Laser-Excited Microscope Light Source Layout for Stable UV Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence microscope light source devices using laser-excited light sources suffer from low light output efficiency and significant heat generation, which affects the performance of LEDs, particularly those emitting UV light, leading to reduced UV light output due to increased temperature.
Innovation Solution
A light source device configuration that includes a semiconductor laser-excited light source with a phosphor and multiple LEDs emitting different wavelengths, where the UV-LED is positioned farther from the heat-generating laser-excited light source, and a composite optical system using dichroic mirrors to combine fluorescence and LED light, with metal housings for heat management and efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser-excited light source is used to obtain fluorescence with a spectrum corresponding to many fluorescent reagents, then the fluorescence image clarity is improved, but the light output efficiency deteriorates and heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source device is segmented into multiple independent light sources: a laser-excited light source for generating fluorescence and multiple LED light sources for providing excitation light at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows each light source to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the efficiency of others, thereby maintaining fluorescence image clarity while improving overall light output efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If a laser-excited light source is used to obtain fluorescence with a spectrum corresponding to many fluorescent reagents, then the fluorescence image clarity is improved, but the heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat generated by the laser-excited light source is extracted and isolated from the LED light sources through separate housing structures and thermal management designs. This allows the laser-excited light source to operate at high power for clear fluorescence imaging while the LEDs are protected from excessive heat, preventing temperature-related performance degradation.
3Volume of moving object
If the light source device is made compact to reduce size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the arrangement interval between components becomes small causing LED temperature to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The device adopts a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where LED light sources are positioned at different locations and orientations around the laser-excited light source. This dimensional arrangement allows for adequate thermal spacing in a compact footprint, enabling the device to remain small while maintaining appropriate arrangement intervals that prevent excessive LED temperature rise.
4Volume of moving object
If the UV-LED is disposed near the laser-excited light source to reduce device size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the UV light output decreases due to heat
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the UV-LED and the laser-excited light source. This reflective surface redirects UV light from the LED away from the heat-generating laser component, allowing the UV-LED to be positioned closer to the laser source for compactness while maintaining UV light output by reflecting the light through a different path that avoids the heat zone.
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 configuration stabilizes UV light output by reducing temperature rise in UV-LEDs, allowing for a compact design while maintaining high radiation intensity and reducing optical losses, thus enhancing the overall performance of the light source device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one semiconductor laser for excitation and a laser-excited light source. The laser-excited light source has a phosphor excited by the semiconductor laser(s)
Implementation Method 2
a phosphor excited by the semiconductor laser(s), and an optical system (first optical system) for extracting fluorescence emitted from the phosphor
Implementation Method 3
a composite optical system (second optical system) for synthesizing (combining) the fluorescence from the laser-excited light source with the light from the LED light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes at least one semiconductor laser and a laser-excited light source. The laser-excited light source has a phosphor excited by the semiconductor laser(s), and an optical system for extracting fluorescence emitted from the phosphor. The light source device also includes a plurality of LED light sources for emitting light having wavelengths different from a wavelength of the fluorescence. The light source device also includes a composite optical system for synthesizing the fluorescence from the laser-excited light source with the light from the LED light sources, and emitting the synthesized light from a light emitting portion. The LED light sources include an LED light source configured to emit light in an ultraviolet range. The LED light source configured to emit the light in the ultraviolet range is disposed at a position farther from the laser-excited light source than the remaining LED light source(s).