path and direction are difficult to adjust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeckle elimination effectVSAvoidvibration path adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an electrodynamic actuator that can dynamically adjust the vibration characteristics of the diffuser membrane. By controlling the electrical input to the actuator, the vibration frequency, amplitude, and direction can be adjusted in real-time to optimize speckle elimination for different optical configurations, providing high adaptability without mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration effectively eliminates speckle noise by vibrating the optical homogenizer, reducing the complexity and noise of the system while allowing for easier positioning and adjustment, resulting in improved speckle elimination and light uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator is configured to move the optical homogenizer back and forth along an axis of the optical homogenizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The diffuse surface is facing an inner side of the elongated structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

The reflecting surface is facing the inner side of the elongated structure and disposed opposite to the diffuse surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250013068A1Optical homogenizer and de-speckle device including same

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 YOUNG OPTICS

AI summary

A de-speckle device includes an optical homogenizer, a connecting mechanism, and an actuator. The optical homogenizer includes a diffuse surface and a reflecting surface disposed opposite to the diffuse surface. One end of the connecting mechanism is connected to the optical homogenizer. The actuator can move the optical homogenizer back and forth along an axis of the optical homogenizer.