Light Source Device with Asymmetric Divergence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector technologies face inefficiencies in light source systems, leading to increased heat generation and power consumption, which in turn result in larger device sizes due to the need for multiple light sources and inefficient light conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
A light source device configuration that includes a laser light source, a collimator lens, an optical element with multiple lenses arranged to provide different divergence angles, a dichroic mirror, a condenser optical system, a phosphor wheel for wavelength conversion, and a color wheel, optimized to reduce the divergence angle of excitation light and enhance light homogenization, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing the number of light sources required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to achieve sufficient light output, then the light intensity is improved, but the device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (blue laser light source and yellow laser light source) into a single integrated light source device that emits both wavelengths simultaneously. This merging approach allows the system to achieve the light output of multiple separate sources while using a more compact integrated structure, thereby improving illumination intensity without proportionally increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated light source device performs multiple functions by emitting both blue light (445 nm) and yellow light (595 nm) from a single unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light source assemblies, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining sufficient light output for projection display applications.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to ensure adequate light output, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light generating functions into a single integrated light source device that emits both blue and yellow wavelengths. This integration reduces the cumulative power consumption that would result from operating multiple separate light sources, while still providing adequate illumination intensity for the projection display system.
3Productivity
If conventional light source configuration is used, then the device can operate, but the light conversion efficiency is low leading to increased heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength conversion technology with specific phosphor materials that have optimized conversion parameters. The yellow laser light source at 595 nm is converted to green light with high efficiency, and the blue laser light source at 445 nm is converted to cyan light. These parameter optimizations in the wavelength conversion process improve light conversion efficiency and reduce heat generation compared to conventional configurations.
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 enhances light source efficiency, reduces heat generation and power consumption, and minimizes device size by ensuring uniform energy distribution on the phosphor wheel, leading to a more compact projector design while maintaining high color reproducibility and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element including multiple lenses on at least one surface of the optical element... The multiple lenses of the optical element has: a first divergence angle in a first direction along a plane of the multiple lenses; and a second divergence angle in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction along the plane
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength converter to convert the first color light into second color light
Implementation Method 3
a color light separator to separate the first color light and the second color light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes: a light source to emit light including first color light of excitation light; an optical element including multiple lenses on at least one surface of the optical element; a condenser optical system to condense the first color light; a wavelength converter to convert the first color light into second color light; and a color light separator to separate the first color light and the second color light. The light source, the optical element, the condenser optical system, the wavelength converter, and the color light separator are disposed in this order from the light source. The multiple lenses of the optical element has: a first divergence angle in a first direction along a plane of the multiple lenses; and a second divergence angle in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the first divergence angle is smaller than a second divergence angle.