JP2008026698A - Light emitting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light emitting apparatus having a structure capable of detecting disconnection with high accuracy, in a light emitting apparatus that emits light from a semiconductor light emitting element using a light conducting member such as an optical fiber. <P>SOLUTION: The light emitting apparatus is equipped with a light source, a light guiding member that is optically connected to the light source, and a detecting member for detecting disconnection of the light guiding member, wherein the light guiding member is characterized in that it has a first reflection member for reflecting light from the light source to an exiting end face. Also, the light guiding member has a holding member which is installed near the exiting end face, and has a second reflection member on the end face of the holding member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light emitting device that can be used for a laser display, an endoscope, an exposure apparatus, and the like, and more particularly, to a light emitting device using a semiconductor light emitting element and a light guide member.

  An apparatus that transmits light from a light source through a light guide member such as an optical fiber is used as an optical communication device or an illumination device such as an endoscope. Such an apparatus may be cut (disconnected) for some reason because the optical fiber is a member having low mechanical strength. When laser light is used as a light source, it is dangerous because the laser light leaks from the cut surface. Especially, in the case of optical communication equipment and exposure equipment, light with a wavelength that is invisible to the human eye is used. Therefore, there is a risk that the light leaked without being noticed enters the eye and damages the eyeball. In order to detect such disconnection of the optical fiber, a method of arranging an optical fiber and an optical sensor in the vicinity of the laser diode of the light source is known. As a result, there is a method in which return light reflected by the disconnection portion can be detected by a sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-181384

  In the above method, it is possible to detect the disconnection of the optical fiber by detecting the return light, but it may be difficult to detect an abnormality depending on the state of the disconnection. For example, the tip of the optical fiber is made flat by cleaving or polishing, but the broken surface may become a cleaved surface. In such a case, it cannot be determined whether the detected return light is the return light reflected by the original emission end face or the return light reflected by the broken surface. For this reason, there is a case where an abnormality (disconnection of the optical fiber) cannot be accurately detected. Further, even in a light guide member other than an optical fiber, such as a liquid fiber, it may be difficult to detect disconnection by a method of detecting weak return light.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and in a light emitting device that irradiates light from a semiconductor light emitting element using a light guide member such as an optical fiber, the light emission has a configuration capable of detecting disconnection with high accuracy. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a light emitting device according to the present invention is a light emitting device including a light source, a light guide member optically connected to the light source, and a detection member that detects disconnection of the light guide member. The light guide member has a first reflecting member that reflects light from the light source on the emission end face. Thereby, the reflected light reflected by the first reflecting member can be detected by the detection member, and the disconnection of the light guide member can be accurately detected in any state of disconnection.

  In the light-emitting device according to claim 2 of the present invention, the light guide member has a holding member attached in the vicinity of the emission end face, and is provided so that the first reflecting member extends on the end face of the holding member. It is characterized by. By providing in this way, it is possible to make it difficult to peel off the first reflecting member member, and it is possible to detect disconnection with high reliability.

  Moreover, the light-emitting device according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that the holding member has a second reflecting member on the end surface. Thereby, the heat_generation | fever by the light absorbed by the holding member can be reduced.

  In the light emitting device according to claim 4 of the present invention, the first reflecting member preferably has a reflectance of 1% to 50% with respect to light from the light source. In the light emitting device according to claim 5 of the present invention, it is preferable that the first reflecting member has a thickness of 10 to 100 mm. Thereby, disconnection of the light guide member can be detected with high accuracy while suppressing a decrease in output of the light emitting device.

  The light-emitting device according to claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that the emission end face of the light guide member has a wavelength conversion member via the first reflection member. Thereby, it can be set as the light-emitting device which can output the light of arbitrary wavelengths.

  The light-emitting device according to claim 7 of the present invention is characterized in that the detection member is a light-receiving element that receives the reflected light that is reflected by the first reflection member and propagates through the light guide member. Thereby, the amount of reflected light can be accurately measured, and disconnection of the light guide member can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the light-emitting device according to claim 8 of the present invention, the detection member receives a part of the reflected light reflected by the first reflection member and propagated through the light guide member via the branch member. It is a light receiving element. Thereby, only reflected light can be detected, and the accuracy of disconnection detection can be further increased.

  With the light emitting device according to the present invention, the disconnection of the light guide member can be accurately detected. In particular, even when it is difficult to detect an abnormality due to the state of the disconnected surface, it is possible to detect the disconnection with high accuracy. As a result, in an exposure apparatus that uses a short wavelength such as ultraviolet rays as a light source, the light leaked due to the disconnection is not generated by mistakenly exposing other members arranged in the work environment. Can be reduced. In addition, in light-emitting devices used for endoscopes where it is difficult to confirm the object to be irradiated, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of the object to be irradiated by detecting the disconnection more accurately. The leaking light can prevent adverse effects on surrounding organs.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the form shown below illustrates the optical component and the light-emitting device for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not limit the optical component and the light-emitting device to the following.
Further, the present specification by no means specifies the members shown in the claims as the members of the embodiments. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the description unless otherwise specified. It's just an example. It should be noted that the size and positional relationship of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Further, in the following description, the same name and reference sign indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1A shows a light-emitting device 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the optical component 110 used in the light emitting device of FIG. 1A. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the optical component 110 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 1A, the light-emitting device according to Embodiment 1 is roughly divided into a light source 120, a light guide member 130, and an optical component 110. Composed. Specifically, the light source 120 including the semiconductor light emitting element 122 and the light receiving element 123 inside the package 121, the lens 140 that collects light received from the light source 120, and the collected light to the light guide member. A connector 150 for introduction, a light guide member 130 connected to the connector 150, and an optical component 110 at the tip of the light guide member 130 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the optical component 110 includes a holding member 112 attached to an end portion on the emission side of the light guide member 130 and a flange 111 to which the holding member 112 is fixed.

  The first embodiment is characterized in that the light-emitting member 130 has a first reflecting member 114 </ b> A that reflects light from the light source 120 on the emission end face. As described above, by providing the reflecting member 114A controlled to have a predetermined reflectance, it is possible to accurately detect the disconnection of the light guide member. Hereinafter, an optical component and a light-emitting device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Optical parts)
In the first embodiment, the optical component is a member provided at the tip of the light guide member, and the light distribution characteristics of the light emitted by the optical component can be adjusted. In the present invention, only a mechanism for extracting light will be described, but it goes without saying that other members such as a CCD camera can be used in combination.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the optical component 110 has a holding member 112 attached to the end of the light guide member 130 on the emission side, and a flange 111 to which the holding member 112 is fixed. is doing. In addition to the configuration described below, various configurations can be used depending on the purpose and application.

(Light guide member)
The light guide member only needs to be optically connected to the light source and guide the light from the light source to the optical component. A core having a high refractive index and a clad having a low refractive index are arranged on the inside. These are configured to extend in the longitudinal direction. The diameter of the light guide member is not particularly limited, but is preferably configured to be bendable and can be appropriately selected depending on the application. Specific examples of the material include an optical fiber made of quartz, multi-component glass, plastic, a holey fiber, or a liquid fiber using a liquid as a core. In particular, when a light source having a wavelength in the short wavelength region is used, an optical fiber using quartz is preferable.

  The cross-sectional shape of the light guide member is not particularly limited, but is preferably circular. Since the end surface of the light guide member on the side from which light is emitted is a surface on which the first reflecting member is provided, it is necessary to have a shape that reflects the light from the light source to the detection member. That is, if the emission end face is inclined with respect to the optical axis, the light is reflected but does not return to the detection member. Such a configuration is not preferable because disconnection cannot be detected. The present invention can be realized because a part of light from the light source is controlled to be accurately reflected by the first reflecting member controlled to have a predetermined reflectance. Therefore, it is preferable that the light-emitting member end face on the emission side is a flat plane with high film forming accuracy and a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. However, the shape of the end portion of the light guide member on the light source side is not particularly limited, and may be various shapes such as a flat surface, a convex lens, a concave lens, and a shape having at least partial unevenness.

(First reflecting member)
In the first embodiment, the first reflecting member is provided on the emission end face of the light guide member in order to reflect light from the light source. When an optical fiber is used, at least light formed by cleaving. It is provided so as to have a different reflectance from the end face of the fiber.

  By providing the first reflecting member on the emission end face of the light guide member, the light emitted from the tip of the light guide member is reduced as compared with the case where the first reflection member is not provided. However, by providing the reflecting member intentionally as in the present invention, a large amount of output and return light can be set in advance. Therefore, if it is set to detect a large amount of return light during normal driving, it becomes easier to detect when an abnormality occurs. In the case of communication equipment, increasing the amount of return light may cause noise and harm the communication function.However, when used as a light-emitting device such as an exposure device or endoscope, noise due to the return light is generated. However, it is not easily affected by the operation. Therefore, even if a reflecting member that increases the return light in advance is provided as in the present invention, there is no problem in operation.

  As a 1st reflection member, the reflectance with respect to the light from a light source has preferable 1% or more and 50% or less, More preferably, they are 5% or more and 20% or less. The member thickness is preferably 10 to 100 mm, and more preferably 20 to 50 mm. By setting in this way, it becomes possible to detect disconnection with high accuracy without greatly reducing the light emitted from the tip of the light guide member.

  As a preferable material for the first reflecting member, it is preferable to select an appropriate material in consideration of the wavelength, output, or application of the light source, and the conductivity is not particularly limited. That is, in the present invention, the first reflecting member is provided in an optical component that is separated from a light source including an electronic component such as a semiconductor light emitting element, and it is not necessary to supply power. Therefore, even if it is an electroconductive thing or an insulating thing, the function as a reflection member should just be satisfied. Specifically, silver, aluminum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, platinum, rhodium, palladium, tantalum, gold, niobium, molybdenum, iridium, cobalt, chromium, copper, hafnium, zinc, zirconium, or the like can be used. . These may be used alone or in admixture of two or more. When using 2 or more types, you may provide simultaneously or may provide in another process.

  Moreover, as a method for forming these, it is possible to select appropriately according to the material such as sputtering, vapor deposition, plating, etc., and it is preferable to use a film or a layered form with fine particles as long as the reflectance can be controlled. A structure can be selected.

  As a position where the first reflecting member is provided, it is only necessary to provide the first reflecting member on the end face of the core having a high refractive index disposed on the inner side of the light guide member among the end faces of the light guide member. However, when the diameter of the light guide member is thin, it is preferable to provide the first reflecting member so as to cover the entire end face of the light guide member including the core and the clad having a low refractive index disposed outside the core. . For example, as shown in FIG. 1D, a desired reflectance can be obtained by providing the first reflecting member over the entire end face of the light guide member 130 including the core and the clad. Here, when the light guide member 130 is a member having a small diameter such as an optical fiber, as shown in FIG. 1D, the end surface of the light guide member is arranged at a position that is recessed from the end surface of the holding member 112, and this step is used. The first reflecting member 114B can be provided. By doing in this way, even when the contact area of a 1st reflective member and a light guide member is small, it can be made hard to peel.

  Further, the first reflecting member may be provided so as to extend also to the end surface of the holding member provided in the vicinity of the emission end surface of the light guide member. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, the light guide member 130 and the holding member 112 attached to the end portion thereof are arranged so that the end surfaces thereof are the same surface and cover both end surfaces. A first reflecting member 114A can be provided. By doing in this way, the 1st reflective member can be made hard to peel off.

(Holding member)
In the first embodiment, the holding member is a member provided in the vicinity of the tip of the light guide member, whereby the tip of the light guide member can be easily processed. The size and shape of the holding member are not particularly limited, but a cylindrical member as shown in FIG. 1B is preferable. As a material for the holding member, a material having a high reflectance with respect to light from a light source and light from a wavelength conversion member described later is preferable. Thereby, the light reflected by the 1st reflective member, the translucent member, etc. can be made hard to return to the inside of a holding member. Moreover, a thing with high heat conductivity is preferable. In particular, heat may be generated when the light from the light source, the light reflected by the covering member, or the like is irradiated on the first reflecting member, the translucent member to be described later, or the fluorescent member contained therein. . In such a case, the holding member is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than at least the translucent member or the fluorescent member because it tends to cause alteration such as a change in chromaticity or a decrease in luminous intensity. Is preferred. Specific examples of such a material include nickel, aluminum, silver, platinum, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), zirconia (ZrO ₂ ), diamond, silicon carbide (SiC), and the like. In addition, a holding member, a flange, etc. as shown to FIG. 1B can also be abbreviate | omitted.

(light source)
In Embodiment 1, a mercury lamp, a solid-state laser, a semiconductor light emitting element, or the like can be used as the light source. In addition to these, a light receiving element capable of receiving the light reflected by the first reflecting member provided on the emission end face of the light guide member is provided. When using a semiconductor light emitting element, specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, a semiconductor light emitting element 122 is mounted on a metal package 121 having lead terminals, and light from the semiconductor light emitting element is received. An opening is provided so that the light can be emitted to the outside. Light emitted from the opening of the package is collected through the lens 140 and introduced into the light guide member 130 through the connector 150. Here, for the sake of explanation, each component is illustrated separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lens and the connector may be incorporated in the package, and may be referred to as a light source.

(package)
In Embodiment 1, the material and shape of the package are not particularly limited, and a currently known package can be used. In particular, when a laser diode which is a kind of semiconductor light emitting device is used as the light source, it is preferable to use a metal package in consideration of light resistance, heat resistance, and weather resistance. In that case, since organic substances such as resin tend to be deteriorated, it is preferable not to use a resin for sealing the laser diode, and it is preferable to perform gas sealing. Further, it is preferable that an opening is provided on the light emitting side so that the opening is covered with a member that is not easily deteriorated by light such as inorganic glass.

(Detection member: light receiving element)
In the first embodiment, the light receiving element that can receive the reflected light that is reflected by the first reflecting member provided on the end face of the light guide member and propagates through the light guide member is provided as a detection member that detects an abnormality. It is characterized by that. Specifically, a photovoltaic photosensor (photodiode), a phototransistor, a photoconductive photosensor (cadmium sulfide: CdS), or the like can be used as the light receiving element, and various preferable members are selected depending on the wavelength. be able to. Such a light receiving element can be provided in a package 121 on which a semiconductor light emitting element 122 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 1A. By doing in this way, a light-emitting device can be reduced in size. In particular, when the space for storing the light source is small, such a configuration is preferable because a disconnection detection function can be provided in a compact manner.

(Semiconductor light emitting device)
As a semiconductor light emitting element used as a light source, it is preferable to use a light emitting diode or a laser diode, and more preferably a laser diode. Thereby, light can be efficiently introduced into the light guide member.

A semiconductor light emitting device having an arbitrary wavelength can be selected. For example, as blue and green light emitting elements, those using ZnSe or a nitride semiconductor (In _X Al _Y Ga _1- XYN, 0 ≦ X, 0 ≦ Y, X + Y ≦ 1) are used. it can. As the red light emitting element, GaAs, InP, or the like can be used. Furthermore, a semiconductor light emitting element made of a material other than this can also be used. The composition, emission color, size, number, and the like of the light emitting element to be used can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

In the case of a light-emitting device having a fluorescent material, a nitride semiconductor (In _X Al _Y Ga _1- XYN, 0 ≦ X, 0 ≦ Y, X + Y ≦ 1) is preferable. Various emission wavelengths can be selected depending on the material of the semiconductor layer and the degree of mixed crystal.

  Further, a light-emitting element that outputs not only light in the visible light region but also ultraviolet rays and infrared rays can be obtained. In addition to the semiconductor light emitting element, a light receiving element, a protective element (for example, a Zener diode or a capacitor) that protects the semiconductor element from destruction due to overvoltage, or a combination thereof can be mounted.

<Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment, in addition to the first reflecting member described in the first embodiment, a second reflecting member is provided on the end surface of the holding member attached to the distal end portion of the light guide member. By providing the second reflecting member on at least the end face of the holding member, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the light emitting end face of the light guide member light from being reflected in the holding member. The light propagating through the light guide member hits the first reflecting member provided at the tip, and a part of the light is reflected but the remaining light is transmitted without being reflected. A part of the light transmitted through the first reflecting member passes through the translucent member as it is and is emitted to the outside, but is reflected by the translucent member described later and the interface with other surrounding members. There is light returning to the light guide member side. By reflecting such light by the second reflecting member provided on the end face of the light guide member, the light can be prevented from being absorbed by the light guide member.

The second reflecting member can be provided not only on the end surface but also on a side surface continuous from the end surface as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. Thus, it can make it hard to peel by providing continuously over two or more surfaces.
(Second reflecting member)
In the second embodiment, the second reflecting member provided on the end surface of the holding member is provided so that the light emitted from the end surface of the light guide member does not return to the inside of the holding member. Therefore, it is preferable that the reflectance with respect to the light from the light source is higher than that of the first reflecting member. Specifically, the reflectance for light from the light source is preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.

  The second reflecting member provided at least on the end face of the holding member may be only the end face, and may be provided so as to continue to the side face as described above. Moreover, when providing in the end surface of a holding member, you may provide so that it may overlap with a 1st reflection member, or it can also provide in another area | region so that it may not overlap.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the second reflecting member 215 </ b> A covers the first reflecting member 214 </ b> A that is provided continuously from the end surface of the light guide member 230 to the end surface of the holding member 212. Can be provided. At this time, the end surface of the light guide member 230 is not covered and is provided so as to overlap the end surface of the holding member 212. Thereby, it is possible to make the first reflecting member difficult to peel off.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first reflecting member 214B may be provided only on the end surface of the light guide member 230, and the second reflecting member 215B may be provided so as not to overlap therewith. Thereby, it is possible to make the first reflecting member difficult to peel off. In this case, either the first reflecting member or the second reflecting member may be provided first.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, after providing the second reflecting member 215C, the first reflecting member 214C can be provided so as to cover the second reflecting member and the light guide member 230. As a result, the second reflecting member can be made difficult to peel off.

  As a preferable material for such a second reflecting member, it is preferable to select a material as appropriate in consideration of the wavelength, output, or application of the light source. Further, like the first reflecting member, the conductivity and the like are not particularly limited as long as the function as the reflecting member is satisfied. Specifically, silver, aluminum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, platinum, rhodium, palladium, tantalum, gold, niobium, molybdenum, iridium, cobalt, chromium, copper, hafnium, zinc, zirconium, or the like can be used. . These may be used alone or in admixture of two or more. When using 2 or more types, you may provide simultaneously or may provide in another process.

  Moreover, as a method for forming these, it is possible to select appropriately according to the material such as sputtering, vapor deposition, plating, etc., and it is preferable to use a film or a layered form with fine particles as long as the reflectance can be controlled. A structure can be selected.

<Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment, the optical member including the first reflecting member and the second reflecting member as described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is further added to the distal end portion of the holding member and the light guide member. It has a cap that covers. Thereby, since the 1st reflective member and the 2nd reflective member can be protected, the function as a reflective film is hard to deteriorate, and a disconnection can be detected with sufficient accuracy. Further, the cap can include a wavelength conversion member that emits light having a different wavelength by absorbing at least a part of light from the light source, and thereby can emit light of any wavelength. Become.

  3A is an optical component 310 used in the light-emitting device in Embodiment 3, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the optical component 310 in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical component of the light-emitting device according to Embodiment 3 includes a holding member 312 attached to the light-emitting member 330 on the emission side, and a flange 311 to which the holding member 312 is fixed. Have. And it has the cap 316 which coat | covers the front-end | tip part of the holding member 312, and the cap 316 and the flange 311 are joined by welding etc.

(cap)
In Embodiment 3, the cap is provided so as to be fitted to a holding member provided at the tip of the light guide member. This cap is a member for protecting the front end portion of the light guide member, and in particular, protects the first reflective member provided on the output end face of the light guide member and the second reflective member provided on the end face of the holding member. Is to do. However, an opening is provided so as not to block light from the light guide member, and light is emitted through the opening. Therefore, nothing can be provided in the opening, or a translucent member that can transmit light from the light source can be provided.

  When providing a translucent member in the opening part of a cap, it can be made to adhere to a cap using a joining member etc., or can be made into a shape which can be held mechanically. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a translucent member 317 joined by a joining member 318 such as low-melting glass is provided in the opening of the cap 316. Thus, by protecting the end surface of the light guide member with the translucent member, it is possible to suppress peeling or breakage of the first reflecting member. Even when the first reflecting member itself is damaged, the detection member detects an abnormality, but by providing a cap that protects the emission end surface of the light guide member in this way, at least the end surface of the light guide member Occurrence of abnormalities can be reduced.

  Moreover, you may provide the reflection member which is easy to reflect the light from a light source, etc. in the opening part inner wall of a cap. The reflective member of this cap can use the same material as the first reflective member, the second reflective member, and the like.

  The shape of the cap is preferably such that the tip of the holding member and the light guide member can be protected. For example, a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3A is preferable. Thus, by not providing corners on the outer periphery, problems such as damage to the human body can be reduced when used as an endoscope or the like. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer periphery including the flange is cylindrical. However, when a plurality of optical components are used, for example, in an illumination device, a quadrangular prism shape or the like may be used so that the optical component can be easily fixed.

The cap material is not particularly limited, but a material having high thermal conductivity is preferable. In particular, heat may be generated when light from a light source, light reflected by a covering member, or the like is irradiated onto a translucent member or a fluorescent member contained therein. In such a case, it is easy to cause alteration such as change in chromaticity or decrease in luminosity. Therefore, the cap material should be a member having a higher thermal conductivity than at least a translucent member or a fluorescent member. preferable. Specific examples of such materials include metals (stainless steel, copper, brass, kovar, aluminum, silver, etc.), alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), CuW, Cu diamond, diamond, and the like. .

  The size and shape of the through hole (opening) of the cap are not particularly limited as long as light from the light guide member can be transmitted. A circular through hole as shown in FIG. 3B is preferable. Further, the diameter of the through hole may be the same throughout, or a portion substantially equal to the outer peripheral diameter of the holding member and a portion wider than that may be provided as shown in FIG. 3B. Moreover, it is good also as a through-hole which spreads gradually toward an opening side, or becomes narrow gradually. Moreover, about the number of through-holes, although what provided one through-hole in FIG. 3B is illustrated, it is not restricted to this, You may provide two or more two or more.

Further, the translucent member provided in the opening of the cap can be provided with a wavelength conversion member as described later. This wavelength conversion member is a member that is excited by light from the light source and can be converted into light having a wavelength different from that of the light source. By providing such a wavelength conversion member, the light can be emitted as light having a desired color tone. Is possible. Therefore, light of various color tones can be emitted depending on the combination of the wavelength of the light source and the wavelength conversion member.
(Translucent member)
In Embodiment 3, the translucent member is disposed in the through-hole (opening) of the cap, and protects the tip of the light guide member. As a material to be used, a material that easily transmits light from a light source or a fluorescent member is preferable. Specifically, glass, silicone resin, epoxy resin, or the like is preferably used. Those having a certain degree of strength are preferable in order to function as protective members. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, when a circular plate is first processed and formed so as to be bonded to a cap using a bonding member, the thickness of the translucent member is about 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. Is preferable. Moreover, it can also be set as the lens-shaped translucent member instead of such circular plate shape.

  As a joining member for joining the translucent member, it is preferable to use a member having high adhesion in consideration of the material of the cap and the translucent member. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a member that hardly absorbs light from the light source or the fluorescent member. Specifically, low-melting glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, silicone resin, epoxy resin, or the like can be used.

  In addition to the method of forming the translucent member in a separate process and joining it to the cap using the joining member, it can be mechanically fixed as a cap shape that can lock the translucent member. . Alternatively, instead of forming the translucent member in a solid state in a separate process, after the cap is fitted to the holding member, the translucent member before curing is potted and then cured. Etc. can also be provided.

  Moreover, the wavelength conversion member and diffusion member which are mentioned later can be mixed in this translucent member.

(Wavelength conversion member)
In the translucent member, a fluorescent member that emits light having a different wavelength by absorbing at least a part of light from the semiconductor light emitting element may be included as a wavelength conversion member. The fluorescent member is preferably used by being mixed in a translucent member such as glass or resin. At this time, in addition to the fluorescent member, a diffusing member or the like can be used together. Such a wavelength conversion member can be provided not on an optical component such as a cap but on other members. For example, it can also be provided in the vicinity of the semiconductor light emitting element of the light source. However, in order to efficiently introduce light into the light guide member, it is preferable to use a laser diode as the semiconductor light emitting element. In this case, if a wavelength conversion member is provided in the vicinity of the light source, it is likely to be deteriorated. Is preferred.

  As the fluorescent member, it is more efficient to convert the light from the semiconductor light emitting element into a longer wavelength. The fluorescent member may be formed of a single type of fluorescent material or the like, or may be formed of a single layer in which two or more types of fluorescent material are mixed, or contains one type of fluorescent material, etc. Two or more single layers may be stacked, or two or more single layers each of which is mixed with two or more kinds of fluorescent substances may be stacked.

  Any fluorescent member may be used as long as it absorbs light from a semiconductor light emitting device having a nitride semiconductor as a light emitting layer and converts the light to light of a different wavelength. For example, nitride phosphors / oxynitride phosphors mainly activated by lanthanoid elements such as Eu and Ce, lanthanoid phosphors such as Eu, and alkalis mainly activated by transition metal elements such as Mn Earth halogen apatite phosphor, alkaline earth metal borate halogen phosphor, alkaline earth metal aluminate phosphor, alkaline earth silicate, alkaline earth sulfide, alkaline earth thiogallate, alkaline earth silicon nitride At least selected from rare earth aluminates mainly activated by lanthanoid elements such as germanate or Ce, organic and organic complexes mainly activated by lanthanoid elements such as rare earth silicates or Eu Any one or more are preferable. As specific examples, the following phosphors can be used, but are not limited thereto.

A nitride phosphor mainly activated by a lanthanoid element such as Eu or Ce is M ₂ Si ₅ N ₈ : Eu (M is at least one selected from Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn). There is.) In addition to M ₂ Si ₅ N ₈ : Eu, MSi ₇ N ₁₀ : Eu, M _1.8 Si ₅ O _0.2 N ₈ : Eu, M _0.9 Si ₇ O _0.1 N ₁₀ : Eu (M Is at least one selected from Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, and Zn.

Nitride phosphors activated by rare earth elements such as Eu and containing Group II elements M, Si, Al, and N, absorb ultraviolet or blue light and emit light in the yellow-red to red range. To do. The nitride phosphor has the general formula _{M w Al x Si y N (} (2/3) w + x + (4/3) y): shown by Eu, rare earth elements and tetravalent element to an additional element, 3 At least one element selected from valent elements. M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba.

  In the above general formula, the ranges of w, x, and y are preferably 0.04 ≦ w ≦ 9, x = 1, 0.056 ≦ y ≦ 18. The range of w, x, and y may be 0.04 ≦ w ≦ 3, x = 1, 0.143 ≦ y ≦ 8.7, more preferably 0.05 ≦ w ≦ 3, x = 1, 0. 167 ≦ y ≦ 8.7.

The nitride phosphor is generally added boron B formula _{M w Al x Si y B z} N ((2/3) w + x + (4/3) y + z): can also be Eu. Also in the above, M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, and 0.04 ≦ w ≦ 9, x = 1, 0.056 ≦ y ≦ 18, 0.0005 ≦ z ≦ 0.5. When boron is added, the molar concentration z is set to 0.5 or less as described above, preferably 0.3 or less, and further set to be greater than 0.0005. More preferably, the molar concentration of boron is set to 0.001 or more and 0.2 or less.

  Further, these nitride phosphors are further at least one selected from the group of La, Ce, Pr, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Lu, or any one of Sc, Y, Ga, In, Alternatively, any one of Ge and Zr is contained. By containing these, luminance, quantum efficiency, or peak intensity equal to or higher than Gd, Nd, and Tm can be output.

An oxynitride phosphor mainly activated by a lanthanoid element such as Eu or Ce is MSi ₂ O ₂ N ₂ : Eu (M is at least one selected from Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn) Etc.).

Alkaline earth halogen apatite phosphors mainly activated by lanthanoid elements such as Eu and transition metal elements such as Mn include M ₅ (PO ₄ ) ₃ X: R (M is Sr, Ca, Ba, At least one selected from Mg and Zn, X is at least one selected from F, Cl, Br, and I. R is at least one selected from Eu, Mn, Eu and Mn. Etc.).

The alkaline earth metal borate phosphor has M ₂ B ₅ O ₉ X: R (M is at least one selected from Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn. X is F, Cl , Br, or I. R is Eu, Mn, or any one of Eu and Mn.).

Alkaline earth metal aluminate phosphors include SrAl ₂ O ₄ : R, Sr ₄ Al ₁₄ O ₂₅ : R, CaAl ₂ O ₄ : R, BaMg ₂ Al ₁₆ O ₂₇ : R, BaMg ₂ Al ₁₆ O ₁₂ : R, BaMgAl ₁₀ O ₁₇ : R (R is one or more of Eu, Mn, Eu and Mn).

The alkaline earth silicate _{phosphor, (Sr 1-a-b} -x Ba a Ca b Eu x) 2 SiO 4 (0 ≦ a ≦ 1,0 ≦ b ≦ 1,0.005 ≦ x ≦ 0 .1).

Examples of the alkaline earth sulfide phosphor include La ₂ O ₂ S: Eu, Y ₂ O ₂ S: Eu, and Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Eu.

Examples of rare earth aluminate phosphors mainly activated with lanthanoid elements such as Ce include Y ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce, (Y _0.8 Gd _0.2 ) ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce, Y _{3 (Al 0.8 Ga 0.2) 5 O} 12: Ce, and the like (Y, Gd) 3 (Al , Ga) YAG -based phosphor represented by the composition formula of _{5 O 12.} Further, there are Tb ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce, Lu ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce, etc. in which a part or all of Y is substituted with Tb, Lu, or the like.

Other phosphors include ZnS: Eu, Zn ₂ GeO ₄ : Mn, MGa ₂ S ₄ : Eu (M is at least one selected from Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn. X is At least one selected from F, Cl, Br, and I).

  The phosphor described above contains at least one selected from Tb, Cu, Ag, Au, Cr, Nd, Dy, Co, Ni, and Ti instead of Eu or in addition to Eu as desired. You can also.

The Ca—Al—Si—O—N-based oxynitride glass phosphor is expressed in terms of mol%, CaCO ₃ is converted to CaO, 20 to 50 mol%, Al ₂ O ₃ is 0 to 30 mol%, SiO 25 to 60 mol% of Al, 5 to 50 mol% of AlN, 0.1 to 20 mol% of rare earth oxide or transition metal oxide, and a base material of an oxynitride glass in which the total of five components is 100 mol% This is a phosphor. In addition, in the phosphor using oxynitride glass as a base material, the nitrogen content is preferably 15 wt% or less, and other rare earth element ions serving as a sensitizer in addition to rare earth oxide ions are used as rare earth oxides. It is preferable to contain as a co-activator in content in the range of 0.1-10 mol% in fluorescent glass.

  Moreover, it is fluorescent substance other than the said fluorescent substance, Comprising: The fluorescent substance which has the same performance, an effect | action, and an effect can also be used.

<Embodiment 4>
In the light emitting device as described in the first to third embodiments, the fourth embodiment is different in the configuration of the detection member. Specifically, the light guide member is reflected by the first reflecting member. A light receiving element that receives a part of the reflected light propagating through the inside through the light branching member is provided. In Embodiment 1, since the light receiving element is provided in the vicinity of the light source, it may be affected by direct light from the light source. In order to avoid such a problem, a light blocking member can be provided so that direct light from the light source does not strike, but in Embodiment 4, the reflected light is branched by the light branching member, and the light receiving element It is configured to receive only the branched reflected light. Thereby, detection with higher accuracy is possible.

(Detection member: light receiving element)
In the fourth embodiment, the detection member (light receiving element) receives a part of the reflected light reflected by the first reflecting member and propagated through the light guide member via the light branching member. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a light source 420 including a semiconductor light emitting element 422 inside a package 421, lenses 440 a and 440 b that receive and collect light from the light source 420, and the collected light A connector 450 for introduction into the light guide member, a light guide member 430 connected to the connector 450, and an optical component 410 at the tip of the light guide member 430 are provided.

  The optical component 410 can use any of the configurations described in the first to third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the light branching member 441 is provided between the lens 440a for condensing light from the light source and the connector 450. The light receiving element 423 as a detection member detects the reflected light branched by the light branching member 441.

(Light branching member)
The light branching member may be anything as long as it divides the reflected light into two or more. By using such a light branching member, the detection member can be arranged as a separate member from the light source, so that the influence of direct light from the light source can be eliminated. In addition, it is possible to reduce the influence of heat and the like generated when the light source is driven, and to reduce detection variations due to temperature. Thereby, it becomes possible to detect a disconnection more accurately. Further, since the reflected light can be prevented from returning to the light source, the noise of the light source light is also reduced.

  As a specific example of the light branching member, a reflective beam splitter, a polarizing beam splitter, or the like can be used.

  In addition to the position shown in FIG. 4, the position where the light branching member is arranged in the light emitting device can be appropriately selected according to the purpose and application.

  The light emitting device according to the present invention can detect the disconnection of the light guide member that transmits light from the semiconductor light emitting element more accurately. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that light leaks from the disconnected portion, adversely affects other members, and in some cases damages the human body.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a light emitting device according to the present invention. 1B is a perspective view of an optical component used in the light emitting device of FIG. 1A. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the optical component of FIG. 1B. FIG. 1D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the optical component. FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the optical component. FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the optical component. FIG. 2C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the optical component. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an optical component used in the light-emitting device according to the present invention. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the optical component in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a light emitting device according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100, 400 ... light emitting devices 110, 310, 410 ... optical components 111, 311 ... flanges 112, 212, 312 ... holding members 114A, 114B, 214A, 214B, 214C, 314 ... first 1 reflective member 215A, 215B, 215C ... 2nd reflective member 316 ... cap 317 ... translucent member 318 ... joining member 120 ... light source 121, 421 ... package 122, 422 ... Semiconductor light emitting element 123, 423 ... Light receiving element 130, 230, 330, 430 ... Light guide member 140, 440a, 440b ... Lens 441 ... Light branching member 150, 450 ... connector

Claims (8)

A light emitting device comprising a light source, a light guide member optically connected to the light source, and a detection member for detecting disconnection of the light guide member,
The light guide member has a first reflecting member that reflects light from the light source on an emission end face. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light guide member has a holding member attached in the vicinity of the emitting end surface, and the holding member has a second reflecting member on the end surface. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting member is provided to extend to an end surface of the holding member. 4. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting member has a reflectance of 1% to 50% with respect to light from the light source. 5. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting member has a thickness of 10 to 100 mm. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a wavelength conversion member is provided on an emission end face of the light guide member via the first reflection member. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the detection member is a light-receiving element that receives reflected light that is reflected by the first reflection member and propagates through the light guide member. . 7. The light receiving element, wherein the detection member is a light receiving element that receives a part of reflected light reflected by the first reflecting member and propagated through the light guide member through a light branching member. The light emitting device according to any one of the above.

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