Inline Illumination Optical System for Laser Line Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high resolution printing systems using laser sources and digital mirror devices (DMDs) face challenges in constructing suitable imaging systems due to the need for axial rotation and lateral space, which prevents side-by-side stacking of illumination modules, essential for stitching high resolution images.
Innovation Solution
An inline illumination optical system is developed using a refractive prism and TIR prism pair with an air gap, eliminating the need for axial rotation and lateral space, enabling side-by-side module stacking by redirecting light beams at a compound angle to a DMD array within a confined housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current illumination modules use mirrors or prism designs with lateral space and axial rotation, then light beams can be homogenized and delivered onto DMDs, but side-by-side stacking of illumination modules is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral space configuration to an axial space configuration by directing light beams along the optical axis. The illumination modules are arranged side-by-side along the optical axis, with each module's light source positioned to project through a common light guide onto the DMD array, enabling stacking without lateral space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple light sources from different illumination modules into a single common light guide. The light guide combines the light beams axially, allowing multiple modules to share the same optical path and DMD array, thereby enabling compact side-by-side stacking while maintaining functional independence of each module
2Length of moving object
If multiple imagers are configured to stitch together light beams for high resolution printing, then the imaging width can span the operative width of the imaging plate, but lateral space and axial rotation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple illumination modules side-by-side along the optical axis rather than laterally. Each module contributes a portion of the total imaging width by projecting light through the common light guide onto different regions of the DMD array, achieving wide imaging coverage through axial stacking instead of lateral arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the total imaging width into multiple segments, with each illumination module responsible for a specific angular or spatial segment. The DMD array segments the light beam accordingly, and the combined output from multiple modules stitched together produces the complete wide-angle or wide-width image
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 allows for efficient side-by-side stacking of illumination modules, producing a rectangular illumination pattern and eliminating mechanical interference, thereby enhancing the resolution and efficiency of high resolution printing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The RTIR prism receives the light beam from the light guide and redirects the light beam to the DMD array along a compound incident angle
Implementation Method 2
RTIR prism pair with an air gap along with the angle of the light guide to produce an inline illumination optical system
Data Source
AI summary
High resolution printing systems that utilize high power laser diode bars and digital mirror devices (DMD) require side-by-side stacking of illumination modules to stitching of the image from each module to form a longer total image width. An inline illumination optical system having a refractive prism and Total Internal Reflection (TIR) prism pair with an air gap along with a light guide transporting light beams at a compound angle to the prism pair eliminates the need for any axial rotation of the laser and light guide, and enables side-by-side module stacking. The illumination optical system includes an illumination module having a light source, the light guide, a DMD array and a Refractive TIR (RTIR) prism. The system also includes a DMD housing containing the DMD array and having a width within which the illumination module is confined to allow side-by-side stacking.