JP2012208445A - Light source device and light source system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide one light source system capable of radiating various light according to a purpose.SOLUTION: All of a plurality of integrated type optical conversion units 200-1, 200-2, 200-3 formed by having a plurality of optical conversion units attached to a common optical conversion unit retaining member are composed by an integrated type connection section 500 composed by: a multi-core connector 520 composed by bundling together one end of connection sections which are attached to a light source unit side among the connection sections capable of attaching a semiconductor laser and a plurality of optical conversion units provided on optical fibers 20, 22 optically connecting a semiconductor laser 10-1 of a light source unit 100-1 and the optical conversion unit; and a multi-core connector 540 composed by attaching the other end attached to the optical conversion unit side to one connection section retaining member. In this case, various light can be radiated according to a purpose by exchanging the plurality of integrated type optical conversion units to one light source unit being attachable/detachable to the light source unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source device and a light source system using the same.

  In Patent Document 1, a first unit that guides laser light emitted from a blue laser light source to the tip by a light guide and converts the wavelength by a wavelength conversion member provided at the tip, and a laser light source having a wavelength shorter than blue And a second unit using a light guide and a wavelength conversion member have been proposed. Patent Document 1 states that the color rendering properties are improved by the combination of the first unit and the second unit as compared with the case of the first unit alone.

JP 2006-173324 A

  In recent years, in an observation light source device such as an endoscope, visibility of an object to be observed is appropriately selected according to the purpose of observation by appropriately selecting brightness, peak wavelength, emission color, that is, spectrum shape, radiation angle, and the like. Efforts such as improving are promoted.

  In order to obtain light according to the purpose, the light source device according to Patent Document 1 described above has a unit using a laser light source, a light guide, and a wavelength conversion member as many as the number of the target light. It is necessary to prepare. However, it is practically difficult to prepare a large number of units from the viewpoint of cost and storage location.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a single light source system capable of emitting various types of light according to the purpose, and a light source device used therefor.

An aspect of the light source device of the present invention is as follows.
A light source unit having a primary light source that emits primary light;
A light conversion unit having a light conversion element that converts the optical properties of the primary light to generate secondary light;
In the light source device comprising:
A plurality of the light conversion units;
The primary light source and the plurality of light conversion units are optically connected by light guide paths,
It has a connection part which can attach or detach the primary light source and the plurality of light conversion units on each light guide way.

Also, one aspect of the light source system of the present invention is:
A light source device comprising: a light source unit including a primary light source that emits primary light; and a light conversion unit including a light conversion element that converts the optical properties of the primary light to generate secondary light. And
A plurality of the light conversion units;
The primary light source and the plurality of light conversion units are optically connected by light guide paths,
On each of the light guide paths, the primary light source and the plurality of light conversion units can be attached and detached,
The plurality of light conversion units are attached to a common light conversion unit holding member to form an integrated light conversion unit,
Among the connection parts, when one of the connection parts attached to the light source unit side is a first connection part and the other of the connection parts attached to the light conversion unit side is a second connection part,
The first connection parts are grouped together to form a first integrated connection part,
The second connection portion is attached to one connection portion holding member to constitute a second integrated connection portion,
The first integrated connection part and the second integrated connection part comprise a light source device constituting a detachable integrated connection part,
The integrated light conversion unit constitutes an integrated light conversion unit group by a plurality of integrated light conversion units,
All of the integrated light conversion units which are members of the integrated light conversion unit group can be attached to and detached from the light source unit at the integrated connection portion.

  According to the present invention, the integrated light conversion unit can be replaced with respect to one light source unit. Therefore, by replacing the integrated light conversion unit according to the purpose, various kinds of light can be emitted according to the purpose. One light source system and a light source device used therefor can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the light conversion unit in the light source system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an integrated connection portion in the light source system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an integrated light conversion unit in the light source system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the light source device in which the light source unit 100-1 and the integrated light conversion unit 200-4 in FIG. 4 are combined. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another light source unit in the light source system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a light source unit in a light source system according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another light source unit in the light source system according to the modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a film light guide path in a modified example related to all the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an optical coupler in a modified example related to all the embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the light source system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light source system according to the present embodiment includes an integrated light conversion unit group including a light source unit 100-1 and a plurality of integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, 200-3. It is a light source device comprised combining one of them.

  Here, the light source unit 100-1 is a connector on the light source unit side among the two semiconductor lasers 10-1 that are primary light sources, the optical fiber 20 as the first light guide, and the integrated connection portion 500. And a multi-core connector 520 as a first integrated connection portion. The multi-core connector 520 is detachable from the other multi-core connector 540 as the second integrated connection portion on the integrated optical conversion units 200-1, 200-2, 200-3 side.

  The semiconductor laser 10-1 is a blue semiconductor laser that emits blue light having a wavelength of about 450 nm. The blue semiconductor laser 10-1 and the optical fiber 20 are optically connected by a lens or the like (not shown), and the blue laser light that is the primary light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10-1 is the core of the optical fiber 20. It is comprised so that it may inject efficiently. The blue laser light incident on the optical fiber 20 is guided to the connected integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, or 200-3 through the integrated connection section 500.

  The integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3 in the present embodiment each have two light conversion units. The light conversion unit includes a ferrule 42, a holding member 40-1, and the like. The same or different two of 40-2 and 40-3, and the light conversion element mounted in those holding members 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 are comprised. The two light conversion units are fixed to one light conversion unit holding member 60-1, 60-2, 60-3 to form an integrated light conversion unit 200-1, 200-2, 200-3. Yes. In addition, a plurality of connection portions provided at the other end of the second optical fiber 22 serving as a light guide connected to the light conversion unit are combined into a second integrated connection portion ( Multi-core connector 540). 2A, 2B, and 2C are cross-sectional views of the integrated optical conversion units 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1 is configured by mounting two light conversion units on a light conversion unit holding member 60-1. Each of the two light conversion units includes a holding member 40-1, a phosphor 30-1, and a ferrule 42. The holding member 40-1 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and the inside of the cylinder absorbs the primary light, makes the peak wavelength of the primary light longer, and broadens the spectrum shape. In addition, a phosphor 30-1 which is a wavelength conversion member that converts light so as to widen the radiation angle is inserted. The phosphor 30-1 is configured by mixing a powdery fluorescent substance with a resin, glass, or the like having a property of transmitting primary light and solidifying the powder. Further, an opening that transmits primary light is provided on the bottom surface of the cylinder of the holding member 40-1, and a ferrule 42 and an optical fiber 22 as a second light guide disposed in the ferrule 42 are provided. Has been inserted. In the present embodiment, the fluorescent substance in the phosphor 30-1 is configured by mixing Ce-doped YAG (yttrium, aluminum, garnet) with a transparent silicone resin. The phosphor 30-1 has a disk shape, and the thickness and density thereof are adjusted so that the light characteristics of the emitted secondary light are optimal as illumination light for illuminating the observation object.

  The second integrated light conversion unit 200-2 is basically configured in the same manner as the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1 as shown in FIG. The holding member 40-2 of the two light conversion units is different from the light conversion element inserted therein. In the light conversion element of the integrated light conversion unit 200-2, a diffusion member 32-1 that diffuses primary light is inserted into the holding member 40-2 as a radiation angle conversion element. The diffusing member 32-1 has a function of expanding the radiation angle without converting the peak wavelength and spectrum shape of the primary light. The diffusing member 32-1 is hardened by mixing a member having a refractive index different from that inside a member having a property of transmitting primary light. For example, a resin having a refractive index of 1.4 and a glass filler having a refractive index of 1.5 are mixed. The thickness and concentration of the diffusing member 32-1 are adjusted so that the emission angle of the emitted secondary light is optimal as illumination light for illuminating the observation object.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, the third integrated light conversion unit 200-3 has a light conversion having a phosphor 30-1 mounted on the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1. One unit and one light conversion unit having the diffusing member 32-1 mounted on the second integrated light conversion unit 200-2 are provided.

  Each of the optical fibers 20 and 22 is a general single-line optical fiber configured such that the refractive index of the core is higher than the refractive index of the cladding. The type of optical fiber is selected in accordance with the characteristics of the primary light source used in combination. In this embodiment, since the multimode semiconductor laser 10-1 is used as the primary light source, a multimode fiber is suitable. Moreover, the optical fibers 20 and 22 are suitably optical fibers having the same optical characteristics. Thereby, the loss of a connection part can be reduced. For example, a step index optical fiber having a core diameter of 50 μm and a numerical aperture NA of about 0.22 can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the integrated connection unit 500 includes a multicore connector 520 as a first integrated connection unit and a multicore connector 540 as a second integrated connection unit. The multi-core connector 520 mounted on the light source unit 100-1 side includes an optical fiber 20 connected to the blue semiconductor laser 10-1, a first connection portion 52 attached to the tip of each optical fiber 20, have. And the two 1st connection parts 52 are attached to the common connection part holding member 56, and comprise the multi-core connector 520 as a 1st integrated connection part.

  Similarly, the multi-core connector 540 on the integrated optical conversion unit side includes the optical fiber 22 and a second connection portion 54 attached to the tip of each optical fiber 22. The two second connection parts 54 are attached to a common connection part holding member 58 to constitute a multi-core connector 540 as a second integrated connection part.

  The multi-core connectors 520 and 540 are configured to be fixed at positions where the optical fibers 20 and 22 are optically connected with high efficiency by a fitting portion (not shown). For this fitting portion, a generally used optical connector technology can be used. Further, a multi-core ferrule or the like in which a plurality of connecting portions are integrated can be used.

Next, the operation of the light source system according to this embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the light source system, a plurality of integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, or 200-3 are configured to be replaceable with respect to the light source unit 100-1.

  First, the operation of the light source device by the combination of the light source unit 100-1 and the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1 will be described.

  When the light source unit 100-1 and the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1 are connected by the integrated connection unit 500 and the semiconductor laser 10-1 mounted on the light source unit 100-1 is caused to emit light, the semiconductor laser The blue laser light emitted from 10-1 passes through the first optical fiber 20, the integrated connector 500, and the second optical fiber 22, and is irradiated onto the phosphor 30-1 included in the light conversion unit. The phosphor 30-1 absorbs part of the blue laser light and converts it into yellow light, and transmits the remaining part, and the converted yellow light and the transmitted blue light constitute white light. Further, the thickness and the content of the fluorescent material are adjusted. Accordingly, when the phosphor 30-1 is irradiated with the blue laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10-1, white light is emitted as illumination light.

  In the present embodiment, the two semiconductor lasers 10-1 included in the light source unit 100-1 and the two light conversion units included in the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1 are configured to have the same characteristics. ing. For this reason, even when the two semiconductor lasers 10-1 are turned on or when one of them is turned on, the properties of the emitted white light are equal. However, the irradiation pattern and intensity distribution of the emitted white light can be adjusted by turning on the two semiconductor lasers 10-1. Moreover, it can design so that it may become an irradiation pattern and intensity distribution suitable for an illumination target object by adjusting the mounting part for mounting the light conversion unit on the light conversion unit holding member 60-1. it can. In addition, when each of them is brightly lit up to the limit brightness, it is possible to realize twice as much brightness as in the case of one.

  Next, the operation of the light source device by the combination of the light source unit 100-1 and the second integrated light conversion unit 200-2 will be described. The basic operation is the same as that of the light source device using the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1.

  The light conversion element included in the light conversion unit mounted on the second integrated light conversion unit 200-2 is a diffusion member 32-1. The diffusing member 32-1 has a characteristic of widening the emission angle of the blue laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10-1. Further, the laser light passes through the diffusing member 32-1, so that the coherence distance is shortened, and speckle or the like is hardly formed on the illumination target. Therefore, in this combination, when the semiconductor laser 10-1 is turned on, it is possible to emit blue illumination light having a divergence angle suitable for illuminating an object and in which speckles or the like are hardly formed.

  Next, the operation of the light source device by the combination of the light source unit 100-1 and the third integrated light conversion unit 200-3 will be described. The basic operation is the same as that of the light source device using the first and second integrated light conversion units 200-1 and 200-2.

  The light conversion element included in the light conversion unit mounted on the third integrated light conversion unit 200-3 has one phosphor 30-1 and one diffusion member 32-1. When the semiconductor laser 10-1 optically connected to the phosphor 30-1 is turned on, white light is emitted. Further, when the semiconductor laser 10-1 optically connected to the diffusing member 32-1 is turned on, diffused blue illumination light is emitted.

  As described above, in the light source system according to the first embodiment, only the integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3 are replaced with the light source unit 100-1. It is possible to obtain illumination light suitable for illumination of various illumination objects. Further, by bundling a plurality of light conversion units into integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3, it is possible to design an irradiation pattern and realize a brighter light source device. Further, by using the integrated light conversion unit 200-3 having two different light conversion units, the illumination light can be instantaneously switched by switching on and off the semiconductor laser. At this time, it is possible to attach and detach a plurality of connection portions at once by bundling a plurality of connection portions into the integrated connection portion 500.

  That is, in the light source system according to the first embodiment, a plurality of integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3 can be replaced with respect to one light source unit 100-1, so that there are few members. Therefore, it becomes possible to produce more illumination light.

  In addition, by bundling a plurality of light conversion units and configuring the integrated light conversion units 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, an irradiation pattern according to the illumination object can be designed, or a brighter light source device It is possible to realize a light source device that can be realized or that can switch illumination light of different colors instantaneously by switching on and off the light source. At this time, by bundling a plurality of connection portions to form the integrated connection portion 500, it is possible to easily attach and detach the plurality of connection portions at once without erroneous connection.

  In the first embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, a system with one type of light source unit and three types of integrated light conversion units has been described. However, in actual use, depending on the function of illumination light required. More light source units and integrated light conversion units can be appropriately prepared. The primary light source mounted on the light source unit is not limited to the semiconductor laser 10-1, and various light sources such as various laser light sources, LEDs, and lamps can be used. A light source that can be connected to an optical fiber with high efficiency is more desirable.

  The same applies to the light conversion element mounted on the light conversion unit, and various light conversion elements can be used, not limited to the phosphor and the diffusion member described above. For example, various powder phosphors, ceramic phosphors, single crystal phosphors, and the like, as well as quantum dots, semiconductor light emitting elements, organic light emitting elements, and the like can be used. In addition, by arranging a filter that cuts a part of the fluorescence wavelength on the emission surface of the phosphor, it is possible to extract only fluorescence in a desired wavelength region. Or it becomes possible to comprise so that only fluorescence may be taken out by mounting the filter which cuts primary light. Further, the diffusion member may be a type in which the surface of a transparent member is subjected to uneven processing. Furthermore, by using various light conversion elements such as a lens group for adjusting the radiation angle, a diffraction grating, a polarizing element, and a photonic crystal, the radiation angle and intensity distribution of the emitted secondary light can be optimized, It is possible to have directivity. Further, by using various wavelength filters, it is possible to take out or cut only light in a desired wavelength range.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described here.

  The light source system according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 4, and is basically configured in common with the first embodiment shown in FIG. Compared to the first embodiment, the number of primary light sources included in the light source unit, the number of light conversion units included in the integrated light conversion unit, and the number of connection portions included in the integrated connection portion are different from each other.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the connection unit optically connected to the primary light source among the connection units included in the first integrated connection unit included in the light source unit is used as an effective light source unit side connection unit. Of the connection parts of the second integrated connection part of the type light conversion unit, when the connection part optically connected to the light conversion unit is an effective light conversion unit side connection part, the effective light source side The example of the integrated light conversion unit group which has the integrated light conversion unit from which the number of a connection part and the effective light conversion unit side connection part differs mutually is shown. In the present embodiment, an example of an integrated light conversion unit group having an integrated light conversion unit in which the number of effective light conversion unit side connection portions is smaller than the number of effective light source side connection portions will be described.

The light source unit in the present embodiment is a light source unit 100-2 having two each of two types of semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 as shown in FIG. The light source unit 100-2 includes a semiconductor laser 10-1 that emits the same 450 nm blue laser light as in the first embodiment, and a semiconductor laser 10-2 that emits a 405 nm blue-violet laser light different from the semiconductor laser 10-1. Have. A total of four semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 are connected to a first optical fiber 20, and are connected to a multi-core connector 522 as a first integrated connection portion. That is, the multi-core connector 522 has four connection portions. In other words, the connection portion holding member 56 of the light source unit 100-2 has four connection portion attachment positions, and the connection portions are attached to all of the connection portion attachment positions.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the integrated light conversion unit in this embodiment has three integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 as members. Here, the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4 uses two holding members 40-1 in which the same phosphor 30-1 as that in the first embodiment is inserted, and 405 nm blue-violet light to red light. There are a total of four light conversion units, two holding members 40-3 on which the phosphor 30-2 to be converted is mounted. The fourth integrated optical conversion unit 200-4 has a multi-core connector 542 as a second integrated connection portion having four connection portions, and four wires extending from the four connection portions. The optical fibers 22 are connected to four holding members 40-1 and 40-2, respectively.

  The fifth integrated light conversion unit 200-5 includes two light conversion units having phosphor 30-1 among the four light conversion units mounted on the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4. Have only. Further, the fifth integrated optical conversion unit 200-5 has a multi-core connector 542 as a second integrated connection portion having four connection portions. Of the four connection portions of the multi-core connector 542, the second optical fiber 22 is connected to a port optically connected to two connection portions connected to the semiconductor laser 10-1 of the light source unit 100-2. Are connected and extend to the light conversion unit on which the phosphor 30-1 is mounted. Further, the remaining two ports are provided with shutters 599 as light shielding means for preventing laser light from leaking outside. That is, the number of effective connection parts is two. Here, the number of effective connection parts means that the tip of the connection part is connected to the light conversion unit, and the one that apparently has a connection part but is not connected anywhere is an effective connection part. is not. In other words, the connecting portion holding member 58 has four connecting portion mountable positions, of which two connecting portions are attached and the remaining two are attached with the shutters 599.

  The sixth integrated light conversion unit 200-6 includes one light conversion unit including the phosphor 30-1 among the four light conversion units mounted on the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4. There are two light conversion units, one light conversion unit having the phosphor 30-2. The sixth integrated optical conversion unit 200-6 has a multi-core connector 542 as a second integrated connection portion having four connection portions. Of the four connection parts of the multi-core connector 542, one of the two connection parts connected to the semiconductor laser 10-1 of the light source unit 100-2 and two of the connection parts connected to the semiconductor laser 10-2. The second optical fiber 22 is connected to a total of two connection ports, one of the connection portions, and extends to one light conversion unit having the phosphors 30-1 and 30-2. Further, the remaining two ports are provided with shutters 599 as light shielding means for preventing laser light from leaking outside. That is, the number of effective connections is two. In other words, the connection portion holding member 58 has four connection portion mountable positions, of which two connection portions and two shutters 599 are attached, respectively.

  The arrangement of the individual light conversion units on the light conversion unit holding members 60-4, 60-5, and 60-6 in the integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 depends on the purpose. Can be designed as appropriate. For example, a configuration example using a cylindrical light conversion unit holding member 60-4-A is shown in FIG. 5A, and a configuration example using a plate-like light conversion unit holding member 60-4-B. Are shown in FIG. The example of the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4-A shown in FIG. 5A is suitable for a configuration for illuminating the inside of a thin hole or the like, and the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4-A shown in FIG. The example of the light conversion unit 200-4-B is suitable for illuminating the inside of a thin crack-shaped gap. As described above, even in the integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 on which the same light conversion unit is mounted, the light conversion unit holding members 60-4, 60-5, and 60-6 are provided. By changing the attachment position, the size and shape of the tip unit can be made suitable for the purpose. Moreover, the irradiation pattern shape irradiated to the illumination target can be made into a shape suitable for the purpose.

  Next, the operation of the light source system according to the second embodiment will be described. The operation is basically the same as that of the light source system according to the first embodiment. Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  First, the operation of the light source device in which the light source unit 100-2 and the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4 are combined will be described.

  The blue laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10-1 is guided to the phosphor 30-1 by the optical fibers 20 and 22, converts a part of the blue laser light into yellow fluorescence, and transmits the remaining part. As a result, white light is emitted. The spectrum of the white light emitted at this time is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the spectrum when the blue semiconductor laser 10-1 is turned on is the blue laser light 81 and the yellow fluorescence 91. The illumination light at this time is white light in appearance, but the red component light having a wavelength of 600 nm or more is weak.

  Next, the blue-violet laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10-2 is guided to the phosphor 30-2 by the optical fibers 20 and 22, and a part of the blue-violet laser light is converted into red fluorescence. In FIG. 6, the spectrum when the blue-violet semiconductor laser 10-2 is turned on is blue-violet laser light 82 and red fluorescence 92. In the present embodiment, the phosphor 30-2 absorbs a part of the blue-violet laser beam 82 and converts it into the red fluorescence 92, while transmitting another part. It may be configured to convert all of 82 into red fluorescence 92.

  That is, when both the semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 are turned on, the spectrum of the illumination light emitted from the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4 is a blue-violet laser as shown in FIG. The light 82, the blue laser light 81, and the fluorescence 99 obtained by superposing the yellow fluorescence 91 and the red fluorescence 92 are obtained.

Next, the operation of the light source device in which the light source unit 100-2 and the fifth integrated light conversion unit 200-5 are combined will be described.
The operation when the semiconductor laser 10-1 is turned on is the same as when the light source unit 100-1 and the first integrated light conversion unit 200-1 in the first embodiment are combined.

  On the other hand, when the semiconductor laser 10-2 is turned on, the fifth integrated optical conversion unit 200-5 is connected to the multi-core connector 522 of the light source unit 100-2 connected to the semiconductor laser 10-2. A blue-violet laser beam is irradiated to a connection portion of the multi-core connector 542 that is not connected anywhere. However, since the shutter 599 serving as a light shielding means for preventing the laser light from leaking to the outside is provided at the connection portion that is not connected anywhere, the laser light is shielded by the shutter 599 and leaks to the outside. There is nothing.

Next, the operation of the light source device in which the light source unit 100-2 and the sixth integrated light conversion unit 200-6 are combined will be described.
In the light source unit 100-2, when the semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 optically connected to the phosphors 30-1 and 30-2 via the multi-core connectors 522 and 542 are turned on The operation is basically the same as that described above when the light source unit 100-2 and the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4 are connected. In the above-described example, the semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 and the light conversion units each having the phosphors 30-1 and 30-2 are combined two by two. In the case of combining 200-6, the operation is the same except that there is one each.

  In addition, the operation of the connection portion of the multi-core connector 522 included in the light source unit 100-2 that is not connected anywhere is the same as the operation in the case of the fifth integrated light conversion unit 200-5 described above. The laser light applied to the shutter 599 is absorbed by the shutter 599 and does not leak outside.

  As described above, in the light source system according to the second embodiment, different primary light sources are mounted on one light source unit 100-2, and integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 are also included. By mounting different functions and numbers of light conversion units and combining them appropriately, it is possible to realize various illumination lights that are required.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, the integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 can be selected according to the characteristics of the illumination light that is required. That is, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the red component light is slightly weaker than other colors, and the fact that the red component light is weak may cause a problem depending on the object to be illuminated. For example, when illuminating a red object, illumination light with a small red component will appear dark. According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the light source unit 100-2 and the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4 may be combined in an application that is bright and requires a red component. 5 integrated optical conversion units 200-5 may be used. The fifth integrated light conversion unit 200-5 has a small number of mounted light conversion units, so that the integrated light conversion unit can be made small and inexpensive. In addition, when the brightness is not required but the red component is required, the necessary light can be obtained by using the sixth integrated light conversion unit 200-6. The sixth integrated light conversion unit 200-6 is also a small and low cost integrated light conversion unit.

  Thus, the illumination device according to the application can be realized by the common light source unit 100-2.

  In the present embodiment, the light source unit is shown as an example in which two primary light sources that emit two types of light are mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Three or more types of primary light sources may be mounted according to the application, or three or more of the same light sources may be mounted. By configuring in this way, it is possible to realize a brighter light source device or to realize illumination light having more colors and different spectra.

  Moreover, although the connection part showed the example using a 4-core multi-core connector in this embodiment, it is not restricted to this. If there are two or more cores, different illumination light can be realized by connection. Moreover, if it is 5 cores or more, it becomes possible to realize many different illumination lights.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the example which adds red fluorescence to yellow fluorescence and improves red color rendering property was shown, it does not restrict to this. For example, the intensity of the blue component can be improved by using a phosphor that converts 405 nm blue-violet laser light into blue. Thereby, a blue object can be illuminated brightly.

  In such a light source system, brightness is not particularly required, and a light source unit with a reduced number of primary light sources is provided to a user who wants to use white light and white light with a red component added. Thus, a small and inexpensive lighting device can be realized.

  The light source unit 100-3 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes one semiconductor laser 10-1 that emits blue light and one semiconductor laser 10-2 that emits blue-violet light. The multi-core connector 522 as the first integrated connection portion can be connected to all the integrated optical conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 shown in the second embodiment. In the combination with the integrated optical conversion unit 200-6, white light can be obtained if only the semiconductor laser 10-1 is turned on, and if the semiconductor laser 10-2 is also turned on, the red light is obtained. It becomes possible to add components. In this case, the number of effective connection portions is two. In addition, a shutter 599 serving as a lid is provided at the two ineffective connection portions. In other words, the connection portion holding member 56 has four connection portion mountable positions, of which two connection portions and two shutters 599 are attached, respectively.

  If bright illumination light is required in the future, it is possible to step up to a bright light source by purchasing the light source unit 100-2 and the fourth integrated light conversion unit 200-4. At this time, the sixth integrated optical conversion unit 200-6 already owned can also be used continuously.

  Furthermore, for a user who already owns the light source unit 100-2 and a plurality of integrated light conversion units, the light source unit 100-3 is small and can be used as a spare or handy light source unit. it can.

  That is, in the light source system of this embodiment, the light source unit 100-2 and the light source unit 100-3 constitute a light source unit group, and the user procures a light source unit according to the purpose from the light source unit group. Or add to your own light source system.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
Next, a modification of the light source system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In this modification, a configuration of a light source unit having another configuration that can be used in combination with the integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 described in the second embodiment will be described.

  In the light source unit 100-2 described in the second embodiment, four semiconductor lasers, ie, two semiconductor lasers 10-12 that emit blue light and two semiconductor lasers 10-2 that emit blue-violet light are used. In the light source unit 100-4 in the present modification, as shown in FIG. 8, one each of the semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 is used, and 1 × 2 light from the incident end 1 and the exit end 2 By combining the coupler 27, blue light and blue-violet light are emitted from the connection port of the multi-core connector 522 as the first integrated connection portion. In other words, a part of the light guide path is replaced with the optical coupler 27 from the optical fiber 20. As the optical coupler, it is possible to use a general optical fiber technology which is prepared by a method of optically coupling the core portions of the optical fibers.

  In such a configuration, the laser beams emitted from the semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2 are incident on the incident end of the optical coupler 27, and are thereby branched into two optical paths. Of the four connecting parts, each is ejected from two. The subsequent operation is the same as in the second embodiment.

  With this configuration, it is possible to emit illumination light from a larger number of light conversion units included in the integrated light conversion units 200-4, 200-5, and 200-6 with a smaller number of semiconductor lasers. It becomes.

  As a result, the number of light emitting points of the integrated light conversion unit can be made larger than the number of semiconductor lasers. As a result, when illuminating a nearby illumination target, it is possible to arrange the illumination light emitting portion so that it is difficult to produce a shadow. Also, by reducing the number of semiconductor lasers, the light source unit can be provided in a compact and inexpensive manner.

  In this modification, an example in which the 1 × 2 optical coupler 27 is used as the optical coupler is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using a multi-branch type of 1 × 3 or more, it is possible to increase the number of light conversion units, and it is possible to design an illumination pattern more freely, such as difficult to shadow.

  Further, a plurality of optical couplers can be used on the incident side, and a return light monitor can be provided on one side. This makes it possible to monitor the status of the laser light returned from the light conversion unit and the light converted light converted light.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the light source unit 100-5 shows an example in which a 2 × 2 optical coupler 28 having an entrance end 2 and an exit end 2 is used. Of the two incident ends of each of the two optical couplers 28, the photodetector 12 is disposed at the incident end not connected to the semiconductor lasers 10-1 and 10-2. Thereby, after the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10 is irradiated to the optical conversion unit optically connected, the return light returned to the hand side or the light converted light converted light is detected. This can be detected by the device 12.

  Furthermore, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the example in which the optical coupler is provided on the light source units 100-4 and 100-5 side is shown, but this can also be used on the integrated light conversion unit side. . As a result, the number of light conversion units included in the integrated light conversion unit can be increased without increasing the number of connection portions.

  Note that the type of the light conversion unit mounted on the integrated light conversion unit can be variously modified in addition to the example shown in the above-described embodiment. For example, it is possible to improve heat resistance and convert stronger primary light, wavelength conversion filters, mixed or laminated multiple phosphors, and combinations of these. is there.

  Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are naturally possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in all the embodiments described above, only the example using the optical fibers 20 and 22 as the light guide path is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. A variety of commonly used light guides can be used. For example, a film light guide configured to be in contact with regions having different refractive indexes on a film substrate, a semiconductor light guide configured to be in contact with regions having different refractive indexes on a semiconductor substrate, or a resin It is possible to use various light guides such as a slab type light guide. In this case, it is possible to use a structure in which a plurality of light guide paths are formed on one substrate.

  Similarly, the optical couplers 27 and 28 as light guide paths are not limited to optically coupled optical fibers, and optical couplers using various commonly used light guide paths can be used. For example, various light guides such as the above-described film light guide, a semiconductor substrate light guide, and a resin slab light guide can be used.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the film light guide 90. As shown in the figure, a light guide part 910 is formed on a transparent film substrate 900 by a transparent member having a refractive index higher than that of the film substrate 900, and a refractive index substantially equal to that of the film substrate 900 is further formed thereon. A transparent cover member 920 having the film guide path 90 is configured. With this configuration, the light incident on the light guide unit 910 is not easily propagated to the film substrate 900 or the cover member 920, and can be efficiently guided.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of an optical coupler based on the film light guide technology as a perspective view seen from above. The primary light incident from the incident end 931 branches into two paths by the optical coupler unit 950 and is emitted from the emission end 933.

  In addition, the integrated connection part 500 can use normal techniques, such as a connector which makes a film light guide way removable.

  Furthermore, when a semiconductor light guide other than the film light guide, a slab light guide, or the like is used, an appropriate technique may be selected as appropriate for the connection portion.

  In addition, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

    10-1, 10-2 ... semiconductor laser, 12 ... photodetector, 20 ... optical fiber, 20, 22 ... optical fiber, 27, 28 ... optical coupler, 30-1, 30-2 ... phosphor, 32-1 ... diffusion member, 40-1 to 40-3 ... holding member, 42 ... ferrule, 52 ... first connection part, 54 ... second connection part, 56, 58 ... connection part holding member, 60-1 to 60- 6, 60-4-A, 60-4-B ... light conversion unit holding member, 81 ... blue laser light, 82 ... blue-violet laser light, 90 ... film light guide, 91 ... yellow fluorescence, 92 ... red fluorescence, 99 Fluorescence, 100-1 to 100-5, light source unit, 200-1 to 200-6, 200-4-A, 200-4-B, integrated light conversion unit, 500, integrated connection portion, 520, 522 , 540,542 ... multi-core connector Motor, 599 ... shutter, 900 ... the film substrate, 910 ... guide portion, 920 ... cover member, 931 ... entrance end, 933 ... exit end, 950 ... optical coupler portion.

Claims (16)

A light source unit having a primary light source that emits primary light;
A light conversion unit having a light conversion element that converts the optical properties of the primary light to generate secondary light;
In the light source device comprising:
A plurality of the light conversion units;
The primary light source and the plurality of light conversion units are optically connected by light guide paths,
A light source device comprising: a connecting portion that allows the primary light source and the plurality of light conversion units to be attached to and detached from each of the light guide paths.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light conversion units are attached to a common light conversion unit holding member to form an integrated light conversion unit. Among the connection parts, when one of the connection parts attached to the light source unit side is a first connection part and the other of the connection parts attached to the light conversion unit side is a second connection part,
The first connection parts are grouped together to form a first integrated connection part,
The second connection portion is attached to one connection portion holding member to constitute a second integrated connection portion,
The light source device according to claim 2, wherein the first integrated connection portion and the second integrated connection portion constitute a detachable integrated connection portion. The number of the first connection parts optically connected to the primary light source in the first integrated connection part is the number of effective connection parts of the first integrated connection part, and the second When the number of the second connection portions attached to the connection portion holding member of the integrated connection portion is the number of effective connection portions of the second integrated connection portion,
The number of effective connections of the first integrated connection is equal to or greater than the number of effective connections of the second integrated connection. Light source device.   The primary light leaks to the outside at a connection portion attachment position where the second connection portion is not attached at a connection portion attachment position where the second connection portion can be attached of the connection portion holding member. The light source device according to claim 4, further comprising a light-shielding unit that prevents light from being emitted.   The light source device according to claim 3, wherein the number of primary light sources included in the light source unit is equal to or less than the number of the first connection portions. Each of the light conversion units has a light conversion function for at least one of a peak wavelength, a spectrum shape, and a radiation angle among the optical properties of the primary light,
The light source device according to claim 3, wherein the integrated light conversion unit includes light conversion units having different wavelength conversion functions. Comprising the light source device according to claim 3;
The integrated light conversion unit constitutes an integrated light conversion unit group by a plurality of integrated light conversion units,
All of the integrated light conversion units that are members of the integrated light conversion unit group can be attached to and detached from the light source unit at the integrated connection portion.   9. The light source system according to claim 8, wherein the integrated light conversion unit group includes integrated light conversion units in which attachment positions of the light conversion units on the light conversion unit holding member are different from each other.   The integrated light conversion unit group includes at least one light conversion unit having different light conversion functions for at least one of a peak wavelength, a spectrum shape, and a radiation angle among the optical properties of the primary light. The light source system according to claim 8, further comprising a light conversion unit.   9. The light source system according to claim 8, wherein the integrated light conversion unit group includes at least one integrated light conversion unit having a different number of light conversion units in each integrated light conversion unit. The light source unit constitutes a light source unit group by a plurality of light source units,
The light source system using the light source device according to claim 3, wherein all members of the light source unit group are detachable from members of the integrated light conversion unit group at the integrated connection portion.   The light source unit group includes a member capable of emitting primary light having at least one of a peak wavelength, a spectral shape, and a maximum output among optical properties of the primary light emitted from the light source unit. The light source system according to claim 12, characterized in that:   The light source system according to claim 12, wherein the light source unit group includes members having different numbers of primary light sources included in the light source unit.   The light source system according to claim 12, wherein the light source unit group includes members having different effective connection portions of the first integrated connection portion.   The light source device according to claim 3, wherein the light guide path is an optical fiber or a film light guide path.

Images