Light Source Apparatus with Segmented Collimators and Polarization Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor light source apparatuses for projectors and HUD systems face challenges in achieving high light utilization efficiency and uniform lighting characteristics, particularly in applications requiring high performance, such as projectors and on-vehicle headlamps, due to limitations in condensing and utilizing emitted light effectively.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus comprising a plurality of semiconductor light source elements, collimator elements, a polarization conversion element, and a light guide, where the semiconductor light source elements and collimator elements are arranged orthogonally to the light emission axis, and the polarization conversion element includes a polarizing beam splitter and phase plate arranged symmetrically, enhancing light condensation and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional lenses are used to condense light from semiconductor light source elements, then light emission efficiency is improved, but light utilization efficiency and uniform lighting characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light condensation function into multiple collimator elements, each corresponding to a semiconductor light source element. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light condensation for each source, improving overall light utilization efficiency while maintaining uniform lighting characteristics across the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarization conversion element that operates in the polarization dimension, converting unpolarized light from the semiconductor sources into polarized light. This dimensional change enables more efficient light manipulation and utilization, addressing both light efficiency and uniformity requirements.
2Loss of energy
If multiple lenses are provided opposite the semiconductor light source elements, then light emission efficiency is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collimation and polarization conversion functions into an integrated optical system. The collimator elements and polarization conversion element work together as a unified structure, reducing the need for separate lens components and thereby minimizing apparatus size while maintaining high light emission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator elements serve multiple functions: they condense light from the semiconductor sources, direct light toward the display panel, and work in conjunction with the polarization conversion element to optimize light utilization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, decreasing overall apparatus size.
3Loss of energy
If a polarization conversion element with symmetrical arrangement is used, then light utilization efficiency and uniformity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the polarization conversion element uses symmetrical arrangement of polarizing beam splitters and phase plates to achieve uniform light distribution, the overall optical system employs asymmetric positioning of components relative to the semiconductor light source elements. This selective use of symmetry and asymmetry optimizes both light utilization efficiency and manages device complexity.
4Loss of energy
If collimator elements are arranged orthogonally to the light emission axis, then light condensation is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties and arrangements to different regions of the optical system. Each collimator element is specifically designed and positioned to optimize light condensation from its corresponding semiconductor light source element, with local adjustments in orientation and positioning that enhance overall light condensation efficiency while managing manufacturing precision requirements through localized optimization.
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 solution results in a compact, high-efficiency light source with improved light utilization and uniformity, suitable for high-performance applications like HUD systems, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator including a plurality of collimator elements, each of the plural collimator elements being disposed on a light emission axis of each of the plural semiconductor light source elements
Implementation Method 2
the polarization conversion element extends in the first direction, and includes a polarizing beam splitter and a phase plate
Implementation Method 3
includes a polarizing beam splitter and a phase plate, which are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to a plane
Implementation Method 4
a light guide disposed on an emission side of the polarization conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
The light source apparatus has: a light source unit including a plurality of semiconductor light source elements; a collimator including a plurality of collimator elements, each of the plural collimator elements being disposed on a light emission axis of each of the plural semiconductor light source elements; a polarization conversion element disposed on an emission side of the collimator; and a light guide disposed on an emission side of the polarization conversion element, the plural semiconductor light source elements and the plural collimator elements are arranged in a first direction orthogonal to the light emission axis, and the polarization conversion element extends in the first direction, and includes a polarizing beam splitter and a phase plate, which are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to a plane formed by the first direction and a second direction corresponding to the light emission axis.