Lens array projector
First Claim
1. Optical apparatus, comprising:
- a matrix of light sources arranged on a substrate with a predetermined, uniform spacing between the light sources; and
a beam homogenizer, comprising a single optical element, which comprises;
a front optical surface, comprising a first microlens array, which has a first pitch equal to the spacing between the light sources and which is aligned with the matrix so that a respective optical axis of each microlens in the array intercepts a corresponding light source in the matrix and transmits light emitted by the corresponding light source; and
a rear optical surface, comprising a second microlens array, which is positioned to receive and focus the light transmitted by the first microlens array and which has a second pitch that is different from the first pitch.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Optical apparatus includes a matrix of light sources arranged on a substrate with a predetermined, uniform spacing between the light sources. A beam homogenizer includes a first optical surface, including a first microlens array, which has a first pitch equal to the spacing between the light sources and which is aligned with the matrix so that a respective optical axis of each microlens in the array intercepts a corresponding light source in the matrix and transmits light emitted by the corresponding light source. A second optical surface, including a second microlens array, is positioned to receive and focus the light transmitted by the first microlens array and has a second pitch that is different from the first pitch.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. Optical apparatus, comprising:
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a matrix of light sources arranged on a substrate with a predetermined, uniform spacing between the light sources; and a beam homogenizer, comprising a single optical element, which comprises; a front optical surface, comprising a first microlens array, which has a first pitch equal to the spacing between the light sources and which is aligned with the matrix so that a respective optical axis of each microlens in the array intercepts a corresponding light source in the matrix and transmits light emitted by the corresponding light source; and a rear optical surface, comprising a second microlens array, which is positioned to receive and focus the light transmitted by the first microlens array and which has a second pitch that is different from the first pitch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Optical apparatus, comprising:
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a matrix of light sources arranged on a substrate with a predetermined, uniform spacing between the light sources; and a beam homogenizer, comprising; a first optical surface comprising a microlens array, which has a pitch equal to the spacing between the light sources and which is aligned with the matrix so that a respective optical axis of each microlens in the array intercepts a corresponding light source in the matrix and collimates light emitted by the corresponding light source; and a second optical surface defining a diverging lens having a negative optical power, which is positioned to receive and transmit the light collimated by the microlens array; and a collection lens, which is configured to receive and collimate the light transmitted by the second optical surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An optical method, comprising:
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providing a matrix of light sources arranged on a substrate with a predetermined, uniform spacing between the light sources; aligning a first optical surface, comprising a first microlens array, which has a first pitch equal to the spacing between the light sources, with the matrix so that a respective optical axis of each microlens in the array intercepts a corresponding light source in the matrix and transmits light emitted by the corresponding light source; and positioning a second optical surface, comprising a second microlens array having a second pitch that is different from the first pitch, to receive and focus the light transmitted by the first microlens array so as to homogenize the light, wherein the first and second optical surfaces respectively comprise front and rear surfaces of a single optical element. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. An optical method, comprising:
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providing a matrix of light sources arranged on a substrate with a predetermined, uniform spacing between the light sources; aligning a first optical surface, comprising a microlens array, which has a first pitch equal to the spacing between the light sources, with the matrix so that a respective optical axis of each microlens in the array intercepts a corresponding light source in the matrix and collimates light emitted by the corresponding light source; positioning a second optical surface, defining a diverging lens having a negative optical power, to receive and transmit the light collimated by the microlens array; and positioning a collection lens to receive and collimate the light transmitted by the second optical surface. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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Specification