Hybrid Laser-Phosphor Light Source for 3D Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image projection systems lack a solid-state light source with a long lifetime that can produce sufficient lumens for mainstream data projectors, and existing solutions are inefficient in providing projector systems with the required brightness and color accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid laser and fluorescent emission light source is used, incorporating a laser pumped phosphor illuminator with a color wheel and dichroic mirrors to create a brighter light source with increased lumens in a small etendue, suitable for spatial light modulators, and enabling three-dimensional image projection with passive viewing glasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional light sources are used in image projection systems, then the system structure is simpler, but the lifetime is short and lumen output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources (blue and green lasers) with phosphor conversion materials to create a hybrid light source system. This merging of different light generation mechanisms (laser diodes + phosphor down-conversion) achieves both high reliability through solid-state components and sufficient lumen output, while managing the inherent complexity through integrated optical design
2Illumination intensity
If a single light source is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the lumen output and brightness are insufficient for mainstream data projectors
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple functional components: blue laser diodes for pumping yellow phosphor, green laser diodes for direct emission and phosphor pumping, dichroic mirrors for wavelength separation, and rotating color wheels with phosphor segments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving high lumen output
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional light sources are used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the color accuracy and brightness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light source parameters by rotating color wheels with specifically engineered phosphor segments and using programmable laser diode arrays. This allows precise control over spectral composition and color temperature, achieving high color accuracy (Colorimetry) while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through software-controlled parameter adjustment
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 provides a high-lumen light source with improved brightness and color accuracy, suitable for mainstream data projectors, and allows for efficient three-dimensional image projection without the need for active eyewear, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
laser pumped phosphor illuminator
Implementation Method 2
dichroic mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system using a spatial light modulator has first color laser light directed by a dichroic element to a rotating member. The rotating member includes phosphor segments that respond to illumination by the first color light to emit second and third color light along a first path to the dichroic element for output, and a light transmitting segment that passes the first color through the rotating member along a second path to the dichroic element for output. In a 3D imaging mode, the first color laser light includes light of two wavelengths, and the phosphor segments include segments that emit second and third color light each of two wavelengths. The output light is directed to a second rotating member that selectively transmits one wavelength of each color while blocking the other wavelength of each color.