Laser Diode Array Assembly With Polarization-Split Projection Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser projection devices have complex and large-scale illumination arrangements due to the need for separate optics to guide beams from blue, green, and red laser diodes, which limits adaptability and increases size, especially for professional and miniaturized projectors.
Innovation Solution
A laser diode arrangement with a modular structure featuring two groups of laser diodes emitting linearly polarized radiation at perpendicular directions, allowing for adjustable power weighting between blue and excitation channels without additional optics, and a polarization beam splitter to direct radiation to a wavelength conversion element, enabling simplified optics and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate optics are used to guide beams from blue, green, and red laser diodes, then beam guidance is achieved, but the illumination arrangement becomes complex and large-scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser diodes (blue, green, red) and their beam guidance optics into a single integrated laser diode array module. The array is mounted on a common carrier with shared optical components, merging previously separate optics into one compact unit, thereby reducing overall complexity and size while maintaining the ability to guide multiple wavelengths effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The laser diode array is designed with multi-functional capabilities to generate multiple wavelengths (blue, green, red) simultaneously or sequentially within a single device. This universal light source can serve multiple functions in the projection system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated optics for each wavelength and reducing the overall optical train complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optics are used for each laser diode, then beam control is achieved, but adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the laser diode array through independent current control of different wavelength groups. The system can dynamically adjust which wavelengths are active and at what power levels, providing adaptability for different projection modes (e.g., single-color, multi-color, sequential) without requiring physical reconfiguration of optics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the electrical current supplied to different laser diode groups to achieve wavelength selection and power adjustment. By varying current parameters, the system can adapt to different operating conditions and projection requirements without changing the physical optical configuration, thereby enhancing versatility
3Temperature
If blue laser diodes are used to excite wavelength conversion elements, then green and red radiation is generated, but thermal stabilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser diode array into multiple independent wavelength groups (blue, green, red) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows direct emission of required wavelengths without always relying on wavelength conversion, thereby reducing the thermal load on conversion elements and lowering thermal stabilization requirements while maintaining operational 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
This solution simplifies the optics for beam guidance, enhances adaptability, and achieves a compact illumination unit with improved thermal stability and color saturation, suitable for various illumination units and projection devices.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode array (2) arranged thereon, in particular arranged in a grid pattern, which comprises a first light group (3) with a plurality of first laser diodes (4.1, ..., 4.n) and a second light group (5) with a plurality of second laser diodes (6.1, ..., 6.m), wherein the first light group (3) emits linearly polarized electromagnetic radiation with a first polarization direction (12) and the second light group (5) emits linearly polarized electromagnetic radiation with a second polarization direction (13), and the first polarization direction (12) and the second polarization direction (13) are perpendicular to each other
Implementation Method 2
A polarization beam splitter is provided in the beam path emitted from the laser diode array, which directs a portion of the radiation to a diffuser to create a blue channel and directs the remaining portion to the wavelength conversion element
Implementation Method 3
For gated laser projection devices, blue laser diodes are used to excite spectrally different fluorescent materials, such as phosphor-based materials
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser diode arrangement for a laser projection device, comprising a carrier; a laser diode array arranged on the carrier, comprising a first light group having a plurality of first laser diodes and a second light group having a plurality of second laser diodes, said first light emitting group emitting polarized electromagnetic radiation having a first polarization direction and said second light emitting group emitting polarized electromagnetic radiation having a second polarization direction, said first polarization direction and said second polarization direction being perpendicular to each other, the invention being characterized in that said first light emitting group comprises at least one first laser housing accommodating at least one first laser diode and said second light emitting group comprises at least one second laser housing accommodating at least one second laser diode; and the number of first laser diodes of the laser diode array is at least twice the number of second laser diodes, the first laser diodes and the second laser diodes having a corresponding maximum optical output power; and an electrical wiring for the laser diode array is applied on the carrier such that the current intensity at the first laser diodes is adjustable continuously and independently of the energization of the second laser diodes.