Laser Projection Module Layout for Stable Light Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser projection systems require multiple expensive components and time-consuming calibration, leading to high overall costs and susceptibility to optical artefacts due to interference effects.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-efficient laser projection arrangement using a sub-mount carrier with edge-emitting lasers and a planar light circuit, where the laser facet and light guide inlet are positioned at a predefined distance to suppress interference and simplify adjustment, reducing the complexity of alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional light sources and beam combiners are used, then light for projection can be obtained, but the system becomes expensive and complex with time-consuming calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and beam combiner into a single integrated laser module. The laser diode, collimation lens, and beam combining optics are combined into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing alignment complexity. This integration directly addresses the contradiction by simplifying the system structure while maintaining optical performance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates coherent light, collimates the beam, and combines multiple wavelengths. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate components, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through fewer alignment interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual components are used for beam combining, then light superposition can be achieved, but manufacturing and calibration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single laser module that can be manufactured as one integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple components, reducing both manufacturing costs and calibration time. The module is designed to be pre-aligned during manufacturing, eliminating field calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical alignment and calibration are performed during the manufacturing process rather than during installation or operation. The laser module is pre-calibrated as an integrated unit, which eliminates time-consuming calibration procedures and reduces the skill level required for installation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If diffractive light guides are used in AR/VR glasses, then light distribution can be achieved, but optical artefacts from interference effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from using diffractive light guides to using refractive optical elements within the laser module. This parameter change eliminates interference effects and optical artefacts while maintaining the ability to distribute light effectively in AR/VR applications. The refractive approach provides cleaner optical performance without increasing system complexity.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of laser projection systems, minimizes optical artefacts, and simplifies the adjustment process by ensuring the laser facet and light guide inlet are on the same height, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of light signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
This contributes to suppressing interference effects that again are one of the main causes of optical artefacts in imaging systems
Implementation Method 2
A planar light circuit with at least one light guide comprises an inlet, wherein the planar light circuit is arranged on the main surface such that the at least one light guide and the inlet is facing the at least one laser facet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser projection arrangement. The arrangement includes a sub-mount carrier with a main surface and at least one edge-emitting laser arranged on the sub-mount. The at least one edge-emitting laser is facing the sub-mount and includes at least one laser facet that is located at a predefined distance from the main surface of the sub-mount. A planar light circuit with at least one light guide has an inlet and is arranged on the sub-mount such that the at least one light guide and the inlet is located at the predefined distance from the main surface of the sub-mount facing the at least one laser facet.