Polarization Spatial Multiplexer for Compact Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in integrating multiple light sources for illumination within the constraints of volume and cost, requiring a compact and efficient optoelectronic system for providing both patterned and uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
A compact optoelectronic apparatus featuring an array of emitters, projection optics, and a polarization-based spatial multiplexer, which directs polarized beams through opposing faces of an enclosure, allowing for controlled emission and switching of optical radiation for various illumination modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are integrated into portable electronic devices, then illumination versatility is improved, but device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources with different polarizations into a single integrated optoelectronic apparatus. The array of emitters generates multiple beams with different polarizations, which are then directed by projection optics and a polarizing beamsplitter to provide both patterned and uniform illumination from one compact device, eliminating the need for separate illumination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The optoelectronic apparatus performs multiple functions using shared components. The same array of emitters and projection optics serve both patterned illumination (for 3D mapping) and uniform illumination (for general lighting) by controlling which emitters are activated and how the polarized beams are directed, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are integrated into portable electronic devices, then illumination versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources with different polarizations into a single integrated optoelectronic apparatus. The array of emitters generates multiple beams with different polarizations, which are then directed by projection optics and a polarizing beamsplitter to provide both patterned and uniform illumination from one compact device, eliminating the need for separate illumination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The optoelectronic apparatus performs multiple functions using shared components. The same array of emitters and projection optics serve both patterned illumination (for 3D mapping) and uniform illumination (for general lighting) by controlling which emitters are activated and how the polarized beams are directed, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized light sources.
3Ease of operation
If polarization-based spatial multiplexer is used to direct beams through opposing faces, then illumination directionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarizing beamsplitter as an intermediary component that simplifies the control of multiple light paths. The beamsplitter automatically directs beams with different polarizations to different exits based on their polarization state, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching mechanisms or multiple independent optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the direction of light emission by changing the polarization parameter of the light beams. By adjusting the polarization state of the emitted beams, the system can direct light through different faces of the enclosure without mechanical movement, enabling electronic control of illumination direction.
4Productivity
If array of emitters with different polarizations is used, then spatial multiplexing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarizing beamsplitter as an intermediary component that simplifies the control of multiple light paths. The beamsplitter automatically directs beams with different polarizations to different exits based on their polarization state, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching mechanisms or multiple independent optical paths.
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
Enables efficient and versatile illumination solutions, including 3D mapping through triangulation and time-of-flight methods, while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
A polarization-based spatial multiplexer is contained in the enclosure and positioned to intercept and direct the projected beams such that the optical radiation having a first polarization is transmitted through the first face, while the optical radiation having a second polarization, orthogonal to the first polarization, is emitted through the second face
Implementation Method 2
the polarization switcher includes a liquid crystal cell
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An optoelectronic apparatus (20, 80, 100, 120) includes an enclosure (30) having mutually-opposing first and second faces (31, 33). An array (22, 82, 104, 124) of emitters (24, 90, 106, 126, 128) contained in the enclosure is configured to emit beams (66, 112, 130, 132) of optical radiation. Projection optics (26) contained in the enclosure have an entrance face (42) and an exit face (50) and are configured to receive the beams of optical radiation through the entrance face and to project the beams through the exit face. A polarization-based spatial multiplexer (28) is contained in the enclosure and positioned to intercept and direct the projected beams such that the optical radiation having a first polarization is transmitted through the first face, while the optical radiation having a second polarization, orthogonal to the first polarization, is emitted through the second face. A controller (32) is coupled to control a polarization of the optical radiation and thereby control a direction in which the optical radiation is emitted from the enclosure.