Staggered VCSEL Array Scanning for Compact High-Resolution Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving desirable brightness and resolution from compact light sources in beam-scanning displays, particularly in augmented or virtual reality applications, is challenging due to the difficulty in producing high-density VCSEL arrays with precise control and efficient color generation on a single substrate.
Innovation Solution
A display system utilizing a VCSEL array with staggered rows of individually-addressable VCSELs arranged in a two-dimensional configuration, combined with a scanning system to direct light from these VCSELs to produce color images, allowing for increased VCSEL-to-VCSEL pitch and improved manufacturability while maintaining brightness and collimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If VCSELs are arranged in a dense linear array, then resolution and brightness are improved, but manufacturing precision and fabrication difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional grid arrangement of VCSELs. This dimensional change allows VCSELs to be positioned at intersections of orthogonal lines, simplifying alignment and fabrication while maintaining high density and brightness output
2Measurement precision
If VCSELs are arranged in a dense linear array, then resolution is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VCSEL array into orthogonal row and column groups, allowing independent control of each dimension. This segmentation simplifies the control architecture by enabling row-column decoding, where activation of specific row and column combinations selectively addresses individual VCSELs, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the orthogonal dimension to the array structure, the patent creates a grid topology that naturally enables simplified control through row-column addressing schemes, reducing the complexity of signal routing and VCSEL activation
3Productivity
If VCSEL pitch is reduced to increase density, then brightness and resolution are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges VCSELs in a two-dimensional grid where each VCSEL is positioned at the intersection of orthogonal row and column lines. This approach decouples the pitch control requirements, allowing larger effective pitch while maintaining high density through the orthogonal arrangement, thereby reducing manufacturing precision demands
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 staggered VCSEL array configuration enables higher brightness and collimated light output, facilitating the production of high-resolution color images in compact displays, enhancing manufacturability and reducing fabrication challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of individually-addressable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) arranged into an array... configured to produce a first color, one or more second color rows of VCSELs... configured to produce a second color different from the first color
Implementation Method 2
a scanning system comprising at least one mirror moveable about at least one axis to direct light from at least a portion of the plurality of VCSELs in one or more directions to produce a viewable image
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to display systems, devices, and methods for producing a viewable image using a plurality of individually-addressable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) arranged into an array. In one example, a display system comprises a light source comprising a plurality of VCSELs arranged into an array comprising one or more first color rows of VCSELs configured to produce a first color, one or more second color rows of VCSELs configured to produce a second color, and one or more third color rows of VCSELs configured to produce a third color. Each VCSEL in a given row has a coordinate that is staggered relative to a coordinate of each of the VCSELs in one or more rows adjacent to the given row. The display system also comprises a scanning system to direct light from at least a portion of the plurality of VCSELs to produce a viewable image.