Compact Laser Phosphor Optical Architecture for High Brightness Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems for home, recreational, or outdoor use are often costly due to complex architectures and numerous optical components, and they typically produce less than 1,000 lumens of brightness.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact optical architecture that utilizes a laser phosphor system with non-telecentric optics, eliminating the need for a prism and reducing the number of expensive projection lenses, while achieving higher brightness levels of 500-1,000 lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a complex optical architecture with multiple components is used, then the projection system can achieve adequate brightness, but the system becomes costly and larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (prism, dichroic mirrors, color wheels) into a single integrated optical architecture. The light splitter integrates wavelength separation and polarization control functions, while the homogenizing element combines beam shaping and uniformity correction in one component, reducing the total number of separate optical elements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates different wavelengths of light, controls polarization states, and directs light to appropriate filters. The homogenizing element performs both beam shaping and uniformity correction. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining brightness performance.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional projection optics with multiple lenses are used, then the system can achieve adequate brightness, but the cost increases due to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for expensive telecentric projection lenses and prisms by using non-telecentric optics. The optical architecture is redesigned to achieve the same brightness and image quality without requiring these costly components, making the system more affordable while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex optical components with simpler, more affordable alternatives. Instead of using costly telecentric lenses and precision prisms, the system uses standard optical elements arranged in a non-telecentric configuration that achieves adequate brightness at lower cost.
3Device complexity
If non-telecentric optics are used, then the system becomes more compact and less expensive, but the F/# ratio increases affecting contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the F/# ratio parameter in the non-telecentric optical system to balance compactness with contrast performance. By carefully selecting optical parameters and adjusting the system configuration, the patent achieves adequate contrast capability while maintaining the simplicity and compactness of non-telecentric optics.
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 solution provides a cost-reduced, compact projection system with high brightness, achieving scalable brightness by adjusting the number of lasers and maintaining higher contrast capabilities due to slower F/# optics.
Implementation Method 1
a light splitter configured to reflect first light having a first wavelength and a first polarization, to transmit light having the first wavelength and a second polarization
Implementation Method 2
a quarter wave plate optically coupled to the light splitter
Implementation Method 3
a phosphor optically coupled to the color wheel, the phosphor configured to produce second light responsive to receiving the first light
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a system includes a light splitter configured to reflect first light having a first wavelength and a first polarization, to transmit light having the first wavelength and a second polarization, to transmit light having a second wavelength, and to transmit light having a third wavelength. The system also includes a quarter wave plate optically coupled to the light splitter. The system includes a color wheel optically coupled to the quarter wave plate, the color wheel having a first filter segment, a second filter segment, and a third filter segment. The system also includes a phosphor optically coupled to the color wheel, the phosphor configured to produce second light responsive to receiving the first light, and the color wheel configured to receive the second light and produce light having the second wavelength or the third wavelength.