Phase Light Modulator Alignment for Multi-Source Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical alignment among multiple light sources in projection systems is challenging due to low tolerances and high complexity, requiring numerous optical components and increased system costs.
Innovation Solution
A phase light modulator controlled by computer-generated holograms (CGHs) performs optical wavefront correction and spatial alignment, reducing the need for hardware components by manipulating light beams via software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the spatial light modulator, then the illumination coverage and brightness are improved, but the optical alignment complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (e.g., red, green, blue LEDs) into a single illumination system that shares common optical components. The light guide plate integrates the light paths of multiple sources, allowing them to be combined and directed to the spatial light modulator through a unified optical path rather than separate alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light distributor for multiple light sources, a waveguide for beam direction, and an integration medium for combining different wavelengths. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate optical elements for each light source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then the color performance and illumination quality are improved, but the number of optical components and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is designed to handle multiple wavelengths (red, green, blue) simultaneously through a single structure. It provides universal light distribution and direction for all wavelengths without requiring separate optical paths or components for each color channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical paths for different wavelengths into a single integrated system. The light guide plate combines the light from multiple wavelength sources and directs them along a common path to the spatial light modulator, reducing the total number of optical components needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional optical alignment methods are used for multiple light sources, then the alignment precision can be achieved, but the system cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is designed with pre-determined geometric features and optical paths that automatically guide the light from multiple sources to the correct positions on the spatial light modulator. The alignment is built into the structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures.
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 approach simplifies optical alignment, reduces system complexity and cost, and enhances image quality by correcting aberrations and achieving precise beam overlap without mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a phase light modulator optically coupled to the plurality of light sources and configured to produce an illumination beam responsive to the plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 2
modifying, according to a first computer generated hologram and with a first region of a phase light modulator, a first light beam incident on the first region of the phase light modulator from a first light source to apply optical wavefront correction to the first light beam
Implementation Method 3
A phase light modulator controlled by computer-generated holograms (CGHs) performs optical wavefront correction and spatial alignment
Implementation Method 4
a spatial light modulator optically coupled to the phase light modulator and configured to project an image responsive to the illumination beam
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a system includes a phase light modulator and a non-transitory processor-readable storage device storing one or more computer generated holograms that describe optical wavefront correction and spatial alignment parameters for multiple light sources. The system may further include a processor coupled to the phase light modulator and to the storage device, the processor configurable to control the phase light modulator according to the one or more computer generated holograms to produce, responsive to light received from the multiple light sources, an illumination beam defined by the one or more computer generated holograms, the illumination beam comprising the light from the multiple light sources.