Polarizing Beam Splitter Retroreflector Light Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polarization devices for converting unpolarized light into polarized light suffer from energy loss due to absorption of undesired polarization waves, resulting in inefficient energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A converting device comprising a polarizing beam splitter, a converting module, and a retroreflector that splits unpolarized light into two polarization waves, converts the polarization direction of one wave to match the other, and combines them to form polarized emitting light, enhancing energy usage efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conventional polarization plate is used to convert unpolarized light to polarized light, then the desired polarization wave can pass through, but the undesired polarization wave is absorbed causing energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss of undesired polarization lightVSAvoidstructure complexity of polarization device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful absorbed polarization wave into a useful resource by reflecting it back through the converting module, which transforms it into the desired polarization direction. This converts the waste energy (absorbed light) into beneficial output (polarized light in correct direction), eliminating energy loss while maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the polarization parameter (direction) of the reflected wave through the converting module. By altering the polarization state from undesired to desired direction, the system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost, resolving the energy loss issue without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a polarization plate absorbs undesired polarization light to achieve linear polarization output, then polarization purity is improved, but energy usage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization purity of output lightVSAvoidenergy usage efficiency of input light

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the absorbed polarization wave (harmful energy loss) into a beneficial resource by reflecting it through the converting module. This maintains polarization purity while converting the previously wasted energy into useful polarized light output, thereby improving energy usage efficiency without sacrificing polarization quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the undesired polarization wave through absorption, the patent recovers it by reflecting it back through the converting module. This recovery process transforms the discarded energy into useful output, simultaneously maintaining polarization purity and improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 device achieves better energy usage efficiency by reflecting and converting both polarization waves, improving the energy usage compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

the polarizing or polarization beam splitter splits unpolarized incident light into a first polarization wave and a second polarization wave. Then the polarizing or polarization beam splitter reflects the first polarization wave and allows the second polarization passing through thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization beam splitting: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The retroreflector is coupled to the polarizing or polarization beam splitter and reflects the first polarization wave to the output direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 3

The converting module receives the second polarization wave, converts a polarization direction of the second polarization wave to match or approximate a polarization direction of the first polarization wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization conversion: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS9335555B1Device for converting unpolarized incident light into polarized emitting light

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A converting device converts an unpolarized incident light into a polarized emitting light. The converting device includes a polarizing or polarization beam splitter, a converting module, and a retroreflector. The polarizing or polarization beam splitter splits the unpolarized incident light into a first polarization wave and a second polarization wave, the polarizing or polarization beam splitter reflecting the first polarization wave and allowing the second polarization passing through thereon. The converting module receives the second polarization wave and converting the polarization direction of the second polarization wave to match or approximate a polarization direction of the first polarization wave, and guiding the converted second polarization wave to an output direction. The retroreflector is coupled to the polarizing or polarization beam splitter and reflects the first polarization wave to the output direction. Finally, the reflected first polarization wave and the converted second are combined into the polarized emitting light.