GaN Laser Lighting With Wavelength Conversion for Vehicle Distance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light bulbs, such as Edison bulbs, suffer from high energy dissipation, frequent failures due to thermal expansion, and non-ideal spectral emission, while alternative technologies like LEDs and laser diodes face limitations in brightness, directionality, and cost-effectiveness for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes with integrated wavelength conversion members and LIDAR systems, enabling smart laser lighting with dynamic color, brightness, and visible light communication capabilities, combined with LIDAR technology for enhanced functionality and integration in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional light bulbs are used, then they provide omnidirectional illumination, but they dissipate more than 90% of energy as thermal energy and have frequent failures due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from thermal radiation (incandescent) to electroluminescence (LED) by changing the fundamental physical mechanism of light generation. This parameter change from thermal to electrical excitation dramatically reduces energy loss as heat while maintaining or improving illumination output, directly resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and illumination intensity
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional light bulbs are used, then they emit light over a broad spectrum, but much of the emitted light is not perceived by the human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength conversion members (phosphors) that selectively convert specific wavelengths from the laser diode output to desired visible wavelengths. This local quality transformation ensures that energy is converted only where and how needed, maximizing the proportion of energy that becomes perceptible visible light while maintaining spectral precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectral parameters of the light source from broad-spectrum thermal radiation to narrow-band laser diode emission followed by controlled wavelength conversion. This parameter transformation enables precise control over the spectral distribution, ensuring maximum energy conversion to useful visible wavelengths
3Illumination intensity
If conventional light bulbs are used, then they emit in all directions, but this is undesirable for applications requiring strong directionality or focus
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex optical elements to focus omnidirectional light from a bulb, the patent inverts the approach by using a inherently directional laser diode source. The light generation itself is directional rather than omnidirectional, eliminating the need for complex focusing optics and simplifying the overall optical system while achieving superior directionality
4Illumination intensity
If solid state lighting (LEDs) is used, then it offers high efficiency and long lifetime, but it has limitations in brightness and directionality for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of laser diodes (high brightness, directionality, efficiency) with wavelength conversion members (phosphors) to create a hybrid system. This combination achieves the superior optical performance of lasers while using well-established solid-state manufacturing techniques, balancing manufacturing ease with performance requirements
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 solution provides improved functionality, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness for applications like automotive lighting, communication, and defense, with increased brightness and directionality, and the ability to dynamically adjust illumination based on sensor feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode configured to be driven by a driving current to emit a first light with a first peak wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength conversion member configured to receive at least partially the first light with the first peak wavelength to convert the first light to a second light with a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect reflected light signals of the sensing light signal to map one or more remote objects
Data Source
AI summary
A distance detecting system for use in mobile machines comprises a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode disposed within a light of a mobile machine. The gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode is configured to emit a first light with a first peak wavelength. A wavelength conversion member is configured to produce a white light. A first sensing light signal is based on the first peak wavelength. One or more optical elements are configured to direct at least partially the white light to illuminate one or more target objects or areas and to transmit respectively the first sensing light signal for sensing at least one remote point. A detector is configured to detect reflected signals of the first sensing light signal to determine coordinates of the at least one remote point.