Integrated Light Source and Phosphor Module for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for high intensity light generating systems or devices with controllable spectral and spatial power distribution, and reduced heat generation, for applications such as projection, stage-lighting, and automotive lighting.
Innovation Solution
A light generating system comprising a first light generating device with a laser or superluminescent diode, a second light generating device with a solid state light source, a first luminescent material for converting light, and a window element with reflective walls for controlling beam shape and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If laser-phosphor technology is used to achieve high brightness, then light intensity is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light generating system is divided into multiple independent light generating devices (first and second devices), each contributing to the overall light output. This segmentation allows for distributed heat generation and easier thermal management compared to a single high-power source.
Solution Approach 2:
A light mixing chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the light generating devices and the output. This chamber allows for optical mixing and redistribution of light and heat, improving thermal management while maintaining high brightness output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controllable spectral power distribution is implemented, then light quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light generating devices with different spectral characteristics are combined in a single system. The first device generates first light and the second device generates second light, and their combination provides controllable spectral power distribution without requiring complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light mixing chamber serves multiple functions: it mixes light from different sources, manages heat distribution, and enables spectral control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controllable spatial power distribution is implemented, then beam control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic control of spatial power distribution by independently controlling multiple light generating devices. The beam shape and spatial distribution can be adjusted by varying the intensity and positioning of individual devices, providing flexibility without mechanical moving parts.
4Illumination intensity
If thermal management is improved through phosphor arrangement, then light intensity is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light mixing chamber introduces an additional spatial dimension for heat management. By distributing light and heat throughout a three-dimensional chamber volume rather than concentrating them at a single phosphor layer, thermal loads are reduced while maintaining high light intensity output.
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 system allows for controlled spatial power distribution of light, providing both narrow and broad beams, while managing heat and creating a compact light package with a transmissive mode solution.
Implementation Method 1
The first luminescent material is configured to convert at least part of the first device light into first luminescent material light
Implementation Method 2
the reflective walls having an average reflectivity for the second device light of at least 50%
Implementation Method 3
The first window element part and the second window element part are configured in thermal contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising a first light generating device (110), a second light generating device (120), a first luminescent material (210), a window element (400), and a light mixing chamber (500), wherein: (A) the first light generating device (110) is configured to provide first device light (111); wherein the first light generating device (110) comprises one or more of a laser and a superluminescent diode; (B) the second light generating device (120) is configured to generate second device light (121); wherein the second light generating device (120) comprises a solid state light source; (C) the light mixing chamber (500) is at least partly defined by the window element (400); (D) the window element (400) comprises (i) a first window element part (410) comprising the first luminescent material (210), wherein the first window element part (410) is configured in a light receiving relationship with the first light generating device (110), and (ii) a second window element part (420), wherein the second window element part (420) is translucent for the second device light (121), and wherein the second window element part (420) is configured in a light receiving relationship with the second light generating device (120); wherein the first window element part (410) and the second window element part (420) are configured in thermal contact with each other, wherein the first window element part (410) and the second window element part (420) differ in material composition; and (E) the first luminescent material (210) is configured to convert at least part of the first device light (111) into first luminescent material light (211).