GaN Laser Diode Illumination Device for Directional Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light bulbs, such as Edison bulbs and other discharge lamps, face issues like high energy dissipation as heat, filament failure due to thermal expansion, broad and undesirable light spectra, and lack of directionality, while LEDs and laser diodes have limitations like the 'droop' phenomenon, low spatial brightness, and challenges in extending performance to blue-green or green regimes.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes with infrared illumination capabilities, capable of emitting light in both visible and infrared spectra, using a process to transfer gallium and nitrogen layers, and incorporating sensors for feedback loops to activate illumination sources for applications like smart lighting, LiFi, and LIDAR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional light bulbs are used, then lighting function is provided, but energy dissipation as thermal energy exceeds 90%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from thermal radiation (incandescent) to electroluminescence (LED) and stimulated emission (laser diode), fundamentally changing the energy conversion mechanism. This parameter change in the physical process eliminates the 90%+ thermal loss inherent in filament-based lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (heating filament to produce light) with an electrical/optical system (electroluminescence and laser emission). This substitution eliminates the thermal inefficiency of converting electrical energy to thermal energy and then to light.
2Reliability
If conventional light bulbs are used, then light is emitted, but filament fails due to thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical system (heating and cooling cycles causing expansion/contraction) with an electrical-optical system. LED and laser diode operation does not involve cyclic thermal expansion and contraction, eliminating the primary failure mechanism of conventional bulbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating temperature regime from high temperature (incandescent filament operation) to low temperature (semiconductor operation). This parameter change eliminates thermal stress fatigue and extends component lifetime.
3Ease of operation
If conventional light bulbs are used, then light is emitted in all directions, but directionality and focus are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies directional emission characteristics locally at the light source. Laser diodes inherently emit in a narrow angular range, and LED emission can be controlled with reflectors and lenses. This local directional quality eliminates the need for large diffusing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved reflectors and lens structures to control light distribution. These optical elements shape the omnidirectional emission into focused beams or controlled patterns, improving directionality while maintaining illumination intensity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional light bulbs are used, then light is emitted, but spectrum is broad and much light is not perceived by human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral distribution parameter from broad-spectrum thermal radiation to narrow-band electroluminescence and laser emission. This parameter change concentrates energy in the visible range, improving spectral efficiency while maintaining or enhancing visible light output.
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 dual-band light source provides efficient, directional, and high-brightness illumination with cost-effective manufacturing, overcoming the limitations of conventional lighting technologies and enabling advanced applications in lighting, communication, and sensing.
Implementation Method 1
An LED is a two-lead light source typically based on a p-i-n junction diode, which emits electromagnetic radiation when activated. When a suitable voltage is applied to the leads, electrons and holes recombine within the device releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence
Implementation Method 2
The optical cavity is configured with electrodes to supply a first driving current to the gallium and nitrogen containing material. The first driving current provides an optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region
Implementation Method 3
The wavelength converter is configured to convert at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A light source system or apparatus configured with an infrared illumination source includes a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode based white light source. The light source system includes a first pathway configured to direct directional electromagnetic radiation from the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode to a first wavelength converter and to output a white light emission. In some embodiments infrared emitting laser diodes are included to generate the infrared illumination. In some embodiments infrared emitting wavelength converter members are included to generate the infrared illumination. In some embodiments a second wavelength converter is optically excited by a UV or blue emitting gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode, a laser diode operating in the long wavelength visible spectrum such as a green laser diode or a red laser diode, by a near infrared emitting laser diode, by the white light emission produced by the first wavelength converter, or by some combination thereof. A beam shaper may be configured to direct the white light emission and an infrared emission for illuminating a target of interest and transmitting a data signal. In some configurations, sensors and feedback loops are included.