Single-Crystal Phosphor Light Source Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light sources using laser diodes for white light production face challenges such as high electrical energy consumption, thermal management issues, and the need for precise optics, which lead to inefficiencies and short device lifespan, particularly when using phosphors for wavelength conversion.
Innovation Solution
A light source comprising a solid-state laser diode and a single crystal phosphor with specific chemical compositions, such as (A, Lu)3Al5O12:Ce, that efficiently converts excitation radiation into visible light with improved thermal conductivity and reduced rare earth element consumption, allowing for better heat dissipation and color rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If laser diodes are used for white light production with phosphors, then luminance and energy density are improved, but thermal management issues and device lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phosphor layer from direct contact with the laser diode by introducing a heat dissipation substrate and thermal interface material, separating the light conversion function from the heat generation source to extend device lifespan while maintaining high luminance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal interface materials and heat dissipation substrates as intermediary components between the laser diode and phosphor, mediating the thermal interaction to prevent heat damage while preserving the efficient light conversion process
2Illumination intensity
If phosphors are used for wavelength conversion, then visible light production is improved, but thermal management and heat dissipation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generation problem from the phosphor system by implementing a dedicated heat dissipation substrate and thermal management layer structure, allowing the phosphor to focus on wavelength conversion while the thermal infrastructure handles heat removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing materials with specific thermal conductivity properties and optimizing the thermal resistance of interface layers, thereby improving heat dissipation capability while maintaining efficient phosphor excitation
3Power
If multiple laser diodes are used for phosphor excitation, then output power is improved, but electrical energy consumption and cooling demands are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser diode functions into a single integrated array structure with shared heat dissipation infrastructure, achieving high output power through combined emission while reducing total electrical consumption and cooling demands compared to independent multi-diode systems
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
The solution provides a high-efficiency, long-lasting, and cost-effective light source with improved thermal management and color rendering, suitable for household and various applications, minimizing the need for additional optical elements and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The phosphor is any material that absorbs excitation light of a certain wavelength and emits it on a different wavelength in the visible spectrum of light wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
This phenomenon occurs most frequently during the conversion of the short wavelength light into the longer wavelength light and is called 'downconversion'
Implementation Method 3
When utilizing a laser diode, it is expected that it will be necessary to ensure the heat dissipation from the phosphor of the ~1W output
Data Source
AI summary
The light source includes a high-efficiency solid-state laser source emitting excitation coherent radiation, and a single crystal phosphor forming an optic element for receiving the excitation coherent radiation and emitting light with desired parameters. The single crystal phosphor is made of garnets conforming to the general formula (Ax,Lu1-x)aAlbO12:Cec formula, or from a single crystal material of perovskite structure conforming to the general formula B1-gAlO3:Dq.