Projector Light Source Layout for Polarization-Preserving White Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices face challenges in efficiently extracting illumination light due to disordering of excitation light polarization direction upon return from the phosphor, rendering it unavailable for use.
Innovation Solution
A light source device design incorporating a substrate with a supporting surface, a light source emitting first light, a first optical member reflecting this light, and multiple wavelength conversion layers that convert light into different wavelength ranges, with optical layers inclined to reflect and emit light efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the excitation light is reflected by a polarization beam splitter toward a phosphor to generate white light, then the white light can be produced using fluorescence and part of the excitation light, but the excitation light in the polarization direction disordered when output from the phosphor is returned to the light source and not available as the illumination light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional components: a first optical member with a first optical layer for reflecting excitation light, and a second optical member with a second optical layer for reflecting converted light. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, preventing polarization disordering and enabling efficient reuse of excitation light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength conversion layer as an intermediary between the excitation light source and the final illumination output. This intermediary converts a portion of the excitation light to different wavelengths, allowing the original excitation light to be reflected and reused while the converted light provides additional illumination, thereby reducing energy loss.
2Device complexity
If a single optical layer is used to reflect both excitation light and converted light, then the device complexity is reduced, but the extraction efficiency of illumination light decreases due to polarization direction disordering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional components: a first optical member with a first optical layer for reflecting excitation light, and a second optical member with a second optical layer for reflecting converted light. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, preventing polarization disordering and enabling efficient reuse of excitation light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the system: the first optical layer is optimized for reflecting excitation light in its polarization direction, while the second optical layer is optimized for reflecting converted light. This local optimization ensures high extraction efficiency for each wavelength range without compromising the other.
3Productivity
If the optical layer is positioned to maximize light reflection, then the light extraction efficiency is improved, but the polarization direction of excitation light becomes disordered when returned from the phosphor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional components: a first optical member with a first optical layer for reflecting excitation light, and a second optical member with a second optical layer for reflecting converted light. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, preventing polarization disordering and enabling efficient reuse of excitation light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of different layers to match their specific functions: the first optical layer has parameters optimized for reflecting excitation light while maintaining polarization, and the second optical layer has parameters optimized for reflecting converted light. This parameter optimization ensures high extraction efficiency without polarization disordering.
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 extraction of illumination light by minimizing backscatter and optimizing wavelength conversion efficiency, ensuring efficient output of white light for projection applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical member having a first optical layer facing the supporting surface and reflecting the first light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the first wavelength conversion layer being configured to convert the first light into second light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
a second wavelength conversion layer disposed at a first wavelength conversion layer side with respect to the first optical layer and configured to convert the first light into third light in a third wavelength range different from the first wavelength range
Implementation Method 4
The first optical layer is inclined with respect to the light incident surface and further reflects the second light and the third light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a substrate having a supporting surface, a light source emitting first light, a first optical member having a first optical layer facing the supporting surface and reflecting the first light, a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the supporting surface, a second wavelength conversion layer disposed at a first wavelength conversion layer side, and a light emitting portion formed by at least the substrate and the first optical member. The first optical layer is inclined with respect to the supporting surface and further reflects the second and third lights. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a part of the first light emitted from the light source into third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a part of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into second light. The light emitting portion emits the first, second, and third lights.