Roughened Phosphor Surface for Projector Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices for projectors face inefficiencies in extracting fluorescence due to some of the generated light being confined within the phosphor, leading to suboptimal intensity of the desired fluorescence.
Innovation Solution
A light source device comprising a light emitting element, a wavelength conversion member with a phosphor that converts excitation light into fluorescence, and a reflecting member with a rough surface opposing the phosphor's second face, allowing scattered reflection and extraction of fluorescence, along with an angle conversion member to optimize light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a mirror is disposed on the end surface of the phosphor to reflect fluorescence, then the fluorescence extraction is improved, but some fluorescence is still confined inside the phosphor and cannot be taken out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the second end surface of the phosphor a rough surface, while the first end surface remains smooth for fluorescence emission. This localized roughness treatment optimizes light extraction at the reflection interface without affecting the emission quality at the opposite end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curvature by making the second end surface of the phosphor a rough surface with micro-scale irregularities. This curved/rough surface structure scatters and redirects trapped fluorescence toward the emission end, improving extraction efficiency without compromising the smooth emission surface.
2Loss of energy
If a rough surface is applied to the phosphor end surface or reflecting member, then fluorescence extraction efficiency is enhanced, but the structural precision and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rough surface treatment is applied locally only to the second end surface of the phosphor that contacts the reflecting member, rather than the entire phosphor structure. This localized approach achieves the desired light scattering effect while minimizing manufacturing complexity and maintaining precision where needed.
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 efficiency of fluorescence, ensuring the desired intensity is achieved and improving light use efficiency in the projector's optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element having a light emitting surface that emits first light having a first wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength conversion member that includes a phosphor and that converts the first light emitted from the light emitting element into second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting member having a reflecting surface that reflects the second light generated by the wavelength conversion member
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device according to the present disclosure includes a light emitting element having a light emitting surface configured to emit first light having a first wavelength band, a wavelength conversion member which includes a phosphor, and which is configured to convert the first light emitted from the light emitting element into second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and a reflecting member having a reflecting surface configured to reflect the second light generated by the wavelength conversion member. The wavelength conversion member has a first face which crosses a longitudinal direction of the wavelength conversion member, and which emits the second light, a second face which crosses the longitudinal direction of the wavelength conversion member, and which is located at an opposite side to the first face, and a third face crossing the first face and the second face. The light emitting surface is disposed so as to be opposed to at least a part of the third face. The reflecting surface is disposed so as to be opposed to the second face. At least one of the second face and the reflecting surface is a rough surface.