Compact Light Source Device Using Segmented Polarization Split Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector technologies face challenges in reducing size due to the difficulty in manufacturing narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements, which are necessary for uniforming the polarization direction of light emitted from lamp sources used in liquid crystal display elements.
Innovation Solution
A light source device that emits multiple colored light beams with uniform polarization directions using a configuration of polarization split elements, a wavelength conversion element, and a diffusion element, eliminating the need for narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements, and includes a light source section with solid-state light sources and retardation elements to manage polarization and wavelength conversion efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a polarization conversion element with narrow pitch is used to uniform the polarization direction of light from a lamp source, then the liquid crystal display element can be properly illuminated, but the device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polarization conversion function into multiple separate polarization split elements arranged in a specific configuration. Instead of using a single narrow-pitch polarization conversion element, the system segments the light path and applies multiple polarization split elements at different positions and orientations to achieve uniform polarization without requiring narrow pitch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffusion element as an intermediary between the light source and the polarization split elements. This diffusion element uniformizes the light distribution before it reaches the polarization splitting stage, allowing the subsequent polarization split elements to work more effectively and reducing the need for narrow-pitch conversion elements
2Volume of moving object
If multiple polarization split elements and wavelength conversion elements are added to achieve compact design, then device complexity increases, but size reduction is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system where certain elements serve multiple functions. For example, the polarization split elements not only separate polarization components but also contribute to wavelength conversion when combined with the wavelength conversion element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving size reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the polarization split elements and wavelength conversion element in a nested or integrated configuration where components are positioned to share space and optical paths. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to be compactly arranged without requiring a linear sequence of separate components, reducing overall device size while managing complexity through integrated design
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 allows for a compact projector design with improved light use efficiency and luminance, simplifying the light source section and reducing manufacturing costs by using fewer and less complex dielectric multilayer films, while maintaining effective light separation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization split element which is configured to transmit the first light beam entering the first polarization split element from the light source section along a first direction and polarized in the first polarization direction toward the first direction, and is configured to reflect the first light beam polarized in the second polarization direction toward a second direction crossing the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength conversion element which is disposed at the second direction side of the optical element, which is configured to perform wavelength conversion on the first light beam entering the wavelength conversion element along the second direction from the optical element, and which is configured to emit a second light beam having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band toward a third direction as an opposite direction to the second direction
Implementation Method 3
a diffusion element disposed at the first direction side of the second polarization split element, and configured to diffuse the first light beam which enters the diffusion element along the first direction from the second polarization split element, and configured to emit a result toward a fourth direction as an opposite direction to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device according to the present disclosure includes a light source section, a first polarization split element for transmitting first light with a first polarization direction from the light source section and reflecting the first light with a second polarization direction, a second polarization split element for transmitting the first light with the first polarization direction from the first polarization split element, a reflecting element for reflecting the first light with the second polarization direction from the first polarization split element, an optical element for reflecting the first light with the second polarization direction from the reflecting element, a wavelength conversion element for performing wavelength conversion on the first light from the optical element to emit second light, and a diffusion element for diffusely emitting the first light from the second polarization split element.