Holographic Optical Element Light Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in optically coupling solid-state or narrow-banded light illuminators with light valves in imaging systems, as traditional methods require bulky optical components that increase system size, cost, and complexity, and existing holographic approaches lack manufacturable methods for integrating holographic optical elements with light valves.
Innovation Solution
A light valve assembly is developed, comprising a light valve with individually addressable pixels enclosed in a package frame and a holographic optical element with a diffractive pattern, where the holographic optical element is assembled with the light valve through the package frame, enabling compact and portable imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional optical elements (diffusers, lenses) are used to couple solid-state illuminators with light valves, then uniform illumination can be achieved, but system size, complexity, and cost increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holographic optical element with the light valve into a single integrated assembly, where the HOE is positioned in close proximity to the light valve surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate diffusers and lenses, reducing optical system complexity while maintaining uniform illumination through the diffractive pattern design
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical element serves as an intermediary component between the solid-state illuminator and the light valve. The HOE's diffractive structures manipulate light propagation to achieve uniform illumination across the light valve surface, replacing multiple traditional optical elements with a single diffractive mediator
2Speed
If traditional optical elements are used for coupling, then proper light direction can be achieved, but system compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the HOE directly with the light valve assembly, the patent eliminates the need for bulky separate optical elements. The close coupling allows efficient light direction with minimal propagation distance, significantly reducing the overall system volume while maintaining proper light directional control
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical element utilizes diffractive patterns that operate in the spatial frequency domain, enabling compact light manipulation. The HOE's micro-scale diffractive structures control light direction through diffraction angles determined by the grating equation, achieving efficient light steering in a minimal physical footprint
3Volume of moving object
If holographic optical elements are used to reduce system size, then compactness is improved, but manufacturable assembly methods are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a manufacturing process where the holographic optical element is integrated with the light valve in a single assembly operation. The HOE is positioned and secured to the light valve within a unified manufacturing workflow, eliminating complex multi-step assembly procedures and improving manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical element is pre-positioned and aligned with the light valve during the manufacturing process before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures proper optical alignment is achieved during manufacturing rather than requiring complex post-assembly adjustment, significantly improving assembly ease and repeatability
4Reliability
If solid-state illuminators are used, then durability and operating life are improved, but optical coupling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holographic optical element acts as an intermediary that adapts the highly collimated light from solid-state illuminators to the requirements of the light valve. The HOE's diffractive structures transform the collimated beam into a distributed illumination pattern, simplifying the optical coupling interface while maintaining the reliability benefits of solid-state lighting
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical element modifies the angular distribution parameter of the light from the solid-state illuminator. By changing the light propagation angles through diffraction, the HOE transforms highly directional collimated light into a broader angular distribution suitable for uniform light valve illumination, reducing coupling complexity
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 allows for compact, cost-effective, and efficient optical coupling of solid-state illuminators with light valves, reducing system size and complexity while providing uniform illumination, thereby enhancing the performance of imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
A holographic optical element is a diffractive grating with diffractive structures, such as slits, holes, and modulation index of refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A light valve assembly comprises a holographic optical element and a light valve that comprises an array of individually addressable pixels. The light valve assemblies can be fabricated on the die level or on a wafer-level.