Illumination Device Diffractive Optical Element Uniformity Volume

The patent segments the light source into multiple point light sources arranged in an array, with each point source corresponding to a diffractive area on the DOE. This segmentation allows each point source to be diffracted independently, achieving uniform illumination distribution without requiring additional optical components to expand the beam angle, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination uniformity and system volume.

The patent changes the physical state and optical parameters by using a diffractive optical element that manipulates light through diffraction rather than traditional refraction or reflection. The DOE modifies the divergent angle parameter directly at the light source level, enabling uniform illumination without the volume penalty of traditional optical expansion components.

The diffractive optical element serves as an intermediary between the laser emitter and the illuminated object. It takes the small-angle beam from the laser and redistributes it through diffraction patterns, effectively increasing the divergent angle and achieving uniform illumination while preserving the high brightness characteristic of the laser source.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical systems (such as beam expanders or multiple lenses) that would physically increase beam divergence with a diffractive optical element that uses wave optics principles. This substitution achieves the same effect of increasing divergent angle without the associated volume increase, maintaining brightness while altering beam shape characteristics.