Projector Light Source With Guided Fluorescence Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of fluorescence use in light source devices is compromised due to components leaking from the interface between the wavelength conversion member and the air layer, as angles smaller than the critical angle result in fluorescence loss.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with multiple wavelength conversion elements and optical layers, guided by light guide portions and reflection members, to manage and enhance the propagation and emission of fluorescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluorescence is emitted from a wavelength conversion member with a flat plate shape, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but fluorescence leaks from the interface between the wavelength conversion member and air layer at angles smaller than the critical angle, reducing fluorescence use efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the wavelength conversion member and the external environment. The light guide plate has a refractive index higher than air, creating a total internal reflection interface that prevents fluorescence leakage. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface that receives fluorescence from the wavelength conversion member and a light emission surface that emits the guided fluorescence, thereby maintaining high fluorescence use efficiency while keeping the overall structure manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index parameter is changed by introducing a light guide plate material with a specific refractive index (higher than air but optimized for total internal reflection). This parameter change creates the conditions for total internal reflection at the interface between the light guide plate and the surrounding medium, preventing fluorescence leakage at angles smaller than the critical angle and improving fluorescence use efficiency
2Loss of energy
If multiple wavelength conversion elements are added to improve fluorescence utilization, then fluorescence use efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fluorescence extraction interface, a light guiding component, and a total internal reflection boundary. By making the light guide plate multi-functional, the patent achieves improved fluorescence utilization without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same component performs multiple roles in the optical system
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
Enhances the efficiency of fluorescence utilization by minimizing losses through guided propagation and controlled emission, maintaining high conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength conversion element converting the first light into a second light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a second wavelength conversion element converting the third light into a fourth light in a fourth wavelength range different from the third wavelength range or the second wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
a first optical layer disposed between the first light source and the first wavelength conversion element and transmitting the first light and reflecting the second light
Implementation Method 4
a second optical layer disposed between the second light source and the second wavelength conversion element and transmitting the third light and reflecting the fourth light
Implementation Method 5
a first light guide portion disposed between the first optical layer and the first wavelength conversion element and guiding the second light converted by the first wavelength conversion element
Implementation Method 6
a second light guide portion disposed between the second optical layer and the second wavelength conversion element and guiding the fourth light converted by the second wavelength conversion element
Implementation Method 7
a first reflection member reflecting the first light and the second light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a first light source emitting a first light, a first wavelength conversion element converting the first light into a second light, a first optical layer transmitting the first light and reflecting the second light, a first light guide portion guiding the second light, a second light source emitting a third light, a second wavelength conversion element converting the third light into a fourth light, a second optical layer transmitting the third light and reflecting the fourth light, and a second light guide portion guiding the fourth light. The first wavelength conversion element includes a first surface entered by the first light and a second surface and a third surface crossing the first surface. The second wavelength conversion element includes a fourth surface entered by the third light and a fifth surface and a sixth surface crossing the fourth surface. The second light travels through the first light guide portion, is emitted from a region of the first light guide portion at the third surface side, and enters a region of the second light guide portion at the fifth surface side. The fourth light and the second light travel through the second light guide portion and are emitted from a region of the second light guide portion at the sixth surface side.