WO2012138020A1

WO2012138020A1 - Light source apparatus and method for manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2012138020A1
Application number: PCT/KR2011/006674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byungwoo JEOUNG; Sangok YEO; Yongwoo BAE
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2011-04-04
Filing date: 2011-09-08
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: KR20120113115A

Abstract

Disclosed are a light source apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The light source apparatus is capable of enhancing color reproducibility by a wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitement light, and including an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting/transmitting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light. The light source apparatus comprises a light source configured to generate excitation light, an optical system configured to focus the excitation light, and a color wheel configured to generate a plurality of color lights based on the focused excitation light, wherein the color wheel comprises a fluorescent layer configured to convert a wavelength of the excitement light, containing an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or transmitting (reflecting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

Description

LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

This specification relates to a light source apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same.

Generally, the conventional light source apparatus is configured to separate excitation light of a light source into a plurality of color lights, and to emit the separated color lights.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a light source apparatus includes a light source configured to generate excitation light, an optical system configured to focus the excitation light, and a color wheel configured to generate a plurality of color lights based on the focused excitation light, wherein the color wheel includes a fluorescent layer configured to convert a wavelength of the excitement light, and containing an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting/transmitting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

The light source apparatus may further include a dichroic member installed between the light source and the optical system, configured to reflect the excitation light toward the optical system, and configured to transmit color lights generated by the color wheel.

The color wheel may further include a transparent plate, and a mirror layer formed on the transparent plate. The fluorescent layer may be formed on the mirror layer.

The fluorescent layer may include a green fluorescent material, and a cobalt aluminate-based pigment or a chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment.

The fluorescent layer may include a green fluorescent material, and an anthraquinone-based organic pigment.

The fluorescent layer may include 10 weight % of glass powder or polymer, 70 weight% of the green fluorescent material, and 20 weight % of a cobalt aluminate-based pigment or chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment or 20 weight % of an anthraquinone-based organic pigment.

The fluorescent layer may include a red fluorescent material, and a hematite pigment.

The fluorescent layer may include 10 weight % of glass powder or polymer, 70 weight % of the red fluorescent material, and 20 weight % of a hematite pigment.

The color wheel may further include a metallic plate, and a mirror layer formed on the metallic plate. The fluorescent layer may be formed on the mirror layer.

The fluorescent layer may consist of the fluorescent material, the inorganic or organic pigment, and an optical ceramic material (Opto-ceramic).

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a method for manufacturing a light source apparatus includes mixing a fluorescent material for converting a wavelength of excitation light generated by an optical source, with an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting/transmitting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light, and manufacturing a color wheel by forming the mixed material on a plate.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a configuration view schematically illustrating a projection system to which a light source apparatus according to the present invention has been applied;

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a configuration view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view illustrating a luminescence spectrum of a green fluorescent material, and a reflectance spectrum of an inorganic pigment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a light emitting spectrum of a green fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (green pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view illustrating x and y chromaticity coordinates of a green fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (green pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view illustrating a luminescence spectrum of a red fluorescent material, and a reflectance spectrum of an inorganic pigment according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view illustrating a light emitting spectrum of a red fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (hematite pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating x and y chromaticity coordinates of a red fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (hematite pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a configuration view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a configuration view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Description will now be given in detail of the exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components will be provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, will be explained a light source apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same, the apparatus capable of enhancing color reproducibility by a wavelength conversion material (phosphor, quantum dots) configured to convert a wavelength of excitement light, and including an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting/transmitting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

FIG. 1 is a configuration view schematically illustrating a projection system to which a light source apparatus according to the present invention has been applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the projection system (e.g., projector) to which a light source apparatus according to the present invention has been applied comprises a light source 110, an optical system (e.g., a focusing optical system) 120, a color wheel 130 having a wavelength conversion material including an inorganic or organic pigment, a light integrator 202, a delay optical system or a collecting optical system 204, a prism 206, a micro display imager 208 and a projection lens 210. The projection system has been disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2010-0037646, and thus its detailed explanations will be omitted.

Light (e.g., blue light) outputted from the light source 110 is converted into a plurality of color lights by the color wheel 130, and passes through the light integrator 202 for intensity homogenization (scrambling). The light source 110 may be a general lamp, or a semiconductor light source (solidstatelight source) including a laser diode and a light emitting diode (LED). A wavelength of the semiconductor light source may be in the range of 300nm~ 800nm. For instance, as the semiconductor light source, may be used a light emitting diode such as a blue LED, or a deep blue LED, or a ultraviolet (UV) LED, or a laser diode.

The delay optical system 204 focuses light scrambled through the prism 206 by the micro display imager 208.

Light demodulated by the micro display imager 208 is projected onto a display screen through the projection lens 210.

Multi-color images are obtained through synchronization between the micro display imager 208 and the color wheel 130. Here, a signal processor for controlling the color wheel 130 and the micro display imager 208 is not shown.

A light source apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises a light source 110 configured to generate excitation light, an optical system 120 configured to focus the excitation light, and a color wheel 130 configured to generate a plurality of color lights based on the focused excitation light. Here, the color wheel 130 may include a fluorescent layer configured to convert a wavelength of the excitement light, and containing an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting/transmitting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

The light source apparatus 100 may further comprise a dichroic filter (or dichroic member) installed between the light source and the optical system (focusing optical system). The dichroic filter serves to transmit or reflect part of the excitation light according to a wavelength. More concretely, the dichroic filter may transmit light of a short wavelength, and reflect light of a long wavelength. Alternatively, the dichroic filter may reflect light of a short wavelength, and transmit light of a long wavelength. The dichroic filter 140 reflects the excitation light toward the optical system, and transmits a plurality of color lights generated by the color wheel 130.

The light source 110 may be implemented as one or more laser diodes or light emitting diodes.

The color wheel 130 includes each wavelength conversion material for converting excitation light of the light source 110 into another type of wavelength for illumination (lighting). For instance, the color wheel 130 rotates (or linearly vibrates) by a motor (not shown), thereby sequentially separating colors from the excitation light to generate color light of high brightness (multi-color light). The color wheel 130 may apply light emitted from the wavelength conversion material to the light integrator 202.

The wavelength conversion material is configured to convert a wavelength based on light of a specific band. However, since it is difficult to output only a wavelength of a desired band, the wavelength conversion material has a widely-distributed spectrum.

In order to additionally remove light of a predetermined band from light emitted after being wavelength-converted by the wavelength conversion material, a specific structure is being used. For instance, Korean Patent Application No. 2011-0021102, the application of the present invention has disclosed a dichroic filter formed at a color wheel and configured to reflect light of a specific band. However, the position of the dichroic filter is limited since light having a plurality of colors has to pass through the same path.

Furthermore, in order to implement a light source of high brightness, light of high power is concentrated into the wavelength conversion material, resulting in heat of a high temperature. Therefore, an operation to cool the wavelength conversion material has to be also considered when applying the dichroic filter to the color wheel 130.

Color reproducibility may be enhanced by mixing an inorganic or organic pigment for removing light of a specific band with constituents of the fluorescent layer, without applying the dichroic filter to the color wheel 130.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the color wheel 130 of the light source apparatus according to the present invention may have a circular structure divided into a plurality of segments (e.g., four) each having a wavelength conversion material. The color wheel 130 generates light of different colors according to time, by different wavelength conversion materials, while being rotated by the motor.

For instance, the color wheel 130 may be divided into four segments having red (R), green (B), blue (B) and yellow (Y) wavelength conversion materials (e.g., four fluorescent layers), respectively. Angular sizes of the respective segments may be the same or different from each other. The blue segment may be formed of only a transparent material without a blue wavelength conversion material since incident light is blue light. The blue segment may include a material such as a diffuser for diffusing light. The blue segment may be a mirror layer for reflecting blue light as it is. Also, the yellow segment of the color wheel 130 may emit yellow light by containing only a yellow fluorescent material.

An inorganic or organic pigment applied to the color wheel 130 is applied to the yellow, green and red segments of the color wheel 130.

The wavelength conversion material may be a nano material such as quantum, and a phosphorous material including phosphors. Alternatively, the wavelength conversion material may be a fluorescent material.

Hereinafter, a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a configuration view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the color wheel 130 of a light source apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent plate 131, a mirror layer 132 formed on the transparent plate 131, and a wavelength conversion material (e.g., fluorescent layer) 133 formed on the mirror layer 132 and including an inorganic or organic pigment. Here, the inorganic or organic pigment serves to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and to selectively separate a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light (e.g., absorption or reflection (or transmission)).

The light source 110 may be implemented as one or more laser diodes (LD) or light emitting diodes (LED). The inorganic or organic pigment serves to absorb or reflect (or transmit) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

The color wheel 130 of the light source apparatus according to the present invention enhances color reproducibility, without including a dichroic member, by mixing an inorganic or organic pigment 133B for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of light wavelength-converted by the wavelength conversion material, with the wavelength conversion material (e.g., fluorescent material) 133A. Furthermore, desired chromaticity coordinates may be implemented by controlling a mixture amount of the wavelength conversion material (fluorescent material) 133A and the inorganic/organic pigment 133B through a transmission/reflection spectrum.

An inorganic pigment included in the green fluorescent material may be formed of a material for reflecting blue and green wavelength bands, but absorbing a red wavelength band. For instance, a cobalt aluminate-based pigment (e.g., Co-AlO) may be used as a blue pigment. And, a chromeoxide-based pigment (e.g., CrO) may be used as a green pigment. More concretely, may be used a material obtained by mixing a blue pigment for reflecting blue and green wavelength bands but absorbing a red wavelength band, with a green fluorescent material. Alternatively, may be used a material obtained by mixing a green pigment for reflecting a green wavelength band but absorbing a red wavelength band, with a green fluorescent material. Still alternatively, may be used a material obtained by mixing blue and green pigments with a green fluorescent material.

An organic pigment included in the green fluorescent material may be formed of a material for transmitting a green wavelength band but absorbing a red wavelength band. For instance, an anthraquinone-based material (e.g., Red Fluorescent Dye-56) may be used as the organic pigment, and "C.I. Pigment Violet 19, 23" may be used as a colored component. More concretely, may be used a material obtained by mixing an organic pigment for transmitting a green wavelength band but absorbing a red wavelength band, with a green fluorescent material. Here, light of the green wavelength band transmitted by the organic pigment is reflected by the mirror layer 132.

An inorganic pigment included in the red fluorescent material may be formed of a material for reflecting blue and red wavelength bands, but absorbing yellow and green wavelength bands. For instance, a hematite pigment (e.g., Fe₂O₃) may be used. More concretely, may be used a material obtained by mixing a hematite pigment for reflecting blue and red wavelength bands, but absorbing yellow and green wavelength bands, with a red fluorescent material.

As an organic pigment included in the red fluorescent material, may be used a material (Green Fluorescent Dye-73) for transmitting blue and red wavelength bands, but absorbing yellow and green wavelength bands. Here, light of the red wavelength band transmitted by the organic pigment is reflected by the mirror layer 132.

As the wavelength conversion material (fluorescent material), may be used at least one selected from yellow, red and green fluorescent materials.

As a yellow wavelength conversion material (yellow fluorescent material), may be used a YAG-based fluorescent material such as (Y1-x-yGdxCey)3Al5O12 , (Y1-xCex)3Al5O12 , (Y1-xCex)3(Al1-yGay)5O12 and (Y1-x-yGdxCey)3(Al1-zGaz)5O12, a LuAG-based fluorescent material such as (Y1-x-yLuxCey)3Al5O12, a Silicate-based fluorescent material such as (Sr,Ca,Ba,Mg)2SiO4:Eu, or oxynitride fluorescent material such as (Ca,Sr)Si2N2O2:Eu. Besides, various yellow fluorescent materials may be used.

As a green wavelength conversion material (green fluorescent material), may be used Y3(Al,Ga)5O12:Ce, CaSc2O4:Ce, Ca3(Sc,Mg)2Si3O12:Ce, (Sr,Ba)2SiO4:Eu,(Si,Al)6(O,N)8:Eu (sialon), (Ba,Sr)3Si6O12N2:Eu, SrGa2S4:Eu, BaMgAl10O17:Eu, and Mn. Alternatively, a LuAG-based fluorescent material such as (Y1-x-yLuxCey)3Al5O12 may be used. Besides, various green fluorescent materials may be used.

As a red wavelength conversion material (red fluorescent material), may be used (Ca,Sr,Ba)2Si5(N,O)8:Eu, (Ca,Sr,Ba)Si(N,O)2:Eu, (Ca,Sr,Ba)AlSi(N,O)8:Eu, (Sr,Ba)3SiO5:Eu, (Ca,Sr)S:Eu, (La,Y)2O2S:Eu, K2SiF6:Mn, and CaAlSiN:Eu. Besides, various red fluorescent materials may be used.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, will be explained a method for manufacturing the color wheel 130 of the light source apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, the mirror layer 132 is formed on the transparent plate 131. The transparent plate 131 may be formed of a transmissive material such as glass, crystal, PMMA (Polymethly Methacrylate) and plastic.

The fluorescent layer 133 is formed on the mirror layer 132. The fluorescent layer 133 includes an inorganic or organic pigment. The fluorescent layer 133 may be formed by forming a slurry by mixing glass powder, the fluorescent material, the inorganic or organic pigment with a binder or a solvent which dissolves the binder, by molding the slurry into a transfer film, by coating the transfer film onto the mirror layer 132, and then by firing the coated transfer film.

A polymer may be used instead of the glass powder, and a silicone resin may be used as the polymer.

In an assumption that the green fluorescent layer is 100 weight %, the glass powder or the polymer may be 10 weight %, the fluorescent material (e.g., LuAG-based fluorescent material) may be 70 weight %, and the inorganic pigment (e.g., Co-AlO or CrO)) or the organic pigment (e.g., Red Fluorescent Dye-56) may be 20% by weight.

In an assumption that the red fluorescent layer is 100% by weight, the glass powder or the polymer may be 10% by weight, the fluorescent material (e.g., (Ca,Sr,Ba)2Si5(N,O)8) may be 70% by weight, and the inorganic pigment (e.g., hematite pigment) or the organic pigment (e.g., Green Fluorescent Dye-73) may be 20% by weight.

In an assumption that the fluorescent layer 133 is 100% by weight, the glass powder or the polymer may be 10% by weight, the fluorescent material may be 70% by weight, and the blue and green pigments may be 10% by weight, respectively. The amount of the glass powder or the polymer, the fluorescent material, the inorganic or organic pigment may be controlled to implement light of a desired wavelength band.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view illustrating a luminescence spectrum of a green fluorescent material, and a reflectance (R%) spectrum of an inorganic pigment according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the green fluorescent material has a band of 470~660nm (4-1). Since green light is converted into light of a wide band (approximately 470~660nm), impure light is absorbed by using the inorganic or organic pigment so as to enhance a color purity. For instance, cobalt aluminate-based pigment (e.g., Co-AlO) serving as the blue pigment absorbs a wavelength band of about 550nm~650nm, among a wavelength band of the green light (about 470~660nm band), and reflects the rest wavelength band (4-2).

Chromeoxide-based pigment (e.g., CrO) serving as the green pigment absorbs a wavelength band of about 590nm, among a wavelength band of the green light (about 470~660nm band), and reflects a wavelength band less than about 590nm (4-3).

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a light emitting spectrum of a green fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (green pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the green fluorescent layer 133 mixed with an inorganic pigment (green pigment) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a band of 470~660nm (5-1). Furthermore, the inorganic pigment (green pigment) mixed with the green fluorescent layer 133 reflects a wavelength less than 590nm (5-2) among a wavelength band of 470~660nm (5-1), and absorbs a wavelength band more than 590nm (5-2). This may enhance a color purity.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view illustrating x and y chromaticity coordinates of a green fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (green pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the green fluorescent material (YS-G2) and the blue pigment are mixed with each other, x and y chromaticity coordinates are 0.290 and 0.6, respectively. When the green fluorescent material and the green pigment are mixed with each other, x and y chromaticity coordinates are 0.310 and 0.630, respectively. When the blue and green pigments are mixed with the green fluorescent material, x and y chromaticity coordinates are 0.290<x<0.3100 and 0.6<y<0.630, respectively.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view illustrating a luminescence spectrum of a red fluorescent material, and a reflectance spectrum of an inorganic pigment according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the red fluorescent material has a band of 450~750nm (7-1). Since red light is converted into light of a wide band (approximately 450~750nm), impure light is absorbed by using the inorganic or organic pigment so as to enhance a color purity. For instance, a hematite pigment (e.g., Fe₂O₃) absorbs a wavelength band less than about 550nm, among a wavelength band of the red light (about 450~750nm band), and reflects the rest wavelength band (7-2).

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view illustrating a light emitting spectrum of a red fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (hematite pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the red fluorescent layer 133 mixed with an inorganic pigment (hematite pigment) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a band of 450~750nm (8-1). Furthermore, the inorganic pigment (hematite pigment) mixed with the red fluorescent layer 133 absorbs a wavelength less than about 550nm among a wavelength band of 450~750nm (8-1), and reflects a wavelength band more than 550nm. This may enhance a color purity.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating x and y chromaticity coordinates of a red fluorescent layer mixed with an inorganic pigment (hematite pigment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the red fluorescent material (N-R1) and the hematite pigment are mixed with each other, x and y chromaticity coordinates are 0.64 and 0.31, respectively.

In the light source apparatus and the method for manufacturing the same according to the first embodiment of the present invention, color reproducibility may be enhanced by using a wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic material for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

Hereinafter, a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a configuration view illustrating a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, the color wheel 130 of a light source apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a metallic plate 141, a mirror layer 132 formed on the metallic plate 141, and a wavelength conversion material (e.g., fluorescent layer) 133 formed on the mirror layer 132 and including an inorganic or organic pigment. Here, the inorganic or organic pigment serves to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and to selectively separate a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light (e.g., absorption or reflection (or transmission)).

In the light source apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, color reproducibility may be enhanced by using a wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic material for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

Furthermore, in the light source apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, on the metallic plate having the mirror layer, formed is the wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light. This may allow heat generated from the fluorescent layer to be rapidly cooled through the metallic plate. For instance, heat generated from the fluorescent layer may be cooled more rapidly when using the metallic plate rather than using a transparent plate which consists of glass, crystal and transparent plastic.

Hereinafter, a color wheel of a light source apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the color wheel 130 of a light source apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a metallic plate 141, a mirror layer 132 formed on the metallic plate 141, and an optical ceramic material 151 formed on the mirror layer 132, including a wavelength conversion material (e.g., fluorescent material) for converting a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic pigment for selectively separating (absorbing or reflecting (or transmitting)) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

The color wheel 130 of the light source apparatus according to the present invention enhances color reproducibility, without including a dichroic member, by using the optical ceramic material 151 including the wavelength conversion material (e.g., fluorescent material) and including an inorganic or organic pigment for selectively separating (absorbing or reflecting (or transmitting)) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light. Furthermore, desired chromaticity coordinates may be implemented by controlling a mixture amount of the wavelength conversion material (fluorescent material) and the inorganic/organic pigment through a transmission/reflection spectrum.

The wavelength conversion material may be mixed with an organic binder such as silicone resin so as to be deposited on the wheel in a state of powder. However, the wavelength conversion material is bonded onto the wheel as a bulk fluorescent layer like the optical ceramic material 151. This may enhance a user s convenience. Furthermore, since the wavelength conversion material is formed of ceramic, it may have a more excellent thermal stability than silicone resin, an organic material.

As the optical ceramic material 151, may be used a YAG-based material such as (Y1-x-yGdxCey)3Al5O12 , (Y1-xCex)3Al5O12 , (Y1-xCex)3(Al1-yGay)5O12 and (Y1-x-yGdxCey)3(Al1-zGaz)5O12, a LuAG-based material such as (Y1-x-yLuxCey)3Al5O12, and Y3(Al,Ga)5O12:Ce,(Si,Al)6(O,N)8:Eu (sialon). The optical ceramic material 151 may be formed in various shapes, such as a fan shape and a disc shape, according to a type of mold. And, the optical ceramic material may be formed to have a thickness up to 0.2t.

In the light source apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, color reproducibility may be enhanced by using the wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic material for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

In the light source apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the color wheel may be easily manufactured by using the optical ceramic material 151 including a wavelength conversion material for converting a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic material for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light. Furthermore, since the optical ceramic material 151 is formed of ceramic, it may have a more excellent thermal stability than silicone resin, an organic material.

As aforementioned, in the light source apparatus and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention, color reproducibility may be enhanced by using reflected (or transmitted) light of a specific wavelength band, through a wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic material for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.

Furthermore, in the light source apparatus and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention, on the metallic plate having the mirror layer, formed is the wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light. This may allow heat generated from the fluorescent layer to be rapidly cooled through the metallic plate.

In the light source apparatus and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention, the color wheel may be easily manufactured by using the optical ceramic material 151 including a wavelength conversion material for converting a wavelength of excitation light, and including an inorganic or organic material for absorbing or reflecting (transmitting) a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light. Furthermore, since the optical ceramic material 151 is formed of ceramic, it may have a more excellent thermal stability than silicone resin, an organic material.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

A light source apparatus, comprising:

a light source configured to generate excitation light;

an optical system configured to focus the excitation light; and

a color wheel configured to generate a plurality of color lights based on the focused excitation light,

wherein the color wheel comprises a fluorescent layer configured to convert a wavelength of the excitement light, and containing an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or transmitting or for absorbing or reflecting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dichroic member installed between the light source and the optical system, configured to reflect the excitation light toward the optical system, and configured to transmit color lights generated by the color wheel.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, wherein the color wheel further comprises:

a transparent plate; and

a mirror layer formed on the transparent plate,

wherein the fluorescent layer is formed on the mirror layer.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent layer comprises:

a green fluorescent material; and

a cobalt aluminate-based pigment or a chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent layer comprises:

a green fluorescent material; and

an anthraquinone-based organic pigment.
The light source apparatus of claim 4, wherein the fluorescent layer comprises:

10 weight % of glass powder or polymer;

70 weight% of the green fluorescent material; and

20 weight % of a cobalt aluminate-based pigment or chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment or 20 weight % of an anthraquinone-based organic pigment.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent layer comprises:

a red fluorescent material; and

a hematite pigment.
The light source apparatus of claim 7, wherein the fluorescent layer comprises:

10 weight % of glass powder or polymer;

70 weight % of the red fluorescent material; and

20 weight % of a hematite pigment.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, wherein the color wheel further comprises:

a metallic plate; and

a mirror layer formed on the metallic plate,

wherein the fluorescent layer is formed on the mirror layer.
The light source apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent layer is formed of:

the fluorescent material;

the inorganic or organic pigment; and

an optical ceramic material.
A method for manufacturing a light source apparatus, the method comprising:

mixing a fluorescent material for converting a wavelength of excitation light generated by an optical source, with an inorganic or organic pigment for absorbing or reflecting or for absorbing or transmitting a specific wavelength band of the wavelength-converted light; and

manufacturing a color wheel by forming the mixed material on a plate.
The method of claim 11, further comprising disposing a dichroic member between the light source and an optical system for focusing the excitation light to the color wheel, the dichroic member configured to reflect the excitation light toward the optical system, and configured to transmit color lights generated by the color wheel.
The method of claim 11, wherein the step of manufacturing the color wheel further comprises forming a mirror layer on the plate,

wherein the mixed material is formed on the mirror layer, and the plate is a transparent plate.
The method of claim 11, wherein in the step of mixing the fluorescent material with the inorganic or organic pigment, a green fluorescent material is mixed with a cobalt aluminate-based pigment or a chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment.
The method of claim 11, wherein in the step of mixing the fluorescent material with the inorganic or organic pigment, a green fluorescent material is mixed with an anthraquinone-based organic pigment.
The method of claim 14, wherein in the step of mixing the green fluorescent material with the cobalt aluminate-based pigment or the chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment, mixed are 10 weight % of glass powder or polymer, 70 weight% of the green fluorescent material, and 20 weight % of a cobalt aluminate-based pigment or chromeoxide-based inorganic pigment or 20 weight % of an anthraquinone-based organic pigment.
The method of claim 11, wherein in the step of mixing the fluorescent material with the inorganic or organic pigment, a red fluorescent material is mixed with a hematite pigment.
The method of claim 17, wherein in the step of mixing the red fluorescent material with the hematite pigment, mixed are 10 weight % of glass powder or polymer, 70 weight % of the red fluorescent material, and 20 weight % of a hematite pigment.
The method of claim 11, wherein the step of manufacturing the color wheel further comprises:

forming a mirror layer on the plate,

wherein the mixed material is formed on the mirror layer, and the plate is a metallic plate.
The method of claim 11, wherein in the step of mixing the fluorescent material with the inorganic or organic pigment, mixed are the fluorescent material, the inorganic or organic pigment, and an optical ceramic material.