Multiple Laser Diode Array for Coherent Light Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light projection systems face challenges in preserving the desired optical characteristics of individual low-powered light sources when combined, leading to issues such as loss of coherence and polarization, and are often costly and energy-inefficient due to the use of higher-powered single-emitters.
Innovation Solution
The development of light sources that combine multiple lower-powered light emitters, such as laser diodes, into arrays with minimal overlap, using optical paths that maintain desired polarizations and coherence, and dynamically-addressable focusing elements to redistribute light efficiently, achieving a desired light field with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple lower-powered light emitters are combined, then cost and energy efficiency are improved, but coherence and polarization are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the light emission into multiple discrete emitter elements arranged in an array, where each emitter can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to combine multiple low-powered emitters while maintaining coherence through synchronized control of each segment's phase and amplitude
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of each light emitter in the array. By controlling these parameters, the system maintains coherence and polarization characteristics even when combining multiple lower-powered emitters, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and optical quality
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple lower-powered light emitters are combined, then cost is reduced, but optical characteristics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple discrete, addressable emitter elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the use of lower-cost individual emitters while achieving the desired optical performance through coordinated control of the entire array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the emitter array, allowing real-time adjustment of phase and amplitude for each element. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain precise optical characteristics regardless of the number or power level of individual emitters used
3Power
If higher-powered single-emitters are used, then power output is improved, but energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple lower-powered light emitters into a unified array that functions as a single light source. By combining the output of multiple emitters, the system achieves high power output while maintaining energy efficiency, as each emitter contributes to the total output without requiring excessive power from a single source
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 approach allows for the creation of high-quality, cost-effective light projectors that preserve the optical characteristics of individual light sources, enhancing coherence and polarization while reducing energy usage and increasing efficiency in light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of laser diodes emit first laser beams
Implementation Method 2
optical paths provided by the light source cause the individual patches to have desired optical characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.