Micromirror Array Laser Illumination for Light Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micromirror arrays in projection apparatuses suffer from low efficiency due to light loss in intermediate spaces between mirrors, leading to heating issues and reduced brightness, as conventional systems use non-coherent light and inefficient cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
A projection apparatus utilizing a laser light source and a beam-shaping element to split coherent laser light into individual partial beams, each targeting a mirror, reducing irradiance in intermediate spaces and allowing for precise control of pixel brightness through pulse width modulation, while using a converter element to produce white light for projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional non-coherent light sources are used with micromirror arrays, then the illumination pattern can be produced, but light loss in intermediate spaces exceeds 10 percent and efficiency is less than 70 percent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the illumination approach by using individual laser beams for each mirror instead of a single non-coherent light source. Each laser beam is directed precisely at its corresponding mirror, eliminating the problem of light loss in intermediate spaces between mirrors. This segmentation of the light delivery system resolves the contradiction by achieving near-perfect light utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing coherent laser light with specific spatial and temporal characteristics to each individual mirror. The laser beams are focused and directed locally at each mirror surface, ensuring optimal illumination without wasting light in intermediate spaces. This local optimization resolves the energy loss efficiency contradiction.
2Illumination intensity
If more light is used to compensate for light loss, then brightness can be maintained, but heating of the micromirror array increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the light delivery into individual laser beams for each mirror, the system eliminates the need to increase overall light output to compensate for losses. Each mirror receives precisely the light it needs, preventing excessive heating while maintaining required brightness levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical cooling requirements with an optical solution. By using coherent laser light that can be precisely directed and controlled, the system eliminates the need for active cooling mechanisms and avoids the heating problem entirely, resolving the contradiction between brightness and temperature.
3Illumination intensity
If the micromirror array is operated at high brightness, then the illumination pattern is vivid, but the mirrors may stick together due to heat above 65 degrees Celsius
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal management problem with an optical precision solution. By using coherent laser beams that can be precisely focused and controlled, the system achieves high brightness without generating excessive heat, thereby maintaining mirror separation and operational reliability without requiring mechanical cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of light delivery by using coherent laser light with specific spatial coherence and temporal properties. This parameter change allows for precise control of light delivery to each mirror, enabling high brightness operation while maintaining temperatures below the sticking threshold, thus resolving the contradiction between brightness and reliability.
4Temperature
If active cooling with Peltier elements is implemented, then heating can be managed, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the expensive active cooling system (Peltier elements) with a purely optical solution. By using coherent laser light that can be precisely directed and controlled, the system eliminates the need for thermal management hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature control and device complexity/cost.
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 enhances efficiency by minimizing light loss and heating, allowing for higher brightness and longer operational stability of the micromirror array, with reduced cooling costs and improved temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source for producing coherent laser light
Implementation Method 2
a beam-shaping element configured to split the laser light from the laser light source into a multiplicity of partial beams
Implementation Method 3
If light is shone onto a micromirror array, it is possible with each mirror to establish individually for a respective pixel of a pixel-based illumination pattern whether said pixel is irradiated with light
Implementation Method 4
using a converter element to produce white light for projection
Data Source
AI summary
A projection apparatus for producing a pixel-based illumination pattern has a laser light source for producing coherent laser light and a micromirror array with a multiplicity of mirrors. The mirrors are implemented so as to be controllable in terms of their position, for setting a brightness and/or color of a respective pixel of the pixel-based illumination pattern. The laser light source emits the laser light towards the micromirror array. A beam-shaping element splits the laser light from the laser light source into a multiplicity of partial beams and each of the partial beams is oriented toward one of the mirrors of the micromirror array.