Mirror-Hole Optical Diffuser for Laser Light Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spreading laser beams for horticulture using optical diffusers result in significant light loss due to internal reflections and refractions, leading to inefficient energy use and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a laser, a mirror with a hole, and an optical diffuser, where the laser beam passes through the hole and is redirected by the mirror to recapture light that would otherwise be lost, enhancing spatial coherence by redirecting internally reflected and refracted light back towards the diffuser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical diffuser is used to spread laser beam for horticulture illumination, then spatial coherence is maintained and safe illumination is achieved, but significant light loss occurs due to internal reflections and refractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the light that would otherwise be lost through internal reflections and refractions in the diffuser and redirects it back through the diffuser using a mirror. This converts the harmful light loss into a beneficial recycling process, maintaining spatial coherence while improving energy efficiency for horticulture illumination
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical diffuser is used to spread laser beam, then spatial coherence is preserved for safe horticulture illumination, but energy efficiency decreases due to wasted light
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror redirects light that would normally be wasted through internal reflections and refractions back through the diffuser, converting energy loss into useful illumination. This maintains the safe illumination properties of diffused light while significantly improving energy efficiency for horticulture applications
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 solution increases the efficiency of spatial coherence output by redirecting previously lost light, resulting in a brighter and more coherent light distribution for horticultural applications while avoiding potential damage from refractive lens systems.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the light is directed backwards by the diffuser through internal reflection and refraction
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the light is directed backwards by the diffuser through internal reflection and refraction
Implementation Method 3
The mirror reflects light that is internally reflected and refracted back from the optical diffuser traveling along suboptimal trajectories
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
There is provided a method of magnifying spatial coherent light through an optical diffuser. The method comprises providing a coherent light source through a transmission hole (115) of a mirror (120), the mirror (120) having a mirror surface (125) at its rear; the coherent light impacting an optical diffuser (130) in contact with the mirror surface (125).