JP5155555B2 - Optical component and light emitting device using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical component that can be attached to an end portion of an optical fiber, and a light-emitting device using the optical component.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a lamp that transmits light from a light source to a disperser through a separator such as an optical fiber to disperse the light in a desired pattern or change the color of the light (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  However, the above conventional lamp simply has a disperser attached to the tip of a separator such as an optical fiber, and the optical component that can be attached to the end of a light guide member such as an optical fiber needs to be improved. There is.

  In addition, it has a spherical lens and a ferrule that holds the optical fiber at the central axis, and the tip of the optical fiber and the tip of the ferrule form a uniform surface, and the tip of the optical fiber is located at the focal position of the spherical lens. In the collimator that holds the spherical lens and the ferrule on the same axis, a first sleeve that holds the spherical lens, and a second sleeve that holds the ferrule and is integrally combined with the first sleeve The collimator which provides is proposed (for example, refer to Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  However, this spherical lens does not contain a phosphor, cannot emit light having a wavelength different from the light emitted from the optical fiber, and cannot obtain a desired color from the lens. In addition, since the main purpose of this spherical lens is to provide a lens effect, it is preferable that the part of the spherical lens is covered with a non-translucent member such as a holder. There is no section. Therefore, a situation occurs in which the ball lens is pulled out.

  Furthermore, a method of coupling an optical fiber and a lens having a ferrule that fixes the optical fiber at the center, a spherical lens, and a rotating ring that can change the distance from the end face of the optical fiber to the lens has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 4).

However, the spherical lens does not contain a phosphor, cannot emit light having a wavelength different from the light emitted from the optical fiber, and cannot obtain a desired color from the lens. In addition, since there is a space between the optical fiber and the spherical lens, the light emitted from the optical fiber is reflected by the spherical lens and is not efficiently emitted to the outside.
Special table 2003-515899 gazette JP-A 63-149611 JP-A-4-131817 JP-A-4-195005

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting device that can emit light having a wavelength different from that of light emitted from an optical fiber and that has a high light output, and an optical component used therefor.

  According to the present invention, the above problem is solved as follows.

  The optical component of the present invention has an optical fiber holding member for holding an optical fiber, a light conversion member, an inner hole into which the light conversion member and the optical fiber holding member can be inserted, and light conversion at one end of the inner hole. An opening that can take out light converted by the member is provided, and the opening has at least one locking portion protruding inwardly into the opening, and is inserted into the cap inner hole. The optical conversion member is fixed to the inner hole in a state where the optical fiber holding member is pressed against the engaging portion. Thereby, it is possible to easily prevent the light conversion member from being detached from the cap, and it is possible to extract light from the cap. In addition, since the light conversion member is arrange | positioned in the hole of a cap, if it has at least one latching | locking part, it can fix and can reduce light shielding. In addition, a light emitting device having a different color tone can be provided by replacing only the light conversion member. Furthermore, even if the light emitted from the optical fiber holding member is only one, a plurality of lights different from the light emitted from the optical fiber holding member can be emitted by replacing only the light conversion member.

  The light conversion member preferably has a phosphor mixed in glass. Thereby, deterioration of a light conversion member can be prevented. Moreover, the optical component excellent in heat resistance compared with resin can be provided.

  It is preferable that the phosphor mixed in the glass is uniformly dispersed. The phosphor absorbs light emitted from the optical fiber, performs wavelength conversion, and emits predetermined light, but part of the absorbed light is converted into heat. Therefore, it is important to diffuse the heat accumulated in the phosphor. Further, by uniformly dispersing the phosphors, it is possible to reduce the alignment color unevenness of the emitted light.

  It is preferable that the light conversion member is fitted in an inner hole of the cap. Thereby, the movement of the light conversion member within the cap can be reduced. In addition, heat generated in the light conversion member can be transmitted to the cap or the optical fiber holding member to improve heat dissipation.

  It is preferable that the light conversion member has any one of a cylindrical shape, a substantially frustoconical dome shape, and a spherical shape. The reason is that it is easier to process than the polygonal shape, and when the light conversion member is inserted into the cap inner hole, chipping and cracking are less likely to occur, and the light conversion member can be easily removed from the cap. This is because it can be prevented. In addition, a lens effect can be provided if the shape is a dome shape or a spherical shape.

  In addition, the light conversion member can be provided with a plurality of light conversion members having different color tones. Thereby, a predetermined color tone can be realized.

  It is preferable that a light reflecting member is provided between the light conversion member and the optical fiber holding member. In particular, it is desirable to be provided in a portion excluding the end face of the optical fiber. As a result, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. That is, the phosphor in the light conversion member reflects a part of the incident light. For this reason, the light reflected without being absorbed by the phosphor returns to the optical fiber holding member side. By irradiating the return light into the light conversion member again by the light reflecting member, the light conversion efficiency can be improved. Therefore, the light emitted from the optical fiber can be used effectively. In addition, you may form a light reflection member directly in the end surface part of the light conversion member near the optical fiber holding member except an optical fiber.

  The light reflecting member is preferably formed in a shape that fits into the shape of the light converting member. Thereby, the light emitted from the optical fiber can be used effectively. Further, heat generated from the light conversion member can be efficiently radiated to the outside through the light reflection member.

  It is preferable that a light reflecting member is provided on at least a part of the inner wall of the cap. By providing a light reflecting member on the inner wall of the cap, light absorption into the cap can be reduced.

  It is preferable that the cap is provided with a reflector that expands toward the tip at the locking portion. Specifically, it is preferable that the tip of the reflector is the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the cap. Further, the opening of the locking part is expanded toward the tip, and the tip of the opening of the locking part is made the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the light conversion member, so that it can be viewed from the light emission observation surface side. In this case, the surface area of the light conversion member can be increased, the light condensing performance is increased, and the light extraction efficiency can be improved.

  In the optical component, a member having higher heat resistance than the light conversion member may be disposed between the light conversion member and the optical fiber holding member. Since the light emitted from the optical fiber has a high output, the phosphor contained in the light conversion member may deteriorate. Therefore, the deterioration of the light conversion member can be suppressed by disposing a member having excellent heat resistance at the end of the optical fiber to enhance the light diffusion effect or increase the heat dissipation.

  A light-emitting device of the present invention includes an excitation light source that emits excitation light, an optical fiber that transmits excitation light emitted from the excitation light source, and the optical component provided at the tip of the optical fiber. And Accordingly, it is possible to provide a light emitting device that can emit light having a wavelength different from that of light emitted from the optical fiber and has high light output.

  The excitation light source is preferably a semiconductor laser. Thereby, a light emitting device with extremely high light output can be provided.

  Moreover, the light conversion material of the present invention is a light conversion member used for the optical component of the present invention, and the light conversion member has a cylindrical shape, a substantially truncated cone-shaped dome shape, or a spherical shape. It is characterized by being processed. By processing the light conversion member into any one of a cylindrical shape, a substantially frustoconical dome shape, and a spherical shape, chipping and cracking can be prevented when inserted into the cap inner hole.

  The cap of the present invention is a cap used for the optical component of the present invention, and is provided with an opening that can take out light converted by the light conversion member at one end of the inner hole. It has at least 1 or more latching | locking part which protruded toward the inside in the part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Thereby, it is possible to easily prevent the light conversion member from being detached from the cap, and it is possible to extract light from the cap. In addition, since the light conversion member is arrange | positioned in the hole of a cap, if it has at least one latching | locking part, it can fix and can reduce light shielding.

  The cap of the present invention is a cap used for the optical component of the present invention, wherein the cap is a metal. The reason is that metal has a higher thermal conductivity than glass and ceramics, and when light emitted from an optical fiber is converted to light of another wavelength, the heat accumulated in the light conversion material is easily diffused. This is because it can. Further, it is easy to process and has high mechanical strength. The cap material is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal, but among these, it is preferable to use relatively inexpensive stainless steel, iron-nickel alloy, Kovar alloy, and aluminum alloy.

  In the cap of the present invention, it is preferable that a reflector that expands toward the tip is provided in the locking portion. Specifically, it is preferable that the tip of the reflector is the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the cap. Further, the opening of the locking part is expanded toward the tip, and the tip of the opening of the locking part is made the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the light conversion member, so that it can be viewed from the light emission observation surface side. In this case, the surface area of the light conversion member can be increased, the light condensing performance is increased, and the light extraction efficiency can be improved.

  The cap of the present invention preferably has a light reflecting member formed on at least a part of the inner wall. Thereby, the light extraction efficiency can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light emitting device capable of emitting light having a wavelength different from that of light emitted from an optical fiber and having a high light output, and an optical component used therefor.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
The optical component according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a schematic AA ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1D is a schematic BB ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical component according to the first embodiment includes an optical fiber 10, an optical fiber holding member 20 having the optical fiber 10, a cap 30, and a light conversion member 40. The cap 30 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 40 can be inserted, and an opening 32 that can take out light converted by the light conversion member 40 is provided at one end of the inner hole. And the four latching | locking parts 31 which protruded inward toward the opening part 32 are comprised. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the light conversion member 40 from being removed while suppressing a decrease in light extraction efficiency due to light shielding. In order to prevent the light converting member 40 from being pulled out, the locking portion 31 is preferably bent in an L shape so as to protrude to the inside of the opening portion 32, and at least one locking portion 31 may be provided. In particular, if there are three or more, the light conversion member 40 can be reliably fixed to the optical fiber holding member 20. In addition, when fixing the light conversion member 40 using the latching | locking part 31 bent in the L-shape so that it may protrude inside the opening part 32, the fixing strength is made so high that the number of the latching | locking parts 31 increases. However, since the ratio of the locking portion 31 occupying the plane from which the light of the light conversion member 40 emits light increases, the light extraction efficiency decreases. On the other hand, as the number of the locking portions 31 decreases, the ratio of the locking portions 31 occupying the plane from which the light of the light conversion member 40 is emitted decreases, so that the light extraction efficiency improves, but the fixing strength decreases. Therefore, what is necessary is just to change the shape and number of the latching | locking parts 31 suitably according to the intended purpose. The light conversion member 40 is disposed in the cap 30 and is fixed to the inner hole while being sandwiched between the optical fiber holding member 20 and the locking portion 31.

  One end of the optical fiber 10 is connected to an excitation light source (not shown), and an optical component including a light conversion member 40 is attached to the other end. The optical fiber 10 is inserted into the optical fiber holding member 20. The inner hole of the cap 30 is fitted to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical fiber holding member 20. The optical fiber holding member 20 may be provided with gaps, irregularities, and screw shapes so that the cap 30 can be removed. However, when it is desired to increase the fixing strength, the optical fiber holding member 20 and the cap 30 may be fixed by YAG welding or the like. The diameter of the light conversion member 40 preferably has substantially the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the optical fiber holding member 20, and preferably has the same outer diameter as the inner hole of the cap 30. .

  In the light conversion member 40, a phosphor 42 is mixed in a glass 41. The phosphor 42 is preferably uniformly dispersed in the glass 41.

  The light conversion member 40 has a cylindrical shape, but need not be a physical cylindrical shape, and may have rounded corners or be distorted. When the optical component is observed from the light emission observation surface side, it is observed in a state where the light conversion member 40 is exposed in the opening 32 of the locking portion 31 of the cap 30 as shown in FIG.

  According to the first embodiment, the light conversion member 40 is disposed in the cap 30 and can be easily attached by pressing the optical fiber holding member 20 until the light conversion member 40 hits the locking portion 31. it can. Therefore, since the replacement of the light conversion member 40 can be performed with respect to the light conversion member 40 which is a member independent of the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber holding member 20, if the light conversion member 40 is defective, the cap 30 is removed to remove the light. The conversion member 40 may be replaced. Therefore, the replacement of the light conversion member 40 can be performed not in units of the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber holding member 20 but in units of the cap 30. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the yield of products using the optical fiber 10 can be improved. Further, since the light converting member 40 has a cylindrical shape, even if the position of the fiber 10 in the light emitting portion is deviated from the center of the cylindrical shape, the thickness is almost the same, so that no significant color deviation occurs. Further, since the phosphor 42 is dispersed and mixed in the light conversion member 40 and the coefficient of friction with the inner surface of the cap 30 is large, the rotation of the light conversion member 40 in the cap 30 can also be suppressed.

  Further, the phosphor 42 mixed in the glass 41 generates heat when converting the light from the excitation light source. When the light conversion member 40 is fixed using an organic resin adhesive, the organic resin is yellowed and deteriorated by the heat of the phosphor 42. This reduces the light extraction efficiency. According to the first embodiment, since the light conversion member 40 can be fixed without using an organic resin, the light extraction efficiency can be maintained high. On the other hand, many phosphors 42 in the light conversion member 40 can be arranged on the side away from the optical fiber 10. This is because the light emitted from the optical fiber 10 has a high density, and therefore it is preferable to keep the phosphor 42 as far as possible. By increasing the contact area between the light conversion member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20, it is possible to improve heat dissipation.

  When it is desired to increase the fixing strength of the light conversion member 40, the light conversion member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20 may be fixed using low-melting glass. In this case, for example, paste-like low-melting glass is applied to the contact portion (excluding the end face portion of the optical fiber 10) of either the optical fiber holding member 20 or the optical conversion member 40, and the optical fiber holding member 20 is applied. And the light conversion member 40 can be fixed by bonding and heating. Although it is possible to fix the entire contact portion of both members using low-melting glass, it is also possible to fix only a part using low-melting glass. This is because the light conversion member 40 is covered with the cap 30 and thus the light conversion member 40 does not fall off easily. Further, the light conversion member 40 and the cap 30 may be fixed to the contact portions of these members using low melting point glass in the same manner as described above. In this case, the light conversion member 40 may be fixed to the cap 30 using low melting point glass before the cap 30 and the optical fiber holding member 20 are joined.

  The light conversion member 40 can be fixed by being sandwiched between the optical fiber holding member 20 and the cap 30. As described above, the light conversion member 40 may be attached to the optical fiber holding member 20 or the cap 30 in advance.

  There is no need for only one light conversion member 40, and a plurality of light conversion members 40 may be used.

  The columnar light conversion member 40 can be obtained by performing column processing using a diamond-grinder and cutting and removing excess portions.

<Second Embodiment>
An optical component according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a schematic CC ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D is a schematic DD ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the same member as in the first embodiment is used, the same figure number is used even if the shape is slightly different.

  Since the optical component according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except that the light reflecting member 50 is provided between the light conversion member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20, Description of similar parts is omitted.

  By providing the light reflecting member 50 between the light converting member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20, the light reflected by the phosphor 42 in the light converting member 40 and returning to the optical fiber holding member 20 side is converted into light. The light conversion member 40 can be irradiated again by the reflection member 50, and the light conversion efficiency can be improved. Further, the heat generated from the light conversion member 40 can be efficiently radiated to the outside through the light reflecting member 50. Furthermore, when an optical component is manufactured by screwing the cap 30 and the optical fiber holding member 20, the light reflecting member 50 may act as a buffer material and be firmly fixed.

  The light reflecting member 50 is preferably not provided at the end of the optical fiber 10 in the optical fiber holding member 20 so that the light from the optical fiber 10 is efficiently incident on the light converting member 40.

  The light reflecting member 50 preferably has a shape that matches the light converting member 40, but can also be provided with irregularities. Further, the light reflecting member 50 may be inserted into the cap 30 while being attached to the optical fiber holding member 20, or may be inserted into the cap 30 while being attached to the light conversion member 40. Furthermore, it is a separate member that is not attached to either the optical fiber holding member 20 or the light conversion member 40, and is inserted between the light conversion member 40 and the light holding member 20 to be held in the cap 30. Good. Further, when the light reflecting member 50 is provided between the light conversion member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20 and is fixed by the low melting point glass, for example, contact of either the optical fiber holding member 20 or the light conversion member 40 As described above, paste-like low melting point glass is applied to the part, a light reflecting member 50 is formed on the contact part of the other member, and the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 40 are bonded and heated. Alternatively, paste-like low-melting glass is applied to the contact portion of the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light converting member 40 with the light reflecting member, and the light reflecting member 50 is interposed between the light converting member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20. It is only necessary to sandwich and heat.

  The light conversion member may be provided on at least a part of the inner wall of the cap. By providing the light conversion member on a part of the inner wall of the cap, the light dispersed in the light conversion member 40 can be efficiently reflected and emitted to the outside of the cap.

  The material of the light reflecting member 50 is preferably a member that can efficiently reflect the excitation light emitted from the optical fiber 10, for example, metal members such as gold, silver, aluminum, rhodium, platinum, and alloys thereof, Or the film body which consists of these, or the member to which these were attached | coated can be used. In addition, as a formation method of the light reflection member 50, various methods, such as a vacuum evaporation method and a plating method, can be used.

<Third Embodiment>
An optical component according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3C is a schematic EE ′ cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an optical component according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3D is a schematic FF ′ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the same member as in the first embodiment is used, the same figure number is used even if the shape is slightly different.

  The optical component according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except that a member 60 having excellent heat resistance is provided between the light conversion member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20. Therefore, description of similar parts is omitted.

  Since the light output emitted from the optical fiber 10 is high, the light conversion member 40 tends to be deteriorated by heat or light. However, the light conversion member 40 is interposed between the light conversion member 40 and the optical fiber holding member 20. Further, by disposing the member 60 having excellent heat resistance, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the light conversion member 40 due to heat and light.

  As the member 60 excellent in heat resistance, for example, a glass simple substance or a glass containing a light diffusing material such as titanium oxide or silicon oxide can be used. By including the light diffusing material, the light diffuses, and the bias of the incidence of light on the light conversion member 40 can be reduced. Moreover, you may use the glass containing the fluorescent substance excellent in heat resistance rather than the fluorescent substance used for the light conversion member 40. FIG.

  The shape of the member 60 excellent in heat resistance may be a cylindrical shape having substantially the same diameter as the light conversion member 40, but is not limited to this size and shape, and is smaller than the diameter of the light conversion member 40. A thing may be used and a spherical thing may be used.

<Fourth embodiment>
An optical component according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of an optical component according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4C is a schematic GG ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4D is a schematic HH ′ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical component according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment except that the shape of the locking portion 131 of the cap 130 is different. .

  The locking part 131 has a shape that is viewed from the light emitting side (plane side) of the cap 130 and intersects the cross shape. The crossing portion can prevent the light conversion member 140 from being pulled out.

  The light conversion member 140 includes the phosphor 42 in the glass 41. The light conversion member 140 has a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the light conversion member 140 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the locking portion 131 and is fitted in the cap 130. Since the light conversion member 140 is contained in the cap 130, the light conversion member 40 can be protected from an external obstacle.

  As in the first embodiment, this optical component is simply arranged by placing the light conversion member 140 in the cap 30 and pressing the optical fiber holding member 20 until the light conversion member 40 hits the locking portion 131. Can be attached. Thereby, the wobbling of the light conversion member 140 is eliminated, and an optical component having high mechanical strength can be formed.

  The light conversion member 140 can be visually recognized from the gap between the intersecting locking portions 131.

<Fifth embodiment>
An optical component according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II ′ showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5D is a schematic JJ ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical component according to the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except that the shapes of the truncated cone-shaped light conversion member 240 and the cap 230 are different. Omitted.

  In order to prevent the light conversion member 240 from being detached from the cap 230, the bottom surface side has a wide truncated cone shape. The planar side of the light conversion member 240 protrudes from the cap 230, but can be housed in the cap 230.

  The cap 230 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 240 can be inserted, and an opening 232 from which light converted by the light conversion member 240 can be taken out is provided at one end of the inner hole. And the four latching | locking parts 231 which protruded inward toward the opening part 232 are comprised. The locking portion 231 has an L-shape so as to protrude to the inside of the opening, and fixes the side surface of the light conversion member 240. Since the locking portion 231 does not cover the light emitting surface of the light conversion member 240, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. Note that the number of the locking portions is not necessarily four, and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

  As the shape of the truncated cone of the light conversion member 240, not only the shape shown in FIG. 3 but also a combined shape of a truncated cone and a columnar shape can be used. By making the shape of a substantially truncated cone shape further provided with a cylindrical portion, the contact area between the light conversion member 240 and the cap 30 is increased, so that the locking portion 231 and the optical fiber holding member 20 are sandwiched. The mechanical strength of can be increased. The light conversion member 240 having such a shape is subjected to cylindrical processing using a diamond grinder, and then the tip of the light conversion member subjected to cylindrical processing on a diamond electrodeposition wheel processed so as to leave a desired shape remains. While pressing, rotating the light conversion member and the diamond electrodeposition wheel, the shape can be transferred by grinding, and excess portions can be cut and removed.

<Sixth Embodiment>
An optical component according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6C is a schematic KK ′ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6D is a schematic LL ′ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical component according to the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment except that the shapes of the dome-shaped light conversion member 340 and the cap 330 are different. To do.

  In order to prevent the light converting member 340 from being detached from the cap 330, the bottom surface side has a wide dome shape or hemispherical shape. The plane side of the light conversion member 340 protrudes from the cap 330, but it can be accommodated in the cap 330.

  The cap 330 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 340 can be inserted, and an opening 332 from which light converted by the light conversion member 340 can be taken out is provided at one end of the inner hole. And the four latching | locking parts 331 which protruded inward toward the opening part 332 are comprised. The locking portion 331 has an L shape so as to protrude to the inside of the opening 332, and fixes the side surface of the light conversion member 340. Since the locking portion 331 does not cover the curved surface of the light conversion member 340, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. In addition, a lens effect can be provided. Note that the number of the locking portions 331 is not necessarily four, and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

  The dome-shaped light converting member 340 performs a cylindrical process using a diamond-grinder, and then presses the tip of the light converting member against the rotating cup-shaped grindstone to move the cup-shaped grindstone along the outline of the desired shape. It can be obtained by forming a dome shape and cutting and removing excess portions.

<Seventh embodiment>
An optical component according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C is a schematic MM ′ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D is a schematic NN ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  Since the optical component according to the seventh embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except that the shape of the cap 430 is different, the description of the same parts is omitted.

  The cap 430 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 440 can be inserted, and an opening 432 capable of taking out light converted by the light conversion member 440 is provided at one end of the inner hole. In addition, the opening portion 432 includes one locking portion 431 protruding inward. Since a part of the light conversion member 440 is disposed in the inner hole of the cap 430, lateral movement can be reduced. The light conversion member 440 is preferably fitted in the inner hole of the cap 430, but the diameter of the light conversion member 440 can be slightly reduced to make it easier to fit in the inner hole of the cap. The light converting member 440 is fixed by a locking portion 431 having an L-shape so as to protrude to the inside of the opening in order to prevent vertical removal. The light conversion member 440 is sandwiched between the optical fiber holding member 420 and the locking portion 431 so that a part of the side surface can be visually recognized.

  The light conversion member 440 has a cylindrical shape, but a truncated cone shape, a dome shape, a spherical shape, or the like can also be used. Although it can be locked on the upper surface of the truncated cone shape, the dome shape, and the spherical shape, it can also be locked on the side surface because the skirt is wider than the upper surface side.

<Eighth Embodiment>
An optical component according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8C is a schematic OO ′ sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8D is a schematic PP ′ cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical component according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical component according to the eighth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except that the tip of the cap 530 (opening 532) is provided with a reflector 533 that expands toward the tip. Therefore, description of similar parts is omitted.

  The cap 530 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 540 can be inserted, and an opening 532 from which light converted by the light conversion member 540 can be taken out is provided at one end of the inner hole. And the three latching | locking parts 531 which protruded inward toward the opening part 532 are comprised. In addition, a reflector 533 that expands toward the tip is formed at the tip of the cap 530 (locking portion 531) so as to cover the side surface of the locking portion 531. Thereby, the light emitted from the side surface of the light conversion member 540 can be easily collected, and the alignment characteristics can be controlled. The tip of the reflector 533 is preferably formed so as to be the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the cap 530, but various shapes can be used depending on the orientation characteristics. Further, the number of the locking portions 531 does not need to be three, and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

<About the first to eighth embodiments>
The members used in the first to eighth embodiments will be described.

  The material of the optical fiber holding member 20 is preferably a member having high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability. For example, nickel, stainless steel, Kovar, etc. are preferable. The magnitude | size of the optical fiber holding member 20 is not specifically limited, According to the diameter of the optical fiber 10, the light conversion members 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, etc., it can change suitably.

  As the caps 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530, it is preferable to use a member having high thermal conductivity and the same thermal expansion coefficient as that of the optical fiber holding member 20, specifically, a metal. It is preferable. More specifically, stainless steel, iron-nickel alloy, Kovar alloy, and aluminum alloy are preferable. In this way, when the light emitted from the optical fiber 10 is converted into light of another wavelength, the heat accumulated in the light conversion member can be diffused, and the heat of the optical fiber holding member and the cap can be diffused. Based on the difference in the expansion coefficient, it is possible to prevent the light conversion member, the cap, and the like from being defective, and to improve the yield.

  The optical fiber holding member 20 and the caps 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530 can be interchanged so that the connection portions can be fitted into substantially the same shape. A screw type in which a female screw is provided, a fitting type in which irregularities are provided in the optical fiber holding member and the cap, and the like can be adopted. There is also a joining method in which the optical fiber holding member and the cap are fixed by welding or adhesive to increase the fixing strength and obtain high reliability. In the case of welding fixation, a part of the optical fiber holding member and the cap are melted and fixed by, for example, YAG laser welding. When fixing the adhesive, make a hole in the side of the cap in advance, insert the optical fiber holding member into the inner hole of the cap, and then fill the hole provided in the side of the cap with organic or inorganic adhesive. The optical fiber holding member and the cap are fixed.

  As the light conversion members 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, and 540, the phosphor 42 is preferably contained and dispersed in the glass 41. In order to obtain such a light conversion member, glass powder and phosphor may be mixed, the mixed powder may be press-molded, for example, and processed into a desired shape after firing.

  The glass 41 used for the light conversion members 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540 is preferably silicate glass. In particular, a silicate glass containing at least one of alkali metal oxide, alkaline earth metal oxide, boric acid, phosphoric acid, and zinc oxide is preferable. Thereby, the light resistance and reliability of the light conversion member are improved, and the deterioration of the light conversion member can be prevented.

  The phosphor 42 may be any semiconductor as long as it absorbs light from a semiconductor light emitting diode or laser diode having a nitride semiconductor as a light emitting layer and converts it into light of a different wavelength. For example, it is mainly activated by nitride-based phosphors / oxynitride-based phosphors mainly activated by lanthanoid elements such as Eu and Ce, lanthanoid-based phosphors such as Eu, and transition metal elements such as Mn. Alkaline earth halogen apatite phosphor, alkaline earth metal borate phosphor, alkaline earth metal aluminate phosphor, alkaline earth silicate, alkaline earth sulfide, alkaline earth thiogallate, alkaline earth nitriding Selected from organic and organic complexes mainly activated by lanthanoid elements such as silicon, germanate or lanthanoid elements such as Ce, rare earth aluminate, rare earth silicate or Eu It is preferable that it is at least any one or more. The light conversion member 40 can be obtained by mixing glass powder and phosphor powder and subjecting this mixed powder to hot press molding, for example. In addition to the phosphor 42, a light diffusing agent such as titanium oxide, an antioxidant, or the like may be mixed.

  In order to efficiently reflect the light dispersed in the light conversion members 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, and 540 and emit the light to the outside of the cap, the inner surfaces of the caps 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530 Alternatively, the light reflecting member 50 can be provided between the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light converting member 40. As the light reflecting member 50, it is preferable to use a metal member such as gold, silver, aluminum, rhodium, platinum, or an alloy thereof, a film body made of these, or a member on which these are formed. As a method for forming the light reflecting member, various methods such as a vacuum evaporation method and a plating method can be used.

<Light emitting device>
The light emitting device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a light emitting device according to the present invention. The size and shape are different from the actual dimensions.

  The light emitting device includes an excitation light source 200, an optical fiber 10, and an optical component. The optical component includes an optical fiber holding member 20 having the optical fiber 10, a cap 30, and a light conversion member 40.

  As the excitation light source 200, a semiconductor light emitting element having a light emission peak wavelength at 360 nm to 500 nm can be used. For example, a laser diode element having an emission peak wavelength near 405 nm or 445 nm is used. The laser diode element is a GaN-based semiconductor element. A GaN-based light emitting diode element can also be used.

  As the optical fiber 10, for example, a quartz optical fiber 10 is used, but a plastic fiber can also be used.

  The excitation light emitted from the laser diode element passes through the lens and is condensed on the emission part. The emission unit is connected to the optical fiber 10, and the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source 200 is transmitted to the optical component through the optical fiber 10. Wavelength conversion is performed by the light conversion members 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, and 540 in light conversion, and light different from the light emitted from the excitation light source is emitted to the outside.

  The optical component according to the example will be described. 1 and 3 are schematic sectional views showing optical components according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the light emitting device according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating measurement results of the light emitting devices according to Examples 1 and 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical component according to Comparative Example 1. The horizontal axis in FIG. 10 indicates the light output emitted from the optical fiber, and the vertical axis indicates the white light beam. Since Examples 1 and 2 have almost the same configuration as the first and third embodiments, there are some portions that are not described here.

  The light emitting device includes an excitation light source 200, an optical fiber 10, and an optical component.

  The optical component of Example 1 is provided with the optical fiber holding member 20 with the optical fiber 10, the cap 30, and the light conversion member 40 as shown in FIG. The cap 30 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 40 can be inserted, and an opening 32 that can take out light converted by the light conversion member 40 is provided at one end of the inner hole. And the four latching | locking parts 31 which protruded inward toward the opening part 32 are comprised. The light conversion member 40 has a cylindrical shape. The light conversion member 40 is disposed in the cap 30 and is sandwiched between the optical fiber holding member 20 and the locking portion 31.

  The outer diameter of the cap 30 is 1.25 mm, and the inner diameter is 0.9 mm. Moreover, the length of the latching | locking part 31 is 0.25 mm, and a width | variety is 0.15 mm. The outer diameter of the optical fiber holding member 20 that fits into the shape of the cap inner hole is also 0.9 mm. As the light conversion member 40, a cylindrical member having a diameter of about 0.9 mm and a thickness of about 0.45 mm was used.

  Moreover, the optical component of Example 2 is provided with the optical fiber holding member 20 with the optical fiber 10, the cap 230, and the light conversion member 240, as shown in FIG. The cap 230 has an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 20 and the light conversion member 240 can be inserted, and an opening 232 from which light converted by the light conversion member 240 can be taken out is provided at one end of the inner hole. And the four latching | locking parts 231 which protruded inward toward the opening part 232 are comprised. The light conversion member 240 has a substantially truncated cone shape. The light conversion member 240 is disposed in the cap 230 and is sandwiched between the optical fiber holding member 20 and the locking portion 231.

  The outer diameter of the cap 230 is 1.25 mm, and the inner diameter is 1 mm. Moreover, the length of the latching | locking part 231 is 0.25 mm, and a width | variety is 0.15 mm. The outer diameter of the optical fiber holding member 20 fitted into the shape of the cap inner hole is also 1 mm. As the light conversion member 240, a substantially truncated cone shape having a bottom surface diameter of about 1 mm, a top surface diameter of about 0.42 mm, and a thickness of about 0.5 mm was used.

  The cap 30 and the optical fiber holding member 20 were made of silver-plated stainless steel.

Glass ₄₁ was used _{60SiO 2 -15CaO-15BaO-5Al 2} O 3 -5B 2 O 3 (mol%).

As the phosphor 42, a mixture of Lu ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce and (Y _0.98 Gd _0.02 ) ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce was used.

  As the excitation light source, a GaN-based laser diode element having an emission peak at about 445 nm was used.

  When the light emitting device was measured, the luminous flux of the light emitting device according to Example 1 was improved by about 36% at 300 mW compared to the light emitting device according to Comparative Example 1. In addition, the light emitting device according to Example 2 improved the luminous flux by about 27% at 300 mW than the light emitting device according to Comparative Example 1. Thus, the light output of the light emitting device according to the present invention can be improved in light output than the conventional light emitting device.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the light emitting device according to Comparative Example 1 includes an optical fiber 610, an optical fiber holding member 620 having the optical fiber 610, a fixing member 630 provided in the optical fiber holding member 620, and an optical conversion. Member 640. The optical fiber holding member 620 uses the joining portion 621 to prevent the fixing member 630 from being pulled out. The light conversion member 640 is fixed to the fixing member 630 using a low melting point glass 660. As the low melting point glass 660, tin phosphate glass having a softening point of 650 ° C. or lower was used.

  The outer diameter of the fixing member 630 is 1.25 mm, the inner diameter is 0.7 mm, the inner diameter of the fitting portion is 0.9 mm, and the depth of the fitting portion is 0.1 mm. Moreover, the outer diameter of the optical fiber holding member 620 fitted into the shape of the inner hole of the fixing member 630 is also 0.7 mm. The light conversion member 640 used was a cylindrical member processed to have a diameter of 0.9 mm and a wall thickness of 0.45 mm.

  The light emitting device of the present invention can be used for a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode element or a laser diode element. For example, the light-emitting device according to the present invention can be used for medical endoscopes, industrial endoscopes, lighting fixtures, backlights, and the like.

(A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is general | schematic A-A 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is a schematic B-B 'sectional view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is schematic C-C 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is schematic D-D 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is general | schematic E-E 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is general | schematic F-F 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is general | schematic G-G 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is general | schematic H-H 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is general | schematic I-I 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is schematic J-J 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is schematic K-K 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is schematic L-L 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is schematic M-M 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is general | schematic N-N 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. (C) It is a general | schematic O-O 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component based on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. (D) It is schematic P-P 'sectional drawing which shows the structure of the optical component which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the light-emitting device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the light-emitting device which concerns on an Example. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical component according to Comparative Example 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,610 ... Optical fiber 20, 620 ... Optical fiber holding member 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 ... Cap 31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531 ... Locking part 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532 ... openings 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640 ... light conversion member 41 ... glass 42 ... phosphor 50 ... light reflecting member 60 ... member 200 excellent in heat resistance ... excitation light source 533 ... reflector Portion 621 ... Bonding portion 630 ... Fixing member 660 ... Low melting point glass

Claims (11)

An optical fiber holding member for holding the optical fiber;
A light conversion member;
Have insertable bore a light converting member and the optical fiber holding member, the openings can be removed light converted by the light conversion member is provided at one end of the bore, and, inside the opening A cap having at least three locking portions bent in an L shape so as to protrude toward the
The light conversion member inserted into the cap inner hole is fixed to the inner hole in a state where the optical fiber holding member is pressed against the engaging portion, and the light conversion member is characterized in that a phosphor is mixed in glass. Optical parts.   The optical component according to claim 1, wherein the light conversion member is fitted in an inner hole of the cap.   The optical component according to claim 1, wherein the light conversion member has any one of a cylindrical shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a dome shape, and a spherical shape.   The optical component according to claim 1, wherein a light reflecting member is provided between the light conversion member and the optical fiber holding member. The optical component according to claim 4 , wherein the light reflecting member has a shape that fits into the shape of the light converting member.   The optical component according to claim 1, wherein a light reflecting member is provided on at least a part of the inner wall of the cap.   The optical component according to claim 1, wherein the cap is provided with a reflector that expands toward a distal end of the locking portion. The optical component according to claim 7 , wherein a tip portion of the reflector is equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the cap.   2. The optical component according to claim 1, wherein a member having higher heat resistance than the light conversion member is disposed between the light conversion member and the optical fiber holding member. . An excitation light source that emits excitation light;
An optical fiber for transmitting excitation light emitted from the excitation light source;
The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , provided at a tip of the optical fiber;
A light emitting device comprising: The light emitting device according to claim 10 , wherein the excitation light source is a semiconductor laser.