JP2003523527A - Lamp apparatus and method for effectively using light from an aperture lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

Various lamp systems have been disclosed that make efficient use of light from aperture lamps. The lamp system is configured to implement various types of light recapture, such as etenduri recycling, polarization recycling, and / or color recycling, respectively. Electrodeless light valve with integral lens, molded quartz ball lens with integral flange, molded quartz CPC with integral flange, truncated CPC, various including segmented CPC Are disclosed. Various novel optical systems have been disclosed, including systems that perform angle selection and / or etendue selection.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general, various aspects of the present invention relate to lamp systems that beneficially utilize light from an aperture lamp. One aspect relates to a novel arrangement configured to reflect some of the light exiting the aperture back into the aperture for absorption and re-emission by the lamp plasma.

[0002]

[Prior art]

Generally, the present invention is directed to US Pat. No. 5,773,918 and US Pat. No. 5,90.
No. 3,091 of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,091, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. '918 and '09
Each of the one patents discloses various lamp structures that beneficially utilize the waste light.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

Many of the inventions described herein are co-pending PCT patent applications PCT / US00 / 16302 and PCT Publication WO 99 filed June 29, 2000.
/ 36940 beneficially utilizes the light from the lamps described in US Pat.

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

According to one aspect of the present invention, an envelope containing a fill that enables the lamp system to be light recycled, and an envelope spaced apart from the enclosure within a desired angle. Of light emitted from the enclosure outside the desired angle while being reflected back into the enclosure for recycling by the filling material. The optical output within the desired angle is higher than the optical output in the absence of the optical element, and the desired angle is light from the envelope. , And the angular distribution.

According to another aspect of the invention, a lamp system includes an enclosure containing a recyclable filling of light and a light of desired polarity passing proximate the enclosure. And a high temperature wire grid polarizer configured to reflect light of undesired polarity back into the enclosure for recycling by the fill. Wire grid polarizers can withstand operating temperatures of at least about 400 ° C.

According to another aspect of the invention, a lamp system defines an enclosure containing a recyclable filling of light and an aperture corresponding to a desired angle with respect to the enclosure. An optical element and a high temperature wire grid polarizer proximate to the optical element in the area of the aperture of the optical element, the optical element being spaced from the encapsulation and The polarizer is configured to reflect light other than a desired angle to return to the inside of the envelope for recycling by the filling material, and the polarizer has a light of an undesired polarity for recycling by the filling material. Are reflected back into the envelope so that the light exiting the lamp system is within the desired acceptance angle and is of the desired polarity, and its light output is Optical element And higher than the light output in the absence of a deflector.
For example, the polarizer is disposed within the aperture defined by the optical element. In another example, the polarizer is planar and the system further includes a lens disposed between the polarizer and the bulb, the lens being defined by the polarizer. It is adapted to increase the amount of reflected light returned to the enclosure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an optical device has a plurality of optical fibers defining a void space therebetween, and a reflective material selectively disposed over the void space. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a mask on an optical device having a plurality of optical fibers defining a void space therebetween, the method comprising: A photoactive material was placed on both the fiber and the interstitial space on one side, and the other side of the optical device was illuminated and activated with light suitable for photoactivating the photoactive material. Removing material and unactivated material to provide the desired mask.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an enclosure that contains a fill capable of recycling light by a lamp system, a plurality of optical fibers defining a gap space therebetween, and the gap space. A fiber optic bundle comprising a reflective material selectively disposed over the reflective material, the reflective material recycling at least some light that does not enter the optical fiber by the fill material. For reflection back into the encapsulation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lamp system encloses an enclosure containing a fill capable of recycling light, and excluding the area of the light exit aperture. A reflective material and an optical element in proximity to the enclosure and aligned with light exiting the enclosure, the optical element transmitting light within a desired angular distribution. And carries an anti-reflection coating configured to reflect light outside the desired angular distribution back to the envelope for recycling.

According to another aspect of the invention, an enclosure in which a lamp system contains a fill capable of recycling light, and an optical that is aligned with the light exiting the enclosure. An optical element having a reflective structure spaced from the envelope, the reflective structure defining a plurality of light emitting apertures,
And the optical element and the reflective structure are integrally configured to direct light that does not pass through the plurality of light emitting apertures back to the envelope for recycling. There is.

According to another aspect of the invention, a lamp system is enclosed in a reflective ceramic except in the region of the light emitting aperture and is proximate to the aperture along the optical axis. An optical element, the area of the aperture increasing in a direction along the optical axis away from the bulb 133, such that greater optical access to the bulb has a uniform area aperture. By comparison, it is possible to position it relatively closer to the optical element.

According to another aspect of the invention, an enclosure in which the lamp system is encased in reflective ceramic except in the region of the first aperture, and an input end for the encased enclosure. A hollow optical element locating the optical element, the surface of the input end in contact with the encapsulating enclosure is reflective, and the input end defines a second aperture. And the inner perimeter of the second aperture is inside the perimeter of the first aperture, thus the second aperture defines a light exit aperture for the enclosure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lamp system is provided with an enclosure, a light rod integrally connected to the enclosure, and the light rod is connected to the enclosure. A reflective ceramic material covering the enclosure except in a region, the reflective ceramic material being beveled near the junction of the envelope and the optical rod. , Avoiding the scattering of light entering the rod.

According to another aspect of the invention, an electrodeless lamp bulb has a body portion and an optical portion integrally coupled to the body portion, the body portion and the optical portion being An integrally sealed internal volume is formed. For example, the optical portion comprises a truncated (truncated) ball lens defining a flat entrance surface inside the sealed interior volume of the bulb.

According to another aspect of the invention, the high temperature monolithic optical element has an optical portion and a positioning portion coupled to the optical portion, the positioning portion not interfering with the operation of the optical portion. And the two parts are at least 40
It is constructed in a single structure made of any suitable material capable of withstanding an operating temperature of 0 ° C. For example, the optical portion has a truncated ball lens, the locating portion has a flange on the entrance surface of the ball lens, and the two portions are composed of molded quartz. There is. In another example, the optical portion is a CPC
The locating portion is a flange on the exit face of the CPC, and the two portions are composed of molded quartz.

According to another aspect of the invention, the optical element comprises a plurality of cuts, the angled step having a straight cross section and adapted to approximate a curved cross section. It has a frustoconical section.

According to another aspect of the invention, the optical element is a surface having a round input surface and four side surfaces that are relatively more rectangular from a round shape and that are substantially perpendicular to the output surface. And the output surface is truncated.

According to another aspect of the invention, the optical element has four segments joined together along respective ends, each segment corresponding to a minor portion of the CPC and Maintain the CPC curve to give the desired angular transformation while giving a relatively more rectangular output.

According to another aspect of the invention, an optical system is provided that has an input iris aligned along an optical axis and configured to constrain light passing therethrough to a desired angular range. An output iris and an optical element positioned proximate the output iris and adapted to bend the end rays inward with respect to the optical axis while leaving the inner rays unchanged.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lamp system contains a recyclable fill and is coated with a reflective ceramic material except in the region of the first aperture. An envelope and a reflector defining a second aperture spaced from the envelope and aligned with the first aperture along an optical axis, the reflector including the first aperture. A distance from the first aperture to the second aperture that is adapted to reflect light from the first aperture that is incident on a reflector outside the area of the two apertures back to the first aperture for recycling. And the relative dimensions of the second aperture with respect to the first aperture are selected according to the target etendue.

According to another aspect of the invention, an enclosure in which the lamp system contains a recyclable fill and is coated with a reflective ceramic material except in the area of the aperture, and the enclosure. An angle selection optical element adjacent the envelope and adapted to transmit light within a desired angular range and reflect light outside the desired range back into the enclosure for recycling. And an integrator adapted to receive light from the angle selecting optical element and an angle converting optical element adapted to receive light from the integrator. In some examples, the angle selecting optical element, the integrator, and the angle converting optical element are all hollow and integrally formed with each other. In another example, the angle selection optics, the integrator, and the angle conversion optics are separate parts and utilize various mechanical features to position the parts relative to each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, the optical device receives light on the input surface and transmits light of the first polarity through the first output surface along the first optical axis and the second output. A polarizer cube adapted to reflect light of a second polarity through the surface and a light of the second polarity having the same polarity as the first polarity positioned adjacent to the second output surface And a mirror that directs the light from the polarization rotator to travel in the same direction as the light transmitted through the first output surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an optical tube is provided with a lens tube adapted to receive and secure a lens therein and an optical axis connected to an input end of the lens tube. A first flange defining a structural feature adapted to mate with a corresponding feature on the aperture lamp to provide optical alignment along the A second flange defining a structure adapted to be mated with a corresponding feature on the enclosure, the aperture lamp being in proper alignment for delivering light into the enclosure. Is held.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lamp system is positioned between an RF driven light source, a lens tube mounted on the RF driven light source, the lens tube and the light source, and An RF choke adapted to reduce EMI from the light source. For example, the RF choke has a conductive mesh screen.

According to another aspect of the invention, an enclosure wherein the lamp system has a length, a width and a depth, the depth being substantially less than either the length or the width, and the interior of the enclosure. An aperture lamp positioned to direct light to the lens, and a lens system adapted to receive light from the aperture lamp and have its light output shaped to be uniformly distributed within the enclosure. Have For example, the enclosure has a standard 2x2 or 2x4 trough, and the lens system is positioned to reduce the angular range of the light in one dimension with respect to the depth. Has a cylindrical lens.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projection system includes an electrodeless light source, an image gate illuminated by the electrodeless light source, and a shutter that is selectively opened and closed to project an image from the image gate. And the electrodeless light source is modulated according to the opening and closing of the shutter.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, specific details such as specific structures, interfaces, techniques, etc. are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In some cases, descriptions of well-known devices and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

[0029]Etendulum recycling   According to the invention, from the aperture lamp the desired etendue (optical range or optical
An increased amount of light is delivered into the (invariant), in which case the aperture lamp is
For example, it is described in PCT Publication WO99 / 36940 cited above.
It In some applications, such as projection systems, important performance parameters
A meter is, for example, an optical element with a given area and angular acceptance.
This is the number of lumens delivered to the maging element. In this sense, etendue
ε is defined as follows.

[0030]

[Equation 1]

[0031] Note that θ is the half angle of the cone of the specified ray.

Traditional three-dimensional light sources, such as arc lamps, use an external reflector to redirect and focus the light onto the desired object or surface, and among other factors are losses due to collection efficiency. Occurs. Moreover, arc lamps usually only provide localized, bright spots, with the majority of the source lumen originating from the significantly lower intensity parts of the discharge.

The aperture lamp of the '940 publication addresses many of the above problems by providing a two-dimensional light source with a highly uniform light output. A ball lens can be placed in contact with the lamp aperture and an appropriate lens can be used thereafter to provide light with the desired beam angle. However, the possibility of further improvement has been identified by the inventors.

The actual light distribution from the aperture lamp is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, for higher angles, the light output falls faster than the Lambertian cos (θ) curve. The Lambertian light distribution is of constant brightness. In other words,
The brightness seen from any angle is the same. The result of that is that some angular filtering of the Lambertian source produces the same brightness. Light is added or reduced at the same rate as etendue.

However, for sources below Lambert, there is less light at larger angles. The lens construction disclosed in the '940 publication incorporates these angles into the transmitted light, thus increasing their etendue proportionally more than they increase the light. According to this aspect of the invention, light outside the desired angle is redirected back into the lamp to reduce the effect of sub-Lambertian light output on the etendue. According to another aspect of the invention, the size of the lamp aperture is increased so that at a constrained output angle, a larger lamp aperture area matches the target etendue. Increasing the aperture size has the effect of slightly reducing the brightness directed forward of the peak while significantly increasing the amount of output light. This difference can represent a substantial gain in the amount of light directed into the target etendue.

One etendue-recyclable lamp system uses a ball lens with a reflective outer surface that defines an aperture. A large angle of light is reflected back into the lamp where it is again absorbed and re-emitted with the probability given by the previous integrating sphere approach. This may reduce the light output but also the etendue. Light output can be further increased by increasing the size of the lamp aperture.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suitable lamp system for performing etendue recycling. The aperture valve 3 has a valve 5 arranged in a ceramic cup 7. The valve 5 is positioned with respect to the front ceramic washer 9 defining the first aperture 11. The space inside the cup 7, which is not occupied by the bulb 5, is filled with a reflective ceramic material 13. A rear ceramic disc 15 is located in the cup 7 behind the reflective material 13. Further details regarding the construction of the aperture cup 3 can be found by reference to the '940 publication.

The ball lens 17 is positioned in front of the aperture 11 and functions to reduce the beam angle of the light emitted from the aperture 11. Optical element 19
Is separated from the ball lens 17 and defines a second aperture 21 corresponding to the desired angle of the light passed through, which angle is defined in terms of optical axial symmetry. The reflective surface 23 of the optical element facing the aperture 11 is configured to direct at least some light other than the desired angle back to the bulb 5, where it is absorbed by the plasma. In addition, it is possible to emit light again. For example, a photon traveling along path A exits ball lens 17 along path B, enters optical element 19 and returns along path C to bulb 5. There is a non-zero probability that some of the returned waste light will re-emit and exit the first aperture 11 and pass through the second aperture 21 within the desired angle, whereby the aperture 21 Increase the intensity of light passing through.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the ball lens 17 has a first radius R1 and the optical element 19 has a second radius R2, which is greater than R1. The ball lens 17 and the optical element 19 do not share a common center. However, their respective center points C1, C2 are aligned along a common optical axis shown in the center line C _L. The optical element 19 is configured such that its center point C2 is located inside the bulb 5 and is preferably close to the aperture 11, so that most of the light reflected by the optical element 19 is through the aperture 11. Valve 5
Is transmitted inside.

FIG. 3 shows the intensity vs. beam angle for a lamp system with non-limited power, the same lamp system with limited power but no recycling, the same lamp system with limited power using etendue recycling. Is a graph of. As can be seen from this graph, simply limiting the output (eg, with a non-reflective aperture stop) does not increase the intensity, it only decreases the beam angle of the light. However, the use of etendue recycling according to the present invention (eg, in the embodiment of FIG. 1) not only reduces the beam angle, but also significantly increases the light intensity.

[0041]High temperature polarized recycling   As noted in the aforementioned '091 patent, light of undesired polarity is
For example, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, indium halides, and other metal halides.
Beneficial recycling by lamp plasma such as ride
Is possible. Conventional optical elements for such recycling are mines
Manufactured by Sota Mining and Manufacturing (3M)
Like Double Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF)
It includes various optical films. Such membranes are typically constructed from plastic.
It is impossible to withstand high temperatures. In addition, such films are not
When present, it can degrade, thereby allowing such films to have a broad spectrum.
Limit the useful life of the optical system used in light.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a lamp system according to the present invention using a high temperature wire grid deflector for polarization recycling. Aperture valve 33 is similar to aperture valve 3 with valve 35 disposed within ceramic cup 37. Valve 35 defines front ceramic washer 3 defining aperture 41.
It is positioned with respect to 9. Cup 3 not occupied by valve 35
The space inside 7 is filled with a reflective ceramic material 43. A rear ceramic disc 45 is located in the cup 37 behind the reflective material 43.

According to this aspect of the invention, the wire grid polarizer 46 is positioned directly in front of the aperture 41. A ball lens 47 is positioned with respect to the polarizer 46 on the opposite side of the polarizer 46 with respect to the aperture 41. The lamp system can also have an optional clean-up polarizer 49, which in FIG. 4 is arranged on the curved outer surface of the ball lens 47.

The wire grid polarizer 46 is configured to pass light of the desired polarity and reflect light of the undesired polarity back through the aperture 41 into the bulb 35. This returned light has a non-zero probability of being absorbed by the fill and re-emitting with the desired polarity, thereby increasing the useful light output. The advantage of wire grid polarizer 46 is that it is a high temperature material (eg, metal and glass).
And is capable of withstanding high operating temperatures (eg, at least about 400 ° C.). Suitable wire grid polarizers are available, for example, from Moxtek Inc. of Orlem, Utah. Are commercially available from a variety of suppliers including.

Depending on the particular lamp configuration, the temperature of the aperture 41 line may still and may exceed the maximum operating temperature for the polarizer 46. Under these circumstances, the polarizer 46 is omitted and the cleanup polarizer 49 is used as the primary polarizer for the lamp system. Polarizers 46 and 49 may be integrally formed with ball lens 47 or may be separate components.

[0046]Etendue and polarization recycling   Figure 5 shows the original model using both etendue recycling and polarization recycling.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a lamp system based on light. The aperture lamp 3 is related to FIG.
Then, it is as described above. The ball lens 17 is in front of the aperture lamp 3.
Is positioned on the optical axis and the optical element 19 is separated from the aperture lamp 3.
There is. Second aperture with wire grid polarizer 51 defined by optical element 19
It is arranged inside the cha 21.

In operation, at least some of the light outside the desired angle defined by aperture 21 is reflected back to bubble 5 through aperture 11 and within the desired angle but undesired. Aperture 1 with at least some light that is polar
It is reflected to the bubble 5 via 1. Therefore, the light exiting the lamp system through the aperture 21 is within the desired angle and of the desired polarity. Some of the light returned to the bulb is recycled by the plasma and exits the lamp system within the desired angle and with the desired polarity, thereby increasing the useful light output.

Advantageously, the polarizer 51 is well separated from the aperture valve 3 and the operating temperature of the polarizer is typically well below its specified maximum operating temperature for proper operation. Keep at temperature. Further, the material of the wire grid polarizer 51 is U
There is substantially no degradation in the presence of V light, which does not limit the useful life of the lamp system.

A further advantage of the combined etendue / polarization recycling lamp system is that the properly configured optical element 19 together with the wire grid polarizer 51 can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) leakage. That is. Both the optical element 19 and the polarizer 51 can be made of a conductive material. For example, the optical element 19 can have a mirror constructed of silver, and the wire grid polarizer 51 can have an array of metal wires. According to this aspect of the invention, the optical element 19 and the polarizer 51 are incorporated into a lens tube, which lens tube is also composed of a conductive material (eg, aluminum), all of which are electrically connected together. And grounded to form an effective EMI shield.

[0050]Efficient coupling of light into optical fibers   According to this aspect of the invention, the lamp system directs light from the aperture lamp.
It is designed to couple more efficiently into the optical fiber bundle.
The fiber bundle has interstitial spaces between the individual fibers. Such a gap
Space is "wasteful" due to, for example, the cladding surrounding each fiber.
It may be "space". In conventional lamp systems, the
The light from the lamp is then not carried in the fiber and is
Lost. This void space may occupy 15-40% of the fiber optic bundle.
Therefore, it represents a considerable loss of light.

According to the invention, this problem is overcome by depositing a reflective layer on the interstitial areas of the entrance surface of the fiber optic bundle while keeping the individual fiber surfaces unchanged. Therefore, the light reflected from the interstitial area is sent back into the active lamp volume, some of which is recycled and re-emitted.
The re-emitted light has a non-zero probability of being incident on the active fiber surface as the light carried by the fiber. This reflective interstitial space effectively becomes part of the reflective envelope of the aperture lamp. Similarly, the sum of the individual fiber apertures represents the effective aperture area for the lamp, and the aperture lamp is preferably constructed with this effective aperture area taken into account.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of a first optical fiber bundle according to the present invention. The optical fiber bundle 61 has a plurality of individual optical fibers 63. The individual fibers 63 define an interstitial space between them and the reflective material 61 is disposed on the interstitial space.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional cutaway view of a lamp system using an optical fiber bundle according to the present invention. The aperture lamp 62 has a bulb 64 which is covered by a reflective ceramic 66 which defines an aperture 67. The lamp system includes a bundle 61 having a reflective material 65 disposed thereon.
Is configured such that its end is positioned in proximity to the aperture 67. Photons emitted from plasma 68 exiting the aperture along path A enter individual fibers 63 and are transported therethrough. Photons emitted from the plasma exiting the aperture along path B encounter the reflective material 65 and return to the plasma 68 where it is absorbed by the plasma 68 and into one of the individual fibers 63. Re-emission is performed with a probability of not being zero.

Effectively, the optical properties of the fiber optic bundle allow a variety of possible processes to be performed because of the deposition of the reflective layer on the interstitial space. One such process is described below.

Photoactive surface chemistry is known in the art of patterned metallization. In this type of process, a thin film photoactive layer is deposited on a target surface. This surface is then exposed to a patterned image of light, which alters the chemistry of the photoactive layer in the areas exposed to light. The "exposed" surface is then "developed" with additional chemicals to remove the initial photoactivation layer in the unexposed areas and selectively remove the thin film metal reflective layer in the unexposed areas. Attach and form. Exposing the area coating the active fiber surface is
It is as simple as exposing the other surface of the fiber bundle to the light necessary to photoactivate the film.

8A-D are schematic cross-sectional views of process steps for manufacturing an optical fiber bundle according to the present invention. FIG. 8A shows a plurality of individual fibers 73 and interstitial material 7.
4 shows an initial fiber optic bundle 71 including 4 and 4. In FIG. 8B, a photoactivatable adhesive layer 77 is deposited on one end of the fiber optic bundle 71 and the other end of the fiber optic bundle 71 is exposed to light 79 suitable for activating the layer 77. Only the areas of layer 77 which coincide with the individual fibers 73 are actually exposed to that light. After further processing, the remaining adhesive layer 77 corresponds to the area corresponding to the interstitial area 74, as shown in FIG. 8C. Finally, as shown in FIG. 8D,
The metallized reflector layer 75 is selectively deposited on the remaining adhesive layer 77.

There are other widespread processes that can be used to selectively convert interstitial areas in fiber optic bundles to reflective surfaces. The above process is additive, ie the reflective material is selectively added to the interstitial space. It is also possible to apply a subtractive process selectively, in which case the initial thin film is attached to the fiber surface by photoactivation and removed from the interstitial areas, after which the entire surface is uncoated Coated with a reflective material that adheres well to the interstitial areas, and then exposes the resulting surface to an aggressive solvent, which is the developed photoactivator present on the underside of the active fiber surface. But not the reflective coating on the interstitial material. This selectivity can be achieved, for example, with an organic photoactivator and an inorganic reflective layer, which can be either metal or dichroic.

9A-D are schematic cross-sectional views of different process steps for manufacturing an optical fiber bundle according to the present invention. In FIG. 9A, the optical fiber bundle 81 has a layer 87 of an organic material that is adhered and light-stabilized on its end surface. The other end of bundle 81 is exposed to appropriate light 89 to stabilize the material 87. After further processing, as shown in FIG. 9B, the material 87 remaining is the material consistent with the fiber 83, while the removed material is the material consistent with the interstitial material 84. In FIG. 9C, the reflector layer 85 that is directionally deposited is formed into a bundle 8.
It is added to 1. In FIG. 9D, a solvent is used to selectively remove the organic layer 87 with the reflective material 85 deposited thereon. The remaining reflective layer 85 corresponds to a reflective material that matches the interstitial material 84.

Advantageously, both processes above utilize the fiber bundle geometry to provide a self-aligned selective treatment of the reflective layer, thereby requiring additional photomasks. It eliminates sex and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0060]Color recycling   FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of a second optical fiber bundle according to the present invention. The present invention
According to this aspect, the reflective material in the interstitial space is selected for further light recycling.
Combined with selective wavelength reflection. In FIG. 10, the optical fiber bundle 91 is individually
It has an optical fiber 93 and a gap substance 94. One end of the bundle 91 is
Having a completely reflective layer 95 conforming to the interstitial material 94, at least
10 and all of the ends of the bundle 91 in FIG.
It has a selectively reflective layer 97 covering the surface. For example, selectively
The emissive material 97 comprises red / green / blue (RGB) bandpass dichroic material.
And are possible. In operation, light incident on the reflective layer 95 is reflected back to the bulb.
Light that is outside the desired wavelength and is incident on the reflective layer 97 is selectively recycled.
It is reflected back to the bulb due to the ringing. Selective counteractions, depending on processing considerations
The order of the reflective layer 97 and the reflective layer 95 can be reversed (eg, dike
It is possible to have a Loic substance on top of a metallic substance).

On the other hand, while recycling unused light from each aperture, separate color bands (eg, one for red, one for green, and one for blue) simultaneously from each of the three apertures of the same lamp. It is possible to use three separate bundles to selectively extract. 3 separate fibers or fiber bundles for 3 desired RGs
Coat with a dichroic bandpass filter for the B band. The light reflected from each bandpass filter is immediately recycled. This is because the filter is in close proximity to the aperture lamp.

In another variation, a large core optical fiber, tapered light pipe, or other light guide may consist of a dichroic bandpass filter at the end of the guide that is distal to the aperture lamp. It is possible. Light that is outside the desired wavelength is reflected back through the fiber / TLP / light guide and re-enters the lamp through the aperture. As mentioned above, it is possible to use three separate guides for each of the RGB bands. The fiber / TLP / light guide can also have polarizing filters at either end to recycle light of unwanted polarity.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third optical fiber bundle according to the present invention. The single fiber bundle 101 is configured with respective band pass filters R, G, B on different geometric areas, which areas have respective output windows 103 for each of the RGB colors.
, 105, 107. The light reflected from each bandpass filter is immediately recycled. This is because the filter is close to the aperture lamp. It is possible to apply polarizing filters in the remote windows 103, 105, 107, which further increases the lamp generation efficiency by reflecting back through the fiber to recycle light of undesired characteristics. Let The bundle 101 can also have a reflective material in the interstitial space at the R / G / B bandpass filter end of the bundle 101.

[0064]Micro lens array   FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a lamp system using a microlens array according to the present invention.
FIG. The micro lens array 111 includes three lenses 113 and 11
5, 117. Each of the lenses 113, 115 and 117 has a lens on one side.
With a fully reflective dichroic that defines the "local aperture" for the lens
And the wavelength-selective bandpass filter that defines which color passes through the lens.
(E.g., one each of R / G / B). Array 111 is a valve
A reflective ceramic, which is arranged close to 121 and surrounds the bulb 121.
Positioned within an aperture 123 defined by a rack 125.
These three lenses are on different optical axes, so one for each color band 3
Generates two separate images. The waste light from each color is recycled into the lamp plasma.
Be done.

The optical system described above is provided by way of illustration and not by limitation. Given the benefit of this description, numerous other optical systems can be applied to utilize various aspects of the invention.

[0066]Chamfered aperture with overfilled CPC   According to this aspect of the invention, the aperture lamp is overfilled.
Tapered aperture to allow closer optical access to the packed optical element
Have a teacher.

An optical element is said to be underfilled if its entrance face (ie, the face closest to the aperture bulb) is not completely illuminated by the light source.
This condition may occur when the entrance face is larger than the aperture and the optical element is close to the aperture. For example, the ball lens 17 in FIG.
Is an underfill with respect to the aperture 11. On the other hand, an optical element is said to be overfilled if its entrance face is completely illuminated by the light source. This condition may occur if the entrance surface is smaller than the aperture or the optical element is far from the aperture. For example, fiber optic bundle 61 is overfilled with respect to aperture 67 in FIG.

A problem with some underfilled optical elements is the appearance of parallax or dark parallax rings that create unwanted non-uniformities in the light output. A problem with overfilled optical elements is the lost light beyond the edge of the optical element. This aspect of the invention provides closer positioning of the optical element by beveling the aperture surface, reducing the amount of light lost to the overfilled optical element.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 14, the lamp system 131 includes the light emitting aperture 1.
It has a bulb 133 which is enclosed in a reflective ceramic 135 except in the area 37. A ceramic disc 136, which may be integral with the aperture cup, defines an aperture 137. The surface 138 of the disk 136 is tapered so that the area of the opening on the side of the disk 136 that contacts the valve 133 is smaller than the area of the opening on the side opposite the disk 136. In other words, the area of the aperture 133 increases in the direction away from the bulb 133 along the optical axis. This configuration allows for greater optical access to the valve 133, and the optical element 139 can be positioned relatively closer to the valve as compared to a uniform area aperture.

[0070]Hollow CPC with reflective entrance surface defining a lamp aperture   According to this aspect of the invention, the first optical element is one of the integral volumes of the aperture lamp.
Forming a portion and defining a light exit aperture.

As mentioned above, there are problems associated with either overfilling or underfilling of the optical elements used in aperture lamps. The present invention solves these problems by using a hollow optical element that has a reflective coating on its surface.

Referring to FIG. 15, the ramp system 141 has an aperture bulb that includes a ceramic disc 143 that defines an aperture 145. Hollow optical element 147 is positioned with respect to disc 143 and has aperture 15
1 defines a face or surface 149. According to this aspect of the invention, the outer perimeter of surface 149 is outside the perimeter of aperture 145 and
The inner perimeter of 9 is inside the perimeter of aperture 145 and surface 149 is adapted to be highly reflective (eg, greater than 90%) at least in the visible region. Part of the light incident on the reflecting surface of the surface 149 is returned to the light emitting plasma. Thus, surface 149 forms part of the integral volume for the aperture valve and aperture 151 provides the light emitting aperture for the aperture valve.

Effectively, this aspect of the invention maintains high brightness via the optical element 147 with good spatial and angular uniformity at the output of the optical element. Hollow optical elements are potentially more efficient than solid optical elements due to the etendue conversion of light. For example, as mentioned above, solid optical elements should underfill the aperture (ie, be overfilled with light). The hollow optical element is also a solid optical element which, in particular, covers the aperture 145 and forms a closed, insulated space between the bulb and the optical system, as compared to a solid optical element. It provides better thermal properties for conductive cooling of the valve window compared to optical elements. Another advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the tolerance between the aperture valve and the first optical element is relaxed. Since the optical element itself defines the valve aperture, the system is self-aligning and the optical element need not be precisely centered with respect to the valve.

For example, both surface 149 and inner surface 153 of optical element 147 can be coated with a high temperature dichroic coating to provide a suitable reflective surface. Optionally, depending on the coating process, coating all optical elements 147 may be more cost effective. Optical element 147
Is illustrated as a CPC, but is not limited to it, it is possible to use TLPs, optical rods or integrators, and other hollow optical elements including spherical reflectors or angle selectors and the like.

Preferably, the hollow optical element 147 is formed without seams or with as few seams as possible on the inner surface 153. One way to manufacture optical elements without internal seams is to shrink a hollow quartz tube around a seamless mold.

[0076]Selective high angle cutoff   According to this aspect of the invention, high angles of light are removed from the light beam and plasm
A portion of the returned light is re-emitted at a desired beam angle.
On this side, the choice of angle should be as close as possible to the plasma for light emission.
Done The selected angular range is, for example, the acceptance of the optical element.
It is possible to correspond to the acceptable angle. In addition to increasing the efficiency of the light source, the book
The invention increases the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the aperture. Because the injection
This is because the emitted light is more uniform over the beam angle.

Referring to FIG. 16, the lamp system 154 has a bulb 155 that is enclosed within a reflective ceramic 157 except in the area of the aperture 159. Optical element 161 is aligned with aperture 159 along the optical axis. For example, without limitation, optical element 161 may be a CPC, TLP, spherical reflector,
It can be a rod or a cone, which is preferably composed of quartz or another high temperature dielectric material. As illustrated, optical element 161 represents a right quartz cone with a planar surface. An angle-selective dichroic coating has a valve inner surface 163, a valve outer surface 165, an inlet surface 167 of the optical element.
Alternatively, it is located on either exit face 169 of the optical element. For example, the angle-selective coating is highly transparent in the visible region for light exiting the bulb between angles of ± 25 ° with respect to the optical axis and highly visible for light in the visible region outside these angles. It is configured to be reflective.

Coatings 163-167 on or near valve 155 can be high temperature dichroic coatings, while coating 169 can be a relatively low temperature coating. The coating in the area of surfaces 163-167 is
It is usually more efficient due to losses from transport and return from more remote surfaces 160. A preferred example is the absence of coating 163 or 165 on the bulb surface, an angle selective coating on the entrance face 167 of the optical element 161, and an antireflection coating on the exit face 169. The lamp system can further include a remote aperture and / or a reflective polarizer such as DBEF from 3M or a wire grid polarizer described above disposed on or near the exit face 169. In this configuration, and assuming that the optical element 161 and the bulb 155 are in close proximity to reduce light leakage, the area between the optical element and the bulb is returned from the reflective polarizer. The photon flux density is relatively increased due to the amount of light and the high angle light cutoff. When properly shaped, more than 50% of the light generated is returned to the plasma via this region. The increased photon flux density can have the added advantage of providing a closer Lambertian light output.

[0079]Remote aperture   Referring to FIG. 17, the aperture lamp system 173 is similar to the aperture 179.
With a bulb 175 enclosed in a reflective ceramic material 177 except in the area
ing. Tapered light pipe (TLP) 181 and aperture 179
It is consistent. Preferably, aperture 179 is less than the narrow end of TLP181.
It is slightly larger, so the TLP 181 is overfilled with light. TLP181
It has a structure 183 on the larger end of the TLP 181, which is valve 1
A remote aperture 185 is defined that is remote from 75. This lamp form
In, the structure 183 is basically a part of the light integrating container.

In operation, some rays of light A output from the lamp system 173 via the remote aperture 185, while other rays of light B are reflected by the construct 183 into the bulb 185 via the TLP 181. Return. Some of the light B reflected back into the bulb can be redirected by the reflective material 177 and exit the bulb 175 as light A exiting the lamp system. Also, if the fill material is properly selected (eg, a molecular emitter such as sulfur or indium halide), some of the light B that re-enters the bulb 175 will be absorbed by the fill and light A.
Is re-emitted as it exits the lamp system, further increasing system efficiency. Other advantages provided by the structure 183 that defines the remote aperture, as compared to a lamp system that uses the aperture 179 as the lamp system aperture, include:

(1) Greater selection of materials for the apertures that define the construct 183-
For example, the structure 183 can be a highly reflective metal (eg, polishing the side of the structure 183 facing the bulb 175), a dichroic coating, or other highly reflective material.

(2) Separation of Optical Conditions for Aperture 185 from Thermal Conditions for the Bulb-Because the aperture 185 is remote from the valve 175, it is not so hot compared to the area around the aperture 179. Absent.

(3) Potentially better accuracy in forming system apertures—Metal and dichroic manufacturing processes are more accurate and reproducible than potentially comparable ceramic manufacturing processes.

[0084]   (4) Potentially better optical alignment.

(5) Better morphology management-As shown in Figures 19-24, the optical elements and remote apertures can take many shapes and sizes. However, a single aperture lamp can be used with several different optical components to meet different system level requirements. For example, the same aperture lamp can be coupled to a round optical fiber or to a rectangular LCD image gate by changing its optics to have the desired remote aperture configuration.

With reference to FIG. 18, the aperture lamp system is similar to the system described above, except that it is a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) 187 with a structure 189 defining a remote aperture 191. The CPC 187 can be solid or hollow and is typically composed of a dielectric material such as quartz. For example, construct 189 is a mirror that has been partially removed (eg, drilled or machined) to define aperture 191. This mirror is an optically clear adhesive with a solid C
It is attached to the end of the PC. The mirror can be composed of, for example, a highly polished metal sheet. Construct 189, on the other hand, is a transparent quartz disk having a patterned dichroic coating deposited thereon to define aperture 191. The disc is attached to the hollow CPC with an optically clear adhesive around the edges of the CPC. In another variation, the optics folder can be designed to position the reflective structure 189 on the end of the optical element 187.

In FIGS. 19 and 20, an optical element according to the invention defines a remote aperture and is in the form of a truncated four-sided pyramid with a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the axis of the TLP. Have a TLP at. In FIG. 21, the remote aperture has an elliptical shape. In FIG. 22, this remote aperture is a star formed as an example of an optional or eccentric aperture configuration.

In FIG. 23, an optical element according to the present invention has a cylindrical rod light guide that defines a remote aperture. The illustrated light guide is cylindrical. However,
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the light guide can be of any useful form including a guide with a rectangular cross section or a prismatic light guide.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a CPC according to the present invention defining a remote aperture. In a light guide or TLP-type optical element, light may undergo several reflections on the walls of the optical element before it leaves the remote aperture or is reflected back to the lamp. In contrast to TLPs, in CPC type optical elements most of the light typically
It only experiences a single reflection (in each direction) on the wall of the CPC before exiting the remote aperture or being reflected back to the lamp.

In FIG. 24, a plurality of remote apertures are defined by the reflective structure on the edge of the CPC. Such a configuration is useful, for example, in distributed lighting applications using optical fibers. In the illustrated form, two larger remote apertures can be coupled to the fiber optics for vehicle headlamps, while smaller remote apertures can be coupled to the fiber optics for brake lights and / or interior lighting. It is possible.

Although some examples of optical elements according to the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aperture lamp systems in accordance with the principles of the present invention described herein. It is possible to construct a number of other optical elements (eg lenses) with a remote aperture to be used in combination with.
Therefore, the optical system described above is exemplary and not limiting.
Given the benefits of this specification, numerous other optical systems can be applied to use various aspects of the invention.

[0092]Plane source of polarized light   According to this aspect of the invention, a planar light source of polarized light is provided with transmissive and reflective polarization.
Has a configuration that uses optical elements (one polarized light is transmitted and the second is reflected)
And the polarizing element is planar and not curved (eg not spherical).
) And a lens is adjacent to the polarizing element.

A general problem is that uniform and polarized light from a surface source of light (eg, aperture valve) that is not uniform at high angles while preserving the etendue as close to practical as possible. Is to generate the area source. A particular problem solved by this aspect of the invention is to increase the amount of polarized waste light recycled.

At higher angles, the light output of the aperture lamp described here falls faster than the Lambertian cos (θ) curve. The light generated is about 70-90% of the light assumed for a Lambertian light source and predicted by normal light intensity (perpendicular to and centered on the light source).

However, the light from the aperture is approximately Lambertian up to about 70 degrees from the normal, and light above the maximum Lambertian angle is reflected back into the aperture for reuse. This is called "etendur recycling".

With reference to FIGS. 25-26, this aspect of the invention shows that a ball lens is omitted and the polarizer is used to increase the amount of reflected polarized waste light that can be effectively recovered. 5 is similar to the example shown in FIG. 5, except that a lens (for example, a plano-convex lens) is used in connection with. The polariser / lens is combined with a spherical mirror with a central aperture to reflect the unwanted angle back into the valve aperture.

Spherical or curved polarizing elements are needed to reflect the unwanted polarities back into the aperture. However, curved polarizing elements are more complex and costly. In the case of a planar polarizing element, much of the reflected light of the undesired polarity will not re-enter the aperture. Effectively, the plano-convex lens used in accordance with this aspect of the invention images reflected light from the polarizer into the source aperture, thereby increasing the amount of waste light recovered. Let The lens or polarizing element is fitted within the central aperture of the mirror. The valve aperture area is adjusted (for those without mirrors or polarizers) to preserve the initial alpha value. This aspect of the invention can be used in combination with a ball lens, with appropriate adjustments made to the size of the central aperture, the polarizing element and the lens.

Referring to FIG. 26, the spherical reflector 193 is positioned with its center of curvature located at the center of the surface of the valve aperture (aperture outlet surface), and thus forms an inverted image of the aperture in the surface of the valve aperture. To do. The central aperture of this spherical reflector, in primary order (ignoring error angles and aberrations), defines the ultimate angular output of light from the aperture valve. A reflective polarizing element 195 is arranged in the plane of this spherical mirror aperture. Immediately below the reflective side of the polarizer is a plano-convex lens 197 with a focal length such that the light from the valve aperture reflected from the polarizer that passes twice through the lens is imaged on the aperture. It The polarizer can be adhered to the planar side of the lens (if thermally practical), can be formed on the planar side of the lens, or on each of the optical surfaces. It can be different from the Fresnel non-reflective coating in. The amount of light reflected from the polarizer depends on the angle spanned by the polarizer and its reflectivity.

[0099]Bulb with integrated light rod and chamfered aperture   According to this aspect of the invention, an aperture bulb comprising an integral light rod is provided.
, Near the junction of the bulb and rod to avoid scattered light entering the rod
The reflective ceramic material is beveled.

Referring to FIG. 27, the lamp system comprises an integral cylindrical rod light guide 213 (which can be solid or hollow) housed within a reflective ceramic jacket 217. It has a valve 215 for switching. Valve 21
The light generated by 5 exits the lamp system via light rod 213. Beyond the jacket 217, light is efficiently transported along the rod 213 by total internal reflection. However, the light that encounters the interface between the ceramic material 217 and the rod 213 is scattered, as represented by the straight lines and arrows in FIG. A significant portion of the light that enters rod 213 is not transported outside the lamp system.

Referring to FIG. 28, this aspect of the invention is to chamfer the ceramic material 217 near the junction of the valve 215 and rod 213 at an angle θ so that the chamfered surface 219 of the jacket 217 does not contact the rod. Solves this problem. Beneficially, light that encounters the wall of rod 213 near the junction of bulb 215 and rod 213 does not encounter the interface with reflective material 217, and more of the light is totally absorbed. Transported along rod 213 by internal reflection.

[0102]Bulb with integrated lens   According to this aspect of the invention, the electrodeless lamp bulb is suitable with an integral first optical element.
Have been combined. Beneficially, this aspect of the invention involves two optical interfaces and
One thermal interface is removed.

Certain lamp systems described herein and in the '940 publication show the use of ball lenses or other optical elements in close proximity to aperture lamps. In these arrangements, the surface of the bulb and the entrance surface of the optical element provide two optical interfaces, each of which is exposed to Fresnel reflection losses.
These surfaces can be treated with antireflection coatings to reduce their loss, but such coatings must be able to withstand the high temperatures of the bulb and to the manufacturing process. Add cost and complexity. Another problem with these arrangements is that the air gap between the bulb window and the optical element provides an insulating layer, which can increase the temperature of the bulb window and limit the operating range of the bulb and the life of the lamp system. There is.

The present invention solves these problems by making the first optical element integral with the bulb. 29-30, an electrodeless lamp bulb envelope 2
Reference numeral 21 has a body portion 223 and an optical system portion 225. The body portion 223 and the optics portion 225 are integrally connected and may be monolithic and define an integrally enclosed volume 227. In the preferred illustrative example, bulb 221 has a cross section similar to that of the human eye, and its optics portion has a flat entrance surface 231 and is generally a truncated ball lens. Has a general shape.

Bulb 221 can be constructed of quartz, polycrystalline alumina, sapphire, or any other suitable light transmissive material capable of withstanding the high operating temperatures of the bulb. A suitable example is configured as follows.

(1) Starting with a spherical quartz bulb, weld a solid quartz rod to the bulb.

(2) Heat the weld zone and push the quartz rod inside the bulb and form the face of the optics part.

(3) Using a quartz wheel, position the torch at a suitable distance along the rod away from the bulb and heat and pull the rod to bend the curved lens exterior of the ball lens optics section. Provide the surface.

(4) When the optical system portion has a desired shape, the excess rod is stripped off and the stripped region of the optical system portion is fired.

The valve constructed as described above is then characterized using an optical calibration device. An optical system portion having a diameter of 9.0 mm with respect to the main body portion, a total length of 10.3 mm along the optical axis, and a thickness of 2.8 mm along the optical axis (
An exemplary bulb identified as having an approximate dimension (having a radius of curvature of 3.4 mm) was housed in a reflective ceramic jacket as shown in FIG. 30 with an aperture diameter of 6 mm. Let The relative light distribution for the bulb of this aspect of the invention is flatter over a beam angle of ± 30 ° compared to a spherical bulb in a similarly shaped reflective jacket.

Advantageously, since the optical element is integral with the bulb, there is no Fresnel loss involved in directing the light through the optical element. Another advantage is that the air gap between the bulb and the first optical element is eliminated.

[0112]Molded optical element with integral positioning element   Various optical elements such as lenses, TLPs, rods, CPCs, etc. from the aperture valve
It is useful for directing the light of. Optical element is secure within the optical system
Positioning and aligning can be difficult. In general,
The element must be accurately positioned with respect to the optical axis and also with respect to the aperture.
Yes. However, the pins or mounts that make contact with the surface of the optical element cause a loss of light.
There is a case. Alternatively, various optically clear adhesives can be used
However, the use of such adhesives adds cost and complexity to the assembly process.
May add and reduce the life or reliability of the system.

This aspect of the present invention allows for other mechanical and / or mechanical properties without degrading the optical path.
Alternatively, these problems are overcome by providing a molded optical element with an integral positioning element that can be easily interfaced with the optical device.

FIG. 31 illustrates a truncated ball lens suitable for use in connection with an aperture lamp for many optical systems. Typically, the entrance surface is much larger than the light exit aperture and the sides of the ball lens are chamfered because no light is directed through that portion of the lens. 32-33 show a molded ball lens according to this aspect of the invention. The ball lens is monolithic with an integral flange near the entrance face and two key slots 233 and 235. As mentioned above, there is no light beyond the 45 ° cone, and the shape of the molded lens outside this area has no optical effect. Beneficially, the flange and key slot are located outside this area and therefore do not interfere with the optical function of the lens.

34-35, one example of how to make a molded ball lens is as follows. The solid part of the quartz rod is heated to soften the quartz and terminate the softened material at one end. A rod with the terminated substance is placed in the two mold parts A, B and the mold is closed around the substance. For example, one mold portion B defines the spherical portion of the lens and one side of the flange, and the other mold portion A surrounds the quartz rod and defines the other side of the flange. The thickness of the flange is defined by the channel formed between these two parts. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the channels provide an excess volume into which the assembled material flows in, so that the perimeter of the flange is arbitrarily shaped. The softened quartz flows around the pins provided in one or both of these two molds and causes the two key slots 23 to
3 and 235 are defined. On the other hand, other positioning features can be easily incorporated into the mold. Although the preferred example uses two mold sections, it is possible to use more than two with appropriate care to avoid seams in the optical path. For example, the mold portion surrounding the quartz rod can be split into two portions along the centerline to allow radial placement around the rod.

After molding the lens at the end of the rod, the rod is cut at a suitable location near the flange to provide the entrance surface of the lens. This inlet face can be polished to the desired finish if desired.

36-37, a molded and polished solid quartz axisymmetric optical element has a flange on the output end. The shape is approximately parabolic-conical (eg, a cone near the input end and then a parabola). In this particular use, the smaller diameter end is the input end and the larger diameter end is the output end.

The integral flange provides a location for mechanically mounting a CPC using total internal reflection (TIR) to achieve its optical performance. It is an optical component that receives the light input from the valve aperture and then relies on the TIR to direct the light to a target or optical element at a controlled size and angle.

The CPC depends on the TIR and any contact with its surface causes losses, so the flange is located on the output end and the incident angle of the light on the output side is very low, so the losses are The minimum. The shape of the flange is the result of attempts and tooling and manufacturing processes to minimize secondary polishing operations.

The axisymmetric cross section of a CPC can be characterized by five features: a flat input end 241, a straight segment 243 forming a conical section of rotation,
A parabolic spline forming a parabolic rotating section 245 and associated flange 24
7 and a flat output end 249. The straight segments and parabolic splines are treated to best receive light from a given angle of incidence and to emit light at another desired angle of incidence.

[0121]   Subsequent grinding and / or polishing of the input and output surfaces is usually desirable.

38-39, the molded optical element has the shape of a TLP with an integral flange on the output end.

[0123]Tapered light cone with angular step   It is an object of this aspect of the invention to have a planar or near planar light source with high angle radiation.
Is another way, while giving a lower cost solution than compound parabolic refractors
With a limited angular range while preserving the etendue and overall light closer than
To provide light conversion to a larger area disc light source.

A problem with using complex parabolic quartz concentrators for refraction is that such concentrators are expensive. However, the cheaper, simpler quartz cones are far from the desired results. Referring to FIGS. 40-41, this aspect of the present invention uses one or more angular steps in the light cone to approximate the performance of a refractive compound parabolic concentrator.
The angle and position of each of these steps is chosen to best approximate the refractive compound parabolic concentrator that the stepped cone replaces.

The tapered light cone with the angular step is cylindrically symmetric and can be solid or hollow. The length and angle of these steps are selected to approximate the performance of the refractive compound parabolic concentrator. The number of steps can be any number from one to a practically possible number. The example shown in FIG. 40 has two steps. The example in FIG. 41 further has a convex lens on the output surface. The convex lens may be part of the cone or may be separate and glued.

The resulting optical system is simple and it approximates a more efficient optical element. The dielectric or refractory element to be replaced can be parabolic or simply curved. In any case, this aspect of the invention approximates the concentrator using a series of one or more angled steps with straight sides, thus facilitating ease of manufacture. Offers benefits.

Refractive or dielectric concentrators can be manufactured without convex lenses, but the resulting optical elements may be longer than those with lenses.

[0128]Truncated optical element   According to this aspect of the invention, a curved or tapered optical element is
It is fitted with four sides substantially perpendicular to the output surface of the optical element.

For example, referring to FIGS. 42-44, a dielectric (eg, glass or quartz) solid C
The PC has been modified along the four dashed lines to form sides that are either perpendicular to the front or have a slight angle, so that the light is image gate or desired to form an image gate light source. It is internally reflected as it exits within the rectangular area. The resulting optical elements are shown in Figures 45-47. Referring to FIG. 48, the truncated (ie, ablated) optical element can use an optional remote aperture mask, which is preferably on the side of the optical element facing the output end. The light reflected and incident on the mask is recycled.

Beneficially, this truncated optical element preserves light to a greater extent in projection systems that require rectangular image gates than alternative systems. Dielectric CPC is known. In many optical systems,
CPC is used in the opposite direction, ie not to focus the light, but to convert the angular range of the light from a higher value to a lower value. However, a CPC with a circular output overfills a rectangular image target and thus produces waste light. According to this aspect of the invention, the CPC is truncated on four sides (eg, cutting and / or polishing) so that light is internally reflected from the sides into a more rectangular output shape. , Thus reducing the amount of waste light.

[0131]Segmented CPC   According to this aspect of the invention, a curved (eg circular or elliptical) output surface.
Optical element with a seg- ment to more closely approximate a rectangular image gate.
Have been converted. Beneficially, this segmented optical element
Improves the amount of light delivered from the aperture lamp to the rectangular image target
It

As mentioned above, CPC is a useful optical element for converting higher angle light to lower angle light. However, the CPC is round and the image gate is rectangular, so the image gate is overfilled and light is lost around the perimeter of the target. This aspect of the invention avoids the need for remote apertures and increases the amount of light that can be coupled into the rectangular image gate from the CPC. Referring to FIGS. 49-50, the CPC is composed of four sides. Each side is a minor portion of the CPC merged along its edge with the other side to provide a relatively more rectangular output window. Each of these sides maintains a CPC curve to provide the desired angular transformation. The gate is still overfilled but with less waste light.

The segmented CPC can be molded in a single piece or can consist of four segments. The segmented CPC can be solid or hollow. The aperture can be round or rectangular. A preferred example of a segmented CPC that approximates a square output has four facets scaled from the smaller 25 degree CPC designed for an incident angle of 85 degrees. The nearly square input of the CPC circumscribes a 3.6 mm diameter to accept input from a 3.385 diameter round aperture. The segmented CPC is approximately 48 mm (1.89 inches) long and its output end can be circumscribed by a circle of approximately 24 mm (0.94 inches).

[0134]Optical system for bending end rays   According to this aspect of the invention, using a refractive and / or reflective compensating element,
Match the light source near field etendue with the lens acceptance etendue
It In particular, the rays near the edge of the light source are shifted inward while leaving the internal rays unchanged.
An optical element is adopted for the purpose.

For example, one aspect of the present invention is to use light rays inwardly to polarize light rays near the edge of the source disc without significant polarization of the light rays inside to achieve the desired intensity distribution in object space. It is to bend.

Referring to FIG. 51, two irises 251 and 253 are used to constrain the angular distribution of light passing between them to a desired range. Lens 255 is configured to cause rays near the ends of the lens to bend inward in a stepwise fashion while leaving the rays inside unchanged to better match the near field lens acceptance etendue of the target. It is said that. Referring to FIG. 52, the reflector 257 is configured to bend the rays near the ends of the lens inward in a stepwise manner while keeping the rays inside unchanged.

[0137]Double aperture etendue selection method and apparatus   According to this aspect of the invention, the desired etendue can be obtained using two apertures.
To be selected. For example, one aperture is the output aperture of the aperture lamp.
Corresponding and the other aperture has a reflective spherical (or sphere-like) reflector
Is formed inside the reflector, and the center of the spherical reflector is on or near the aperture.
Is located in. The opening in the sphere is imaged by these two apertures.
Forms the entrance of an optical system adapted to preserve the defined etendue
.

Two iris define the size of the acceptance etendue. Spherical reflectors tend to invert and reflect light on the center of the sphere (ignoring aberrations). The present invention uses both ideas. The light emitting aperture of the lamp corresponds to the first iris. The aperture in the reflective hemisphere corresponds to the second iris. The center of the hemisphere is located at the aperture center of the aperture lamp. In principle, light that does not pass through the second iris is reflected back to the first iris (assuming no aberrations). Therefore, the light passing through the second iris is etendue selective. The sphere can be modified to reduce aberrations. The spherical reflector can be less than a hemisphere and its center can be offset slightly from the lamp aperture for the purpose of reducing its aberrations. The second iris forms the entrance of the optical system, which translates the angle defined by the two iris into the acceptance angle of the target (eg, the image gate) while preserving the etendue.

With reference to FIG. 53, an aperture lamp 261 defines a first iris 263. A spherical reflector 265 defines a second iris 267. Beyond the second iris 267, the CPC 269 converts the light and directs it further downstream to the optical system. For a given first iris, the reflector 265 performs the etendue selection function by setting the radius of the second iris and the length between the two irises. The etendue can be selected according to Lambert's formula below.

[0140]

[Equation 2]

Where ε: etendue L: length between two irises R1: radius of first iris R2: radius of second iris For example, L = 6 mm and R1 = R2 = 3 mm. In some cases, etendue is 15.2 mm ² . The etendue selector 265 and CPC 269 can be a single component configuration. Following the etendue selector, optical element 269 is shown as a CPC, but could alternatively be a compound aconic concentrator, ball lens, or other suitable optics.

[0142]Dual CPC and integrator   Referring to FIG. 54 (not to scale), the lamp system 271 is apertured.
Charamp 273, angle selector 275 (eg CPC or CPC-like reflective surface)
, Optical integrator 277 (with optional angle expander), Optical
Transducer 279 (eg, CPC), optional reflective (transmissive polarizer 28)
1), it has an optional remote reflection aperture 283.

An advantage of angle selectors (eg, in the form of hollow CPCs or compound aconic concentrators) is their ability to return high angle light back to the bulb, which may not be directly useful in illuminating projection display image gates. is there. Light is
It enters the bottom (large diameter) of the angle selector at an angle of up to 90 degrees from the optical axis and passes or does not pass depending on its entry angle.

In some configurations, the light exiting the angle selector may not be as uniform as desired. The integrator spatially randomizes the light, improving coarse uniformity. For example, the integrator can have a tunnel integrator in the form of a tube with a highly reflective interior surface. In general, increasing the length of the integrator improves the uniformity. However, this must be balanced with keeping the optics compact and reducing reflection losses. For an F number equal to 1 and a hollow cylindrical tube light source,
Aspect ratios (with respect to tube diameter) of about 4 or 5 are expected to produce acceptable uniformity. For F-numbers less than 1, lower aspect ratios may be satisfactory. Assuming a hollow tube integrator with a 4 mm aperture, a cutoff entrance angle of 50 degrees and a diameter of about 3 mm, the length of the integrator should be less than 10 mm.

There is a trade-off between aspect ratio, internal reflectance of the tube, and maximum light angle into the integrator. Adding a short angle converter (CPC) after the angle selector in front of the integrator may be desirable to reduce the integrator input angle from about 90 degrees to perhaps 70 degrees. Following the integrator,
Although optical element 279 is shown as a CPC, it could alternatively be a compound aconic concentrator (which appears much like a CPC), a ball lens, or any other suitable optical system.

As illustrated, these optics consist of a single piece hollow construction. The construct may alternatively be refractive, preferably A
It is possible to coat with / R. Also, the structure can be composed of several parts. Another arrangement for the angle selector 275 and the integrator 277 is an integrating cone.
) That is, the integral cone. The first two stages 275 and 277 can be combined into a single very high reflectance cone with a slope angle of no more than a few degrees (eg less than about 2). A single low reflectance cone selects or limits the angle of light passing through the cone and returns the remainder to the light source. This limit is governed by the entrance and exit area of the cone. Because of the low angle of the cone, there are many bounces of light that travel the length of the cone. Stop
p and Brennesholpz Projection Displays (Pr
With reference to Object Displays (John Wiley Publishing 1999), for a uniform light over the exit disc area, the cone is of length L:

[0147]

[Equation 3]

L _n is the normalized length (dimensionless), n is the refractive index of the dielectric material (eg, quartz = 1.47 or air = 1), and A is the average diameter at the average diameter. Area,
θ _c is an intermediate or design cutoff angle. For the aperture ramps described herein, choosing a normalized length of approximately 5 is expected to produce greater than 90% uniformity. As an example (quartz cone with end diameters of 2.5 and 3.4 mm) the following equation is obtained:

[0149]

[Equation 4]

In other words, the initial diameter of this example is 3.4 mm, the final diameter is 2.5 mm and the length is 26 m.
m gives a uniform distribution over a circular plane with a diameter of 2.5 mm at the end of the cone. The cone slope in this example is only below 1.0 degree.

The cone can be either a solid dielectric or hollow (air), and reflectance in both cases is an important concern. In the case of a dielectric, light may escape if it is smaller than the internal critical angle (about 42.9 degrees for quartz with respect to the normal), which occurs in the case of returning light. . A dielectric coating on the outside of the cone designed for very high internal reflection (about 1 for an internal angle of 0 to 43 degrees to the surface normal) reduces the amount of light escaping.

In the case of hollow cones, no such contour angle exists. The reflectivity with respect to the conical surface normal should be as high as practical and practical for angles from about 0 degrees (for the returned ray) to about 90 degrees (for the direct ray). Should be.

Referring to FIGS. 55-58, various methods for mechanically mounting separate components to the angle selector, integrator, CPC are shown. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the mechanical assembly of these optics includes a multi-part hollow angle selector 281 (C
In the form of PC), integrator 283 (solid or hollow), hollow CPC2
This allows a reduced tolerance of 85.

In FIG. 55, locator pins 287 are used to position the integrator with respect to the other parts. However, the pin contact location causes a loss of light. The diameter of the integrator is larger than the output aperture of the angle selector and the corresponding input aperture of the CPC. The surface of the CPC that contacts the integrator is reflective to recycle light. This makes it possible to reduce tolerance.

In FIG. 56, the outlet of the angle selector is beveled to chamfer the integrator to six motion degrees of freedom without pins. This chamfer is formed on the angle selector instead of the CPC to reduce the light loss. In FIG. 57, both the angle selector and the integrator are chamfered to avoid damage to the surface of the angle selector (which can be coated) from the line contact that occurs in the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 58, the angle selector has a flange 289 (eg, counterbore) that constrains the integrator.

Referring to FIGS. 59-60, CPC / CPC-like hollow reflective optics 291, 293.
And there are two single component pairs of integrator 295. The CPC is hollow and has an internally reflective surface. For example, the reflective material is a multilayer dichroic coating designed for a range of angles and wavelengths. Each of the CPCs has a curved surface 291 at the mechanical interface between the CPC and the integrator.
a, 293a (in the form of a small CPC).

The small CPC 291a at the inlet end of the integrator has two purposes: (1) mechanical folder of the integrator, (2) integrator maximum input angle from 90 degrees to achieve practical AR coating. It is possible to reduce it to eg 50 or maybe 60 degrees. The small CPC 293a at the exit end of the integrator has the primary purpose of acting as a mechanical folder. At both ends, the CPC must represent a complete design that has not been extended or truncated in the contact ring to maintain the maximum of telecentric light through the optical system. Small CPC 293a at the exit end is shorter (smaller angle conversion) than at the entrance end
There is a probability that

[0158]Exemplary optical system   According to this aspect of the invention, undesired polarization effects outside the desired skew / etendue are affected.
And / or undesired light is generated by the aperture lamp (see the '940 publication).
(Reflected into the Ip's) and thus some portion of the unwanted light is random.
And can be re-emitted as useful light. Which is good
, The overall useful light amount is increased. This aspect of the invention involves the illumination of polarized light.
It is useful for projection displays that require a light source.

In an aperture lamp of the type described in the '940 publication, the bulb is enclosed in a reflective ceramic material except in the area of the aperture. Some of the light reflected back into the bulb can be redirected by the reflective material and exit the bulb as useful light. Also, with proper selection of the fill material (eg, molecular emitters such as sulfur or indium halide) some of the light that re-enters the bulb is absorbed by the fill and re-emitted as useful light, In that case, the system efficiency is further increased.

Referring to FIG. 61, the optical system 303 includes a compound parabolic concentrator (CP).
C) 305, which carries an antireflection (A / R) coating 307 on its smaller end. Conventional A / R coating has a normal incidence angle (
0 degree) is optimized. According to one aspect of the invention, the coating 307 is configured for light having a high angle of incidence to better combine with light emitted from the aperture. For example, A / R coating 307 is about 30
It is designed for angles of incidence between ° and 55 °, with a half angle of about 40 ° being preferred.

The CPC 305 also has a structure 311 on the larger end of the CPC 305 that defines the remote aperture. When combined with an aperture lamp,
The construct 311 is basically a part of the optical integration container. In operation, some rays of light A exit optical system 303 via the remote aperture, while some rays of light B are reflected back by configuration 311 through CPC 305 and into the bulb. As mentioned above, some of the light B reflected back into the bulb can be redirected by the reflective material and exit the bulb as light A exiting the optical system. Some of the light B that re-enters the bulb is absorbed by the fill and re-emitted as light A exiting the optical system.

The optical system 303 further comprises a reflective UV blocking filter 309, which prevents UV light from damaging downstream components. The optical system 303 further includes a reflective polarizer 313. Undesired U
Both V light and unwanted polarization are reflected back to the lamp for recycling by the fill. For example, the reflective polarizer 313 comprises a double brightness enhancement film (DBEF) available from 3M.

Referring to FIG. 62, the optical system 315 has a CPC 305 with an A / R coating 307 and a remote aperture 311. The optical system 315 also has a high angle A / R coating 317 on the larger end of the CPC 305. The light from CPC 305 is directed into a polarizer cube or cube 319, the sides of which are polished for total internal reflection, which carries a UV reflective coating 321 on the side of cube 319 facing CPC 305. ing. Light of the desired polarity is reflected by the cube 319 through the A / R coating 323 into an appropriate optical system (eg lens 325). Light of undesired polarity is reflected back to the bulb via the CPC 305 by the visible reflective coating 327.

Referring to FIG. 63, the optical system 331 has a CPC 305 with an A / R coating 307. Optical system 331 further includes a CPC holder or flange 33 mounted on the large end of CPC 305.
For example, CPC 305 is a quartz disk constructed of quartz (index of refraction of about 1.46) and flange 333 is attached to CPC 305 with an optically clear adhesive of similar index of refraction. A / R coating 335 is CPC305
Is disposed on the end of the flange 333 that is not attached to. Flange 33
An air interface (refractive index of 1.00) is provided between 3 and the lens 337. Lens 337 carries a reflective UV coating 339 and reflective polarizer 341 follows lens 337. Other optical elements (eg, cubes) can follow the polarizer 341.

[0165]Projection system with modulated light source   According to this aspect of the invention, the projection system provides an electrodeless light source and an image.
And a shutter that is opened and closed for projection, and power to the electrodeless light source.
Are modulated according to the opening and closing of the shutter to improve efficiency.

With reference to FIG. 64, the projection system 351 has an electrodeless light source 353, which illuminates the frame of the reel of film 355 to project an image through the film gate 357. In a conventional motion picture projector, the film gate has a shutter that is closed as the film advances between image films. The closed time represents a significant part of the projector's operating time. When the shutter is closed, no light reaches the screen and the light is wasted during the closed time period. According to the invention, an electrodeless light source is used in a projection system, and the light source is modulated synchronously with the shutter for the film gate, so that a high light output is produced and the shutter is open when the shutter is open. When the is closed, a relatively low light output is generated, which increases the efficiency of the projection system. For example, the light source can be modulated at 32 Hz corresponding to 32 image frames per second.

Effectively, modulation of the electrodeless light source does not have a negative effect on the life of the light source. Modulation of electroded arc lamps can reduce lamp life. It may be desirable to have small valve dimensions (eg, 1 cm or less) depending on the plasma response time characteristics with respect to the modulation frequency.

This aspect of the invention can also be applied to LCDs or other projection systems that have an off state between image frames.

[0169]Polarizer cube and mirror array   This aspect of the invention relates to a novel P / S coupler. See FIG. 65.
Then, the optical system supplies a light source 4 which supplies light directed to the polarization splitter 403.
Has 01. Light of the first polarity passes directly through the cube and the other pole
Sexual light is reflected toward one surface of the cube orthogonally to light of the first polarity. side
A light rotator 405 (eg, a quarter wave plate) is disposed on the surface that receives the reflected light.
And the polarity of the reflected light is rotated to the same polarity as the first polarity. Rotated
The polarized light is then reflected through the opposite surface of the cube and the mirror 4
07 is directed to be combined with the original light of the first polarity.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 66, the polarization rotator can have a half-wave plate 409, which instead of reflecting light back through the cube returns light through the plate. Directly through. In this arrangement, the mirror 407 is located adjacent to the half wave plate 409.

Effectively, it is possible to provide a greater amount of light for applications that require polarized light.

[0172]Optical system folder with built-in aperture cup   Unlike arc discharge lamps, the aperture lamps described herein have the desired image quality.
Substantially flat with an aspect ratio matched to the image plane (eg optical gate)
It offers the advantages of a planar light source. Therefore, the aperture plane is
It is desirable to precisely match the image (image plane), and therefore the following matching conditions are required.
I need it.

(1) No vertical or horizontal movement, (2) the aperture plane is perpendicular to the optical axis (parallel to the image plane), (3) aperture plane around the optical axis There is no rotation of.

According to this aspect of the invention, the optics folder is adapted to satisfy these conditions. 67-70, the optics folder 411 provides a hollow tube 413 with flanges 415, 417 at each end. Lenses and other optical elements can be mounted within the tube by means of spacers, threaded retainer rings or the like. One flange 417 is a recessed shoulder 4 that is adapted to mate with a structural feature 421 on the aperture cup 423.
19 are defined. In particular, the aperture cup may be provided with structural features relative to the dark state of the aperture, and the flange is provided with these structural features to properly position the aperture with respect to the downstream optics. Adapted to work with the department. The other flange 415 is adapted to mate or engage the enclosure for a particular application so that the aperture surface from the aperture cup is held in the proper orientation with respect to the image plane for that application. The structural features 425 are shown.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the aperture cup has a flange with a straight end that runs parallel to one side of the aperture. Flange 41
The recess in 7 is likewise configured as a cut-out circle with a flat end adapted to mate or engage the aperture cup. The other flange 4
15 has a raised rectangular lip 425, one side of which is configured parallel to the flat end of the recess. Preferably, the optics folder is constructed as a single cast piece to maintain high accuracy and reduce cost in the relative orientation of the recess and the lip. Beneficially, the single cast part optics folder 411 provides parallel surfaces and mating or mating fittings without the need for adjustment features, alignment pins or fiducial markers.

In the case of the above-described configuration, lateral movement, planar rotation and clocking rotation misalignment between the aperture and the image plane allow for tooling to the casting (and aperture cup) without the need for adjustment. Avoided with high precision dominated by precision.

[0177]RF choke in lens tube   In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the optics folder reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI).
An RF choke is used to make it work. 71-74, the optical system
The folder 431 (lens tube) is adapted to be attached to the RF driven light source.
The entrance side 433. Depending on the operating frequency of the light source, the lens tube
The narrowest aperture in the one gives a sufficient cutoff of RF emissions.
And undesired EMI may occur. According to this aspect of the invention,
The conductive screen 435 is located between the optical system folder and the light source,
Improving I suppression. The size of this screen mesh depends on the operating frequency of the light source.
Therefore, and is selected to minimize light blockage.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the RF choke consists of two flat metal rings 437.
It has a metal mesh sandwiched between a and 437b, which provides good electrical contact and adds rigidity to the mesh. The optics folder defines a shoulder 439 adapted to receive an RF choke, so the mesh is recessed within the folder. When the optics folder is attached to the light source, the RF choke is held securely in place.

[0179]Light box   Has standard dimensions of 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet x 4 feet
Fluorescent lights are typically installed in the trough. Such troughs have similar dimensions
It is adapted to fit on a suspended ceiling with a lawful metal grid.

Although such fluorescent illumination is relatively efficient, it has only minimally acceptable light quality.

What is needed is a luminaire that can be directly substituted for such a fluorescent luminaire, but with better lighting characteristics.

Generally, the lamp head houses an aperture bulb that directs the light output through a ball lens, all of which are described in more detail in the '302 PCT application referenced above. With a suitable fill (eg, indium halide), the color rendering index of the light provided by the lamp is above 90.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of an enclosure used for the light box of the present invention. The enclosure 515 can be, for example, a standard 2x2 fluorescent trough commercially available at any of the lighting fixture stores. The trough 515 has a hole 517 on one side. The light output from the lamp head 507 is directed through this hole.

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a lens used in the optical box of the present invention. The light from the lamp head 507 has a fairly uniform distribution at about 140 ° total beam angle. The lamp head 507 has a ball lens, which further collimates the light output uniformly (eg about 60-70 ° full angle). According to the present invention, the light beam is shaped to more evenly distribute the light within the light box. For example, trough 5
The 15 lens 519 has a cylindrical lens configured to focus the light more narrowly along the axis corresponding to the depth D of the light box as compared to the width W of the light box. A suitable cylindrical lens is commercially available from Melles Griot, Irvine, CA under part number 01LCP127. This cylindrical lens further collimates the light output in only one dimension (eg depth D) to a total angle of about 24 °. Other light box configurations can benefit from other beam shaping lens configurations.

FIG. 77 is a sectional view of an optical box according to the present invention. The light box 521 has an enclosure 515 that provides an opening 517. Light source (eg, lamp head 50
7) are positioned to direct light through aperture 517. An optical system (eg, a ball lens and a cylindrical lens 519) is configured to receive the light from the lamp head 507 and shape its light beam to more evenly distribute the light into the light box. For example, a set of brackets 523 can be provided to hold the lens 519 in place.

A light diffusing cover is typically placed over the trough 515. If necessary or desired, various reflective and / or diffusive materials can be placed inside the trough 515 to alter the light output. For example, one or both of the side of the light box having the opening 517 and the side of the light box opposite the opening 517 can be coated with a highly reflective material such as Mylar. is there. Alzak, a flexible material with a highly polished mirror finish, is also suitable. Small of similar material (eg 75m
m × 125 mm) patch can be placed on the floor of the trough 515 near the opening 517. It is possible to use a diffusing material to reduce the appearance of bright spots, especially near the aperture 517.

The power supply and RF unit can be fixed to the outside of the trough 515 (eg the part hidden inside the ceiling). Alternatively, these components can be mounted in the ceiling, optionally in close proximity to the lamp head 507, to deliver RF energy via a coaxial cable.

Advantageously, the light box described above is adapted for use in a standard suspended ceiling grid work piece as a direct replacement for a standard fluorescent fixture. The above-described configuration of the present invention can be easily extended to a standard 2x4 trough. Lamp heads can be provided at each end of the trough if necessary or desired. Light boxes of other dimensions are possible.

Although some examples of optical systems in accordance with the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, numerous other similar systems are described in the present invention. It is possible to configure based on the principle of. Therefore, the optical system described above is provided as an example rather than a limitation. Given the benefit of this specification, numerous other optical systems can be adapted to utilize various aspects of the invention. The present invention has been described in relation to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, which are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention. It was done.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lamp system according to the invention for performing etendue recycling.

FIG. 2 is a graph of the angular distribution of light for an aperture lamp compared to a Lambertian distribution.

FIG. 3 is a graph of intensity versus beam angle for a lamp system with unlimited power, no limited power and no recycling, and limited power with etendue recycling.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a lamp system according to the present invention using a high temperature wire grid polarizer for polarization recycling.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a lamp system according to the present invention using both etendue recycling and polarization recycling.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of a first optical fiber bundle according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cutaway cross-sectional view of a lamp system using an optical fiber bundle according to the present invention.

8A to 8D are schematic cross-sectional views showing process steps for manufacturing an optical fiber bundle according to the present invention.

9A-9D are schematic cross-sectional views of different processing steps for producing an optical fiber bundle according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second optical fiber bundle according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third optical fiber bundle according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cutaway sectional view of a lamp system using a microlens array according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lamp system using a chamfered aperture.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cutaway view of the chamfered aperture from FIG.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a lamp system that uses optical elements to define a bulb aperture.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a lamp system using an angle selective coating.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a remote aperture lamp system according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another remote aperture lamp system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing different optical elements and remote aperture configurations according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing different optical elements and remote aperture configurations according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing different optical elements and remote aperture configurations according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing different optical elements and remote aperture configurations according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing different optical elements and remote aperture configurations according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing different optical elements and remote aperture configurations according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of an optical system configured to provide an area light source of polarized light.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a lamp system using the optical system from FIG.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a jacketed bulb with an integrated light rod.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a jacket-type bulb provided with an integral optical rod when the bulb jacket is chamfered.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an electrodeless lamp bulb with an integral lens.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an aperture lamp using the bulb from FIG.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a ball lens.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of a molded ball lens according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a schematic front view of a molded ball lens.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a mold (die) for manufacturing a molded ball lens.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of another mold (die) for manufacturing a molded ball lens.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a molded CPC with an integral flange.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the molded CPC.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a molded TLP with integral flange.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a molded TLP.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of a tapered light cone with angled steps.

FIG. 41 is a schematic view of a tapered light cone integral with a lens.

FIG. 42 is a schematic left side view of the CPC.

FIG. 43 is a schematic front view of a CPC.

FIG. 44 is a schematic bottom view of the CPC.

FIG. 45 is a schematic plan view of a truncated CPC taken along the dotted line from FIGS. 42-44.

FIG. 46 is a schematic front view of a truncated CPC taken along the dotted line from FIGS. 42-44.

FIG. 47 is a schematic right side view of a truncated CPC taken along the dotted line from FIGS. 42-44.

FIG. 48 is a front view of a truncated CPC adapted with a remote aperture.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a segmented solid CPC.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a segmented hollow CPC.

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of an optical system for bending light rays at an end according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a schematic view of another optical system for bending light rays at an end.

FIG. 53 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lamp system using the etendue selection method according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of a lamp system using an angle selection method and integrator according to one aspect of the present invention.

55 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the optical system from the lamp system shown in FIG. 54.

56 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the optical system from the lamp system shown in FIG. 54.

57 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the optical system from the lamp system shown in FIG. 54.

58 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the optical system from the lamp system shown in FIG. 54.

59 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the optical system from the lamp system shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 60 is an enlarged view of area 60 in FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary optical system according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 62 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary optical system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram of a further exemplary optical system according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a schematic view of a projection system according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram of a lamp system using a polarizer cube according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram of a lamp system using a polarizer cube according to another aspect of the present invention.

67 is a schematic plan view of an optical system folder according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 68 is a schematic left side view of an optical system folder according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 69 is a schematic right side view of an optical system folder according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 70 is a schematic front view of an aperture valve suitable for use with an optics folder.

71 is a schematic left side view of a lens tube according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG.

72 is a schematic plan view of a lens tube according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 73 is a schematic view of an RF screen adapted to be received by a lens tube.

FIG. 74 is an enlarged cutaway cross-sectional view of the RF screen mounted in the lens tube.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of an enclosure used for the light box of one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a lens used in the light box.

77 is a cutaway sectional view of the optical box. FIG.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (31) Priority claim number 60 / 222,929 (32) Priority date August 4, 2000 (August 2000) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 60 / 222,917 (32) Priority date August 4, 2000 (August 2000) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Dubinovsky, Michael A.             United States, Maryland 20886,               Gettysburg, Stedwick Ro             1002, Apartment 303 (72) Inventor Gisevic, Alexander             United States, Maryland 20886,               Montgomery Village, Walker             'S Choice Road 18700, Nan             Bar 205 (72) Inventor Kiplin, Kent             United States, Maryland 20879,               Gettysburg, Pleasant Ridge               Drive 20332 (72) Inventor Kirk Patrick, Douglas A.             United States, Virginia 22066,               Great Falls, Beach Mill               Road 10929 (72) Inventor Lawrence, David W.             United States, Maryland 21029,               Clarksville, Nichols Drive               13765 (72) Inventor Levin, Israel             United States, Maryland 20906,               Silver spring, bell pre             Road 3822, number 5 (72) Inventor McLennan, Donald A.             United States, Maryland 20878,               Gettysburg, Athletic Way               9718 (72) Inventor Riedel, Robert H.             Maryland, United States 21029             -1296, Clarksville, Presto             Quick drive 6420 (72) Inventor Shanks, Bruce             United States, Maryland 20882,               Gettysburg, Creekview Dora             Eve 22221 (72) Inventor Smith, Marcolm             United States, Virginia 22302,               Alexandria, King Strey             To 2919 (72) Inventor Summer, Thomas El.             United States, Maryland 20906,               Wheaton, Beers Mill Road               11925, number 103 (72) Inventor Swinnie and Stefan Jay.             United States, Maryland 21784,               Sykesville, Linway 617 (72) Inventor Turner, Brian Py.             United States, Maryland 20872,               Damascus, cross-cut way             10235 (72) Inventor Yuri, Michael G.             Massachusetts, United States             01230, Great Burlington, Shi             -Conch Cross Road 5 (72) Inventor Wooten, Stefan El.             United States, Maryland 20852,               Rockville, Lower Drive             1704 F-term (reference) 2H046 AA48 AB08 AC28                 2H052 BA01 BA02 BA03 BA06 BA11                 2K103 AA08 AB04 BA02 BA09 BA17                       BC16 BC19 BC26 BC42

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. In a lamp system, an enclosure containing a light-recyclable filling, which allows light within a desired angle to pass while leaving the enclosure outside the desired angle. An optical element that is configured to reflect the emitted light back into the enclosure for recycling by the filling material and that is spaced apart from the enclosure. A lamp system in which the light output within is higher than the light output in the absence of the optical element and the desired angle is selected according to the uniformity and angular distribution of light from the envelope. 2. In a lamp system, an enclosure containing a light-recyclable filling, allowing light of a desired polarization to pass while allowing light of an undesired polarization to flow through said filling. A high temperature wire grid polarizer that is configured to reflect back into the envelope for recycling and is in close contact with the envelope, wherein the wire grid polarizer is at least about A lamp system capable of withstanding an operating temperature of 400 ° C. 3. In a lamp system, an enclosure containing a light-recyclable filling, an optical element defining an aperture corresponding to a desired angle with respect to the enclosure, in the area of the optical element aperture. A high temperature wire grid polarizer in close proximity to the optical element, the optical element being spaced from the encapsulation and being outside the desired angle for recycling by the fill. Is reflected back into the envelope, and the polarizer is configured to reflect light of an undesired polarity back into the envelope due to recycling by the filling material. The light exiting the lamp system is within the desired acceptance angle and of the desired polarity, and the light output is compared to the light output in the absence of the optical element and deflector. Lamp system is intended higher when the. 4. The lamp system according to claim 3, wherein the polarizer is disposed within an aperture defined by the optical element. 5. The polarizer according to claim 4, wherein the polarizer has a planar shape, and further has a lens disposed between the polarizer and the bulb, the lens including the lens. A lamp system adapted to increase the amount of light reflected back into the envelope. 6. In an optical device,   A plurality of optical fibers defining a void space therebetween,   A reflective material selectively disposed over the interstitial space, An optical device having. 7. A method of making a mask on an optical device having a plurality of optical fibers defining an interstitial space therebetween, the method comprising: illuminating light on both the fiber and the interstitial space at one end of the optical device. Disposing an active material and illuminating the opposite side of the optical device with light suitable for photoactivating the photoactive material to remove the activated or non-activated material as desired. Providing a mask, including a method. 8. In a lamp system, an enclosure containing a filling material capable of recycling light, a plurality of optical fibers defining an interstitial space therebetween, and selectively over the interstitial space. A fiber optic bundle comprising a reflective material disposed therein, wherein at least some light is prevented from entering the optical fiber by the reflective material due to recycling by the fill. A lamp system that reflects back into the enclosure. 9. In a lamp system, an encapsulation containing a light-recyclable filling, a reflective material enclosing the encapsulation except for a region of a light emitting aperture, the encapsulation. An optical element that is in close proximity to the body and is aligned with the light exiting the encapsulant, the optical element transmitting light within a desired angular distribution and outside the desired angular distribution. A lamp system carrying an antireflective coating configured to reflect light back into the enclosure for recycling. 10. A lamp system comprising: an encapsulation containing a light-recyclable filling; an optical element that is aligned with light exiting the encapsulation, the optical element comprising: A reflective component spaced apart from the encapsulant, the reflective component defining a plurality of light exit apertures, and the optical element and the reflective component being integral. The lamp system is configured to direct light that does not pass through the plurality of light emitting apertures to return to the envelope for recycling. 11. A lamp system comprising: an encapsulation body surrounded by a reflective ceramic except an area of a light emitting aperture; and an optical element which is close to the aperture along an optical axis. , The area of the aperture increases in a direction away from the bulb along the optical axis, so that greater optical access to the bulb results in a relative optical element relative to an aperture of uniform area. A lamp system that enables closer positioning. 12. In a lamp system, an enclosure enclosed in reflective ceramic except in the region of the first aperture, a hollow optic having an input end positioned with respect to the enclosed enclosure. A surface of the input end that is in contact with the encapsulated enclosure is reflective, and the input end defines a second aperture, and the interior of the second aperture. A lamp system wherein a perimeter is inside the perimeter of the first aperture and thus the second aperture defines a light emitting aperture for the envelope. 13. In a lamp system, an encapsulant, an optical rod integrally coupled to the encapsulant, the encapsulant except for a region where the optical rod is coupled to the encapsulant. A reflective ceramic material covering the body, the reflective ceramic material being chamfered near the joint between the encapsulant and the optical rod to avoid scattering of light entering the rod. Lamp system. 14. An electrodeless lamp bulb, comprising: a main body portion, an optical portion integrally connected to the main body portion, and the main body portion and the optical portion being integrally sealed. An electrodeless lamp bulb that forms the inner volume. 15. The bulb of claim 14, wherein the optical portion comprises a truncated ball lens defining a flat entrance surface inside the sealed inner volume of the bulb. 16. A high temperature monolithic optical element, comprising: an optic portion, a locating portion coupled to the optic portion, the locating portion being adapted to not interfere with the operation of the optic portion, and A high temperature monolithic optical element in which the two parts are constructed in a single piece construction of a suitable material to withstand an operating temperature of at least 400 ° C. 17. The optical part according to claim 16, wherein the optical part has a truncated ball lens, the positioning part has a flange on an entrance surface of the ball lens, and the two parts are molded. An optical element composed of fused quartz. 18. The optical part according to claim 16, wherein the optical part has a CPC, the positioning part is a flange on the exit surface of the CPC, and the two parts are composed of molded quartz. Optical element. 19. An optical element comprising an angled step having a straight cross section and having a plurality of frustoconical sections adapted to approximate a curved cross section. 20. A round input surface and an output surface that is truncated from a round shape to a surface that is relatively more rectangular and that has four sides that are substantially perpendicular to the output surface. An optical element having. 21. An optical element having four segments joined to each other along respective ends, each segment corresponding to a minor portion of a CPC and a relatively greater number of quadratures. An optical element that maintains the curve of the CPC to give the desired angular transformation while giving a shape output. 22. In an optical system, an input iris and an output iris aligned along an optical axis and configured to constrain light passing therethrough to a desired angular range, proximate the output iris. An optical element positioned so that the inner ray remains unchanged and the end ray is bent inward with respect to said optical axis,
An optical system having. 23. In a lamp system, an enclosure containing a recyclable fill and coated with a reflective ceramic material except in the region of the first aperture, spaced apart from the enclosure. A reflector defining a second aperture that is aligned with the first aperture along an optical axis, the reflector being incident on the reflector outside the area of the second aperture. Adapted to reflect light from one aperture back to the first aperture for recycling, the distance from the first aperture to the second aperture and the first aperture and the second aperture; The relative dimensions of the lamp system are selected according to the target etendue. 24. In a lamp system, an enclosure containing a recyclable fill and coated with a reflective ceramic material except in the area of the aperture, adjacent to the enclosure and An angle-selecting optical element adapted to transmit light within a desired angular range and reflect light outside the desired range back into the enclosure for recycling. Lamp system comprising: an integrator adapted to receive light from the integrator; and an angle converting optical element adapted to receive light from the integrator. 25. The lamp system according to claim 24, wherein the angle selecting optical element, the integrator, and the angle converting optical element are all hollow and integrally formed with each other. 26. The lamp of claim 24, wherein the angle selecting optical element, the integrator and the angle converting optical element are separate parts and the integrator is positioned with a locator pin. 27. The angle selecting optical element, the integrator, and the angle converting optical element according to claim 24, which are separate parts, and the output end of the angle selecting optical element is chamfered, and the integrator. A lamp adapted to make line contact with the outer surface of the. 28. The angle selecting optical element, the integrator, and the angle converting optical element according to claim 24, wherein the output end of the angle selecting optical element and the input end of the integrator are separate components. A lamp that has been fitted with a chamfer for mating. 29. The angle selecting optical element, the integrator, and the angle converting optical element are separate components according to claim 24, and an output end of the angle selecting optical element mechanically interfaces with the integrator. And a lamp adapted to a curved surface in the form of a small CPC which is adapted to provide angular conversion. 30. In an optical device, receiving light on an input surface and transmitting light of a first polarity along a first optical axis through a first output surface and a second polarity through a second output surface. A polarizer cube that is adapted to reflect light, a polarization positioned proximate to the second output surface for converting the light of the second polarity to one of the same polarity as the first polarity. An optical device comprising: a rotator; and a mirror that directs the light from the polarization rotator to travel in the same direction as the light transmitted through the first output surface. 31. An optical tube, a lens tube adapted to receive and secure a lens therein, an optical tube connected to a first end of said lens tube for optical alignment along an optical axis. A first flange defining a structural feature adapted to mate with a corresponding feature on the aperture lamp for providing a corresponding flange on the enclosure, connected to the output end of the lens tube. An optical tube having a second flange defining a structure adapted to mate with a feature, the aperture lamp being held in proper alignment for delivering light into said enclosure. 32. A lamp system comprising: an RF driven light source; a lens tube attached to the RF driven light source; an EM positioned between the lens tube and the light source and from the light source.
A lamp system having an RF choke adapted to reduce I. 33. The lamp system according to claim 32, wherein the RF choke comprises a conductive mesh screen. 34. In a lamp system, an enclosure having a length, a width and a depth, the depth being substantially less than either the length or the width, for directing light into the enclosure. A lamp system comprising: an aperture lamp positioned; a lens system adapted to receive light from the aperture lamp and shape the light output to more evenly distribute within the enclosure. 35. The enclosure of claim 34, wherein the enclosure is standard 2 × 2 or 2
A lamp system having a x4 trough and the lens system having a cylindrical lens positioned to reduce the angular range of light in one dimension with respect to the trough. 36. A projection system, comprising: an electrodeless light source; an image gate illuminated by the electrodeless light source; and a shutter that is selectively opened and closed to project an image from the image gate. A projection system in which an electrodeless light source is modulated according to opening and closing of the shutter.