Light Source Module with Anisotropic Optical Element for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light source modules in projectors face challenges in achieving uniform light intensity distribution, leading to inefficiencies and increased losses due to excessive reflection and divergence issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a light source module with specific optical elements, including a first optical element with shape-anisotropic regions on its surface, which collimates and condenses light beams differently based on their direction, and a second optical element with a reduced aperture, optimizing light propagation and reducing reflection losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical elements are used, then light propagation is simple, but light intensity distribution is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The first optical element incorporates a first region with a specific refractive index different from the base material, creating local optical property variations. This allows different regions of the optical element to handle light differently, achieving uniform light intensity distribution by controlling refraction and reflection patterns in specific areas without complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric surface shaping where the first surface and second surface of the optical element have different geometries. The first surface has a specific curvature or profile that differs from the second surface, enabling asymmetric light path control that transforms non-uniform light intensity into uniform distribution while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity.
2Loss of energy
If optical elements with larger aperture are used, then light collection is improved, but reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of reflection into a beneficial one by designing the first surface with specific curvature and the first region with adjusted refractive index. These features cause light to undergo controlled internal reflections that redirect stray light into the optical path, transforming energy that would normally be lost to reflection into useful light transmission, thereby reducing overall reflection losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The first surface of the optical element is designed with specific curvature characteristics, and the first region incorporates refractive index variations that work together to control light paths. This curvature design enables gentle light redirection that minimizes abrupt reflections and scattering, reducing energy loss while maintaining effective light collection across the optical element aperture.
3Length of moving object
If longer optical elements are used, then light control is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves effective light control in a compact space by changing the refractive index parameter in the first region and optimizing the surface curvature parameters. These parameter adjustments enable the optical element to perform multiple light control functions (collimation, focusing, uniformity adjustment) within a shorter length, maintaining light uniformity without increasing device size.
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 ensures a uniform light intensity distribution, reduces excessive reflection, and maintains high uniformity of light components even with shorter optical elements, enhancing the overall efficiency of the light source module.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element (10) having a first surface (10a) on which the first light beam (L1) is incident
Implementation Method 2
reduces excessive reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module includes a light source configured to emit a first light beam, a first optical element having a first surface on which the first light beam is incident along a first direction, the first surface including a first region on which at least a portion of the first light beam is incident, and a second surface from which the first light beam is emitted, and a second optical element on which the first light beam having emitted from the first optical element is incident. The first light beam has a first width along a second direction and a second width along a third direction. The first width is greater than the second width. The first region has a protruding shape in a first cutting plane including the first and second directions, and has a recessed shape in a second cutting plane including the first and third directions. The second surface has a protruding shape in the first and second cutting planes.