Light-emitting device with inclined output and phase modulation layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-emitting devices with semiconductor and spatial light modulators face issues with attenuation and diffraction when the spatial light modulator and semiconductor light-emitting device are close, leading to degraded optical image quality and complex position adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device design where the semiconductor light-emitting device outputs light inclined to the normal direction, and the spatial light modulator has a light input/output surface facing the semiconductor device, with a phase modulation layer having modified refractive index regions arranged to reduce attenuation and diffraction effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reflection type spatial light modulator and the semiconductor light-emitting device are arranged close to each other, then position adjustment for optical coupling is facilitated and the device can be downsized, but light-shielding components cause attenuation and diffraction effects that degrade optical image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-shielding components (electrodes and semiconductor laminate portion) from the optical path by arranging them in the thickness direction rather than in the lateral plane. The light input/output surface is positioned to face the light output surface in the thickness direction, allowing modulated light to exit without passing through these components, thus eliminating attenuation and diffraction effects while maintaining compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a lateral arrangement where components are positioned side-by-side to a thickness-direction arrangement where components are stacked vertically. This dimensional change allows the light input/output surface to face the light output surface in the thickness direction, creating an optical path that bypasses light-shielding components and enables compact device integration without optical degradation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflection type spatial light modulator and the semiconductor light-emitting device are arranged apart from each other to avoid attenuation and diffraction effects, then optical image quality is maintained, but position adjustment for optical coupling becomes complicated and the device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by arranging components in the thickness direction rather than separating them laterally. The light input/output surface faces the light output surface in the thickness direction, allowing close physical arrangement without lateral separation. This vertical stacking eliminates the need for complex position adjustment while preventing attenuation and diffraction effects.
3Device complexity
If the semiconductor light-emitting device outputs light in the normal direction, then the optical path is simple, but light passes through light-shielding components causing attenuation and diffraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts light-shielding components from the optical path by positioning them in the thickness direction. The light input/output surface is arranged to face the light output surface such that modulated light exits in a direction that bypasses electrodes and the semiconductor laminate portion, eliminating attenuation and diffraction effects while maintaining a straightforward optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path arrangement from a lateral configuration where light would pass through planar components to a thickness-direction configuration where light exits perpendicular to the component layers. This dimensional reorganization allows the optical path to remain simple while avoiding interaction with light-shielding components.
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 attenuation and diffraction effects, allowing for easier position adjustment and downsizing of the device while maintaining optical image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial light modulator modulates at least one of a phase, an intensity, a polarization direction of the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a phase modulation layer having modified refractive index regions arranged to reduce attenuation and diffraction effects
Implementation Method 3
The semiconductor light-emitting device has a light output surface and outputs light in a direction inclined with respect to a normal direction of the light output surface
Implementation Method 4
The spatial light modulator is a reflection type spatial light modulator having a light input/output surface arranged such that at least a part thereof faces the light output surface of the semiconductor light-emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment relates to a light-emitting device that enables reduction in attenuation or diffraction effect caused by a semiconductor light-emitting device with respect to modulated light outputted from a spatial light modulator, and the light-emitting device includes the semiconductor light-emitting device that outputs light from a light output surface and the reflection type spatial light modulator that modulates the light. The spatial light modulator includes a light input/output surface having the area larger than the area of a light input surface of the semiconductor light-emitting device, modulates light taken through a region facing the light output surface of the semiconductor light-emitting device in the light input/output surface, and outputs the modulated light from another region of the light input/output surface to a space other than the light input surface of the semiconductor light-emitting device.