Phase Modulator Patch Correction for Multi-Emitter Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector systems face challenges in efficiently combining light from multiple solid state light sources to achieve uniform illumination, due to differences in beam direction, divergence, and non-uniformity, which can result in artifacts like blurriness and speckle in projected images.
Innovation Solution
A projection system that includes a phase modulator with a two-dimensional array of pixels, capable of retarding the phase of light incident on it, and a controller that sets the pixels to display optical forms for patch lenses to correct non-uniformities in light beams. The system also includes a combining rod that homogenizes unsteered light by multiple reflections, allowing it to be combined with steered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple solid state light sources are used to provide sufficient light, then the light intensity requirement is met, but the beam uniformity deteriorates due to differences in beam direction, divergence, and non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the light beam correction into multiple independent regions using a two-dimensional array of microlenses, where each microlens corresponds to a specific light source and corrects its beam individually. This segmentation allows precise correction of each beam's non-uniformities while maintaining overall illumination intensity from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Each microlens in the array is designed with specific optical properties tailored to correct the unique characteristics of its corresponding light source. The phase modulator applies localized phase corrections to each beam region, addressing specific issues like beam direction, divergence, and non-uniformity for each light source individually.
2Manufacturing precision
If beam conditioning optics are used to deliver uniform light, then beam uniformity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple light sources, their respective beams, and correction functions into a single integrated module. The microlens array and phase modulator are positioned to simultaneously receive and correct beams from multiple light sources, reducing the need for separate conditioning optics for each source and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array and phase modulator serve multiple functions: they collimate beams, correct non-uniformities, and steer light from multiple different light sources simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate beam conditioning systems, reducing complexity while maintaining beam uniformity.
3Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive modules with multiple light sources are used, then cost is reduced, but beam alignment precision deteriorates due to improper spacing and directional differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment and correction of each light source's beam before the beams are combined. The microlens array is positioned and configured to pre-collimate and pre-align each beam, compensating for initial misalignments in inexpensive modules. This preliminary correction enables the use of lower-cost light source modules while achieving precise final beam alignment.
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 system effectively corrects non-uniformities in light beams, improving the quality of projected images by reducing artifacts such as blurriness and speckle, and enabling efficient combination of light from multiple sources to achieve uniform illumination.
Implementation Method 1
A phase modulator is provided including a two-dimensional array of pixels. The pixels are controllable to retard phase of light incident on the pixels by variable amounts.
Implementation Method 2
The system also includes a combining rod that homogenizes unsteered light by multiple reflections, allowing it to be combined with steered light.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide systems and methods for correcting non-uniformities of a light beam generated by a multi-emitter light source. In some embodiments a phase modulator displays patch lenses to correct for the non-uniformities. In some embodiments each region of the phase modulator is illuminated by a beam generated by one emitter of the multi-emitter light source. Such region of the phase modulator may display a patch lens for correcting non-uniformities in the corresponding beam which illuminates the region.