WO2020264442A1

WO2020264442A1 - Ultra compact optical processor

Info

Publication number: WO2020264442A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/040008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scot Johnson
Original assignee: Photonx Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-06-26
Filing date: 2020-06-26
Publication date: 2020-12-30

Abstract

A compact light engine having an internal light engine assembly disposed within a housing. The internal light engine assembly includes a light engine base, an optical output and a light engine cover. A heat sink is secured to the light engine base, with a fan secured to the heat sink for active cooling. An array of light sources is disposed within the internal light engine assembly, each source generating a light emission. The light emissions intersect at certain points within the device. An assembly of nested optical panels is disposed within a region of intersection of the light emissions.

Description

ULTRA COMPACT OPTICAL PROCESSOR

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[ 0001 ] The present disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for processing light.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[ 0002 ] The subject matter presented herein provides a compact optical combiner useful for a wide variety of applications. The combiner employs multiple optical panels disposed in shared space, so as to increase the efficiency and reduce the volume of the combiner.

[ 0003 ] In one embodiment of the inventive concept, an optical combiner includes a first light source, a second light source and a third light source, each generating a light emission of a particular frequency. At least a first optical panel and second optical panel are disposed in the light emissions of the first, second and third light sources. Third and fourth optical panels are disposed in light emissions of fourth and fifth light sources and the output of the first and second optical panels. [0004] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing disclosure will be best understood and advantages thereof made most clearly apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description in combination with the drawing figures presented. The detailed description makes reference to the following drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 shows the compact optical processor of the present disclosure being used to provide therapy to a patient;

[0007] Figure 2A is a three-quarters view of a compact optical processor according to the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2B is a top view of the compact optical processor shown in Figure 2A;

[0009] Figure 2C is a left side view of the compact optical processor shown in Figure 2A;

[0010] Figure 2D is a front view of the compact optical

processor shown in Figure 2A;

[0011] Figure 2E is a right side view of the compact optical processor shown in Figure 2A;

[0012] Figure 2F is a bottom view of the compact optical processor shown in Figure 2A; [0013] Figure 2G is a rear view of the compact optical processor shown in Figure 2A;

[0014] Figure 3A is an exploded isometric view of the compact optical processor shown in Figures 2A-2G;

[0015] Figure 3B is a simplified exploded isometric view of the compact optical processor shown in Figures 2A-2G;

[0016] Figure 4A is a top view of the compact optical processor with the upper housing and printed circuit board removed;

[0017] Figure 4B is an isometric view of the compact optical processor with the upper housing and printed circuit board removed;

[0018] Figure 4C is a side section view of the compact optical processor showing an airflow path through the processor;

[0019] Figure 5A is an isometric view of an internal optics engine assembly suitable for use in the compact optical

processor of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5B is a top view of the internal optics engine assembly of Figure 5A;

[0021] Figure 5C is a left side view of the internal optics engine assembly of Figure 5A; [0022] Figure 5D is a bottom view of the internal optics engine assembly of Figure 5A;

[0023] Figure 5E is a right side view of the internal optics engine assembly of Figure 5A;

[0024] Figure 5F is a front view of the internal optics engine assembly of Figure 5A;

[0025] Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of the internal optics engine assembly of Figures 5A-5F;

[0026] Figure 7A is an isometric view of the internal optics engine assembly with the top cover removed;

[0027] Figure 7B is a top view of the internal optics engine assembly with the top cover removed.

[0028] Figure 8A shows an isometric view of the base of the internal optics engine assembly with the operational components removed;

[0029] Figure 8B shows a top view of the base of the internal optics engine assembly with the operational components removed;

[0030] Figure 9A shows an assembled view of a nesting optical panel assembly; [0031] Figure 9B shows an exploded view of a nesting optical panel assembly;

[0032] Figure 10A shows a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of an optical panel suitable for use with the present disclosure ;

[0033] Figure 10B shows a back view of the optical panel of Figure 10A;

[0034] Figure IOC shows a top view of the optical panel of

Figure 10A;

[0035] Figure 10D shows a front view of the optical panel of Figure 10A;

[0036] Figure 10E shows a right end view of the optical panel of Figure 10A;

[0037] Figure 11A shows a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of an optical panel suitable for use with the present disclosure ;

[0038] Figure 11B shows a back view of the optical panel of Figure 11A;

[0039] Figure 11C shows a top view of the optical panel of

Figure 11A; [0040] Figure 11D shows a front view of the optical panel of Figure 11A; and

[0041] Figure HE shows a right end view of the optical panel of

Figure 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0042] A compact device for light processing is provided herein. Light processed according to the teachings of the present disclosure can be provided for the purposes of photodynamic therapy, but is not limited to such use. The following detailed description provides certain specific embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of elements, the subject matter disclosed herein should be understood to include sub-combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also intended to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed herein.

[0043] Turning now to Figure 1, this figure shows a patient 102 receiving photonic infusion therapy using light energy generated by a photonic infusion device 100. Photonic infusion device 100 includes compact optical engine 104, which provides light to sublingual infusion device 106 via optical waveguide 108. The compact and lightweight nature of optical engine 104 allows it to be supported around the patient's neck by support harness 110. Thus, it is possible for the patient 102 to move freely while receiving the therapy provided by optical engine 104. The optical engine 104 shown and described herein is not limited to therapeutic use, and may be employed for any purpose where a specific combination of wavelengths may needed. The application shown in Figure 1 is provided only by way of example.

[0044] Turning now to Figures 2A-2G, these figures provide additional details as to the structure of compact optical engine 104. Housing assembly 120 encases and protects the internal components of optical engine 104. Housing assembly 120 includes upper housing cover 122, central housing 124 and lower housing cover 126. Together, upper housing cover 122, central housing 124 and lower housing cover 126 fully enclose optics engine 104, to protect the internal components while also providing access, when necessary. A pair of retaining bars 128 run between upper housing cover 122 and lower housing cover 126, to facilitate securement of optics engine 104. An optical output port (not shown) disposed on the front of optics engine 104 is protected by a protective cap 136 when not in use. Air vent 130 is disposed in the rear portion of housing assembly 120, to provide for cooling.

[0045] Optical engine 104 receives electronic power and control signals from external sources via interface ports 132, 134, disposed along the upper rear edge of housing assembly 120. In certain embodiments, either or both of interface ports 132, 134 may be universal serial bus (USB) ports.

[0046] In certain embodiments, lower housing 126 contains a cavity which is intended to contain a battery for portable and/or mobile use. Depending on the application, the battery may be charged via incoming power through either or both 1st port 132 and 2nd port 134. The battery may be secured to the lower housing 126 using double-sided adhesive tape. A wire harness passes through the inner bottom face of central housing 124 into lower housing 126 cavity, connecting the control circuitry, including recharge circuitry to the battery. In certain

embodiments, lower housing 126 may contain circuitry and antenna sufficient to provide wireless charging with standard cellular phone wireless charging devices.

[0047] One or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tag(s) may be placed into lower housing 126 in another preferred embodiment. RFID tags would allow device tracking in

environments such as healthcare facilities when communicated with by means external to the present invention. In other preferred embodiments, control circuitry communicates with the rfid tag(s) to uniquely identify battery modules for enhanced patient and user safety, and verify the original equipment manufacture (oem) battery origin and thus ensure the power source for the invention is the same as was used in electrical safety testing and thus will perform according to the official test results reviewed and cleared by regulatory bodies (e.g.

FDA) for commerce and marketing in various market segments.

Further, this functionality can be used by healthcare providers providing prescriptions for various combinations of irradiance & duration & duty- cycle & total number of treatments [similar to an antibiotic prescription] of photonic emission sources (e.g. LEDs) via telemedicine, as a verification of the legally

intended patient recipient device. This feature of the present invention is at least a secondary mechanism to verify

transmission & reception of data from the device of the present invention, wirelessly to an external device capable of such bilateral wireless communications.

[0048] Lower housing 126 is designed to be manufactured of a material that permits electromagnetic transmission and is structurally sufficient to endure the normal mechanical

stresses, and is highly resistant to salt-fog type moisture as is normally tested with in safety testing mandated environmental limits testing for medical devices. In some embodiments, this material is formed of injection molding. In others, it is formed through 3D printing methods. In still others, it may be machined, vacuum formed etc. The same applies to the upper housing 122.

[ 0049 ] Figure 3A shows compact optical engine 104 in an exploded isometric view, so as to facilitate disclosure of the internal components thereof. Compact optical engine 104 incorporates internal optics engine assembly 150, which generates a specific light configuration and outputs it through blast shield 152, forward interface 154 and optical output 156, where it exits optical engine 104.

[ 0050 ] Printed circuit board assembly 158 is disposed above fan 160, heat sink 162, internal optics engine assembly 150 and blast shield 152. Printed circuit board assembly 158 connects to internal optics engine assembly via ribbon connector 166. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to ensure that the thermal pads of the printed circuit board assembly 158 are in contact with exposed metal 168 for improved thermal conductivity to the surrounding components. The use of non-electrically conductive thermal paste on the thermal pads may further enhance thermal conductivity.

[ 0051 ] As seen in Figures 3A and 3B, central housing 124 incorporates a number of features designed to isolate internal optical engine assembly 150 from external shock and vibration, and thereby protect the internal components from damage. Internal optics engine assembly 150 is secured to central housing 124 via dampening mount 164, as shown in Figure 3A. In one embodiment, dampening mount 164 is a vibration-damping sandwich mount with 4-40 threaded stud. A suitable part can be secured from McMaster-Carr (part no. 96905k350) .

[ 0052 ] Additional vibration isolation components are shown in Figure 3B. At the rear of central housing 124, a pair of vertical vibration isolators 170 are disposed on either side of internal optical engine assembly 150, between the edges thereof and the internal vertical structure of central housing 124. A horizontal vibration isolator 172 is disposed between the bottom of internal optics engine assembly 150 and the internal bottom structure of central housing 124. The material chosen for vibration isolators 170, 172 may vary by application. In one embodiment, isolators 170, 172 may be die-cut from either (a) super-cushioning polyethylene foam strip with adhesive backing, 3/8" wide x 1/8" thick or (b) super-cushioning polyethylene foam strip with adhesive backing, 3/8" wide x 3/16" thick. These materials are available from McMaster-Carr (part nos. 93565k52 and 93565k62, respectively) . Together, isolators 170, 172 dampen and limit the side-to-side and downwards motion of the internal optics engine assembly 150 and attached components. [ 0053 ] At the front of central housing 124, two isolators 174 and two isolators 176 are disposed around forward interface 154. These four isolators 174, 176 dampen vibration and limit the side-to-side motion of the internal optics engine assembly 150 by acting on forward interface 154. In one embodiment,

isolators 174 are 1/8" thick and ¼" wide, while isolators 176 are 1/8" wide. Isolator 178 serves to further limit the motion and vibration of internal optics engine assembly 150. In one embodiment, isolator 178 is 3/16" thick and 1/4" wide.

Isolators 174, 176, 178 may be constructed of the same materials as isolators 170, 172, or may be from different materials.

[ 0054 ] Side-to-side motion of internal optics engine assembly 150 can be rotational about central axis of dampening mount 164, and/or about a lengthwise axis of central housing 124, where the bottom of dampening mount 164 meets the central housing 124 inside bottom face. Upward motion at the rear end of the internal optics engine assembly 150 is dampened and limited by isolator 178 acting on the forward interface 154, as limited by the range of motion of the dampening mount 164 acting about the widthwise axis of rotation of the central housing 124 centered at the point where bottom of the dampening mount 164 meets the central housing 124 inside bottom face. [ 0055 ] Upward motion at the forward interface 154 end of internal optics engine assembly 150 is dampened and limited by the isolator 172 acting on the rear portion of internal optics engine assembly 150, and as limited by the range of motion of the dampening mount 164 acting about the widthwise axis of rotation of the central housing all2 centered at the point where bottom of the dampening mount 164 meets the central housing 124 inside bottom face.

[ 0056 ] Front-to-back motion, described as motion going from front, at the forward interface 154, towards the rear fan 160 is dampened and limited by isolator 174 acting only on the forward interface 154, and as limited by the range of motion of

dampening mount 164 acting about the widthwise axis of rotation of the central housing 124 centered at the point where bottom of the dampening mount 164 meets the central housing al 12 inside bottom face.

[ 0057 ] Back-to-front motion, described as motion going from the back, fan 160, towards the forward interface 154 in front, is dampened and limited by the dampening mount 164 acting about the widthwise axis of rotation of the central housing 124 centered at the point where bottom of the dampening mount 164 meets the central housing 124 inside bottom face. In this embodiment, back-to-front motion is rigidly opposed by the front-most inner face of the central housing 124 acting on the forward interface

154. In other embodiments, especially those where limits on the overall device length are less restrictive, two additional foam sections [adhered to either the front of the forward interface 154 or to the front-most inner face of central housing 124 will dampen and limit back -to-front motion additionally. There exists a universal deficiency in both laser and non-laser devices, where the entire optical engine is susceptible to shock/ vibe and impact insult. The structures describe above, acting together, limit the damage from such impacts and

vibration .

[ 0058 ] Waveguide or other apparatus is attached to the optical output 156. The entire internal optics engine assembly 150 is suspended upon a single dampening mount 164 and dampened from insult not only from the device housing but also from incoming insult from the outside acting on the optical output 156. Force vectors acting in a back-to-front motion upon the optical output 156 transfer for the most part to the externally-attached waveguide or other apparatus, due to the rigid interface

provided by the forward interface 154 and the front-most inner face of the central housing 124, safely, and are not endured by internal optics engine assembly 150. [0059] Bottom-to-top forces, which may occur from dropping the device onto the lower housing 126, are dampened and limited by the compression of the dampening mount 164, the horizontal foam components 172 and 178 acting against previously described horizontal surfaces and via friction between the vertical foam components acting against the previously described three

incident surfaces.

[0060] Top-to-bottom forces, which may result from dropping the device onto the upper housing 122, are dampened and limited by the extension of the dampening mount 164, and via friction between the vertical foam components acting against the

previously described three incident surfaces.

[0061] The friction discussed in relation to top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top motion, and which is generally contributing during side-to-side & front-to-back motion, requires the edges of the hard surfaces to be typically radiused or beveled to avoid premature wear of the foam components against sharp edges.

[0062] The processing of light within compact optical engine 104 generates a substantial quantity of heat, thus necessitating an active cooling system. Figures 4A-4C disclose certain details relating to airflow and cooling within compact optical engine 104. As heat is generated by internal optics engine assembly 150, it is conducted to the rear surface thereof, which is in contact with the planar surface of heat sink 162. Via this interface, heat sink 162 absorbs heat from compact optical engine 150. Fan 160 draws external air in through vent 130 over the fins of heat sink 162, thus removing the excess heat from heat sink 162.

[ 0063 ] In one embodiment, the sides of heat sink 162 are coincident upon isolators 170 and 172. In other embodiments, only the bottom side of heat sink 162 is coincident upon

isolator 172, while the vertical sides of heat sink 162 place isolators 170 into compression. In one embodiment, the sides of heat sink 162 extend into isolators 170 by approximately

0.0065", 0.0125" or 0.025", equivalent to approximately 5%, 10% and 20% compression, respectively. This compression of isolators 170 serves two functions. First, dampening of side-to-side motion can be adjusted generally by utilizing softer and harder durometer foam sections, as needed, as the present invention allows for pre-loading the central housing 124 for stiffer

"suspension," as desired. Second, thermal sealing may be obtained whether the isolators 170 are simply coincident or compressed firmly against heat sink 162. As used herein, "sealing" means air is being drawn in through vent 130 by fan 160. This incoming air impacts heat sink 162, dispersing in all directions . [0064] Upper housing 122 prevents air entering heat sink 162 from continuing upwards and out of the device. Air is also prevented from continuing downwards via the inner bottom face of central housing 124. Thus, most of this air flows out both sides of the heat sink 162, where it impacts the curved, scalloped inner walls of the vent housing 130, and is then redirected out along the outer scalloped walls of central housing 124. The device cools itself, pulling heat from the internal optics engine 150 and dispersing it out of the device. Secondarily, this exhaust air is re-utilized by the outer scalloped surfaces of central housing 124, having enhanced surface area so as to shed heat radiated from the control PCB 158 through thermal pads and into exposed metal 168.

[0065] The top side of heat sink 162 is open to the space between the bottom face of control PCB 158, which itself is coincident upon the two mounting platforms for thermal transfer to central housing 124, and upper housing 122. In one

embodiment, this leaves a gap of approximately 0.1315" between the two surfaces. Air dispersed upwardly by heat sink 162 is redirected and exchanged with the air in the internal cavity of central housing 124. Airflow forced into and exchanged with inner cavity of central housing 124 is used to additionally shed heat primarily from components secured to the bottom of the control PCB 158, and secondarily from components secured to the top of the control PCB 158.

[0066] Just forward of the interface between heat sink 162 and optics engine base 200, the airflow gap extends to 0.235" from 0.1315", down to the upper surface of the optics engine cover 202. This limit describes a topographical limit to the component height for parts attached to the bottom of the control PCB 158. In one embodiment, the maximum component height for the bottom of control PCB 158 is 0.200". The difference between the max 0.235" and 0.200" is to account for potential motion of the internal optics engine assembly 150.

[0067] Airflow within the internal cavity of central housing 124 flows underneath control PCB 158, around and under internal optics engine 150 and upwards, redirected by inner walls of central cavity 124 and rear face of forward interface 154, to flow over of control PCB 158 and its components.

[0068] The design brings in fresh air from behind vent housing 130. Fan 160 forces cool air at ambient temperature into the device as shown, where it is forced out of the device through the scallop-shaped side vents 204 formed of the union of the vent housing 130 and the exterior side walls of the central housing 124. This design cools primarily the internal optics engine 150, and secondarily the control pcb 158 via exhausted air from fan 160 and heat sink 162 cooling of the central housing 124 side walls.

[ 0069 ] Turning now to Figures 5A-5F and Figure 6, internal optics engine assembly 150 comprises optics engine base 200 having optics engine cover 202 disposed thereon. Bridge printed circuit board (PCB) 210 is secured to the lower portion of optics engine base 200 by dampening mount 164. Bridge PCB 210 provides power and control signals to the light sources disposed in internal optics engine assembly 150. Light generated by internal optics engine assembly 150 exits the device via output aperture 212. A threaded cylindrical surface 214 surrounds output aperture 212 to facilitate secure attachment of light conduits to internal optics engine assembly 150.

[ 0070 ] The internal structure and operational components of internal optics engine assembly 150 can be seen in Figures 6, 7A and 7B. Internally, internal optics engine assembly 150

comprises dual optical panel assemblies 220, 222, each of which comprises a first optical panel and second optical panel in a novel configuration. Internal optics engine assembly 150 further comprises an array of light sources 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, each paired with a lens. Light combiners have generally required a single optical panel for each light source being combined, but using unique mirrors for each stage requires physical space, increases component cost, reduces efficiency, and can give rise to assembly and alignment errors.

[ 0071 ] In order to reduce physical size, reduce cost, increase efficiency and reduce assembly and alignment errors, device 150 combines four optical panels 234, 236, 238, 240 into a small and efficient footprint. First optical panel assembly 220 comprises first optical panel 234 and second optical panel 236. Second optical panel assembly 222 comprises first optical panel 238 and second optical panel 240. Light sources 224, 226 and 228 are paired with lenses 242, 244 and 246, respectively. Light sources 230, 232 are paired with lenses 248, 250, respectively.

[ 0072 ] In certain embodiments, optical panels 234 and 236 are dichroic mirrors. In alternate embodiments, optical panels 234, 236 may include transparent panels, filters, full mirrors, half wave plates, liquid crystal panels, polarizers, digital

micromirror devices or any combination thereof, as may be useful for the processing of light according to the requirements of a particular application. Light entering device 150 from the left side of device 150 is first processed in panel assembly 220 using optical panels 234 and 236. The processed light exiting optical panel assembly 220 then passes into optical panel assemb1y 222. [ 0073 ] Optical panel assembly 222 includes a third optical panel 238 and fourth optical panel 240, secured within optics engine base 200. In certain embodiments, optical panels 238 and 240 are dichroic mirrors. In alternate embodiments, optical panels 238, 240 may include transparent panels, filters, full mirrors, half wave plates, liquid crystal panels, polarizers, digital micromirror devices or any combination thereof, as may be useful for the processing of light according to the requirements of a particular application. Light entering panel assembly 222 from the panel assembly 220 is processed in panel assembly 222 using optical panels 238 and 240. The processed light exiting optical panel assembly 222 then passes into lens 252.

[ 0074 ] The advantages of the present disclosure should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. The combination of two optical panels in a common space allows for double the number of reflective and transmissive surfaces in the same physical space. The architecture allows for potential reduction in assembly and alignment error, improvement in efficiency / output stability / optical output power; reducing thermal considerations and input power requirements.

[ 0075 ] The device uses known manufacturing techniques. It can reduce the overall required physical space, and thus overall device size and cost, for combining and separating multiple light sources' light output. It can double the number of reflective and transmissive surfaces per unit of volume occupied by the traditional optical panel placement. It can reduce assembly and alignment error, and thus improve efficiency

(further achieving lower input energy for the same optical output power) . This results in lower loss to heat for the same optical power output: improving light source lifetime & output power stability; reducing spectral content / wavelength drift & design for thermal management complexity. It can be manufactured using techniques known to industry such that the device is cost effective .

[ 0076 ] Turning now to Figures 8A and 8B, internal optics engine assembly 150 includes optics engine base 200 designed to locate, orient and secure the various operational components of device 150, including but not limited to optical panel assemblies 220 and 222.

[ 0077 ] Optics engine base 200 may be manufactured via any manufacturing processes known, including casting, injection molding, three-dimensional printing, machining or other

processes, and may include combinations of these processes. The materials from which housing 200 is constructed may vary by application, and may include metals, polymers and ceramics, as examples. In some embodiments, optics engine base 200 may be formed in one piece. In other embodiments, optics engine base

200 may be constructed from multiple components.

[ 0078 ] Figs. 9A and 9B show an assembled and exploded view, respectively, of optical panel assembly 220 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figs. 9A and 9B show optical panel assembly 220 separated from optics engine base 200 in order to more clearly disclose the details of optical panel assembly 220. In the embodiment shown in these figures, panel assembly 220 is shaped and sized to fit into the mating features formed in the body of optics engine base 200. Alternate

embodiments may employ varying geometries.

[ 0079 ] Panel assembly 220 includes a first optical panel 234 and a second optical panel 236. Assembled as shown, optical panels 234, 236 are retained in a mutually-nested configuration, orthogonal to one another and at 45-degree angles to the

vertical and horizontal planes. Although the optical panel assembly shown in Figs. 9A and 9B is identified as optical panel assembly 220, optical panel assemblies 220, 222 have the same construction. The details of optical panels 234, 236 are described in further detail below.

[ 0080 ] Figs. 10A-10F provide various views of one embodiment of an optical panel 236 according to the present disclosure.

Optical panel 236 has generally-planar rear surface 270 and a generally-planar front surface 272 parallel to but opposite from surface 270. Bottom surface 274, top surface 276, left side surface 278 and right side surface 280 extend orthogonally from rear surface 270 toward front surface 272. Beveled surface 282 extends from top surface 276 to front surface 272. Notch 284 extends from rear surface 300 to front surface 272. As can be clearly seen in Figs. 10A-10F, notch 284 is not centered in optical panel 236, but is notably offset toward right side surface 280. The materials from which optical panels may be manufactured may vary depending on the application. In one embodiment, optical panel 236 is a optical panel manufactured from fused silica grade 0-C, with an anti-reflective coating on surface 300 and a dichroic coating on the surface 302. In certain embodiments, the surface finish is within 2 waves accuracy .

[ 0081 ] Figs. 11A-11E provide various views of one embodiment of optical panel 234 according to the present disclosure. Optical panel 234 has generally-planar rear surface 300 and a generally- planar front surface 302 parallel to but opposite from surface 300. Bottom surface 304, top surface 306, left side surface 308 and right side surface 310 extend orthogonally from rear surface 300 toward front surface 302. Beveled surface 312 extends from top surface 306 to front surface 302. Notch 334 extends from rear surface 300 to front surface 302. As can be clearly seen in Figs. 11A-11E, notch 314 is not centered in optical panel 234, but is notably offset toward left side surface 308. The range of materials and tolerances for optical panel 234 is similar to that described above in connection with optical panel 236.

[ 0082 ] It should be expressly noted that the above description of optical panels 234, 236 presents certain materials,

dimensions and tolerances for particular embodiments shown in these figures. These materials, dimensions and tolerances are provided only as examples and those of skill in the art will understand that various embodiments of the present disclosure may employ other materials, dimensions and tolerances without departing from the core concepts disclosed herein.

[ 0083 ] With the benefit of the above disclosure, those of skill in the art will recognize a wide variety of implementations and embodiments. As an example, the above device can be used to combine light or to separate light from a light source into multiple beams. In reverse operation, such a device can be used to detect R / G / B values from an input light source, to facilitate adjustable white light illumination. In such an embodiment, three of the five colored light sources (red, green, and blue) would be replaced with photodiodes. White light comes in as an input, and is separated into red / blue / green components by the optical panels. Each of the red / blue / green wavelength regions is directed towards their respective photodiodes and measured, to determine RGB values and / or

"color temperature." This could be used in real-time to adjust color temperature of an RGB light source. This could provide a way to evaluate the RGB values from an input light source for adjustment of color temperature. It can also provide a manner by which to illuminate and evaluate fluorescence in scientific experiments, whereby one or more light sources excite elements external to the device, and one or more photodiodes having replaced as many light sources respectively would detect

fluorescent emissions incoming through the same optical output 156 port. Such a configuration, being compact, thermally managed, vibrationally dampened, and both energetically emissive and receptive, may find applications in extraplanetary

geological spectral analysis systems.

[0084] The teachings above could also employ white light as an input. White LED development is extremely well-funded and driven by massive industry demand. This has resulted in incredibly efficient, stunningly powerful white LEDs with an RGB

characteristic . [0085] A variety of optical panels can be employed in connection with the above disclosure. In one embodiment, a green dichroic mirror coating reflects green light 100% between 475nm and

575nm. All other wavelengths pass through such a coating. A blue dichroic mirror coating reflects blue light 100% below 450nm. All other wavelengths pass through such a coating.

These are presented only as examples. A variety of other optical panels could be employed for various implementations.

[0086] With the benefit of the above disclosure, those of skill in the art will recognize a wide variety of implementations and embodiments. As an example, while the above has been described in connection with combining light, the above device can also be used to separate light from a light source into multiple beams. In reverse operation, such a device can be used to detect R / G / B values from an input light source, to facilitate adjustable white light illumination. In such an embodiment, the three colored light sources (red, green, and blue) would be replaced with photodiodes. White light comes in as an input, and is separated into red / blue / green components by the optical panels. Each of the red / blue / green wavelength regions is directed towards their respective photodiodes and measured, to determine RGB values and / or "color temperature." This could be used in real-time to adjust color temperature of an RGB light source. This could provide a way to evaluate the RGB values from an input light source for adjustment of color temperature.

It can also provide a manner by which to illuminate and evaluate fluorescence in scientific experiments.

[ 0087 ] The teachings above could also employ white light as an input. White LED development is extremely well-funded and driven by massive industry demand. This has resulted in incredibly efficient, stunningly powerful white LEDs with an RGB

characteristic. These LEDs are impressively small...small enough for a new prime dichroic engine. Super low-power, high optical output, compact, long-life light sources.

[ 0088 ] A variety of optical panels can be employed in connection with the above disclosure. In one embodiment, a green optical panel coating reflects green light 100% between 475nm and 575nm. All other wavelengths pass through such a coating. A blue optical panel coating reflects blue light 100% below 450nm. All other wavelengths pass through such a coating. These are presented only as examples. A variety of other optical panels could be employed for various implementations.

[ 0089 ] The advantages of the present disclosure should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. The combination of two mirrors in a common space allows for double the number of reflective and transmissive surfaces in the same physical space. The architecture allows for potential reduction in assembly and alignment error, improvement in efficiency / output stability / optical output power; reducing thermal considerations and input power requirements. The device uses known manufacturing

techniques. It can reduce the overall required physical space, and thus overall device size and cost, for combining and

separating multiple light sources' light output. It can double the number of reflective and transmissive surfaces per unit of volume occupied by the traditional optical panel placement. It can reduce assembly and alignment error, and thus improve efficiency (further achieving lower input energy for the same optical output power) . This results in lower loss to heat for the same optical power output: improving light source lifetime & output power stability; reducing spectral content / wavelength drift & design for thermal management complexity. It can be manufactured using techniques known to industry such that the device is cost effective.

[ 0090 ] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be

interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

CLAIM

1. A compact light engine comprising:

a housing assembly;

an internal light engine assembly disposed within the housing assembly, having a light engine base, an optical output and a light engine cover;

a heat sink secured to the light engine base;

a fan secured to the heat sink;

first, second and third light sources disposed within the internal light engine assembly, generating first, second and third light emissions; and

first and second optical panels, each disposed in the first, second and third light emissions.