Graphene Matrix White Light Source via IR Excitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating white light, such as those using organic luminophores or inorganic phosphors, do not efficiently produce broadband radiation covering the entire visible range, and incandescent methods are limited by thermal conductivity issues.

Innovation Solution

A light source utilizing a graphene matrix excited by near-infrared radiation from an IR diode, which emits white light across the visible spectrum with maximum emission at 660 nm, allowing for control of emission intensity through optical pumping power and pressure regulation in a vacuum chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If organic luminophores or inorganic phosphors are used to generate white light, then light emission is achieved, but broadband radiation covering the entire visible range is not efficiently produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadband radiation coverageVSAvoidemission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light generation mechanism from phosphorescence (organic/inorganic phosphors) to laser-induced emission from graphene ceramics. By using laser excitation at specific wavelengths (405-975 nm) on graphene ceramics with controlled composition and structure, the system achieves efficient broadband white light emission across the entire visible range, resolving the contradiction between emission efficiency and spectral coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If incandescent methods are used to generate white light, then broadband radiation is achieved, but thermal conductivity issues limit the method

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadband radiationVSAvoidthermal management
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal incandescent mechanism (heating a filament to high temperatures to produce blackbody radiation) with a direct optical excitation mechanism. Laser light at specific wavelengths excites the graphene ceramics material, which then emits broadband white light through a photoluminescence process rather than thermal radiation. This substitution eliminates the thermal conductivity problems inherent in incandescent systems while maintaining broadband emission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If high excitation power is used to increase emission intensity, then light output increases, but the phenomenon has threshold nature with exponential dependence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission intensityVSAvoidexcitation power
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the dynamic, threshold-based response of graphene ceramics to laser excitation. By carefully controlling the excitation power above the threshold level, the system achieves exponential increase in emission intensity. The graphene ceramics composition and laser parameters are optimized to operate in the high-efficiency exponential region of the intensity-power relationship, allowing effective control of light output while managing energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves high emission intensity and quantum efficiency with a low emission threshold, enabling broadband radiation from near UV to infrared, potentially replacing traditional lighting sources like fluorescent lamps and LEDs with improved energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Passing through the focusing lens, the radiation beam emitted by the diode excites the optically active element in the form of a graphene matrix, which emits white light after excitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

Passing through the focusing lens, the radiation beam emitted by the diode excites the optically active element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3377940B1A white light source and a method of white light generation
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 INST NISKICH TEMPERATUR I BADAN STRUKTURALNYCH IM WODZIMIERZA TRZEBIATOWSKIEGO POLSKIEJ AKADI NAUK
  • EP3377940B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3377940B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c
  • EP3377940B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a source of white light constructed of a vacuum glass chamber, containing an optically active element, a generator of an IR electromagnetic radiation beam equipped with a laser IR diode, a battery, a focusing lens, and, optionally, a reflector characterized in that the optically active element contained in the vacuum chamber is a thin layer graphene matrix with the thickness of up to 3mm. The invention also relates to a method of white light generation by means of the above-mentioned white light source.