Wavelength-Converting Fiber Projection Optics for Heat Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems face challenges in enhancing the intensity of wavelength-converting light and managing temperature increases.
Innovation Solution
A projection system incorporating an optical fiber with wavelength-converting elements, including Pr 3+ and Tb 3+ ions, that emits white light through excitation and stimulated emission, combined with a cooling mechanism to manage temperature and improve color rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the intensity of wavelength-converting light is enhanced, then the brightness and color rendering of projected light is improved, but the temperature of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength-converting process by introducing multiple types of phosphors (yellow phosphor and red phosphor) that convert different portions of the blue light spectrum. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the heat generation across multiple conversion pathways rather than concentrating it in a single high-intensity conversion process, thereby maintaining light intensity while managing temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters by selecting phosphors with specific peak wavelengths (yellow phosphor: 560-580nm, red phosphor: 610-650nm). This parameter optimization enables efficient wavelength conversion at multiple spectral points, improving overall light intensity and color rendering while distributing thermal load across different conversion efficiencies, thus suppressing excessive temperature increase.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple phosphors are used to enhance color rendering, then the color accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength-converting functions into a single integrated wavelength-converting device. By combining yellow phosphor and red phosphor within one device structure, the system achieves improved color rendering through multiple phosphors while avoiding the complexity of separate conversion devices. The merged structure allows simultaneous wavelength conversion across multiple spectral ranges without requiring multiple independent components.
3Temperature
If a cooling mechanism is added to suppress temperature rise, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation into a beneficial outcome by optimizing phosphor selection and arrangement to achieve efficient wavelength conversion. By carefully selecting phosphors with appropriate quantum efficiencies and spectral characteristics, the system maximizes light output while minimizing waste heat, thereby suppressing temperature rise without requiring additional active cooling mechanisms.
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 system effectively suppresses temperature rise while enhancing the intensity and color rendering of projected light, achieving improved color reproduction.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength-converting portion 23 includes wavelength-converting elements. The wavelength-converting elements are capable of being excited by excitation light P1 to produce spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light P1, and also excited by amplified spontaneous emission of light or seed light P2 to produce stimulated emission of light
Implementation Method 2
The wavelength-converting elements are capable of being excited by excitation light P1 to produce spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light P1
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to suppress an increase in temperature. A projection system (100) includes a light source unit (1), a spatial light modulation unit (3), and a projection optical system (4). The light source unit (1) includes an optical fiber (2), a first light source part (11), and a second light source part (12). The optical fiber (2) includes a light incident portion (21), a light emerging portion (22) and a wavelength-converting portion. The wavelength-converting portion is disposed between the light incident portion (21) and the light emerging portion (22). The wavelength-converting portion includes wavelength-converting elements. The wavelength-converting elements are able to be excited by excitation light (P1) to produce spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light (P1), and also excited by amplified spontaneous emission of light. The first light source part (11) makes the excitation light (P1) incident on the light incident portion (21). The second light source part (12) makes seed light (P2) incident on the light incident portion (21). The seed light (P2) causes the wavelength-converting elements excited by the excitation light (P1) or the amplified spontaneous emission of light to produce stimulated emission of light.