Partial Beam Shaping Optical Element for Light Extraction Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light generating systems face inefficiencies due to the étendue mismatch and aspect ratio issues, leading to suboptimal performance in applications like LCD systems, where higher efficiency and specific light distribution are desired.

Innovation Solution

A light generating system comprising an elongated luminescent body with a beam shaping optical element and a reflective surface, where the beam shaping optical element is partially intersected along a plane of symmetry, reducing étendue and improving optical efficiency by redirecting light back into the luminescent body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a complete beam shaping optical element is used, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidoptical element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam shaping optical element is segmented into a first portion and a second portion along a plane of symmetry. The first portion is optically coupled to the luminescent body while the second portion is removed, creating a partial beam shaping optical element. This segmentation reduces device complexity and manufacturing difficulty while maintaining essential light extraction functionality through the remaining first portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the beam shaping optical element is reduced to a partial element, then device complexity is reduced, but light extraction efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical element complexityVSAvoidlight extraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A reflective surface is introduced as an intermediary element to redirect light that would otherwise be lost. The reflective surface is positioned to receive light from the luminescent body and redirect it through the first portion of the partial beam shaping optical element, thereby compensating for the removed second portion and maintaining light extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If étendue is reduced for better optical efficiency, then optical efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different applications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidapplication adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves dynamic adaptability by selectively applying the partial beam shaping optical element to specific portions of the luminescent body. The first portion of the beam shaping optical element can be configured with different geometries and orientations to match different application requirements, allowing the system to adapt to various étendue requirements while maintaining improved optical efficiency where applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for adaptable étendue and aspect ratio adjustment, enhancing the optical efficiency and manufacturing simplicity, resulting in a high-brightness light source suitable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

the elongated luminescent body comprising luminescent material configured to convert at least part of the light source light into luminescent material light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the second face has a second face surface area; and wherein the second face has a second face surface area that is not (directly) optically coupled to the beam shaping optical element comprises a first reflecting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4111095B1Light generating device with a beam shaping optical element
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4111095B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4111095B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4111095B1 patent drawingFigure 1E

AI summary

A light generating system (1000) comprising a plurality of light sources (10) configured to provide light source light (11), an elongated luminescent body (100) having a first face (141) and a second face (142) defining a length (L) of the elongated luminescent body (100), the elongated luminescent body comprising one or more side faces (140), the elongated luminescent body (100) comprising a radiation input face (111) and the second face (142) comprising a first radiation exit window (112), wherein the radiation input face (111) is configured in a light receiving relationship with the plurality of light sources (10), wherein the elongated luminescent body (100) comprises luminescent material (120) configured to convert at least part of the light source light (11) into luminescent material light (8), and a beam shaping optical element (224).