Light Source Device Stray Light Control via Intensity Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light source devices with multi-lens arrays for homogenizing excitation light from semiconductor lasers often result in stray light due to implementation inaccuracies, which can damage other components and deteriorate bonding layers in wavelength conversion elements.

Innovation Solution

A light source device with a homogenizer optical system featuring a first multi-lens array and a second multi-lens array, where a light intensity control element is placed between the homogenizer and light collection optical systems to block stray light, preventing it from entering areas outside the intended light collection area and thus protecting the bonding layer of the diffusion element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a homogenizer optical system with multi-lens arrays is used to homogenize excitation light, then the illuminance distribution is improved, but stray light is generated that can damage other components and deteriorate bonding layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminance distributionVSAvoidstray light damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful stray light from the optical system by introducing a light intensity control element that blocks stray light before it reaches the wavelength conversion element, while preserving the beneficial homogenized illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light intensity control element acts as an intermediary component between the homogenizer optical system and the wavelength conversion element, filtering out stray light while allowing controlled transmission of useful light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the wavelength conversion element is fixed with a bonding layer, then the structure is stabilized, but stray light can enter the bonding layer and cause deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbonding layer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by blocking stray light before it can reach the bonding layer, preventing deterioration before it occurs while maintaining the bonded structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the light collection optical system is disposed close to the diffusion element, then light collection efficiency is improved, but stray light can more easily enter areas outside the light collection area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoidstray light intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light intensity control element serves as an intermediary that enables close positioning of the light collection optical system to the diffusion element while preventing stray light from entering areas outside the light collection area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively blocks stray light, preventing damage to other components and enhancing the reliability of the light source device by ensuring that only intended light enters the diffusion element, thereby maintaining the integrity of the bonding layer and improving light collection efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a homogenizer optical system provided with a first multi-lens array having a plurality of first lenses which light emitted from the light source enters, and a second multi-lens array having a plurality of second lenses each of which the light having been transmitted through corresponding one of the first lenses enters, and adapted to homogenize the light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Lens

Implementation Method 2

by disposing the light intensity control element between the homogenizer optical system and the light collection optical system, it is possible to block the stray light generated in the homogenizing process of the light with the light intensity control element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a light collection optical system adapted to converge the light having been transmitted through the light intensity control element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical convergence: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS10534248B2Light source device and projector

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A light source device includes a light source, a homogenizer optical system provided with a first multi-lens array having a plurality of first lenses which light emitted from the light source enters, and a second multi-lens array having a plurality of second lenses each of which the light having been transmitted through corresponding one of the first lenses enters, and adapted to homogenize the light emitted from the light source, a light intensity control element adapted to control light intensity of the light emitted from the homogenizer optical system, a light collection optical system adapted to converge the light having been transmitted through the light intensity control element, and a diffusion element which the light converged by the light collection optical system enters.