Tunable Illuminator Using Geometric Phase Liquid Crystal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminators face challenges in maintaining an adequate field of illumination (FOI) and resolution for objects at varying distances, with FOI being insufficient for close objects and illuminance being inadequate for distant objects, due to fixed settings that compromise either FOI or resolution.
Innovation Solution
A tunable illuminator incorporating a geometric phase liquid crystal element and a driver that switches between two states, allowing for adjustment of the FOI and resolution of the illumination beam by applying different voltage differences, thereby optimizing FOI and resolution based on object distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field of illumination is increased to cover closer objects, then the coverage area is improved, but the illuminance on distant objects becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a geometric phase liquid crystal element that can dynamically switch between different states (first state and second state) to adjust the illumination beam characteristics. By applying different voltage differences (first voltage difference less than second voltage difference), the system dynamically changes the field of illumination size and light distribution pattern, enabling adaptation between close and distant object illumination requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the illumination beam by controlling the geometric phase liquid crystal element. By varying the voltage difference applied to the liquid crystal element, the system modifies the beam's field of illumination and light distribution characteristics, allowing optimization for different object distances without changing the physical light source
2Measurement precision
If the resolution is increased to obtain more detailed information of closer objects, then the detail information is improved, but the light energy becomes more dispersive and illuminance on distant objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric phase liquid crystal element dynamically adjusts the illumination beam's resolution and light distribution by switching between states under different voltage controls. This enables the system to optimize resolution for close objects when needed while maintaining sufficient light energy concentration for distant objects by changing the beam's spatial distribution characteristics
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 tunable illuminator ensures a larger FOI for closer objects and concentrated illuminance for distant objects, enhancing the ability to capture detailed information and maintain sufficient light energy, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The geometric phase liquid crystal element is disposed on a path of the illumination beam and configured to be switched between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is closer to a geometric phase than the second state is
Implementation Method 2
The geometric phase liquid crystal element is switched to the first state in response to the first voltage difference, the geometric phase liquid crystal element is switched to the second state in response to the second voltage difference
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable illuminator includes a light source, at least one geometric phase liquid crystal element, and a driver. The light source is configured to emit an illumination beam. The geometric phase liquid crystal element is disposed on a path of the illumination beam and configured to be switched between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is closer to a geometric phase than the second state is. The driver is configured to respectively apply a first voltage difference and a second voltage difference to the geometric phase liquid crystal element, wherein the geometric phase liquid crystal element is switched to the first state in response to the first voltage difference, the geometric phase liquid crystal element is switched to the second state in response to the second voltage difference, and the first voltage difference is less than the second voltage difference.