Multiple lamp illumination system with polarization recovery and integration
US7717578B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4214
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An illumination system is provided for combining two or more light sources. A plurality of light sources radiate random polarization light. A plurality of collecting light pipes corresponds to the plurality of light sources. Each collecting light pipe has an entrance end disposed towards the respective light source. The collecting light pipes are laterally offset and overlapping opposite their respective entrance ends. A combining light pipe is disposed perpendicular to the collecting light pipes. A polarizing beam splitter and a mirror are sequentially arranged in each collecting light pipe essentially opposite the entrance end directing a first polarization light and a second polarization light, respectively upwards towards the combining light pipe. The combining light pipe has an entrance end overlying the polarizing beam splitter and mirror of each collecting light pipe to collect and combine the light from each polarizing beam splitter and mirror.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.