Laser Light Source Optics for Narrow Fast-Axis Beam Collimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting apparatuses experience an increase in beam width in the fast axis direction due to the collimation of light outside the hermetically sealed case, leading to a need for further reduction in beam diameter.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting apparatus with a light emitting element housed in a case, featuring a first optical element outside the case to converge light in the fast axis direction, followed by a second optical element closer to the convergence point to narrow the beam width, and a third optical element to collimate light in the slow axis direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lens is disposed outside the hermetically sealed case to collimate light in the fast axis direction, then the light can be collimated, but the beam width in the fast axis direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into two separate functional stages: a first optical element for converging light in the fast axis direction, and a second optical element for collimating light in both fast and slow axis directions. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, preventing beam width increase while achieving proper collimation
Solution Approach 2:
The first optical element acts as an intermediary between the light emitting element and the second optical element. It pre-converges the light in the fast axis direction before the light reaches the second optical element, which then performs the final collimation. This intermediary step enables the second optical element to work more effectively with a narrower beam
2Illumination intensity
If the second optical element is positioned at the convergence point, then light can be effectively converged, but dust accumulation occurs causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the convergence function from the final collimation position. The first optical element performs the convergence function separately before the light reaches the second optical element. This separates the convergence point from the collimation point, eliminating the dust accumulation problem at the convergence location while maintaining effective light convergence
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam is made to rush through the convergence point rapidly rather than stopping or lingering there. By positioning the second optical element to collimate light after it has passed through the convergence point created by the first optical element, the system avoids dust accumulation at a stationary convergence location
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
The apparatus achieves a narrower beam width in both the fast and slow axis directions, reducing the beam diameter effectively and preventing potential malfunctions from dust accumulation at convergence points.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element provided outside the case and configured to converge, in a fast axis direction, the laser light passing through the window
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element configured to collimate the laser light input via the first optical element, in the fast axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting apparatus includes: a light emitting element configured to emit laser light; a case configured to house the light emitting element, and including a window configured to allow transmittance of the laser light emitted from the light emitting element; a first optical element provided outside the case and configured to converge, in a fast axis direction, the laser light passing through the window; and a second optical element configured to collimate the laser light input via the first optical element, in the fast axis direction, in a state where a beam width in the fast axis direction is narrower than a beam width in the fast axis direction on an incident surface of the first optical element, the second optical element being located closer to the first optical element than a convergence point of the laser light in the fast axis direction by the first optical element.