Laser Light Source Angular Distribution Control for Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser light sources struggle with achieving uniformity in the output laser light beam due to discrete angular distribution of laser beams, which results in non-uniform surface distribution and inadequate homogenization despite increased reflections within the light rod.
Innovation Solution
A laser light source design that includes a laser element array, focusing and collimation optical elements to form a secondary laser beam array with increased divergence angles, and an angular distribution control element to enhance the divergence angle ratio in the short axis direction, ensuring the ratio of divergence angles in both axes is greater than or equal to 0.7, allowing for improved homogenization by the integrator rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the length of the light rod is extended to increase the number of reflections, then the light uniformity should be improved, but the improvement is not significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular distribution parameters of the incident light by introducing an angular distribution control element that enlarges the divergence angle in the short axis direction. This transforms the light from having a small, discrete angular distribution to a larger, more continuous angular distribution, enabling effective homogenization without extending the light rod length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an angular distribution control element as an intermediary component between the laser light source array and the integrator rod. This element acts as a mediator that modifies the angular distribution of light before it enters the homogenization system, making the subsequent homogenization process effective
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional collimating lenses are used to collimate laser light, then the light can be converged to a small light spot, but the light homogenizing effect is not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional modules: collimating lenses for beam collimation, an angular distribution control element for angular transformation, and an integrator rod for homogenization. Each segment performs a specific function, and their combination achieves effective homogenization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical system combining different types of optical elements (spherical/aspherical collimating lenses, cylindrical or conical angular control elements, and integrator rod) to achieve functions that no single element could accomplish alone
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 achieves a more uniform surface distribution of the secondary laser beams by increasing the number of reflections in both axes, leading to enhanced light homogenization and improved uniformity at the output port.
Implementation Method 1
The collimating lenses 12a-12c are an array of spherical or aspherical lenses, where each lens corresponds to a laser diode. The laser light emitted by the laser diodes 11a-11c is first collimated by the collimating lenses 12a-12c into parallel light beams
Implementation Method 2
element 13 is a converging lens... the collimated primary laser beam array sequentially passes through the focusing optical element and the collimation optical element to form a collimated secondary laser beam array
Implementation Method 3
The square light rod 14 is a hollow or solid light transmitting rod, to homogenize the input light beam... the light output from the output port of the light rod 14 still has separate laser light spots... Extending the length of the light rod 14 to increase the number of times of reflections of the laser light inside the light rod
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light source (300), a wavelength conversion light source, a light combining light source, and a projection system. The laser light source comprises a laser element array, a focusing optical element (33), a collimation optical element (34), an integrator rod (36) for receiving and homogenizing a secondary laser beam array (382), an angular distribution control element (35) disposed on the light path between the laser element array and the integrator rod (36) for enlarging the divergence angle of the laser beam array (382) in the direction of the short axis of the light distribution, such that the rate between the divergence angle of each of the secondary laser beam that enters the integrator rod (36) in the direction of the short axis of the light distribution and the divergence angle in the direction of the long axis is greater than or equal to 0.7.