Wavelength-Converting Fiber Layout for Cooler Light Output Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices experience an increase in temperature of the light output member due to the reflection and transmission of light, and there is a need for efficient detection of returning light.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting system comprising a first light source unit, a first wavelength-converting member, a second light source unit, a second wavelength-converting member, a light output member, and a detector, where the first wavelength-converting member uses optical fibers containing wavelength-converting elements excited by excitation light to produce spontaneous and amplified spontaneous emissions, and the second wavelength-converting member produces light with different wavelengths, with a detector detecting returning light through a light guiding section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light output member outputs light from the wavelength-converting material, then the light output function is achieved, but the temperature of the light output member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wavelength conversion function into two separate optical fibers: the first optical fiber contains a first wavelength-converting element that converts excitation light to intermediate wavelength light, and the second optical fiber contains a second wavelength-converting element that converts the intermediate wavelength light to the final output wavelength. This segmentation allows the light output member to receive only the converted light from the second optical fiber, reducing heat accumulation and temperature increase in the light output member.
Solution Approach 2:
The first wavelength-converting element acts as an intermediary by converting the high-energy excitation light into intermediate wavelength light, which then serves as the excitation source for the second wavelength-converting element. This intermediary conversion process distributes the heat generation across two separate locations (the two optical fibers) rather than concentrating it in the light output member, thereby reducing the temperature increase at the output端.
2Measurement precision
If the detecting member detects returning light in the known art, then the detection function is provided, but the system cannot simultaneously reduce light output member temperature increase and detect returning light effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The first optical fiber serves multiple functions: it acts as a light guiding member to transmit excitation light to the first wavelength-converting element, and simultaneously serves as a light guiding section for the detector to collect returning light. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection pathways, allowing effective returning light detection while maintaining the temperature reduction benefits of the segmented wavelength conversion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light transmission function and the returning light collection function into the first optical fiber. The first optical fiber both guides the excitation light forward and collects the returning light backward, simplifying the overall system structure while enabling effective detection. This merging approach reduces device complexity compared to having separate detection members and pathways.
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 system effectively reduces the temperature increase in the light output member and enables precise detection of returning light, allowing for controlled light output and color adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The first wavelength-converting element may be excited not only by the excitation light to produce a spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
The first wavelength-converting element may be excited not only by the excitation light to produce a spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light but also by an amplified spontaneous emission of light
Implementation Method 3
The second wavelength-converting element is excited by either light produced by the first wavelength-converting element or the excitation light to produce light having a wavelength different from both a wavelength of the excitation light and a wavelength of the seed light ray
Implementation Method 4
The detector detects returning light traveling from the first wavelength-converting member toward the first light source unit
Data Source
AI summary
A first wavelength-converting member is an optical fiber containing a first wavelength-converting element. The first wavelength-converting element is excited not only by excitation light emitted from a first light source unit to produce a spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light but also by amplified spontaneous emission of light. A second light source unit emits a seed light ray causing the first wavelength-converting element excited to produce a stimulated emission of light. A second wavelength-converting element contained in a second wavelength-converting member produces light having a wavelength different from both the excitation light and the seed light ray. The light output member outputs light coming from the second wavelength-converting member. A detector detects returning light traveling from the first wavelength-converting member toward the first light source unit by way of a light guiding section between the first light source unit and the first wavelength-converting member.