Illumination Modules Expanding Light Area Without Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of increasing the illumination area of optoelectronic modules, such as VCSEL arrays, is prohibitively expensive when the chip diameter is enlarged.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illumination module with a substrate, an illumination source, a collimation assembly, a translation assembly, and a mask assembly, where the collimation and translation assemblies are optically positioned between the illumination source and the mask assembly, allowing for the expansion of the illumination area without increasing the diameter of the illumination source, by collimating and translating light to achieve a larger illumination area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the VCSEL chip diameter is increased to increase the illumination area, then the illumination area is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple VCSELs arranged in an array on a smaller chip, rather than using a single large-diameter VCSEL. This segmentation allows the illumination area to be increased by adding more light sources in a compact arrangement, avoiding the need to increase the chip diameter and thus controlling manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam combining optics system is introduced as an intermediary between the VCSEL array and the target area. This optics system combines the light from multiple VCSELs and directs it to achieve a large illumination area, effectively decoupling the chip size from the illumination area and reducing manufacturing costs.
2Area of moving object
If the VCSEL chip diameter is increased to increase the illumination area, then the illumination area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple VCSELs arranged in a regular array pattern on a compact chip, which simplifies the overall device structure compared to a single large-diameter VCSEL. The segmented approach allows for standardized fabrication processes and easier integration with existing photonic circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The VCSEL array chip serves multiple functions: it provides the light sources, acts as a compact platform for integration, and enables flexible configuration of the illumination pattern through the array arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device 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 configuration effectively increases the illumination area without the associated cost increase, enabling more efficient and cost-effective illumination solutions for optoelectronic modules.
Implementation Method 1
a collimation assembly operable to collimate the light generated from the illumination source. The collimation assembly transmits a collimated light
Implementation Method 2
The translation assembly is operable to translate the collimated light. The translation assembly transmits a translated light, where the translated light has a second intensity distribution that laterally extends over a second illumination area
Implementation Method 3
a mask assembly. The mask assembly is operable to transmit the translated light. The mask assembly transmits a mask light having a having a third intensity distribution that laterally extends over a third illumination area
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to illumination modules operable to increase the area over which an illumination source, such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser or light-emitting diode, illuminates. Such illumination modules include a substrate having electrical contacts, an illumination source electrically connected to the substrate, a collimation assembly operable to collimate the light generated from the illumination source, a translation assembly operable to translate light over an area, and a mask assembly. In various implementations the illumination source may be rather small in area, thereby reducing the cost of the illumination module. Some implementations of the illumination module can be used for the acquisition of three-dimensional data in some cases, while in other cases some implementations of the illumination module can be used for other applications requiring projected light.