Infrared Laser Source Optics for Reduced Retinal Dazzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-intensity infrared laser beams from VCSELs and other laser diodes cause retinal projections and dazzle the human eye, posing safety and comfort issues, especially in monitoring applications where the beams are directed towards human faces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second light distributing element within the infrared-laser source device to increase the visible light emitting area, reducing radiance while maintaining power and angular distribution, using elements like micro-lens arrays and translucent materials to diffuse the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light distributing element is used to emit infrared laser beams, then the device structure is simple, but the radiance at the light emitting surface is very high causing retinal projections and dazzle to the human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light distributing element into multiple light distributing elements (first and second elements). Each element has specific optical properties that work together to reduce radiance while maintaining beam distribution functionality, thereby reducing retinal projection and dazzle effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam combining element as an intermediary component between the laser source and the light distributing elements. This beam combining element has specific optical properties that help control and distribute the infrared laser beams, reducing the concentration of light at any single point and thereby reducing harmful effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light emitting area is increased to reduce radiance, then the eye safety is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple light distributing elements arranged in a specific spatial configuration rather than simply expanding the area of a single element. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the effective light emitting area to be increased while maintaining a compact device footprint
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple light distributing elements are used to reduce radiance, then the perceptibility of infrared light is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light distributing elements and a beam combining element into an integrated optical system. The elements work together synergistically to achieve the desired light distribution and radiance reduction, managing complexity through functional integration
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
Reduces the perceptibility of infrared light, enhances eye safety, and maintains light distribution on the target surface without increasing the device's size, addressing the dazzle and retinal projection issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first light distributing element that diverges light at the light output interface... 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
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AI summary
An infrared-laser source device (10) provided with an external housing (11), said external housing (11) comprising: a light output interface (12) arranged in a front part (F) of the external housing (11), at least one infrared-laser source (14) arranged in a rear part (R) of the external housing (11) and configured to emit an IR-laser beam (B) providing a first emitting area (C1) at the light output interface (12), and a first light distributing element (15) configured to diverge light at the light output interface (12), wherein said infrared-laser source device further comprises a second light distributing element (16) separated from the first light distributing element (15) and providing, at the light output interface (12), a second emitting area (C2) larger than the first emitting area (C1).