Micro-Lens Array Offsets for Uniform Divergent Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices struggle to produce divergent, uniform illumination beams in compact form factors while maintaining low power variation across their width, and existing fabrication methods are not cost-effective or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination device utilizing an array of light emitters, such as VCSELs, combined with a micro-lens array (MLA) where regions of the MLA are offset differently to generate multiple sub-beams with varying angles of deflection, forming a divergent illumination beam with uniform intensity and low power variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact illumination device is designed to produce divergent beams, then the device size is reduced, but the uniformity of illumination intensity across the beam width deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-lens array is divided into multiple regions, each with different offset amounts relative to the emitter array. This segmentation allows different regions to deflect light at different angles, creating multiple sub-beams that combine to form a uniform divergent illumination beam while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the micro-lens array are assigned different local optical properties through varying offset amounts. This local quality variation enables each region to contribute differently to the overall beam formation, achieving uniform illumination intensity across the entire beam width despite the compact form factor.
2Stability of the object's composition
If regions of the MLA are offset differently to create divergent sub-beams, then beam divergence is improved, but power variation across the beam width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MLA is segmented into multiple regions with different offset amounts, creating multiple sub-beams with different deflection angles. This segmentation achieves the desired beam divergence while the careful design of region offsets ensures that the sub-beams combine to produce uniform power distribution across the beam width.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-lens array employs asymmetric offset distribution among its regions rather than uniform offsetting. This asymmetric design creates the necessary beam divergence while balancing the power distribution across the beam width, preventing excessive power variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing fabrication methods are used for illumination devices, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cost-effectiveness and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the emitter array and the micro-lens array into a single integrated fabrication process using semiconductor manufacturing techniques. This merging of steps simplifies the overall manufacturing process while significantly improving cost-effectiveness and fabrication efficiency compared to traditional separate fabrication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual fabrication methods with semiconductor manufacturing processes. This substitution enables high-volume, high-precision production of the illumination device with improved cost-effectiveness and efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized semiconductor fabrication techniques.
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 enables the production of divergent, substantially uniform illumination beams in compact devices, suitable for thin packaging, with efficient fabrication using semiconductor and thin film processing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array (MLA) including multiple micro-lenses. The MLA is positioned to receive light emitted from the emitter array. Light from the MLA forms the illumination beam.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the micro-lenses at least partially overlaps a corresponding one of the light emitters. At least one of the micro-lenses is configured to deflect the light received from a corresponding light emitters.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an illumination device for emitting an illumination beam. The illumination device includes an emitter array including multiple light emitters; and a micro-lens array (MLA) including multiple micro-lenses. The MLA is positioned to receive light emitted from the emitter array. Light from the MLA forms the illumination beam. A first region of the MLA is offset from the emitter array by a first offset amount, and a second region of the MLA is offset from the emitter array by a second offset amount different than the first offset amount.