Inclined Optical Axis Light-Emitting Device for Compact Multi-Wavelength Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand to reduce the size of light-emitting devices that include multiple light-emitting elements, as existing devices with parallel arrangements of these elements are bulky and inefficient in terms of optical alignment and aberration control.
Innovation Solution
The light-emitting device configuration includes a first, second, and third light-emitting element with inclined optical axes, where the second and third elements are positioned relative to the first element such that their light-emission surfaces intersect a common plane, allowing the points of incidence on a lens member to be brought closer together, thereby reducing the device size and improving optical control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in parallel to emit light of different wavelengths, then the device can achieve multi-wavelength light emission, but the device size becomes large and the points of incidence on the lens are widely separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging light-emitting elements with different optical axis orientations rather than in a symmetric parallel configuration. Specifically, the first light-emitting element has its optical axis perpendicular to the substrate, the second light-emitting element has its optical axis inclined at a first angle, and the third light-emitting element has its optical axis inclined at a second angle. This asymmetric arrangement allows multiple wavelengths to be emitted while reducing the lateral separation of incidence points on the lens, thereby downsizing the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional parallel arrangement of light-emitting elements to a three-dimensional configuration with varying optical axis angles. By introducing angular dimensionality, the light paths from multiple elements converge more closely at the lens plane, reducing the required device footprint while maintaining multi-wavelength emission capability.
2Device complexity
If multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in parallel, then the device structure is simple, but the points of incidence on the lens are widely separated causing increased aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric optical axis arrangement (perpendicular, first inclined angle, second inclined angle) naturally converges the light paths from different wavelength sources to closer proximity at the lens plane. This reduces the separation between incidence points, thereby minimizing optical aberrations such as chromatic aberration and improving focal point accuracy without significantly complicating the device structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical axes of multiple light-emitting elements are inclined at different angles, then the points of incidence on the lens are brought closer together, but the device requires precise angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-setting the optical axes of the light-emitting elements at specific inclined angles during the element fabrication or mounting process. This preliminary angular positioning ensures that when the elements are assembled on the substrate, their light paths naturally converge at the lens with minimal lateral separation, reducing the need for post-assembly angular adjustments and simplifying the overall alignment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes: a first light-emitting element including a first light-emission surface through which first light is emitted along a first optical axis; a second light-emitting element disposed apart from the first light-emitting element in a first direction that is perpendicular to the first optical axis, the second light-emitting element including a second light-emission surface through which second light is emitted along a second optical axis that is inclined with respect to the first optical axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a third light-emitting element disposed apart from the first light-emitting element in the second direction, wherein the third light-emitting element includes a third light-emission surface through which third light is emitted along a third optical axis that is inclined with respect to the first optical axis in the first direction.