Light Source Apparatus Polarization Alignment Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection-type color image display apparatuses face challenges in reducing size due to the difficulty in manufacturing small-interval polarization converters required for aligning polarized light, which affects the size of the light source apparatus and projector.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus that outputs multiple color luminous fluxes with aligned polarization directions using a configuration of polarization separators, diffusers, and a wavelength converter, eliminating the need for small-interval polarization converters, and includes a light source section with semiconductor lasers for blue and red light, and optical members that separate and align polarization states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a small-interval polarization converter is used to align polarization directions, then the polarization alignment is achieved, but the device size cannot be reduced due to manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization conversion function is segmented into multiple independent polarization separators positioned at different locations in the optical path. Each polarization separator handles a specific wavelength band and polarization state, eliminating the need for a single complex small-interval polarization converter. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured at standard intervals while achieving overall polarization alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane polarization conversion approach to a multi-dimensional optical path arrangement. By positioning polarization separators at different locations and using wavelength-based spatial separation, the system achieves polarization alignment without requiring small intervals in a single dimension, thus avoiding manufacturing difficulties.
2Manufacturing precision
If a polarization converter with multiple polarization separation layers and reflection layers is used, then polarization alignment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-layer polarization converter is segmented into multiple simpler polarization separators. Each separator has a simpler structure with fewer layers, but collectively they achieve the same polarization alignment function. This reduces the complexity of individual components while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Wavelength converters act as intermediaries that transform the optical path and polarization states between different polarization separators. This allows each polarization separator to operate independently on specific wavelength bands, simplifying their individual structures while achieving comprehensive polarization control through the intermediary wavelength conversion process.
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 the light source apparatus and projector size while maintaining aligned polarization, improving color reproducibility and visual sensitivity by efficiently handling and aligning polarized light without the need for small-interval polarization converters.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization separator that transmits in a first direction the first light polarized in the first polarization direction and incident from the light source section along the first direction, reflects in a second direction intersecting the first direction the first light polarized in the second polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength converter that is disposed in a position shifted in the second direction from the second polarization separator, converts in terms of wavelength the first light incident from the second polarization separator along the second direction, and emits third light having a third wavelength band different from the first and second wavelength bands
Implementation Method 3
a first diffusion element that is disposed in a position shifted in the second direction from the first polarization separator, diffuses the first light incident from the first polarization separator along the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a first light source section that outputs first light, a second light source section that outputs second light, a first polarization separator that transmits the first light and the second light polarized in a first polarization direction and reflects the first light polarized in a second polarization direction, a second polarization separator that reflects the first light polarized in the first polarization direction, a first diffusion element that diffuses the first light incident from the first polarization separator, a wavelength converter that converts in terms of wavelength the first light and emits third light, and a second diffusion element that diffuses the second light incident from the second polarization separator.