Multi-Wavelength Optical Control for Parallel Light Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices struggle with non-parallel optical axes of light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements, necessitating a solution to align these axes for downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device with an optical control unit comprising optical members that reflect and transmit light of different peak wavelengths to achieve parallel optical axes, utilizing first and second optical members to create specific optical path lengths and a reflective surface to align the optical axes of light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements are used to emit light of different wavelengths, then the light source can provide multiple wavelengths, but the optical axes of the emitted light become non-parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical control unit as an intermediary component between the multiple light-emitting elements and the output. This unit includes wavelength-selective reflective surfaces and optical path length control mechanisms that mediate the light from different sources, aligning their optical axes while preserving their different wavelengths. The intermediary structure enables both multi-wavelength emission and parallel optical axes by separately controlling the optical paths of different wavelengths.
2Stability of the object's composition
If optical components are added to align the optical axes of light from multiple light-emitting elements, then the optical alignment is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the optical control unit: wavelength selection, optical path length control, and optical axis alignment are all achieved within a single integrated structure. By combining these functions rather than using separate components for each, the device achieves parallel optical axes with minimized additional volume. The reflective surfaces and optical path structures are designed to perform multiple operations simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If optical path lengths are adjusted to align optical axes, then the optical alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating wavelength-specific regions within the optical control unit. Different regions are designed with specific reflective properties and optical path lengths tailored to particular wavelengths. This localized optimization allows each wavelength to be controlled independently through dedicated reflective surfaces and path length adjustments, simplifying the overall control structure compared to a uniform approach for all wavelengths.
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 a downsized light-emitting device with parallel optical axes, enhancing the alignment and collimation of light emitted from multiple light sources.
Implementation Method 1
one or two first optical members which create a first region to reflect the first light at a first optical path length, a second region to reflect the first light at a second optical path length
Implementation Method 2
a third region to transmit the first light and reflect the second light
Implementation Method 3
a second optical member having a reflective surface to reflect the second light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes: a first light-emitting element to emit first light having a first peak wavelength; a second light-emitting element to emit second light having a second peak wavelength; and an optical control unit to receive the first light and second light having non-parallel optical axes and emit the first light and second light such that the first light and second light have parallel optical axes. The optical control unit includes: one or two first optical members which create a first region to reflect the first light at a first optical path length, a second region to reflect the first light at a second optical path length which emitting longer than the first optical path length, and a third region to transmit the first light and reflect the second light; and a second optical member having a reflective surface to reflect the second light.