Waveguide Light Source with Conversion Element Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sources with conversion elements struggle to efficiently generate point-shaped light with adaptable color loci, particularly in applications requiring precise wavelength conversion and heat management.
Innovation Solution
A light source comprising a semiconductor light source coupled with an optical waveguide and a conversion element, where the conversion element is coated at one end of the waveguide, allowing for efficient radiation mixing and heat dissipation through a partially coated heat-conducting layer, enabling the generation of point-shaped light with adaptable color and efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conversion element is placed at the front end of an optical waveguide, then point-shaped light with adaptable color loci is generated, but heat accumulation in the conversion element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conversion element from the traditional integrated LED structure and places it separately at the front end of the optical waveguide. This separation allows the conversion element to be positioned where it can receive optical input while being thermally managed independently through the waveguide structure, resolving the heat accumulation issue while maintaining point-shaped light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide acts as an intermediary between the semiconductor light source and the conversion element. It transmits the primary radiation from the LED to the conversion element while providing a thermal conduction path, thus mediating both the optical energy transfer and heat management, allowing point-shaped light generation without excessive heat accumulation.
2Productivity
If a semiconductor light source is coupled with an optical waveguide and conversion element, then radiation mixing efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an optical transmission medium to deliver primary radiation to the conversion element, and as a thermal conduction path to manage heat from the conversion element. This multi-functionality increases radiation mixing efficiency while avoiding the need for separate thermal management components, thus not increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical waveguide and conversion element into an integrated assembly where the conversion element is positioned at the front end of the waveguide. This combining allows efficient radiation mixing while using the waveguide structure itself for both optical and thermal management, avoiding additional complex components.
3Temperature
If the conversion element is coated at one end of the optical waveguide, then heat dissipation efficiency increases, but the area for radiation conversion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion element is coated at one specific end of the optical waveguide rather than along its entire length. This localized coating creates a concentrated area for both radiation conversion and heat dissipation at the front end, where the conversion element is positioned to receive primary radiation and dissipate heat efficiently through the waveguide structure, optimizing both functions in a localized region.
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 configuration allows for the efficient generation of point-shaped light with adaptable color loci and effective heat management, increasing the light source's efficiency and versatility, particularly suitable for display devices and automotive technology.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation conversion generated in the conversion element is based on luminescence or fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
The radiation conversion generated in the conversion element is based on luminescence or fluorescence
Implementation Method 3
The optical waveguide has a heat-conducting layer at the end assigned to the conversion element
Implementation Method 4
The optical waveguide has a heat-conducting layer at the end assigned to the conversion element. This makes it possible to limit heating of the conversion element due to the irradiated primary radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The source has a semiconductor light source (3) e.g. laser diode, an optical waveguide (1), a conversion element (2) that is arranged at one end of the optical waveguide, and a semiconductor light source that is arranged at another end of the optical waveguide. The semiconductor light source injects blue primary radiation into the waveguide. The waveguide comprises a heat conducting layer (4) for removing heat of the conversion element. The heat conducting layer directly contacts with the waveguide and the conversion element, and comprises gold or aluminum.