Surface Light-Emitting Module With Index-Graded Waveguide Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting modules are large in size and costly due to the need for a hyperbolic refractive lens and precise alignment with a multimode pigtail fiber, which complicates manufacturing and optical coupling.
Innovation Solution
A compact light-emitting module design featuring a substrate with a surface light-emitting element and an optical waveguide having a refractive index distribution, which condenses light beams emitted from multiple sources without the need for a multimode pigtail fiber, using a resin-based optical fiber with a core and cladding structure that extends in an axial direction and includes a protruding emitting end to concentrate light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a hyperbolic refractive lens and multimode pigtail fiber are used to condense light, then light condensation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hyperbolic refractive lens and multimode pigtail fiber from the optical system. Instead, it uses a simple collimator lens combined with a single-mode fiber to achieve light condensation, thereby eliminating unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining light concentration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a collimator lens to produce parallel light beams that are then coupled into a single-mode fiber. This parameter change (from divergent to parallel beams) enables effective light condensation without requiring complex hyperbolic lens structures.
2Illumination intensity
If a hyperbolic refractive lens is used for light condensation, then light condensation capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for precise alignment between a hyperbolic lens and multimode fiber by removing these components entirely. The simplified system using a collimator lens and single-mode fiber requires minimal alignment precision, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical function into two separate components: a collimator lens for beam collimation and a single-mode fiber for light transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently with standard manufacturing tolerances, avoiding the need for high-precision integrated alignment.
3Illumination intensity
If a multimode pigtail fiber and refractive lens are used, then light condensation is achieved, but overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky multimode pigtail fiber and refractive lens assembly. By using a compact collimator lens directly coupled with a single-mode fiber, the overall device volume is significantly reduced while maintaining light condensation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a large multimode fiber to collect and condense light, the patent inverts the approach by using a single-mode fiber with a collimator lens to generate and direct parallel light beams. This inverted configuration achieves light condensation with a more compact structure.
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 module achieves high-intensity light output while being compact in size, eliminating the need for a refractive lens and precise alignment, and allowing for flexible refractive index distribution to match the surface light-emitting element, resulting in efficient light concentration.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide that covers the plurality of light sources and is attached to the surface light-emitting element, that has a refractive index distribution in a radial direction, and that extends in an axial direction. The optical waveguide condenses light beams emitted from the surface light-emitting element.
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting module includes a substrate, a surface light-emitting element, and an optical waveguide. The surface light-emitting element includes light sources and is attached to the substrate. The optical waveguide is attached to the surface light-emitting element in a state in which the optical waveguide covers the light sources. The optical waveguide extends in an axial direction with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction. The optical waveguide condenses light beams emitted from the surface light-emitting element.