Laser Diode Collimator with Three-Surface Lens for Wide Field Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for projecting light patterns over a wide field of illumination face challenges such as limited angular coverage, complexity in design, and increased size, particularly when using diffractive and micro-optical components, which are unsuitable for compact and energy-efficient applications like mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical device using a laser diode unit with three optical surfaces, including a refractive, reflective, and another refractive surface, configured to collimate and shape light beams for wide field illumination, allowing simultaneous projection of two different patterns from a single module with adjustable optical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diffractive and micro-optical components are used for wide FOI projection, then light pattern projection capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the wide FOI projection task into two separate narrow-FOI projection tasks, each handled by a dedicated VCSEL array subsystem. Each subsystem projects a pattern covering only a portion of the total FOI, and the patterns are combined to achieve the overall wide FOI coverage, avoiding the need for a single large complex projector
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a duplicate VCSEL array subsystem that mirrors the first subsystem's functionality. Both subsystems are identical in structure and function, each capable of independent narrow-FOI projection. This copying approach simplifies the design of individual subsystems while achieving wide FOI through their combined operation
2Manufacturing precision
If VCSEL arrays are used for high-performance pattern projection, then pattern quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs both VCSEL array subsystems to be universal and identical in structure, each capable of functioning independently for narrow-FOI projection. This standardization allows the same design and manufacturing processes to be reused for both subsystems, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the high precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the wide FOI projection function into two independent narrow-FOI VCSEL subsystems, the invention reduces the manufacturing complexity of each individual subsystem. Each VCSEL array can be designed and manufactured with standard processes for its specific narrow FOI requirement, rather than attempting to manufacture a single complex wide-FOI system
3Volume of moving object
If a single VCSEL array projects the entire wide FOI, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the wide FOI projection function into two independent narrow-FOI VCSEL subsystems. Each subsystem is designed and manufactured separately with standardized processes optimized for narrow FOI, improving production yield. The two subsystems are then integrated to achieve the overall wide FOI projection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the VCSEL subsystems by having each operate within a specific angular range (one for positive angles, one for negative angles). This parameter division allows each VCSEL array to be optimized for its specific range, improving manufacturing yield while maintaining compact form factor through coordinated operation
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
Enables efficient projection of light patterns over a wide angle with a compact, low-cost, and energy-efficient design, suitable for space-limited applications, while avoiding periodicity issues and reducing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface is configured to collimate a fast axis of the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
The second surface folds and reflects the laser beam through total internal reflection
Implementation Method 3
The third surface collimates the slow axis of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical collimating unit is provided that comprises a laser unit, and a lens having three optical surfaces, being a first refractive surface, a second reflective surface and a third refractive surface. Also provided is a light projection device comprising an optical collimating unit that comprises a laser unit, a lens and an optical component configured to shape laser beams being emitted into respective desired light patterns.