JP2007017986A - Device and method for producing output light having a wavelength spectrum in the infrared wavelength range and the visible wavelength range - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for producing output light in which the wavelength characteristics of the output light can be adjusted. <P>SOLUTION: The device of this invention comprises: a housing; a first light source which is coupled to the housing so as to function, and configured so as to generate first light having a peak wavelength in the infrared wavelength range, the first light being a component of output light; and a second light source which is coupled to said housing so as to function, and configured so as to generate second light having a peak wavelength in the visible wavelength range, wherein the light source contains a fluorescent material having a wavelength-converting property to convert at least some of original light generated by the second light source to produce the second light, the second light also being a component of the output light such that the output light has a wavelength spectrum in the infrared wavelength range and the visible wavelength range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  This application is a continuation-in-part of application No. 10 / 966,057, filed Oct. 14, 2004 and claiming priority. The previous application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating output light having a wavelength spectrum in an infrared wavelength range and a visible light wavelength range, and to a method for generating such light.

  The strobe provides auxiliary light for taking pictures and enhances the quality of images obtained by a camera or other imaging device. Conventional strobes utilize valves that are filled with gases such as argon, krypton, neon and xenon, or vapor such as mercury vapor. When a high voltage is applied to the valve, the gas or vapor is ionized and electrons flow through the gas or vapor. These electrons excite gas or vapor atoms and light is emitted. The wavelength characteristic of the emitted light depends on the gas or vapor in the bulb. In the case of mercury vapor, the emitted light is ultraviolet light, and normally ultraviolet light is not desired, so it is converted to visible light using a fluorescent material.

  Recently, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have improved somewhat in terms of work efficiency, and LEDs are replacing conventional light sources, even with bulbs in the flash. Existing LEDs can emit light in the ultraviolet ("UV"), visible, and infrared ("IR") wavelength ranges. In general, these LEDs have a narrow emission spectrum (approximately ± 10 nm). As an example, a blue InGaN LED generates light with a wavelength of 470 nm ± 10 nm. In another example, a green InGaN LED generates light with a wavelength of 510 nm ± 10 nm. In another example, a red AlInGaP LED generates light with a wavelength of 630 nm ± 10 nm. Usually, however, the flash needs to generate white light for color rendering, so different colored LEDs such as red, blue and green LEDs are used together in the flash to generate white light. Alternatively, the phosphor is introduced into one or more UV, blue, green LEDs in the flash and white light is generated using the phosphor.

  Different wavelength characteristics from the auxiliary light provided by the flash are desired for different photography applications. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for generating output light in which the wavelength characteristics of the output light are adjustable.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating output light having a wavelength spectrum in the visible light wavelength range and the infrared wavelength range, the apparatus and method utilizing a fluorescent material, and one or more light sources. It converts at least some of the original light emitted from it to generate output light. The fluorescent material is used to convert the original light into converted light having a peak wavelength in the infrared wavelength range or the visible light wavelength range. The converted light is combined with other light to generate output light.

  A light generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a first light source, and a second light source. The first and second light sources are connected to the housing to function. The first light source is configured to generate first light having a peak wavelength in the infrared wavelength range. The second light source is configured to generate second light having a peak wavelength in the visible light wavelength range. The second light source includes a fluorescent material having a wavelength conversion characteristic that converts at least some of the original light generated by the second light source to generate second light. The first light and the second light are components of output light having a wavelength spectrum in an infrared wavelength range and a visible light wavelength range.

  A light generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a first light source, and a second light source. The first and second light sources are connected to the housing to function. The first light source is configured to generate first light having a peak wavelength in the infrared wavelength range. The first light source includes a fluorescent material having a wavelength conversion characteristic that converts at least some of the original light generated by the first light source to generate the first light. The second light source is configured to generate second light having a peak wavelength in the visible light wavelength range. The first light and the second light are components of output light having a wavelength spectrum in an infrared wavelength range and a visible light wavelength range.

  An output light generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention generates first original light, generates first light having a peak wavelength in an infrared wavelength range, and generates second original light. Generating a second light having a peak wavelength in the visible light wavelength range, and at least some of the first and second original light is converted into one of the first light and the second light by fluorescence emission. Converting and emitting the first light and the second light as output light having a wavelength spectrum in an infrared wavelength range and a visible light wavelength range.

  Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating output light having a wavelength spectrum in the visible light wavelength range and the infrared wavelength range, and uses a fluorescent material to inherently emit from one or more light sources. Converts at least some of the light to generate output light.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a light generator 10 in the form of a strobe used for taking a picture according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The strobe 10 utilizes at least one light source device to generate output light having a broad wavelength spectrum in both the visible light wavelength range and the infrared (IR) wavelength range. Thus, the strobe 10 can provide a flash having desired wavelength characteristics, with at least one component of the flash having a wide IR wavelength / visible wavelength range.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the strobe 10 may be included in a digital camera 12, a camera phone 14, or any other imaging device that is sensitive to both visible and infrared light. The strobe 10 may also be included in an external flash device 16 that can be used in connection with the imaging device. The external flash device 16 can be designed to be attached to the imaging device, or it can be designed to be used as an external device associated with the imaging device. The strobe 10 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a digital imaging device 20 having a strobe 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the strobe 10 is built in the digital imaging device 20. In this specification, the digital imaging device 20 is described as a digital camera sensitive to both visible light and IR light. However, the imaging device 20 can be any imaging device that is sensitive to both visible and IR light, such as a digital video camera.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 20 includes a lens 22, an image sensor 24, an analog-digital converter (ADC) 26, a processing device 28, a storage device 30, and a strobe 10. The lens 22 is used to focus the scene of interest on the image sensor 24 and acquire an image of the scene. In response to receiving light at each pixel of the image sensor, the image sensor 24 electronically acquires a focused image by generating charge at each pixel. The image sensor 24 is sensitive to both visible light and IR light so that the IR light generated by the strobe 10 is acquired by the image sensor when the IR light is reflected by an object in the scene of interest. Is done. As an example, the image sensor 24 may be a charge coupled device (CCD) or a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) image sensor. The electric charge generated by the image sensor 24 is converted into a digital signal for signal processing by the ADC 26.

  The processing unit 28 of the imaging device 20 processes the digital signal from the ADC 26 to generate a digital image of the acquired scene of interest. Processing performed by the processing device 28 includes demosaic processing, image processing, and compression. The resulting digital image is stored in a storage device 30 that includes a removable memory card.

  The strobe 10 includes a housing 32, an optically transparent cover 34, and one or more light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42. The housing 32 provides structural support for the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42. The housing 32 includes a reflective surface 44 that reflects some of the light generated by the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 toward the optically transparent cover 34, thereby allowing the light generated by the light source device to Most of the light can be transmitted as an effective flash through the cover. The optically transparent cover 34 can be formed as a lens that directs the light from the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 to optimize the output light of the strobe 10.

  The light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10 are attached to the reflective surface 44 of the housing 32. Each of the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10 can be any type of device that generates light, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode. However, in this specification, the light source devices 36, 38, 40, and 42 are described as LEDs. In the illustrated embodiment, the strobe 10 generates light having a wavelength spectrum in both the visible wavelength range and the infrared (IR) wavelength range, and a single LED 36, referred to herein as a “visible / IR LED”, Includes three other LEDs 38, 40, 42. The type of other LEDs 38, 40, 42 included in the strobe 10 will depend on the different wavelength characteristics desired for the strobe output light. As an example, the other LEDs 38, 40, 42 include deep ultraviolet (UV) LEDs, UV LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, red LEDs, IR LEDs. Other LEDs 38, 40 and 42 use fluorescent light emission to convert at least some of the original light generated by a particular LED into light of a longer wavelength, resulting in multicolored light such as white light. Fluorescent LEDs that generate light of various colors including light are included.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10 include at least one non-fluorescent IR LED (ie, an LED that emits IR light without utilizing fluorescence) and at least one It includes a combination of fluorescent visible light color LEDs (ie, LEDs that emit fluorescent light using visible light emission) and generates output light having a wavelength spectrum in both the IR wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range. As an example, the fluorescent visible light color LED contained in the strobe 10 emits other visible light colors including mixed color light such as white, red, green, blue, or yellow or purple light .

  In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10 include at least one fluorescent IR LED (ie, an LED that emits IR light using fluorescent emission) and at least one It includes a combination of non-fluorescent visible light color LEDs (i.e., LEDs that emit visible light without using fluorescent emission) and generates output light having a wavelength spectrum in both the IR wavelength range and the visible wavelength range. As an example, the non-fluorescent visible light color LED included in the strobe 10 emits red, green, and blue light. The strobe 10 includes non-fluorescent red, green, and blue LEDs, thereby covering most or all of the visible light wavelength spectrum.

  The LEDs 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10 are selectively activated and controlled to adjust the wavelength characteristics of the flash generated by the strobe 10. Thus, the strobe 10 is configured to generate different wavelengths of radiation that can be controlled to generate a flash having desired wavelength characteristics. The strobe 10 generates IR radiation using one or more IR-converted IR LEDs, such as one or more IR LEDs and / or a visible / IR LED. The strobe 10 utilizes one or more green LEDs and / or one or more phosphor converted green LEDs (with UV / blue or blue LED dies) to generate green radiation. The strobe 10 utilizes one or more blue LEDs and / or one or more phosphor converted blue LEDs (with a UV LED die) to generate blue radiation. The strobe 10 utilizes one or more red LEDs and / or one or more phosphor converted red LEDs (with UV / blue or blue LED dies) to generate red radiation. The strobe can also generate a combination of different color LEDs and / or one or more phosphor converted white LEDs (UV / blue, green, blue LED die combinations) white emission.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the strobe 10 further includes a drive circuit 46, an optional color sensor 48, and an optional controller 50. The drive circuit 46 is electrically connected to the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10. The drive circuit 46 provides a drive signal to the light source devices 36, 38, 40, and 42, and selectively operates the light source device to generate flash light that is combined light generated from light generated by different light source devices. . Depending on the desired wavelength characteristics of the flash, several intensities of the drive signal can be altered to produce the desired light. The color sensor 48 is disposed in proximity to the optically transparent cover 34 of the strobe 10 and receives the flash emitted from the cover. The color sensor 48 measures the wavelength characteristics of the light generated by the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 of the strobe 10. These measurements are used by the controller 50 to monitor the wavelength characteristics of the light generated by the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 and to generate the desired flash selected by the user. Adjust the wavelength characteristics. The controller 50 can adjust the wavelength characteristics of the flash light by controlling the light source devices 36, 38, 40, 42 via the drive circuit 46.

  Turning further to FIG. 3, a fluorescent light source device in the form of an LED 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown that can be utilized within the strobe 10. In one embodiment, the fluorescent LED 100 may be a fluorescent visible / IR LED that generates output light having a broad wavelength spectrum in both the visible light wavelength range and the infrared (IR) wavelength range. Accordingly, the output light of the fluorescent visible light / IR LED includes both visible light and IR light. Output light is generated by using a fluorescent material to convert some of the original light generated by the LED to light of a different wavelength. The converted light alters the wavelength spectrum of the original light and generates the desired wavelength spectrum of the output light. Since the output light includes not only visible light but also IR light, LED 100 is not only for visible light applications such as visual communication or visual effects, but also for non-strobe IR, such as IR signal transmission Available for use.

  In an alternative embodiment, the fluorescent LED 100 may be a fluorescent IR LED that generates light having a peak wavelength in the IR wavelength range or output IR light. In other alternative embodiments, the fluorescent LED 100 may be a fluorescent visible light color LED that generates light having a peak wavelength in the visible light wavelength range or output visible light color light. The output IR or visible light color light is generated by converting some or substantially all of the original light generated by the LED 100 into longer wavelength light utilizing a suitable phosphor.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the LED 100 is a lead frame mounted LED. The LED 100 includes an LED die 102, lead frames 104 and 106, wires 108 and a lamp 110. The LED die 102 is a semiconductor chip that generates light having a specific peak wavelength. Thus, LED die 102 is a light source for LED 100. Although LED 100 is shown to contain a single LED die, the LED should contain more than one LED die, for example one ultraviolet (UV) LED die and one visible light LED die. Can do. In general, the light from the LED die 102 has a narrow wavelength spectrum (approximately ± 10 nm). The LED die 102 is designed to generate light having a peak wavelength in the ultraviolet wavelength range and visible light wavelength range (≈100-700 nm). As an example, the LED die can be a GaN-based LED that produces light having peak wavelengths in the UV, blue, and green wavelength ranges, such as InGaN or AlGaN LEDs. As another example, the LED die 102 may be an AlInGaP die that generates light having a peak wavelength in the red, orange, and yellow wavelength ranges.

  The LED die 102 is positioned on the lead frame 104 and is electrically connected to another lead frame 106 via a wire 108. Lead frames 104 and 106 provide the power required to drive LED die 102. The LED die 102 is enclosed in a lamp 110 which is a medium for propagating light from the LED die 102. The lamp 110 includes a main part 112 and an output part 114. In this embodiment, the output part 114 of the lamp 110 has a hemispherical shape that functions as a lens. Therefore, light emitted from the LED 100 as output light is concentrated by the hemispherical output unit 114 of the lamp 110. However, in other embodiments, the output 114 of the lamp 100 can be a horizontal plane.

  The LED 110 lamp 110 is manufactured from a transparent material that can be any transparent material such as epoxy, silicone, a mixture of silicone and epoxy, amorphous polyamide resin, fluorocarbon, glass or plastic material , Whereby the light from the LED die 102 travels through the lamp and is emitted from the lamp output 114. In this embodiment, the lamp 110 includes a wavelength changing region 116 that is a medium for propagating light formed from a mixture of a transparent material and a fluorescent material 118. The fluorescent material 118 in the wavelength changing region 116 is used to convert at least some of the original light emitted by the LED die 102 into lower energy (longer wavelength) light. The amount of original light converted by the phosphor 118 varies with the desired output light of the LED 100. For example, if the LED die 102 is a UV LED die, UV light is harmful to the eyes and therefore UV light is not desired as output light, so substantially all of the original light is converted by the phosphor 118. Is done. The converted light and, if any, the light that is not absorbed is emitted from the light output 114 of the lamp 110 as the output light of the LED 100.

  The fluorescent material 118 in the wavelength changing region 116 includes one or more inorganic phosphors, one or more fluorescent organic dyes, one or more hybrid phosphors, one or more nanophosphors. Or any combination of fluorescent organic dyes, inorganic phosphors, hybrid phosphors, and nanophosphors. As used herein, a hybrid phosphor is defined as a phosphor formed from any combination of inorganic and organic phosphors or dyes. Regardless of the formulation, if the LED 100 is a fluorescence visible / IR LED, the phosphor 118 has a wavelength conversion characteristic so that the wavelength spectrum of the output light includes the visible light wavelength range and the IR wavelength range, Converts some or substantially all of the original light from the LED die 102. If LED 100 is a fluorescent IR LED, phosphor 118 will convert some or substantially all of the original light from LED die 102 so that the output light has a peak wavelength in the IR wavelength range. Has wavelength conversion characteristics. If the LED 100 is a fluorescent visible light color LED, the fluorescent material 118 may reflect the original light from the LED die 102 such that the output light has one or more peak wavelengths within the visible wavelength range. It has a wavelength conversion characteristic that converts some or substantially all. The wavelength spectrum of the output light from the LED 100 depends on both the peak wavelength of the original light generated by the LED die 102 and the wavelength conversion characteristics of the fluorescent material 118 in the wavelength changing region 116. Thus, both the phosphor 118 and the LED die 102 must be considered in order to generate output light having the desired wavelength spectrum.

Below are some examples of LED dies and phosphors of the present invention that can be used together to generate output light having a broad wavelength spectrum in the visible and IR wavelength ranges. As used herein, the visible wavelength range is approximately 400 nm to 700 nm, and the IR wavelength range is approximately 700 nm to 1600 nm. In the following example, the color by each LED die is the peak wavelength of the light produced by that LED die. Similarly, the color of each phosphor is the peak wavelength of the light converted by that phosphor. A first example is a blue LED and red and yellow phosphors, red and green phosphors or phosphors of red, yellow and green phosphors. This combination generates output light having a wavelength spectrum in the 400-950 nm range. The second example is a red LED die and a fluorescent material of a red phosphor. This combination generates output light having a wavelength spectrum in the range of 600-1500 nm. A third example is a UV LED die and phosphors of red, blue and yellow phosphors, red, blue and green phosphors or red, blue, green and yellow phosphors. This combination generates output light having a wavelength spectrum in the 400-800 nm range. As an example, the yellow phosphor can be YAG: Ce, TAG: Ce, YAG: Ce, Pr, and the red phosphor can be CaS: Eu ²⁺ , Mn ²⁺ , SrS: Eu ²⁺ , (Zn, Cd ) S: Ag, Mg ₄ GeO _5.5 F: MN ⁴⁺ , ZnSe: Ce, ZnSeS: Cu, Cl can be used, and the green phosphor is ZnS: Cu ⁺ , SrGa ₂ S ₄ : Eu ²⁺ , YAG: Ce ³⁺ and BaSrGa ₄ S ₇ : Eu can be used, and the blue phosphor can be BaMg ₂ Al ₁₆ O ₂₇ : Eu. However, any fluorescent substance having desired wavelength conversion characteristics can be used instead of the above example.

  The shape of the wavelength change region 116 of the lamp 110 is shown as a rectangle in FIG. 3, but the wavelength change region may be configured in other shapes such as a hemisphere. In still other embodiments, the wavelength changing region 116 may not be physically coupled to the LED die 102. In the embodiment, the wavelength changing region 116 may be arranged at a place other than the lamp 110. In other embodiments, the wavelength changing region 116 may be disposed on the optically transparent cover 34 of the strobe 10.

  4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate alternative lamp structures according to embodiments of the present invention. The LED 200A of FIG. 4A includes a lamp 210A in which all the lamps are in the wavelength change region. Thus, in this structure, all lamps 210A are formed from a mixture of transparent material and fluorescent material 118. The LED 200B of FIG. 4B includes a lamp 210B with a wavelength changing region 216B disposed on the outer surface of the lamp. Thus, in this structure, an area of the lamp 210B that does not include the fluorescent material 118 is first formed over the KED die 102, and then a mixture of transparent material and fluorescent material 118 is deposited over the area, resulting in a wavelength changing region of the lamp. 216B is formed. The LED 200C of FIG. 4C includes a lamp 210C, in which the wavelength changing region 216C is formed as a thin layer of a mixture of transparent material and phosphor material 118 over the LED die 102. Thus, in this structure, the LED die 102 is first covered and covered with a thin layer of a mixture of transparent material and fluorescent material 118 to form a wavelength changing region 216C, and the remaining portion of the lamp 210C contains the fluorescent material 118. It can be formed by disposing a non-transparent material on the wavelength changing region. As an example, the thickness of the wavelength changing region 216C of the LED 200C can be between 10 micrometers and 60 micrometers.

  In an alternative embodiment, the LED lead frame on which the LED die is placed includes a cup-like reflector, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D. 5A-5D show LEDs 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D with different lamp structures including a lead frame 320 having a cup-like reflector 322. FIG. The cup-shaped reflector 322 provides a depressed area for the LED die 102 that is placed so that some of the light generated by the LED die is reflected by the lead frame 320 and radiates from each LED as effective output light. Is done.

  The different lamp structures described above are applicable to different types of LEDs, such as surface mount LEDs, and other types of LEDs of the present invention are manufactured. In addition, these different lamp structures can be applied to other types of light emitting devices, such as semiconductor laser devices, according to the present invention. In these light emitting devices, the light source can be any light source different from the LED die, such as a laser diode.

  An output light generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. At block 602, a first original light is generated to generate a first light having a peak wavelength in the IR wavelength range. Next, at block 604, a second original light is generated to generate a second light having a peak wavelength in the visible light wavelength range. Next, at block 606, at least some of the first original light and the second original light are converted into one of the first light and the second light by fluorescence emission. Next, at block 608, the first light and the second light are emitted as output light having a wavelength spectrum within the IR wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range.

  While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts as described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Fig. 4 shows a strobe according to an embodiment of the invention that is included in an imaging device or is an external flash device. 1 shows a diagram of a digital imaging device comprising an integrated strobe of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a fluorescent LED according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED with an alternative light emitting structure according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED with an alternative light emitting structure according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED with an alternative light emitting structure according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED comprising a lead frame with a cup-like reflector according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED comprising a lead frame with a cup-like reflector according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED comprising a lead frame with a cup-like reflector according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an LED comprising a lead frame with a cup-like reflector according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 2 shows a flowchart of a method for generating output light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Light generator 12 Digital camera 14 Cellular phone with camera 16 External flash device 20 Imaging device 22 Lens 24 Image sensor 26 Analog-digital converter 28 Processing device 30 Storage device 100 LED
102 LED die 104, 106 Lead frame 108 Wire 110 Lamp 116 Wavelength changing region 118 Fluorescent material 322 Cup-shaped reflector

Claims (21)

A housing;
A first light source operatively coupled to the housing and configured to generate first light having a peak wavelength in an infrared wavelength range; and the first light is a component of output light. None,
A second light source operatively coupled to the housing and configured to generate a second light having a peak wavelength within a visible light wavelength range;
The second light source includes a fluorescent material having wavelength conversion characteristics, and at least some of the original light generated by the second light source is converted to generate the second light, and the output light is A light generating device that has a wavelength spectrum in an infrared wavelength range and a visible light wavelength range, and wherein the second light is a component of the output light.   The light generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first light source includes an infrared light emitting diode configured to generate the first light having the peak wavelength within the infrared wavelength range.   From the fluorescent visible light color light emitting diode, wherein the second light source comprises a light emitting diode die configured to generate the original light having the peak wavelength in one of the ultraviolet wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range The light generator according to claim 1.   The light generating device according to claim 3, wherein the fluorescent material of the second light source has a wavelength conversion characteristic for converting at least some of the original light into one of red light, green light, and blue light.   The light generation device according to claim 3, wherein the fluorescent material of the second light source has a wavelength conversion characteristic for converting at least some of the original light into white light.   The light generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent material includes one of a fluorescent organic dye, an inorganic fluorescent material, a hybrid fluorescent material, and a nano fluorescent material.   The said 1st light source contains the 2nd fluorescent material which has a wavelength conversion characteristic which converts the at least some of the original light produced | generated by the said 1st light source, and generate | occur | produces the said 1st light. The light generator described. A housing;
A first light source operatively coupled to the housing and configured to generate a first light having a peak wavelength in an infrared wavelength range, the first light source comprising: Including a fluorescent material having a wavelength conversion characteristic that converts at least some of the original light generated by the light source to generate the first light, wherein the first light constitutes a component of the output light,
A second light source operatively coupled to the housing and configured to generate a second light having a peak wavelength within a visible light wavelength range;
An apparatus for generating output light such that the output light has a wavelength spectrum in an infrared wavelength range and a visible light wavelength range, and wherein the second light is a component of the output light.   9. The apparatus for generating output light according to claim 8, wherein the second light source comprises a light emitting diode configured to generate the second light having a peak wavelength within the visible light wavelength range.   10. The apparatus for generating output light according to claim 9, wherein the light emitting diode is configured to generate one of red light, green light, and blue light.   The apparatus for generating output light according to claim 9, wherein the light emitting diode is configured to generate visible light color light that is combined with other visible light colors to generate white light.   The first light source comprises a fluorescent infrared light emitting diode including a light emitting diode die configured to generate the original light having the peak wavelength in one of an ultraviolet wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range 9. An apparatus for generating output light according to claim 8.   9. The apparatus for generating output light according to claim 8, wherein the fluorescent material includes one of a fluorescent organic dye, an inorganic fluorescent material, a hybrid fluorescent material, and a nano fluorescent material.   The said 2nd light source contains the 2nd fluorescent material which has a wavelength conversion characteristic which converts the at least some of the original light produced | generated by the said 2nd light source, and generate | occur | produces the said 2nd light. An apparatus for generating the described output light.   15. The apparatus for generating output light according to claim 14, wherein the second fluorescent material has a wavelength conversion characteristic for converting at least some of the original light generated by the second light source into white light. A method for generating output light comprising:
Generating a first original light to generate a first light having a peak wavelength in the infrared wavelength range;
Generating a second original light to generate a second light having a peak wavelength within the visible light wavelength range;
Converting at least some of the first original light and the second original light into one of the first light and the second light by fluorescence emission,
A method of emitting the first light and the second light as the output light, wherein the output light has a wavelength spectrum in the infrared wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range.   17. The method of claim 16, wherein generating the first original light includes generating the first original light having a peak wavelength in one of an ultraviolet wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range. .   The converting comprises converting at least some of the first original light into the first light by fluorescence emission utilizing one of a fluorescent organic dye, an inorganic phosphor, a hybrid phosphor, and a nanophosphor. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising converting.   The method of claim 16, wherein generating the second original light comprises generating the second original light having a peak wavelength in one of an ultraviolet wavelength range and the visible light wavelength range. .   The converting the fluorescent light using one of a fluorescent organic dye, an inorganic fluorescent material, a hybrid fluorescent material, and a nano fluorescent material, so that at least some of the second original light is converted into the second light. 20. The method of claim 19, comprising converting.   The converting converts at least some of the first original light into the first light by fluorescence emission and converts at least some of the second original light into the second light by fluorescence emission. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising converting to

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