Embedded LED Optical Fiber Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sources for scientific instruments, such as microscopes and spectrometers, face limitations in providing sufficient photon flux and are constrained by physical and practical limitations when trying to concentrate light through optical fibers, leading to inefficiencies and unwanted heat and radiation emissions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) directly within optical fibers to create a bright optical-fiber-based light source, which increases photon flux and reduces heat and unwanted radiation by utilizing total-internal reflection and allowing for electronic control of wavelength and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external light-emitting elements are used to illuminate optical fibers, then the light source can be positioned externally, but the photon flux within the optical fiber is significantly reduced due to coupling losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting element with the optical fiber by embedding the LED directly into the fiber structure. This integration eliminates the air-gap coupling interface between external light sources and fibers, allowing light to be generated within the fiber medium itself. The result is dramatically improved photon flux transmission while maintaining operational flexibility through electronic control of the embedded LED.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional arc lamps or incandescent sources are used, then high photon flux can be achieved, but unwanted heat and ultraviolet radiation are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the light source by using LED technology instead of arc lamps or incandescent bulbs. LEDs emit light through electroluminescence at specific wavelengths with minimal heat generation and no ultraviolet radiation. The embedded LED can be electronically controlled to emit only at the desired wavelength range, fundamentally altering the emission characteristics to eliminate harmful radiation while maintaining adequate photon flux.
3Productivity
If light is concentrated through optical fibers from external sources, then light delivery is achieved, but significant energy is lost due to coupling inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light generation function from the external environment and places it directly within the optical fiber structure. By removing the coupling interface between external light sources and the fiber, the energy loss associated with light coupling is eliminated. The LED embedded in the fiber generates light that is immediately confined to and transmitted through the fiber medium, maximizing energy utilization efficiency.
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 approach significantly enhances photon flux within the optical fiber, reduces heat and unwanted radiation, and allows for precise control over wavelength ranges, addressing the inefficiencies and limitations of traditional light sources.
Implementation Method 1
increases photon flux and reduces heat and unwanted radiation by utilizing total-internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical-fiber-based light sources for use in microscopy, spectrometry, and other scientific and technical instruments, devices, and processes. Light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) and other light sources are, in various embodiments of the present invention, incorporated on or within an optical fiber or fiber-optic cable in order to produce a bright optical-fiber-based light source. By incorporating light-emitting devices on or within an optical fiber, a significantly greater photon flux can be obtained, within the optical fiber or fiber-optic cable, than can be obtained by directing light from equivalent, external light-emitting elements into the optical fiber or fiber-optic cable, and the optical-fiber-based light sources of the present invention provide desirable characteristics of the light sources embedded on or within them.