Quantum Rod Light Source Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projection systems require a large number of components to control the balance between excitation light and fluorescent light, leading to color variations due to conversion efficiency changes and light source deterioration, which affects the quality of the projected image.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus using a wavelength conversion element with quantum rods that can change the polarization direction of the excitation light, allowing for control of the light amount ratio with a minimal number of components by rotating the wavelength conversion element to adjust conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first optical member for separating excitation light and a second optical member for providing a reflective diffusing point are used to control the balance of excitation light and fluorescent light, then color variation due to conversion efficiency changes can be reduced, but the number of constituent parts increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the polarization control function from complex optical systems and implements it through a simple half-wave plate that rotates the polarization direction of light. This single component replaces multiple optical members (first optical member for separating excitation light, second optical member for providing reflective diffusing point) while achieving the same color consistency control objective. The half-wave plate is placed between the light source and wavelength conversion element to efficiently control the light amount ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization direction parameter of the excitation light using a half-wave plate, which enables control over the conversion efficiency of the wavelength conversion element. By rotating the polarization direction, the system can adjust the ratio of converted to non-converted light, thereby controlling color temperature and reducing color variation without adding complex optical paths or multiple components.
2Reliability
If multiple optical members are used to control light balance, then color variation is reduced, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical members into a single half-wave plate component. This half-wave plate simultaneously performs polarization rotation and enables control over the light amount ratio reaching the wavelength conversion element. By combining these functions into one compact component, the device size is minimized while maintaining color stability through efficient control of excitation light and fluorescent light balance.
3Device complexity
If the polarization direction of excitation light is controlled to adjust conversion efficiency, then the light amount ratio can be controlled with minimal components, but requires a changer mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a half-wave plate that can be rotated to change the polarization direction of light. This simple mechanical rotation allows direct control over the conversion efficiency of the wavelength conversion element without requiring complex automated systems. The operator can manually adjust the polarization angle to achieve desired color temperature, making the system easy to operate while maintaining minimal component count.
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 solution effectively reduces color variations in the projected image by controlling the balance of converted and non-converted light, maintaining image quality despite changes in light source output and deterioration, using only two main components: the light source and the wavelength conversion element.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion element containing quantum rods capable of converting a first linearly polarized light from the light source into a second linearly polarized light whose wavelength is different from that of the first linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a changer configured to change a polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light entering the quantum rods
Data Source
AI summary
The light source apparatus includes a light source and a wavelength conversion element containing quantum rods capable of converting a first linearly polarized light from the light source into a second linearly polarized light whose wavelength is different from that of the first linearly polarized light3. The apparatus further includes a changer configured to change a polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light entering the quantum rods.