GaN Laser White-Light Module With IR Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light bulbs, such as Edison bulbs and other alternatives, face issues like high energy dissipation, filament failure due to thermal expansion, broad and non-ideal light spectra, and lack of directionality, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus utilizing gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes that emit light in both visible and infrared spectra, configured for dual-band emission, with a compact housing including controllers, sensors, and beam shaping elements to provide directional and modulated light for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional light bulbs are used, then lighting function is provided, but energy dissipation exceeds 90% as thermal energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal radiation mechanism of conventional incandescent bulbs with electroluminescence in LEDs and stimulated emission in laser diodes. This substitution of the fundamental light generation mechanism eliminates the need for thermal heating, directly converting electrical energy to light energy with efficiencies exceeding 90%, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy dissipation and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from thermal equilibrium (incandescent) to non-equilibrium carrier injection (LED/laser diode). By controlling current density, injection efficiency, and recombination processes, the system achieves high electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency while minimizing thermal losses, thus resolving the energy efficiency contradiction.
2Ease 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 local quality by integrating beam shaping elements (lenses, reflectors, or photonic crystals) directly at the light source location. These elements are positioned immediately adjacent to the LED or laser diode chip, creating a localized optical system that shapes the beam at its origin. This approach achieves superior directionality without requiring complex external optical train, resolving the contradiction between directionality and device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional light bulbs are used, then broad spectrum light is emitted, but spectral efficiency is low as much light is not perceived by human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength converting elements (phosphors, quantum dots, or dielectric mirrors) positioned in immediate proximity to the laser diode. These elements are spatially localized to convert specific portions of the laser spectrum (e.g., UV or blue) into desired visible wavelengths. This localized spectral transformation achieves high spectral efficiency by matching the emitted light to the human eye's sensitivity curve while maintaining the versatility to produce different colors by selecting appropriate converting materials.
4Productivity
If gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes are used, then directional and efficient light emission is achieved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated modules: the laser diode chip, wavelength converting elements, beam shaping optics, and control electronics are combined into a single compact assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and interconnections, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high light emission efficiency. The merged structure allows the system to function as a unified light source with built-in beam control and spectral management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode system to perform multiple functions simultaneously: light generation, spectral conversion, beam shaping, and directional control. By making the system multi-functional, fewer separate components are needed, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving high productivity in terms of light emission efficiency and application versatility.
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 enables efficient, directional, and versatile lighting with improved spectral efficiency and modularity, suitable for applications like smart lighting, communication, and night vision, overcoming the limitations of conventional light sources.
Implementation Method 1
A portable apparatus utilizing gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes that emit light in both visible and infrared spectra
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength converter, such as a phosphor member, optically coupled to the pathway to receive the directional electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
An IR laser diode may be fabricated in the same surface mount device package and configured to generate a directional infrared electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lighting apparatus is provided with a gallium-and-nitrogen containing laser diode based white light source combined with an infrared illumination source which are driven by drivers disposed in a printed circuit board assembly enclosed in a compact housing and powered by a portable power supply therein. The portable lighting apparatus includes a first wavelength converter configured to output a white-color emission and an infrared emission. A beam shaper may be configured to direct the white-color emission and the infrared emission to a front aperture of a compact housing of the portable lighting apparatus. An optical transmitting unit is configured to project or transmit a directional light beam of the white light emission and/or the infrared emission for illuminating a target of interest, transmitting a pulsed sensing signal or modulated data signal generated by the drivers therein. In some configurations, detectors are included for depth sensing and visible/infrared light communications.