Polarizing Beamsplitter Illumination System for Uniform Radiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems are inefficient in delivering rays from a light source to create an image due to non-uniform radiant distribution and the need for separate image generators for each illumination source.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a polarizing beamsplitter and half-wave plate to split and rotate unpolarized rays into orthogonal polarized components, which are then tailored and combined to create a uniform radiance distribution, allowing efficient delivery and combination of rays from multiple sources to a single image generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional illumination systems deliver rays from light source to create image, then image can be formed, but ray delivery efficiency is low and radiant distribution is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system by separating rays from multiple illumination sources through a polarizing beamsplitter into distinct polarized components. Each polarized ray path can be independently controlled and directed to the single image generator, improving ray delivery efficiency by eliminating redundant optical paths and reducing energy loss through selective polarization filtering.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination systems use multiple illumination sources, then more light can be provided, but separate image generators are needed for each source increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illumination sources into a single optical path using a polarizing beamsplitter that combines polarized rays from different sources. All polarized rays are directed to a single image generator, eliminating the need for separate image generators for each illumination source and significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining high total light output.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination systems project images, then images can be displayed, but radiance spatial distribution is non-uniform affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by independently adjusting the polarization state and optical path of each polarized ray component from different illumination sources. This allows precise control over the radiance spatial distribution at different regions of the image, achieving uniform illumination across the entire image plane by compensating for local variations in light intensity and distribution.
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 results in a more efficient and uniform image creation with reduced optical power waste, enabling the use of a single image generator for multiple illumination sources and improved radiance spatial distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizing beamsplitter for splitting one or more unpolarized rays received from an illumination source into a first polarized component and a second polarized component, the first polarized component and the second polarized component having orthogonal polarizations to each other
Implementation Method 2
a half-wave plate for rotating the second polarized component to the same polarization as the first polarized component
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system may include a polarizing beamsplitter for splitting one or more unpolarized rays received from an illumination source into a first polarized component and a second polarized component, the first polarized component and the second polarized component having orthogonal polarizations to each other. The system may also include a half-wave plate for rotating the second polarized component to the same polarization as the first polarized component. The system may further include a lens group for passing the first polarized component to a target plane as a first polarized ray, and further for separately passing the second polarized component to the target plane as a second polarized ray.