Reflective Spatial Light Modulator Cooling via Segmented Heat Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflective spatial light modulating devices face challenges in efficient heat dissipation, particularly due to contamination risks from dust and smoke, and limited cooling efficiency, which can lead to malfunction and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual heat flow path system, where both the front and back sides of the device are cooled independently using thermally conductive frames and heat pipes, with a sealed gas space to prevent contamination, allowing for precise temperature control and enhanced cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is provided to the front side of the device, then the front side can be cooled, but the air is contaminated with dust or smoke which deposits on optical surfaces causing malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into separate pathways: a first cooling path for the front side and a second cooling path for the back side. This segmentation allows each side to be cooled independently, preventing contaminated air from reaching the front optical surfaces while maintaining effective heat dissipation from both sides of the device
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the cooling air and the optical components. The housing includes a sealed front side that prevents contaminated cooling air from contacting the optical surfaces, while still allowing heat to be dissipated through the sealed structure
2Temperature
If cooling air is provided to the front side, then cooling can occur, but the space between optical system and device is very little so air cannot flow easily resulting in low cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent cooling paths: one for the front side and one for the back side. This segmentation allows the back side cooling path to handle the majority of heat dissipation without being constrained by the limited front side space, thereby improving overall cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to cool the front side through the limited space available, the invention inverts the approach by providing a dedicated cooling path through the back side of the device, where sufficient space exists for effective heat dissipation
3Temperature
If heat is drained from the backside using a thermally conductive stud, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the electrical circuits and components at the back generate additional heat that complicates the thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The back side of the device serves multiple functions: it houses the electrical circuits and components, and simultaneously provides a dedicated cooling path for heat dissipation. The sealed housing's back side is designed to conduct heat from both the spatial light modulator and the electrical components, simplifying the overall thermal management 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
This approach enables efficient and accurate temperature control of both sides of the reflective spatial light modulating device, reducing contamination risks and extending the device's operational lifespan by maintaining high image quality and allowing for increased incident light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat transporting means being thermally coupled to the package frontside... a thermally conductive frame contacting the front side of the packaged spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 2
heat pipes, thermally coupled to the thermally conductive frame... Heat pipes can easily be bent according to the outer dimensions of the package
Implementation Method 3
a sealed gas space in between the front side of the packaged spatial light modulator and the projection optics
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system as subject of the present invention comprises at least one packaged spatial light modulator comprising a front side for facing incident light. The optical system further comprises projection optics for projecting an image formed by the packaged spatial light modulator, there being a sealed gas space in between the front side of the packaged spatial light modulator. The optical system comprises a first heat transporting means being thermally coupled to the frontside of the packaged spatial light modulator, the first heat transporting means comprising a thermally conductive frame contacting the front side of the packaged spatial light modulator along an edge thereof. A second heat transporting means being thermally coupled to the package back side may be provided as well. The first and second heat transporting means are thermally separated by the package. The device may further comprise a control means for controlling the heat flow in at least one of the first heat transporting means and the second heat transporting means.