Light Source Apparatus Polarization Alignment Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector technologies face challenges in reducing the size of light source apparatuses due to the difficulty in manufacturing small-interval polarization converters, which are necessary for aligning the polarization directions of color light fluxes, hindering the miniaturization of projectors.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus that outputs multiple color light fluxes with aligned polarization directions using a configuration of polarization separators, wavelength converters, and phase retarders, eliminating the need for small-interval polarization converters by spatially separating and converting light polarization components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small-interval polarization converter is used to align polarization directions of color light fluxes, then the polarization alignment is achieved, but the device size cannot be reduced due to manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization converter is divided into multiple independent polarization separators positioned at different locations in the optical path. Each polarization separator handles a specific color light flux (red, green, or blue) independently, allowing them to be spaced apart rather than requiring a compact small-interval structure. This segmentation enables both polarization alignment and larger device spacing for easier manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging polarization separators in a single plane with small intervals, the invention positions them at different locations along the optical path (different z-dimensions) and at different lateral positions (x-y plane). This multi-dimensional arrangement allows sufficient spacing between components while still achieving the required polarization alignment function for each color channel.
2Ease of operation
If a polarization converter with multiple polarization separation layers and reflection layers is provided, then the polarization direction alignment is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to small interval requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization converter functionality is segmented across multiple independent polarization separators rather than requiring a single complex multi-layer structure with small intervals. Each polarization separator can be manufactured independently with standard spacing, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the same overall polarization alignment effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces wavelength converters (phosphors) as intermediary elements between the light source and the polarization separators. These wavelength converters convert blue light to green and red light, creating separate color light fluxes that can be handled by individual polarization separators positioned at different locations, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple polarization separators are positioned at different locations, then the device size can be reduced, but the light flux combination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of wavelength conversion and polarization separation into an integrated system. The wavelength converters (phosphors) are positioned to receive blue light and emit green and red light, which then naturally proceed to their respective polarization separators. This merging of functions simplifies the optical path configuration compared to separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning polarization separators at different locations in three-dimensional space (different z-heights and lateral positions) rather than in a single plane, the invention manages the complexity of light flux combination through spatial separation. The optical design uses these positional differences to guide each color light flux to its appropriate polarization separator and then combines them efficiently.
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
Enables the reduction of projector size while maintaining high luminance and color reproducibility, with efficient use of light sources and improved wavelength conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization separator that transmits in a first direction a first polarization component of the first light incident from the light source section along the first direction and reflects a second polarization component of the first light in a second direction that intersects the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser that is disposed in a position shifted in the second direction from the first polarization separator, diffuses the second polarization component incident from the first polarization separator along the second direction
Implementation Method 3
a first wavelength converter that is disposed in a position shifted in the second direction from the second polarization separator, converts a wavelength of the first polarization component incident from the second polarization separator along the second direction into second light that belongs to a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band
Implementation Method 4
a second wavelength converter that is disposed in a position shifted in a fifth direction that intersects the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and a fourth direction opposite the first direction from a placement plane where the first polarization separator and the second polarization separator are placed, converts a wavelength of the excitation light outputted from the light source section into third light that belongs to a third wavelength band different from the first and second wavelength bands
Implementation Method 5
the second polarization separator transmits the first polarization component of the second light in the third direction and reflects the second polarization component of the second light in the fourth direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a light source section, a first polarization separator that transmits in a first polarization component of the first light and reflects a second polarization component of the first light, a second polarization separator that reflects the first polarization component, a diffuser that diffuses the second polarization component and causes the diffused second polarization component, a first wavelength converter that converts the wavelength of the first polarization component into second light, and a second wavelength converter that is disposed in a position shifted in a fifth direction from a placement plane where the first polarization separator and the second polarization separator are placed, converts the wavelength of the excitation light into third light, and the second polarization separator transmits the first polarization component of the second light and reflects the second polarization component of the second light.