Light Beam Control System for Spatial Light Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spatial light modulators face challenges in producing consistent image quality due to light sources like LEDs and laser diodes, which generate light beams of varying intensity due to temperature changes and other factors.
Innovation Solution
A light beam control system incorporating a positive intrinsic negative diode coupled with a controller circuit that measures the intensity of the light beam and adjusts it to maintain consistent output, using components such as capacitors, comparators, and reference signals to regulate the light modulated by a spatial light modulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If light sources like LEDs and lasers are used in spatial light modulators, then the device can operate with compact and efficient illumination, but the light intensity varies with operating temperature causing inconsistent image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a photodetector continuously monitors the light beam intensity from the light source. The controller circuit receives this intensity signal and adjusts the light source drive current accordingly to maintain constant output intensity despite temperature variations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism directly resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate efficiently with LED/laser sources while compensating for their intensity drift to ensure consistent image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the electrical parameters (drive current) of the light source based on detected light intensity and temperature conditions. By adjusting the drive current parameter in real-time, the system compensates for temperature-induced intensity variations, maintaining reliable and consistent image quality while utilizing the energy-efficient LED or laser light sources.
2Device complexity
If the light beam intensity is not regulated, then the system operates simply without additional control components, but the varying intensity from light sources degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a minimal feedback control loop comprising a photodetector, controller circuit, and feedback connection to the light source driver. This relatively simple feedback structure continuously monitors light intensity and automatically adjusts the light source to compensate for variations, achieving reliable image quality without requiring complex mechanical or optical regulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces potential mechanical intensity regulation mechanisms (such as variable attenuators or moving optical elements) with an electrical feedback control system. The controller circuit electrically adjusts the light source drive current based on photodetector feedback, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control components while maintaining consistent light intensity and image quality.
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 system effectively stabilizes the light beam intensity, enhancing the quality of images produced by spatial light modulators by ensuring consistent illumination, even with light sources of inconsistent output.
Implementation Method 1
The positive intrinsic negative diode receives a portion of a light beam generated by a light source and converts the portion into a measured intensity
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a light beam control system includes a positive intrinsic negative diode coupled to a controller circuit. The positive intrinsic negative diode receives a portion of a light beam generated by a light source and converts the portion into a measured intensity. The controller circuit receives the measured intensity, determines an output signal according to the measured intensity and a reference, and adjusts the light beam according to the output signal.