Light Source Device Polarization Splitter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the size of projector devices while maintaining uniform polarization of light beams, as existing technologies rely on narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements that are difficult to manufacture, limiting the miniaturization of both the light source device and the projector.
Innovation Solution
A light source device configuration that includes a light source section emitting polarized light beams, polarization split elements, optical elements, a diffusion element, and a wavelength conversion element, allowing for uniform polarization of multiple colored light beams without the need for narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements, enabling efficient light modulation and projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a polarization conversion element with narrow pitch between polarization split layer and reflecting layer is used to reduce projector size, then the device size is reduced, but manufacturing difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization conversion function is divided into separate components: a polarization beam splitter and a quarter-wave plate. This segmentation allows each component to have relaxed pitch requirements, making them manufacturable while achieving the same overall polarization conversion effect in a more compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the optical path to utilize different spatial dimensions and angles. By arranging the polarization beam splitter and quarter-wave plate at specific angles (45 degrees) and positions, the system achieves compact size without requiring narrow pitch in a single dimension, thus improving manufacturability.
2Productivity
If a polarization conversion element is used to uniform polarization directions, then light modulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the polarization conversion function from a complex integrated element and implements it using simpler, separate components. The polarization beam splitter and quarter-wave plate are individually optimized and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high light modulation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization beam splitter serves multiple functions: it separates polarization components and directs them through different optical paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective polarization uniforming.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple optical elements are arranged to achieve uniform polarization without narrow-pitch elements, then manufacturability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polarization beam splitter and quarter-wave plate into a tightly integrated optical assembly. While these are separate manufacturable components, their combined arrangement achieves the polarization conversion function with a total footprint and complexity that is manageable, balancing manufacturability with component count.
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 the reduction in size of both the light source device and projector while ensuring uniform polarization of light beams, improving luminance and color reproducibility in projected images.
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 first optical element disposed at the first direction side of the first polarization split element, and configured to reflect the first light beam which enters the first optical element along the first direction from the first polarization split element toward the second direction
Implementation Method 3
a diffusion element disposed at the second direction side of the first polarization split element, and configured to diffuse the first light beam which enters the diffusion element along the second direction from the first polarization split element, and emit the first light beam diffused toward a third direction as an opposite direction to the second direction
Implementation Method 4
a wavelength conversion element disposed at the second direction side of the first optical element, configured to perform wavelength conversion on the first light beam which enters the wavelength conversion element along the second direction from the first optical element, and configured to emit a second light beam having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band toward the third direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a light source, a first polarization split element for transmitting first light from the light source which is polarized in a first polarization direction and reflecting the first light polarized in a second polarization direction, a first optical element for reflecting the first light from the first polarization split element, a diffusion element for diffusing the first light from the first polarization split element, a wavelength conversion element for performing wavelength conversion on the first light from the first optical element to emit second light, a second polarization split element which the second light enters from the first optical element, and which transmits the second light polarized in the first polarization direction and reflects the second light polarized in the second polarization direction, and a second optical element for reflecting the second light from the second polarization split element, polarized in the second polarization direction.