TW201433739A - Reflective fly eye array illuminator - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure generally relates to reflective fly-eye arrays, compact illuminators for projecting an image, and in particular illuminators that use a reflective fly-eye array (FEA) to enable the uniform illumination of a spatial light modulator such as a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) reflective imager. The illuminators use collimation optics, a polarizing beamsplitter, and the reflective FEA to convert small aperture unpolarized Light Emitting Diode (LED) input light to polarized light that can uniformly illuminate the spatial light modulator.

Description

Reflective compound eye array illuminator

Projection systems for projecting images onto a screen may use a plurality of color light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), having different colors to produce illumination light. A plurality of optical components are disposed between the LED and the image display unit to combine the light and transfer from the LED to the image display unit. The image display unit can impose an image on the light using various methods. For example, the image display unit can be used as a transmissive or reflective liquid crystal display, using polarized light.

Image brightness is an important parameter of the projection system. The brightness of the color source and the efficiency of collecting, combining, homogenizing, and delivering light to the image display unit all affect brightness. As the size of the projector system decreases, it is desirable to maintain a sufficient level of output brightness while maintaining the heat generated by the color source at a low level that can be dissipated in a small projector system. There is a need for a light combining system that combines multiple color lights with increased efficiency to provide a light output with sufficient brightness levels without causing excessive power consumption by the light source.

Such electronic projectors often include a means for optically homogenizing the beam to improve the brightness and color uniformity of the light projected onto the screen. Two common devices are integrated tunnels and compound eye array (FEA) homogenizers. The compound eye homogenizer can be very tight and is therefore a common device. Integrated tunnels are more efficient in homogenizing, but hollow tunnels typically require a length that is often five times the height or width, or even larger. Due to the refraction effect, solid tunnels are often longer than hollow tunnels.

Pico and pocket projectors have limited available space for efficient illuminators, optical integrators and/or homogenizers. The result comes from being used in such projectors (such as illuminators) The efficient and uniform light output of an optical device in a polarizing converter can require a compact and efficient optical design.

The present invention relates to a reflective compound eye array, a compact illuminator for projecting an image, and in detail, a reflective compound eye array (FEA) is used to realize one of liquid crystal on-line (LCoS) reflective imagers. Uniform illumination illuminator for spatial light modulators. The illuminators use collimating optics, a polarizing beam splitter, and the reflective FEA to convert the input light of the light-emitting diode (LED) without small aperture polarization to the polarized light that can uniformly illuminate the spatial light modulator Light.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a reflective compound eye array, the reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to the first The major surface is opposite the second major surface, wherein a partially collimated input beam entering the array of compound eyes is focused on the reflector, reflected from the reflector, and exits the compound eye array as a partially collimated output beam.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an illuminator comprising: light collecting optics arranged to inject a partially collimated input beam into a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), the PBS group a light source for outputting a partially collimated polarized light beam; and a reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; and adjacent one of the first major surfaces A reflector of the two main surfaces. The illuminator further includes a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector, wherein the partially collimated polarized beam exiting the PBS enters the compound eye array and is focused on the reflector Reflecting from the reflector and exiting the compound eye array as a partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam re-enters the PBS.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides an image projector including a light illuminator; a spatial light modulator; and projection optics. The illuminator includes: light collecting optics disposed to inject a partially collimated input beam into a polarized light In a splitter (PBS), the PBS is configured to output a partially collimated polarized beam; and a reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; A reflector adjacent one of the second major surfaces opposite the first major surface. The illuminator further includes a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector, wherein the partially collimated polarized beam exiting the PBS enters the compound eye array and is focused on the reflector Reflecting from the reflector and exiting the compound eye array as a partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam re-enters the PBS. The spatial light modulator is positioned to intercept and image the substantially uniform partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam and direct the imaged beam to the projection optics.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a luminaire comprising: a light collecting optics having a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens, and a a light output surface; a first light source and a second light source disposed to inject a first color and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source The optical axis is displaced; and a first side of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) facing the light collecting optics and adjacent to the light output surface, the PBS includes a first reflection disposed at a polarizer angle with the optical axis Type polarizer. The illuminator further includes: a second reflective polarizer disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer being aligned Reflecting a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third surface of the PBS and the PBS The first face is opposite; a third concentrating lens is disposed on the optical axis between the third face of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array; and a retarder disposed on the optical axis The PBS is between the reflector and the reflector. The reflective compound eye array includes: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface, wherein the first color The light and the second color light are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, reflected from the reflector, and reflected from the first reflective polarizer The first and second color lights that are substantially uniform with one of the second polarization directions exit the PBS and are perpendicular to the first surface of the PBS and a second surface of the second surface. In another aspect, the illuminator further includes a third light source disposed to inject a third color light into the light input surface, and wherein the first, second, and third color lights After passing through the compound eye array, focusing on the reflector, reflecting from the reflector, and reflecting from the first reflective polarizer as the first and second sums having substantially uniform one of the second polarization directions The third color light exits the PBS perpendicular to the first side of the PBS and a second side of the second side.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an image projector, the image projector comprising: a illuminator; a spatial light modulator disposed to impart an image to the essence having the second polarization direction Upper uniform first and second color lights; and projection optics arranged to project the image. The illuminator comprises: a light collecting optics having a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens and a light output surface; a first and a second light source, Arranging to inject a first and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source being displaced from the optical axis; and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) Facing the light collecting optics and adjacent a first face of the light output surface, the PBS includes a first reflective polarizer disposed at a polarizer angle to the optical axis. The illuminator further includes: a second reflective polarizer disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer being paired Reflecting a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third surface of the PBS The first face of the PBS is opposite; a third concentrating lens is disposed on the optical axis between the third face of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array; and a retarder on the optical axis Placed between the PBS and the reflector. The reflective compound eye array includes: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface, wherein The first color light and the second color light are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, reflected from the reflector, and reflected from the first reflective polarizer as having the second polarization direction A substantially uniform first and second color light exits the PBS perpendicular to the first side of the PBS and a second side of the second side.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an image projector, the image projector comprising: a illuminator; a spatial light modulator disposed to impart an image to the essence having the second polarization direction Upper uniform first, second and third color lights; and projection optics arranged to project the image. The illuminator comprises: a light collecting optics having a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens and a light output surface; a first and a second light source, Arranging to inject a first and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source being displaced from the optical axis; and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) Facing the light collecting optics and adjacent to a first side of the light output surface, the PBS includes a first reflective polarizer disposed at a polarizer angle to the optical axis. The illuminator further includes: a second reflective polarizer disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer being aligned with the second reflective polarizer Reflecting a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third side of the PBS and the PBS a first concentrating lens; a third concentrating lens disposed on the optical axis between the third surface of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array; and a retarder disposed on the optical axis Between the PBS and the reflector. The reflective compound eye array includes: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface, wherein the first color The light and the second color light are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, reflected from the reflector, and reflected from the first reflective polarizer to be substantially uniform as one of the second polarization directions The first and second color lights exit the PBS perpendicular to the first side of the PBS and a second side of the second side. The illuminator further includes a first a three light source disposed to inject a third color light into the light input surface, and wherein the first, second, and third color lights are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, Reflecting from the reflector and reflecting from the first reflective polarizer as the first, second, and third color lights having substantially uniform one of the second polarization directions exiting the PBS perpendicular to the PBS a first side and a second side of the second side.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a projection system including an illuminator having: a light collecting optics comprising a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second a concentrating lens and a light output surface; a first, a second, and a third light source disposed to inject a first color and a second color light into the light input surface, the first light source and the Disposing at least one of the second light sources from the optical axis; and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) facing the light collecting optics and adjacent to a first side of the light output surface, the PBS comprising one of the optical axes One of the first reflective polarizers is disposed at the polarizer angle. The illuminator further includes: a second reflective polarizer disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer being aligned with the second reflective polarizer Reflecting a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third side of the PBS and the PBS The first side is opposite. The reflective compound eye array includes: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The illumination system still further includes: a third concentrating lens disposed on the optical axis between the third surface of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array; and a retarder disposed on the optical axis Between the PBS and the reflector, wherein the first color light, the second color light, and the third color light are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, reflected from the reflector, and The first reflective polarizer reflects the first, second, and third color lights that are substantially uniform in one of the second polarization directions, and the first surface and the second surface of the PBS that are perpendicular to the PBS a second side. The projection system further includes a reflective imager that is positioned to intercept The substantially uniform first, second, and third color lights of the second polarization direction, wherein the substantially uniform first, second, and third color lights having the second polarization direction have An imaged first, second, and third color light of the first polarization direction orthogonal to the second polarization direction is reflected from the reflective imager and rotated into the second surface of the PBS; and projection optics, The imaged first, second, and third color lights having a first polarization direction are disposed to project a fourth side of the PBS opposite the second side of the PBS.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The drawings and the following detailed description are more particularly illustrative of the illustrative embodiments.

100‧‧‧Reflective compound eye array illuminator

102‧‧‧ optical axis

104‧‧‧Light into the surface

105‧‧‧Light collecting optics

107‧‧‧Pre-polarizer

109‧‧‧ retarder

110‧‧‧First lens element

112‧‧‧First convex surface

114‧‧‧Light input surface

120‧‧‧second lens element

122‧‧‧ second surface

123‧‧‧Light output surface

124‧‧‧ third input surface

125‧‧‧ third lens

127‧‧‧ third surface

130‧‧‧Polarized Beam Splitter (PBS)

131‧‧‧ first page

132‧‧‧ Second page

133‧‧‧ Third page

134‧‧‧ Fourth page

135‧‧‧ first

136‧‧‧Second

137‧‧‧Reflective polarizer

139‧‧‧first polarization direction

140‧‧‧First light source

141‧‧‧First color light

142‧‧‧Center first color light

142c‧‧‧The first color ray of circular polarization

142p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

142s‧‧‧The first color ray of s polarized light

144‧‧‧Boundary first color light

144c‧‧‧The first color ray of circular polarization

144p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

144s‧‧‧The first color ray of s polarized light

146‧‧‧Boundary first color light

146c‧‧‧The first color ray of circular polarization

146p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

146s‧‧‧The first color ray of s polarized light

150‧‧‧second light source

151‧‧‧Second color light

152‧‧‧Center second color light

152c‧‧‧Second color light with circular polarization

152p‧‧‧Second color p-polarized light

152s‧‧‧Second color light with s polarized light

154‧‧‧Boundary second color light

154c‧‧‧Second color light with circular polarization

154p‧‧‧Second color p-polarized light

154s‧‧‧Second color light with s polarized light

156‧‧‧Boundary second color light

156c‧‧‧Second color light with circular polarization

156p‧‧‧Second color p-polarized light

156s‧‧‧Second color light with s polarized light

160‧‧‧ Third light source

161‧‧‧ Third color light

162‧‧‧Center third color light

162c‧‧‧The third color light with a circular polarization

162p‧‧‧The third color p-polarized light

162s‧‧‧The third color ray of s polarized light

164‧‧‧Boundary third color light

164c‧‧‧The third color light with a circular polarization

164p‧‧‧The third color p-polarized light

164s‧‧‧The third color ray of s polarized light

166‧‧‧Boundary third color light

166c‧‧‧The third color light with a circular polarization

166p‧‧‧The third color p-polarized light

166s‧‧‧The third color ray of s polarized light

170‧‧‧Reflective FEA

171‧‧‧ lens

172‧‧‧Full Eye Array (FEA)

173‧‧‧ first major surface

174‧‧‧Support substrate

175‧‧‧second main surface

176‧‧‧ reflector

180‧‧‧Spatial Light Modulator (SLM)

185‧‧‧reflected p-polarized imaging light

189‧‧‧Transmissive imaging light

190‧‧‧Projection optics

199‧‧‧Projected imagery

200‧‧‧Reflective compound eye array illuminator

209‧‧‧ retarder

209'‧‧‧ retarder

236‧‧‧Second

242p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

242s‧‧‧The center of the first color s polarized light

272‧‧‧FEA

276‧‧‧ reflector

Throughout the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same elements, and wherein: FIGS. 1A-1C show the cross-path of the path of the reflective compound eye array illuminator and the light passing through the reflective compound eye array illuminator A schematic cross-sectional view; and Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a reflective compound eye array illuminator and a path of light through the reflective compound eye array illuminator.

The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same numbers used in the figures refer to the same components. It will be understood, however, that the use of a number in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in the other figure.

The present invention relates to a reflective compound eye array, a compact illuminator for projecting an image, and in detail, a reflective compound eye array (FEA) is used to realize one of liquid crystal on-line (LCoS) reflective imagers. Uniform illumination illuminator for spatial light modulators. The illuminators use collimating optics, a polarizing beam splitter, and the reflective FEA to convert the input light of the light-emitting diode (LED) without small aperture polarization to the polarized light that can uniformly illuminate the spatial light modulator Light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments are contemplated, and other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense.

All numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term "about" in all instances. Accordingly, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and the accompanying claims are to be construed as an approxi

The singular forms "a", "the", and "the" The term "or" is used in the meaning of "and/or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Including (but not limited to) the terms "lower", "upper", "under", "below", "above" and "above" (if in space) Used herein for ease of description to describe the spatial relationship between elements. In addition to the specific orientations depicted in the figures and described herein, such spatially related terms also encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the items depicted in the figures are turned or turned, the parts previously described below or below the other elements will be above the other elements.

As used herein, an element, component, or layer is, for example, described as forming a "coincidence interface" with another element, component or layer, or "on another element, component or layer", "connected to another When a component, component or layer is "coupled to another component, component or layer" or "in contact with another component, component or layer", it can be directly connected to the other component, component or layer The other element, component or layer is directly coupled to the other element, component or layer, directly in contact with the other element, component or layer or, for example, an intervening element, A component or layer may be attached to a particular component, component or layer, or coupled to or in contact with a particular component, component or layer. For example, an element, component or layer (such as) is referred to as "directly on the other element", "directly connected to another element", "directly coupled to another element" or "directly When one element is in contact with another element, there are no intervening elements, components or layers.

For the purposes of the description provided herein, "color light" and "wavelength spectral light" are intended to mean light having a spectral range of wavelengths associated with a particular color (if visible to the human eye). The more general term "wavelength spectral light" refers to both visible light and light including other wavelength spectra of, for example, infrared light.

Also, for the purposes of the description provided herein, the term "aligned to a desired polarized state" is intended to relate the passing axis of the optical element to the desired polarized state of light passing through the optical element (ie, such as s-polarized light, Alignment of p-polarized, right-circularly polarized, left-circularly polarized, or the desired polarized state of the like. In one embodiment described herein with reference to the figures, an optical element such as a polarizer is aligned with a first polarization state to mean a second polarization state that passes through a p-polarized state of light and reflects or absorbs light (in this case, The orientation of the polarizer in the s-polarized state. It will be appreciated that, if desired, the polarizer can alternatively be aligned to pass through the s-polarized state of the light and reflect or absorb the p-polarized state of the light.

Also, for the purposes of the description provided herein, the term "facing" refers to an element that is disposed such that a vertical line from the surface of the element follows an optical path that is also perpendicular to the other element. One of the elements facing the other element may include elements disposed adjacent to each other. An element facing another element further includes an element that is separated by the optical device such that light perpendicular to one element is also perpendicular to the other element.

In a particular embodiment, an illuminator comprising at least two light emitting diodes (LEDs, each having a different color) is described. Light emitted from the two LEDs is collimated into substantially overlapping beams, and light from the two LEDs is combined and directed to a common region, wherein the combined beams have a higher than that emitted by the two LEDs Low light spread and high Brightness.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a compact method of efficiently homogenizing light output from different color sources to an imaging device. This is particularly suitable for the production of illuminators for compact projection systems that are limited by light throughput. For example, a linear array of red, green, and blue LEDs is incident on a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and is polarized through one of the light to a reflective compound eye array (FEA) assembly, with the output of each LED partially borrowing Collimated by a set of primary optics. The reflective FEA can then focus the light onto the reflector and return the light via the FEA, unwinding and homogenizing the beam as it enters the PBS. The PBS can then reflect the red, green, and blue light as a uniformized beam of each of the three colors to the imaging device. The time of each of the LEDs can be used in sequence with the imaging device to sequentially generate a color image that can be subsequently directed to the imaging optics.

In a particular embodiment, an illuminator is disclosed that reduces the combined light spread of two different colored light sources, wherein light emitted from the light sources is at least partially collimated into substantially overlapping beams. The beams are split by a polarizing beam splitter into a polarized beam, and each of the polarized beams is focused on the reflector using FEA before or after being converted to the circularly polarized light by a 1⁄4 wave retarder, and the reflected circle is reflected. The polarized light expands and passes back through the FEA back to the PBS. The reflected circularly polarized light is converted to linearly polarized light, wherein the polarized state is orthogonal to the incident polarized beam as it passes through the 1⁄4 wave plate again, and the combined beam has a reduced etendue.

In some cases, the LED can be used to illuminate a reflective LCD such as a liquid crystal on liquid crystal (LCoS) imager and send back to the projection optics via the PBS. In some cases, the LED can be used to illuminate a transmissive LCS and pass directly through to the projection optics. Since the LEDs emit light on an area near the Lambertian angle, the brightness of the projector is limited by the light spread of the source and projection system. One method for reducing the light spread of an LED source is to use a reflective FEA to overlap two or more colors of the LED such that it appears to be emitted from the same region. In a particular embodiment, the invention describes the use and incident light A reflective FEA bundled into a near normal angle combines one of the different color LEDs.

As understood by those skilled in the art, the configuration of the three LEDs can be extended to other colors, including yellow and infrared. The light source can include a laser combined with an LED and can also be based on a full laser system. The LED may be comprised of a set of at least a primary color emitting a short wavelength range of red, green, and blue and a second set of primary colors emitting a long wavelength range of red, green, and blue. As described elsewhere, a reflective FEA can be comprised of a one or two dimensional lens array with at least one dimension having from 2 to about 20 or more lenses.

LCoS-based portable projection systems are becoming common due to the availability of low cost and high resolution LCoS panels. The list of components in an LCoS projector for LED illumination may include one or more LED sources, an optional illuminator, an optional pre-polarization system, a relay optics, a PBS, an LCoS panel, and a projection lens unit. For LCoS-based projection systems, the efficiency and contrast of the projector can be directly related to the degree of polarization of the light entering the PBS. For at least this reason, pre-polarization systems that utilize reflective/recycling optics or polarization-converting optics are often required.

A polarization conversion scheme using a polarizing beam splitter and a half-wave retarder is one of the most efficient methods of providing polarized light into the PBS. One difficulty with polarized light is that it may suffer from spatial non-uniformities, resulting in artifacts in the displayed image. Thus, as described elsewhere, in systems with polarization converters, a homogenization system may be desirable.

In a particular embodiment, an illuminator for an image projector includes a light source, wherein the emitted unpolarized light is directed into the collimating optics and through a reflective or absorptive polarizer. The polarized beam can then pass through the PBS to the reflective FEA. A retarder such as a quarter-wave retarder can be positioned between the PBS and the reflector of the FEA to convert the polarized light into circularly polarized light. The reflective FEA can then diverge and rotate the beam to a direction of orthogonal polarization and pass back through the retarder and PBS, and the beam is then reflected from the polarizer in the PBS and passed through for further processing, for example, by using spatial light. Modulator to The image is applied to the beam and the projection optics is used to display the image on the screen.

In a particular embodiment, a reflective FEA is used to homogenize light in a projection system. The lens of the reflective FEA can be cylindrical, biconvex, spherical or aspherical; however, in many cases, a spherical lens can be preferred. As described elsewhere, the fly-eye lens focuses the input light onto the reflector and outputs the reflected light back through the lens to spatially homogenize the light intensity and also rotate the polarization direction so that the light can be directed toward the imaging and projection device . The light collimating optics can provide a technique for inputting light of several colors to be combined, and the reflective FEA can compensate for light input at a position removed from the optical axis of the optical collimating optics. As described elsewhere, the combination of a reflective FEA to a light path can significantly improve the illumination and color uniformity of the projector.

1A-1C show cross-sectional schematic views of a path of a reflective compound eye array illuminator 100 and light passing through the reflective compound eye array illuminator 100, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Illuminator 100 includes a light collecting optic 105 that includes a first lens element 110 and a second lens element 120. Light collecting optics 105 includes a light input surface 114 and an optical axis 102 that is perpendicular to light input surface 114. The first light source 140, the second light source 150, and the optional third light source 160 are each disposed on a light incident surface 104 that faces the light input surface 114. Each of the first light source 140, the second light source 150, and the optional third light source 160 is disposed to inject the first color light 141, the second color light 151, and the third color light 161 into the light input surface 114, respectively. As described elsewhere.

In a particular embodiment, light collecting optics 105 can be a light collimator for collimating light emitted from first source 140, second source 150, and optionally third source 160. Light collecting optics 105 can include a single lens optical collimator (not shown), a dual lens optical collimator (illustrated), a diffractive optical element (not shown), or a combination thereof. The dual lens optical collimator has a first lens element 110 that includes a first convex surface 112 disposed opposite the light input surface 114. The second lens element 120 includes a second surface 122 that faces the first convex surface 112 and a light output surface 123 that is opposite the second surface 122. The second surface 122 is known to those skilled in the art. It may be selected from a convex surface, a flat surface, and a concave surface.

The illuminator 100 further includes a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) 130 having a first weir 135, a second weir 136, and a reflective polarizer 137 disposed on a diagonal surface therebetween. The first side 135 includes a first side surface 131 and a second side surface 132, and the second side 136 includes a third side surface 133 opposite to the second side surface 132 and a fourth side opposite the first side surface 131 Mirror surface 134.

The PBS includes an input surface shown as a second dome 132 in FIGS. 1A-1C, an output surface shown as a fourth pupil 134 in FIGS. 1A-1C, and a reflective polarizer 137. In an embodiment, the reflective polarizer 137 can be aligned with the first polarization direction 139. The reflective polarizer 137 is positioned such that light from the first source 140, the second source 150, and optionally the third source 160, input to the PBS 130, intercepts the reflective polarizer 137 at an angle of substantially 45 degrees. In one embodiment, the intercept angle ranges from 35 degrees to 55 degrees; from 40 degrees to 50 degrees; from 43 degrees to 48 degrees; or from 44.5 degrees to 45.5 degrees.

Reflective polarizer 137 can be any known reflective polarizer, such as a MacNeille polarizer, a wire grid polarizer, or a multilayer optical film polarizer. According to an embodiment, the multilayer optical film polarizer may be a preferred first reflective polarizer. The first reflective polarizer can be disposed between the diagonal faces of the two turns, or it can be a freestanding film such as a film. In some embodiments, the PBS light utilization efficiency is improved when the first reflective polarizer is disposed between the two turns. In this embodiment, some of the light that traverses the PBS that would otherwise be lost from the optical path may undergo total internal reflection (TIR) from the facet and rejoin the optical path. For at least this reason, the following description relates to PBS in which the first reflective polarizer is disposed between the diagonal faces of the two turns; however, it should be understood that the PBS can function in the same manner as when used as a film. In one aspect, all of the outer faces of the PBS are highly polished such that light entering the PBS undergoes TIR. In this way, light is contained within the PBS and the light portion is homogenized while still maintaining the amount of light. The illuminator 100 can also include an optional pre-polarizer 107 that limits the light entering the PBS 130 to a single polarized state (the For example, via p-polarized light, the illuminator 100 exhibits improved contrast. The pre-polarizer 107 can be the same as the reflective polarizer 137, or can be different, such as an absorbing polarizer. In a particular embodiment, a reflective polarizer can be preferred.

In a particular embodiment, illuminator 100 further includes a third lens 125 positioned along optical axis 102 and having a third input face 124 adjacent third face 133 and a third surface 127 adjacent to reflective FEA 170. The third surface 127 can be selected from the group consisting of a convex surface, a flat surface, and a concave surface; in some cases, collimation of light entering the reflective FEA 170 can be desirable, and the curvature of the third surface 127 can be specified, as is familiar with this item. Known by the skilled person.

The reflective FEA 170 includes an FEA 172 having a plurality of lenses 171 opposite the first major surface 173. The first major surface 173 can coincide with the focus of the FEA, and the reflector 176 is disposed adjacent to the first major surface 173. As shown in the figures, the reflector 176 can be positioned adjacent the second major surface 175 of the support substrate 174.

A retarder 109, such as a quarter-wave retarder, is positioned between the reflective polarizer 137 and the reflector 176. The retarder 109 and the reflective polarizer 137 and reflector 176 are involved in changing the polarization state of the light reflected back to the PBS 130, as described elsewhere. The retarder can be positioned in any desired position between the reflective polarizer 137 and the reflector 176, such as in close proximity to the reflective polarizer 137 (not shown); between the third lens 125 and the third pupil 133 (as shown); between the third lens 125 and the reflective FEA 170 (not shown); or between the first major surface 173 of the FEA 172 and the reflector 176 (not shown). The position of the retarder 109 reduces the effect of birefringence on the optical components of the FEA 172, as is known to those skilled in the art.

The delay can provide any desired delay, such as an eighth wavelength retarder, a quarter wave retarder, and the like. In the embodiments described herein, the use of a quarter-wave retarder and associated reflective polarizers is advantageous. The linearly polarized light changes to a circularly polarized light as it passes through a quarter-wave retarder aligned at an angle of 45° to the axis of the optical polarization. Subsequent reflection from the reflector 176 and through the quarter of the illuminator Transmission of a wavelength retarder 109 results in an efficient combination of light output from the optical combiner. In contrast, linearly polarized light changes to a polarized state midway between s-polarized and p-polarized (elliptical or linear) as it passes through other retarders and orientations, and can result in lower efficiency of the illuminator.

According to one embodiment described below, the illuminator receives unpolarized light from a source of different color unpolarized light and produces a polarized light output. According to a particular embodiment, the retarder is a quarter-wave retarder having a slow axis aligned at 45 degrees with the first polarization direction 139. Moreover, as is known to those skilled in the art, light input surface 114, light output surface 123, and third input surface 124 can each be selected from a convex surface, a flat surface, and a concave surface, respectively; however, in some cases, flat A surface may be preferred.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, the paths of the first color light 141, the second color light 151, and the third color light 161 may be tracked through the illuminator 100. FIG. 1A shows a first light source 140 disposed along optical axis 102 that injects first color light 141 into light input surface 114. The first color light 141 includes a central first color ray 142 and two boundary first color ray 144, 146 that represent light within the first input collimation angle θ1. Each of the first color ray 142, 144, 146 passes through the light collecting optics 105 and the optional pre-polarizer 107 and is at least partially accurate as having a first polarization direction (eg, p-polarized light) The first first color beam enters the second side 132 of the PBS 130. Each of the first color p-polarized light rays 142p, 144p, 146p intercepts and passes through the reflective polarizer 137 and exits the PBS 130 via the third pupil plane 133. Each of the first color p-polarized rays 142p, 144p, 146p passes through the quarter-wave retarder 109 and becomes a circularly polarized first color ray 142c, 144c, 146c that passes through the FEA 172, focusing Reflected by the reflector 176 and reflected from the reflector 176, the direction of the circularly polarized light is changed. The circularly polarized first color ray 142c, 144c, 146c then expands back through the FEA 172 and again passes through the quarter-wave retarder 109 to become the s-polarized first color ray 142s, 144s, 146s, Re-entering the PBS 130 through the third dome 133, reflecting from the reflective polarizer 137, and acting as the first color light of the s-polarized light Lines 142s, 144s, 146s exit PBS 130 via fourth face 134.

The s-polarized first color ray 142s, 144s, 146s leaving the PBS 130 uniformly intercepts the spatial light modulator (SLM) 180, and depending on the nature of the SLM 180, as reflected p-polarized imaging light 185 The first color portion is directed back into the PBS 130 (eg, for a reflective LCoS SLM), or the first color portion of the transmitted imaging light 189 is transmitted through the SLM 180 to a transmission imaging optic (not shown) (eg, For transmissive LC displays). The reflected p-polarized imaging light 185 passes through the PBS 130 unaltered and enters the projection optics 190 where it is directed as a projected image 199 to a projection screen (not shown).

FIG. 1B shows a second light source 150 disposed along the optical axis 102 that injects the second color light 151 into the light input surface 114. The second color light 151 includes a central second color ray 152 and two boundary second color ray 154, 156 that represent light within the second input collimation angle θ2. Each of the second color ray 152, 154, 156 passes through the light collecting optics 105 and the optional pre-polarizer 107 and is at least partially accurate as having a first polarization direction (eg, p-polarized light) The straight second color beam enters the second side 132 of the PBS 130. Each of the second color p-polarized light rays 152p, 154p, 156p intercepts and passes through the reflective polarizer 137 and exits the PBS 130 via the third pupil plane 133. Each of the second color p-polarized light rays 152p, 154p, 156p passes through the quarter-wave retarder 109 and becomes a circularly polarized second color ray 152c, 154c, 156c that passes through the FEA 172, focusing Reflected by the reflector 176 and reflected from the reflector 176, the direction of the circularly polarized light is changed. The circularly polarized second color ray 152c, 154c, 156c then expands back through the FEA 172 and again passes through the quarter-wave retarder 109 to become the s-polarized second color ray 152s, 154s, 156s, The PBS 130 is re-entered through the third pupil plane 133, reflected from the reflective polarizer 137, and exits the PBS 130 via the fourth pupil plane 134 as the s-polarized second color ray 152s, 154s, 156s.

The s-polarized second color ray 152s, 154s, 156s leaving the PBS 130 uniformly Intercepting the spatial light modulator (SLM) 180, and depending on the nature of the SLM 180, the second color portion of the reflected p-polarized imaging light 185 is directed back into the PBS 130 (eg, for a reflective LCoS SLM) The second color portion, or as transmitted transmissive imaging light 189, is transmitted through SLM 180 to transmission imaging optics (not shown) (eg, for a transmissive LC display). The reflected p-polarized imaging light 185 passes through the PBS 130 unaltered and enters the projection optics 190 where it is directed as a projected image 199 to a projection screen (not shown).

1C shows a third light source 160 disposed along the optical axis 102 that projects a third color of light 161 into the light input surface 114. The third color light 161 includes a central third color ray 162 and two boundary third color ray 164, 166 that represent light within the third input collimation angle θ3. Each of the third color ray 162, 164, 166 passes through the light collecting optics 105 and the optional pre-polarizer 107 and is at least partially accurate as having a first polarization direction (eg, p-polarized light) The straight third color beam enters the second side 132 of the PBS 130. Each of the third color p-polarized light rays 162p, 164p, 166p intercepts and passes through the reflective polarizer 137 and exits the PBS 130 via the third pupil plane 133. Each of the third color p-polarized light rays 162p, 164p, 166p passes through the quarter-wave retarder 109 to become a circularly polarized third color ray 162c, 164c, 166c that passes through the FEA 172, focusing Reflected by the reflector 176 and reflected from the reflector 176, the direction of the circularly polarized light is changed. The circularly polarized third color ray 162c, 164c, 166c then expands back through the FEA 172 and again passes through the quarter-wave retarder 109 to become the s-polarized third color ray 162s, 164s, 166s, The PBS 130 is re-entered through the third pupil plane 133, reflected from the reflective polarizer 137, and exits the PBS 130 via the fourth pupil plane 134 as the s-polarized third color ray 162s, 164s, 166s.

The s-polarized third color ray 162s, 164s, 166s leaving the PBS 130 uniformly intercepts the spatial light modulator (SLM) 180, and depending on the nature of the SLM 180, as reflected p-polarized imaging light 185 The third color portion is directed back into the PBS 130 (eg, a needle The third color portion of the reflective LCoS SLM), or as transmitted imaging light 189, is transmitted through the SLM 180 to transmission imaging optics (not shown) (eg, for a transmissive LC display). The reflected p-polarized imaging light 185 passes through the PBS 130 unaltered and enters the projection optics 190 where it is directed as a projected image 199 to a projection screen (not shown).

In a specific embodiment, at least one of the first input collimation angle θ1, the second input collimation angle θ2, and the third input collimation angle θ3 may be the same, and the first light source 140, the second light source 150, and the optional The input optics (not shown) associated with each of the three light sources 160 can limit the input collimation angle to between about 10 degrees and about 80 degrees, or between about 10 degrees and about 70 degrees. Between, or between about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees, or between about 10 degrees to about 40 degrees, or between about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees or less The angle between. In a particular embodiment, each of the input collimation angles ranges from about 60 degrees to about 70 degrees, and each of the output collimation angles can range from less than about 20 degrees, or less than about 15 degrees, or Even less than about 12 degrees; that is, the output light can be well collimated.

2 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a reflective compound eye array illuminator 200 and a path through the light of the reflective compound eye array illuminator 200, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Each of the elements 209-276 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the similarly numbered elements 109-176 previously described in FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, the second volume 236 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the second volume 136 and the like shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. In FIG. 2, the position of the retarder 209 has been moved from the position shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C to the new position as the retarder 209' between the FEA 272 and the reflector 276. In this manner, p-polarized light such as, for example, the center ray 242p of the first color p-polarized light enters the FEA 272, is reflected and rotated from the retarder 209' and the reflector 276, and serves as the center ray of the first color s polarized light. 242s left FEA 272. In this manner, it may be possible to use birefringent materials for the FEA 272 while still maintaining the effective performance of the illuminator 200. The remainder of the path of the light is not altered as described with reference to Figures 1A-1C.

The following is a list of embodiments of the invention.

Item 1 is a reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface, A partially collimated input beam entering the compound eye array is focused on the reflector, reflected from the reflector, and exits the compound eye array as a partially collimated output beam.

Item 2 is the reflective compound eye array of item 1, wherein the compound eye array comprises a plurality of lenses, each of the plurality of lenses capable of intercepting a portion of the partially collimated input beam and focusing it onto the reflector.

Item 3 is the reflective compound eye array of item 1 or item 2, further comprising a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the second major surface and the reflector.

Item 4 is the reflective compound eye array of item 3, wherein the partially collimated input beam is polarized in a first polarization direction, and the quarter-wave retarder is aligned such that the partially collimated output beam The light is polarized in a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction.

Item 5 is an illuminator comprising: light collecting optics arranged to inject a partially collimated input beam into a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to output a partially collimated warp a polarized beam; a reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface; And a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector, wherein the partially collimated polarized beam exiting the PBS enters the compound eye array, focusing on the reflector, The reflector reflects and exits the compound eye array to re-enter the PBS as a partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam.

Item 6 is the light illuminator of item 5, wherein the quarter-wave retarder is disposed in the reflective compound eye array between the second major surface and the reflector.

Item 7 is the light illuminator of item 5, wherein the quarter-wave retarder is disposed between the PBS and the reflective compound eye array.

Item 8 is the light illuminator of item 5 to item 7, wherein the partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam is reflected from a reflective polarizer and is substantially uniform and partially collimated orthogonally The polarized output beam exits the PBS.

Item 9 is an image projector comprising: the light illuminator of item 5 to item 8; a spatial light modulator; and projection optics, wherein the spatial light modulator is arranged to intercept and image the substantially uniform The partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam is directed to the projection optics.

Item 10 is the image projector of item 9, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises an upper liquid crystal (LCoS) imager or a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD).

Item 11 is an illuminator comprising: a light collecting optics comprising a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens, and a light output surface; a first and a a second light source disposed to inject a first and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source being displaced from the optical axis; a polarizing beam splitter a first reflective type polarizer (PBS) facing the light collecting optics and adjacent to a first surface of the light output surface, the PBS comprising a polarizer angle disposed at the polarizer angle; a second reflective polarized light Disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer are aligned to reflect a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye An array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third side of the PBS being opposite the first side of the PBS, the reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface; a reflection a second main surface opposite to the first major surface; a third concentrating lens disposed on the optical axis between the third surface of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array; a retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector on the optical axis, wherein the first color light and the second color light pass through the compound eye array And then focusing on the reflector, reflecting from the reflector, and reflecting from the first reflective polarizer as the first and second color lights having substantially uniform one of the second polarization directions exiting the vertical of the PBS The first surface of the PBS and a second surface of the second surface.

Item 12 is the illuminator of item 11, wherein the light collecting optics comprises light collimating optics.

Item 13 is the illuminator of item 12, wherein the light collimating optics comprises a single lens design, a dual lens design, a diffractive optical element, or a combination thereof.

Item 14 is the illuminator of item 11, wherein the first concentrating lens includes a first convex surface opposite to the light input surface, and the second concentrating lens includes one of the first convex surfaces facing a second convex surface, the light output surface being opposite to the second convex surface.

Item 15 is the illuminator of item 11, wherein the first color light and the second color light each comprise a first divergence angle of less than about 25 degrees, and the second polarization direction The substantially uniform first and second color lights include a second divergence angle that includes an angle of less than about 25 degrees.

Item 16 is the illuminator of item 11 to item 15, wherein the reflector comprises a broadband mirror.

Item 17 is the illuminator of item 11, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the third concentrating lens.

Item 18 is the illuminator of item 11, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the second major surface of the compound-eye array substrate and the reflector.

Item 19 is the illuminator of item 11 to item 18, further comprising a third light source disposed to inject a third color light into the light input surface, and wherein the first, the second, and the first The three-color light is focused on the reflector after passing through the array of complex eyes, reflected from the reflector, and reflected from the first reflective polarizer as a first substantially uniform with one of the second polarization directions, The second and third color lights exit the PBS perpendicular to the first side of the PBS and a second side of the second side.

Item 20 is the illuminator of item 15, wherein the second divergence angle comprises less than about 20 degrees An angle.

Item 21 is the illuminator of item 15, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 15 degrees.

Item 22 is an image projector comprising: the illuminator of items 11 to 18; a spatial light modulator disposed to impart an image to the substantially uniform first having the second polarization direction And a second color light; and projection optics arranged to project the image.

Item 23 is the image projector of item 22, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises an upper liquid crystal (LCoS) imager or a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD).

Item 24 is an image projector comprising: the illuminator of items 19 to 21; a spatial light modulator disposed to impart an image to the substantially uniform first having the second polarization direction Second and third color lights; and projection optics arranged to project the image.

Item 25 is the image projector of item 24, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises an upper liquid crystal (LCoS) imager or a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD).

Item 26 is a projection system comprising: an illuminator comprising: a light collecting optics comprising an optical input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens, and a light output a first, a second, and a third light source disposed to inject a first and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source Displaced from the optical axis; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) facing the light collecting optics and adjacent to a first side of the light output surface, the PBS comprising one of the polarizer angles disposed with the optical axis a reflective polarizer; a second reflective polarizer disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer being aligned with the second reflective polarizer Reflecting a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third side of the PBS and the PBS One side opposite; the reflective compound eye array The invention comprises: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface; a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface; and a third concentrating lens at the light An axis is disposed between the third surface of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array; a retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector on the optical axis, wherein the first color light, the first The second color light and the third color light are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, reflected from the reflector, and reflected from the first reflective polarizer as one of the second polarization directions The uniform first, second, and third color lights exit the PBS perpendicular to the first side of the PBS and a second side of the second side; a reflective imager disposed to intercept the The substantially uniform first, second, and third color lights of the second polarization direction, wherein the substantially uniform first, second, and third color lights having the second polarization direction are orthogonal to the The first of the second polarization directions, the first of the first polarization directions The second and third color lights are reflected from the reflective imager and rotated to the second side of the PBS; and projection optics are disposed to project away from the PBS opposite the second side of the PBS The imaged first, second, and third color lights of the fourth side having the first polarization direction.

Item 27. The projection system of item 26, wherein the light collecting optics comprises light collimating optics.

Item 28 is the projection system of item 26 or item 27, wherein the light collimating optics comprises a single lens design, a dual lens design, a diffractive optical element, or a combination thereof.

Item 29. The projection system of item 26 to item 28, wherein the first concentrating lens comprises a first convex surface opposite the light input surface, and the second concentrating lens comprises one of the first convex surfaces facing a second convex surface, the light output surface being opposite to the second convex surface.

Item 30 is the projection system of item 26 to item 29, wherein each of the first color light and the second color light comprises a first divergence angle of less than about 25 degrees, and the second polarization direction The substantially uniform first and second color lights include a second divergence angle that includes an angle of less than about 25 degrees.

Item 31 is the projection system of item 26 to item 30, wherein the reflector comprises a broadband mirror.

Item 32 is the projection system of item 26 to item 31, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the third concentrating lens.

Item 33 is the projection system of item 26 to item 32, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the second major surface of the compound eye array substrate and the reflector.

Item 34 is the projection system of item 30 to item 33, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 20 degrees.

Item 35 is the projection system of item 30 to item 33, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 15 degrees.

All numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified by the term "about" unless otherwise indicated. Accordingly, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and the accompanying claims are to be construed as an approxi

All references and publications cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety in their entirety in their entirety in the extent of the disclosure thereof. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives and/or Example. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims

100‧‧‧Reflective compound eye array illuminator

102‧‧‧ optical axis

104‧‧‧Light into the surface

105‧‧‧Light collecting optics

107‧‧‧Pre-polarizer

109‧‧‧ retarder

110‧‧‧First lens element

112‧‧‧First convex

114‧‧‧Light input surface

120‧‧‧second lens element

122‧‧‧ second surface

123‧‧‧Light output surface

124‧‧‧ third input surface

125‧‧‧ third lens

127‧‧‧ third surface

130‧‧‧Polarized Beam Splitter (PBS)

131‧‧‧ first page

132‧‧‧ Second page

133‧‧‧ Third page

134‧‧‧ Fourth page

135‧‧‧ first

136‧‧‧Second

137‧‧‧Reflective polarizer

139‧‧‧first polarization direction

140‧‧‧First light source

141‧‧‧First color light

142‧‧‧Center first color light

142c‧‧‧The first color ray of circular polarization

142p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

142s‧‧‧The first color ray of s polarized light

144‧‧‧Boundary first color light

144c‧‧‧The first color ray of circular polarization

144p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

144s‧‧‧The first color ray of s polarized light

146‧‧‧Boundary first color light

146c‧‧‧The first color ray of circular polarization

146p‧‧‧The first color p-polarized light

146s‧‧‧The first color ray of s polarized light

150‧‧‧second light source

160‧‧‧ Third light source

170‧‧‧Reflective FEA

171‧‧‧ lens

172‧‧‧Full Eye Array (FEA)

173‧‧‧ first major surface

174‧‧‧Support substrate

175‧‧‧second main surface

176‧‧‧ reflector

180‧‧‧Spatial Light Modulator (SLM)

185‧‧‧reflected p-polarized imaging light

189‧‧‧Transmissive imaging light

190‧‧‧Projection optics

199‧‧‧Projected imagery

Claims (35)

A reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; and a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface, wherein entering A partially collimated input beam of the compound eye array is focused on the reflector, reflected from the reflector, and exits the compound eye array as a partially collimated output beam. The reflective compound eye array of claim 1, wherein the compound eye array comprises a plurality of lenses, each of the plurality of lenses capable of intercepting a portion of the partially collimated input beam and focusing it onto the reflector. The reflective compound eye array of claim 1, further comprising a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the second major surface and the reflector. The reflective compound eye array of claim 3, wherein the partially collimated input beam is polarized in a first polarization direction, and the quarter-wave retarder is aligned such that the partially collimated output beam is The light is polarized in a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction. An illuminator comprising: light collecting optics arranged to inject a partially collimated input beam into a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to output a partially collimated polarized beam of light a reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on a first major surface; a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface; and a fourth a one-wavelength retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector The partially collimated polarized beam exiting the PBS enters the compound eye array, is focused on the reflector, is reflected from the reflector, and exits the compound eye array as a partially collimated orthogonal polarized light The output beam re-enters the PBS. The light illuminator of claim 5, wherein the quarter-wave retarder is disposed within the reflective compound eye array between the second major surface and the reflector. The light illuminator of claim 5, wherein the quarter-wave retarder is disposed between the PBS and the reflective compound eye array. A light illuminator according to claim 5, wherein the partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam is reflected from a reflective polarizer and serves as a substantially uniform partially collimated orthogonally polarized output beam. Leave the PBS. An image projector comprising: the light illuminator of claim 5; a spatial light modulator; and projection optics, wherein the spatial light modulator is positioned to intercept and image the substantially uniform partial A straight, orthogonally polarized output beam is directed to the projection optics. The image projector of claim 9, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises an upper liquid crystal (LCoS) imager or a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD). An illuminator comprising: a light collecting optics comprising a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens and a light output surface; a first and a second light source Causing a first and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source being displaced from the optical axis; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) Facing the light collecting optics and adjacent to the light output a first surface of the surface, the PBS includes a first reflective polarizer disposed at a polarizer angle to the optical axis; and a second reflective polarizer disposed on the light output surface and the first of the PBS Between the faces, the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer are aligned to reflect a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having one adjacent to the PBS a first major surface of the third surface, the third surface of the PBS is opposite the first surface of the PBS, the reflective compound eye array comprising: a substrate having a compound eye array on the first major surface a reflector adjacent to a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a third concentrating lens disposed on the optical axis on the third side of the PBS and the reflective compound eye array And a retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector on the optical axis, wherein the first color light and the second color light are focused on the reflector after passing through the compound eye array, Reflecting from the reflector and reflecting from the first reflective polarizer One of said second polarization direction of the first and second substantially uniform color of light from the vertical to the PBS of a second side of the first surface and the second surface of the PBS. The illuminator of claim 11, wherein the light collecting optics comprises light collimating optics. The illuminator of claim 12, wherein the light collimating optics comprises a single lens design, a dual lens design, a diffractive optical element, or a combination thereof. The illuminator of claim 11, wherein the first concentrating lens comprises a first convex surface opposite the light input surface, and the second concentrating lens comprises a second convex surface facing one of the first convex surfaces The light output surface is opposite the second convex surface. The illuminator of claim 11, wherein each of the first color light and the second color light One includes a first divergence angle of less than about 25 degrees, and the substantially uniform first and second color lights having the second polarization direction include a second divergence angle that includes an angle less than about 25 degrees . The illuminator of claim 11, wherein the reflector comprises a broadband mirror. The illuminator of claim 11, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the third concentrating lens. The illuminator of claim 11, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the second major surface of the compound eye array substrate and the reflector. The illuminator of claim 11, further comprising a third light source disposed to inject a third color light into the light input surface, and wherein the first, second, and third color lights are After passing through the compound eye array, focusing on the reflector, reflecting from the reflector, and reflecting from the first reflective polarizer as the first, second, and first having substantially uniform one of the second polarization directions The three color lights exit the PBS perpendicular to the first side of the PBS and a second side of the second side. The illuminator of claim 15, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 20 degrees. The illuminator of claim 15, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 15 degrees. An image projector comprising: the illuminator of claim 11; a spatial light modulator disposed to impart an image to the substantially uniform first and second colors having the second polarization direction Light; and projection optics arranged to project the image. The image projector of claim 22, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises an upper liquid crystal (LCoS) imager or a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD). An image projector comprising: The illuminator of claim 19; a spatial light modulator disposed to impart an image to the substantially uniform first, second, and third color lights having the second polarization direction; and projection optics A device that is positioned to project the image. The image projector of claim 22, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises an upper liquid crystal (LCoS) imager or a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD). A projection system comprising: an illuminator comprising: a light collecting optics comprising a light input surface on an optical axis, a first and a second concentrating lens and a light output surface; a first, a second, and a third light source disposed to inject a first color and a second color light into the light input surface, at least one of the first light source and the second light source An optical axis displacement; a first face of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) facing the light collecting optic and adjacent to the light output surface, the PBS including a polarizer angle disposed at the optical axis, the first reflective polarizing a second reflective polarizer disposed between the light output surface and the first surface of the PBS, the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer being aligned to reflect a first a second polarization direction; a reflective compound eye array disposed on the optical axis and having a first major surface adjacent to a third side of the PBS, the third surface of the PBS being opposite the first surface of the PBS The reflective compound eye array includes: a substrate having the first main table One of the fly-eye; a reflector adjacent to the second major surface opposite the first major surface one; a third condensing lens, disposed on the third surface of the PBS of the optical axis and on the Between the reflective compound eye arrays; a retarder disposed between the PBS and the reflector on the optical axis, wherein the first, second, and third color lights are focused after passing through the compound eye array Reflecting from the reflector, and reflecting from the first reflective polarizer as a first, second, and third color light having substantially uniform one of the second polarization directions, leaving the vertical of the PBS a first surface of the PBS and a second side of the second surface; a reflective imager disposed to intercept the substantially uniform first, second, and third portions having the second polarization direction Color light, wherein the substantially uniform first, second, and third color lights having the second polarization direction are as an imaged first and second having a first polarization direction orthogonal to the second polarization direction The second and third color lights are reflected from the reflective imager and rotated to the second side of the PBS; and projection optics are disposed to project a portion of the PBS opposite the second side of the PBS The imaged first of the four sides having the first polarization direction , Second, and third color light. The projection system of claim 26, wherein the light collecting optics comprises light collimating optics. The projection system of claim 27, wherein the light collimating optics comprises a single lens design, a dual lens design, a diffractive optical element, or a combination thereof. The projection system of claim 26, wherein the first concentrating lens comprises a first convex surface opposite the light input surface, and the second concentrating lens comprises a second convex surface facing one of the first convex surfaces The light output surface is opposite the second convex surface. The projection system of claim 26, wherein each of the first color light and the second color light comprises a first divergence angle of less than about 25 degrees, and the substantially uniform direction of the second polarization direction The first and second color lights include a second divergence angle Degree, which includes an angle of less than about 25 degrees. The projection system of claim 26, wherein the reflector comprises a broadband mirror. The projection system of claim 26, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the PBS and the third concentrating lens. The projection system of claim 26, wherein the retarder comprises a quarter-wave retarder disposed between the second major surface of the compound eye array substrate and the reflector. The projection system of claim 30, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 20 degrees. The projection system of claim 30, wherein the second divergence angle comprises an angle of less than about 15 degrees.