Wavelength Conversion Element with Curved Light Transmissive Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector technologies face challenges in generating desired color light due to difficulties in forming a reflection layer with desired reflection characteristics on irregular surfaces, which affects the adjustability of excitation light reflectance and subsequent color light generation.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion element with a light incident surface featuring light transmissive members having curved surfaces that protrude opposite to the excitation light incidence direction, made of aluminum oxide, and a rotary driver that adjusts the reflectance distribution of excitation light, allowing precise control of color tone in the illuminator and projector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reflection film is formed on an irregular surface of the phosphor, then the reflectance of excitation light is adjusted, but it is difficult to form a reflection layer with desired reflection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection control function is segmented from the phosphor surface by introducing separate light transmissive members (microlenses or micromirrors) that are disposed on the phosphor surface. These discrete elements can be individually controlled to reflect or transmit excitation light, enabling precise reflectance adjustment without the complexity of forming continuous reflection films on irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Light transmissive members serve as intermediary elements between the excitation light and the phosphor material. These members (made of transparent resin or other light transmissive materials) mediate the interaction by selectively reflecting or transmitting excitation light based on their optical properties and geometric arrangement, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving desired reflectance characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If the reflectance of excitation light is not precisely adjustable, then desired color light cannot be generated, but adding complex control mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Reflectance adjustment is achieved by changing physical parameters of the light transmissive members, such as their refractive index, curvature radius, height, or material composition. By adjusting these parameters during manufacturing or through selectable configurations, precise reflectance control is obtained without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmissive members are designed with curved surfaces (spherical, hemispherical, or other curved geometries) that inherently control the reflection and transmission of excitation light. The curvature of these surfaces provides optical focusing or scattering effects that adjust reflectance, eliminating the need for complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If light transmissive members with curved surfaces are used, then reflectance control is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmissive members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as optical elements for reflectance control, as protective coatings for the phosphor surface, and as structural components of the wavelength conversion element. This multi-functionality justifies the additional manufacturing steps by eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmissive members are implemented as thin film structures or coating layers that can be applied to the phosphor surface using conventional coating techniques. The curved surfaces are formed within these thin layers, making the manufacturing process more feasible while maintaining the optical control benefits.
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
Enables the generation of desired color light with improved efficiency and precision in reflectance adjustment, enhancing the color tone of illumination and image display in projectors.
Implementation Method 1
the curved surfaces reflect the excitation light but transmit the fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength conversion layer that has a light incident surface on which excitation light is incident and converts the excitation light in terms of wavelength into fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength conversion element includes a wavelength conversion layer that has a light incident surface on which excitation light is incident and converts the excitation light in terms of wavelength into fluorescence and a plurality of light transmissive members each having a curved surface and disposed in the light incident surface, and the curved surfaces reflect the excitation light but transmit the fluorescence.