Light-Source Optical System Compact Design via Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-source optical systems for projectors are large and inefficient, particularly when using a laser beam source, as they require significant space and do not optimize light transmission effectively.
Innovation Solution
A light-source optical system is designed with a wavelength converter, a first optical system, and a second optical system, where the wavelength converter converts light of one color into another, and the reflection plane reflects both colors, with specific conditional expressions (0<ΔL/D<0.2 and 0°<|θ|<50°) ensuring efficient light path alignment and separation, reducing system size and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a laser beam source is used in a light-source optical system, then the efficiency can be improved, but the system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the wavelength converter inside the laser beam path within the optical system. The converter is positioned to interact with the laser beam without requiring separate external conversion systems, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions. The conditional expression 0<ΔL/D<0.2 ensures proper positioning of the nested converter relative to the beam path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by decentering the optical axes of the first and second optical systems by distance ΔL. This dimensional offset allows the wavelength-converted light to be separated from the original laser beam path, enabling efficient light collection without increasing the overall system volume. The condition 0<ΔL/D<0.2 optimizes this dimensional relationship.
2Volume of stationary object
If the optical system is compacted to reduce size, then the system volume is reduced, but light transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes critical geometric parameters including the decentering distance ΔL between optical axes and the incident angle θ of light on the wavelength converter. By optimizing these parameters within specific ranges (0<ΔL/D<0.2 and 0°<|θ|<50°), the system achieves both compact size and high light transmission efficiency, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength converter acts as an intermediary element that transforms the laser beam into wavelength-converted light, which is then directed by the second optical system. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient light transmission in a compact configuration by mediating between the laser source and the final optical path, avoiding the need for larger direct transmission paths.
3Productivity
If the wavelength converter is positioned to convert light efficiently, then conversion efficiency is improved, but vignetting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic angular control by specifying that the incident angle θ of light on the wavelength converter should satisfy 0°<|θ|<50°. This angular parameter allows the system to dynamically optimize the light path through the converter, maintaining high conversion efficiency while minimizing vignetting effects by controlling the angle at which light interacts with the converter material.
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 the efficiency of the light-source optical system while reducing its size, improving light transmission and reducing vignetting, thereby stabilizing output power and enhancing the overall performance of the projector.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength converter on which light of first color is incident, the wavelength converter being configured to convert at least a part of the light of first color into light of second color different from the light of first color
Implementation Method 2
a reflection plane disposed downstream from the first optical system on the optical path, and a second optical system disposed downstream from the reflection plane on the optical path, the second optical system including a plurality of optical elements and having a positive power as a whole. In the light-source optical system, the reflection plane reflects one of the light of first color and the light of second color
Data Source
AI summary
A light-source optical system includes a wavelength converter on which light of first color is incident, the wavelength converter converting at least a part of the light of first color into light of second color different from the light of first color, a first optical system disposed upstream from the wavelength converter on an optical path of the light of first color, the first optical system including optical elements, a reflection plane disposed downstream from the first optical system on the optical path, and a second optical system disposed downstream from the reflection plane on the optical path. The reflection plane reflects one of the light of first color and the light of second color, and a conditional expression 0<ΔL/D<0.2 is satisfied.