Infrared Laser Optics Layout to Reduce Output Radiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-intensity infrared laser sources, such as VCSELs, cause retinal projections and visible dark-red glow, potentially dazzling drivers in vehicle monitoring applications, due to their high power and small emission area, which existing diffusing elements fail to adequately address for safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second light distributing element with a larger emitting area, such as a micro-lens array or translucent material, to increase the visible light emitting surface while maintaining angular distribution and power, reducing radiance and preventing dazzle without increasing the device's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single diffusing element is used to distribute laser light, then the device structure is simple, but the radiance at the output interface remains high causing retinal projections and dark-red glow that can dazzle drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The single diffusing element is divided into multiple light distributing elements (first and second light distributing elements) with different functions. The first element maintains angular distribution while the second element increases the visible emitting area to reduce radiance, thereby eliminating the dark-red glow without creating a complex multi-component system randomly.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane diffusing element to a multi-layered optical system with light distributing elements positioned at different distances from the laser source. This dimensional arrangement allows the second element to enlarge the visible emitting area along the optical axis, reducing radiance effectively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the size of the light emitting area is increased to reduce radiance, then the dark-red glow is reduced, but the height of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light distributing elements are nested within the existing device structure, with the first light distributing element positioned closer to the laser source and the second element positioned further away. This nested arrangement allows the system to increase the effective emitting area without proportionally increasing the overall device height, as the elements are integrated along the optical path rather than requiring additional lateral space.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing diffusing elements are used, then the device structure is maintained, but the angular distribution and light power on the target surface are not adequately maintained while reducing radiance
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different functions: the first light distributing element is optimized for maintaining angular distribution and beam directionality, while the second light distributing element is optimized for enlarging the visible emitting area to reduce radiance. This local specialization ensures that each element performs its specific function effectively, maintaining overall system reliability.
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 effectively reduces the radiance at the output interface, minimizing the dark-red glow and ensuring eye safety while maintaining light distribution on the target surface, thus enhancing safety and comfort in infrared-laser illuminated environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first light distributing element that diverges light at the light output interface
Implementation Method 2
a second light distributing element separated from the first light distributing element and providing, at the light output interface, a second emitting area larger than the first emitting area
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared-laser source device provided with an external housing, said external housing comprising: a light output interface arranged in a front part of the external housing, at least one infrared-laser source arranged in a rear part of the external housing and configured to emit an IR-laser beam providing a first emitting area at the light output interface, and a first light distributing element configured to diverge light at the light output interface, wherein said infrared-laser source device further comprises a second light distributing element separated from the first light distributing element and providing, at the light output interface, a second emitting area larger than the first emitting area.