Photonic Illumination Unit for Directional LED Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination units with Lambertian emitters emit light in all directions, making it difficult to achieve directional radiation patterns required for high-resolution displays and consumer electronics, and conventional optics used for collimation are bulky.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a photonic structure, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional photonic crystal, into the illumination unit to shape electromagnetic radiation, allowing for defined radiation characteristics and directional emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional optics (lenses) are used to collimate electromagnetic radiation, then directional radiation is achieved, but the illumination unit becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical optics (lenses) with a photonic structure that has specific refractive indices to achieve beam shaping and directional radiation. This substitution eliminates bulky optical elements while maintaining the desired radiation pattern through material properties and structural design at the nanoscale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameters of the photonic structure to control and shape the electromagnetic radiation. By adjusting the refractive indices of different layers or regions in the photonic structure, the radiation pattern can be precisely controlled to achieve directional emission without requiring large optical components.
2Illumination intensity
If a photonic structure is used to shape electromagnetic radiation, then directional emission is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic structure is divided into multiple discrete layers or regions, each with specific refractive index characteristics. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and simplifies the fabrication process by enabling independent optimization and assembly of individual layers, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired radiation shaping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Lambertian emission is used, then all directions are illuminated, but directional control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different refractive indices within the photonic structure. These localized variations in optical properties enable precise control over the radiation pattern in specific directions, allowing the system to transition from omnidirectional Lambertian emission to highly directional controlled emission while maintaining overall system versatility.
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 photonic structure enables compact, energy-efficient illumination units that emit radiation in specific directions, improving resolution and reducing the need for additional optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
a photonic structure, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional photonic crystal, into the illumination unit to shape electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination unit includes: at least one optoelectronic emitter unit which emits electromagnetic radiation via a light-emitting surface, and a photonic structure for beam shaping of the electromagnetic radiation before it exits via the light emitting surface, wherein the photonic structure shapes the electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagnetic radiation has a certain far field.