Composite Microscope Light Source Layout for Stable UV Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence microscope light source devices using laser-excited light sources suffer from low light output efficiency and significant heat generation, which affects the performance of LEDs, particularly those emitting UV light, leading to reduced UV output due to increased temperature.
Innovation Solution
A light source device incorporating a semiconductor laser for excitation, a phosphor, and multiple LEDs with different wavelengths, where the UV-LED is positioned farther from the laser-excited light source to minimize heat impact, combined with a composite optical system using dichroic mirrors for efficient light synthesis and emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser-excited light source is used to obtain fluorescence with a spectrum corresponding to many fluorescent reagents, then the illumination intensity and spectral coverage are improved, but the heat generation increases significantly, causing temperature rise in nearby LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement where LEDs are positioned close to the laser light source to a spatially distributed arrangement. By placing LEDs at different distances from the heat source along the optical path, the system creates thermal zones with different temperature characteristics, allowing UV-LEDs to be positioned in cooler regions while other LEDs operate in warmer zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different LEDs are assigned to different positions along the optical path based on their thermal sensitivity. UV-LEDs, which are highly sensitive to temperature, are placed farther from the laser light source where temperatures are lower, while other LEDs can tolerate higher temperatures closer to the heat source. This local optimization ensures each LED operates in its optimal temperature range.
2Volume of moving object
If the light source device is made compact to reduce size, then the volume is reduced, but the arrangement interval between components becomes small, causing LEDs to be exposed to higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging components in a compact planar configuration, the patent utilizes the optical path dimension (depth) to distribute LEDs at different distances from the heat source. This three-dimensional arrangement allows adequate thermal spacing while maintaining a compact overall device volume, as the heat dissipation gradient extends along the optical axis rather than requiring lateral separation.
3Device complexity
If UV-LEDs are positioned close to the laser-excited light source for compact arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the UV light output decreases due to temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning UV-LEDs in a specific region (farther from the heat source) where temperature conditions are suitable for maintaining high UV light output. This localized placement strategy preserves UV performance without requiring complex active cooling systems or sophisticated thermal management, achieving a balance between simplicity and performance.
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 stabilizes UV light output, reduces temperature-related losses, and allows for a compact design by effectively managing heat dissipation and light alignment, ensuring consistent radiation intensity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one semiconductor laser for excitation and a laser-excited light source. The laser-excited light source has a phosphor excited by the semiconductor laser(s)
Implementation Method 2
a phosphor excited by the semiconductor laser(s), and an optical system (first optical system) for extracting fluorescence emitted from the phosphor
Implementation Method 3
using dichroic mirrors (DM) to combine light from the phosphor, which is excited by the semiconductor laser, with the emitted light from two LEDs having different wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
a composite optical system (second optical system) for synthesizing (combining) the fluorescence from the laser-excited light source with the light from the LED light sources
Data Source
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AI summary
A light source device (100) includes at least one semiconductor laser (103) and a laser-excited light source (110). The laser-excited light source (110) has a phosphor (104) excited by the semiconductor laser(s), and an optical system (105) for extracting fluorescence emitted from the phosphor. The light source device also includes a plurality of LED light sources (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D) for emitting light having wavelengths different from a wavelength of the fluorescence. The light source device also includes a composite optical system (130) for synthesizing the fluorescence from the laser-excited light source with the light from the LED light sources, and emitting the synthesized light from a light emitting portion (102). The LED light sources include an LED light source (120A) configured to emit light in an ultraviolet range. The LED light source (120A) configured to emit the light in the ultraviolet range is disposed at a position farther from the laser-excited light source than the remaining LED light source(s) (120B-120D).