Optical design in illumination system of digital light processing projector using laser and gradient-index lens

Abstract

A novel structure of illumination system based on laser sources and gradient-index (GRIN) lens arrays for single-plate digital light processing (DLP) projector is proposed. Under the evaluation of light collection efficiency and illumination uniformity, we designed two different architectures of GRIN lens arrays: the unit lens cross section being either square or circular. Also, we designed the one-to-one coupling mechanism between GRIN lens array and Gaussian beam array. By means of threedimensional modeling and ray tracing, we simulated the optical characteristics of illumination system, and the optical parameters are evaluated. Results show that the total light collection efficiency is 37.9%, the illumination uniformity is 89.7% and the volume is only 12.4 cm 3 . Thus we improved optical characteristics and reduced the physical dimension of DLP optical engine.

Optical design of a micro DLP projection system based on LEDs and an innovative light pipe

“…Micro projection systems, which have a small and compact structure, have a growing share of the projection market with the rapid development of society [1][2]. By virtue of high precision accuracy, high efficiency and instant reactions, Digital Light Processing (DLP) display technology has become one of the mainstream projection display technologies [3][4].…”