Pixelated laser phosphor comprising ceramic phosphor tiles surrounded by phosphor particles in a medium

Abstract

The invention provides a luminescent arrangement (2000) comprising an array (2005) of luminescent bodies (2100), and a matrix (2210) at least partly configured between the luminescent bodies (2100), wherein the luminescent bodies (2100) comprise a first luminescent material (2110), wherein the matrix (2210) comprise a light transmissive material (2215), wherein the light transmissive material (2215) comprises a second luminescent material (2220), wherein the first luminescent material (2110) and the light transmissive material (2215) are different materials; and wherein the luminescent bodies (2100) comprise ceramic bodies.

Claims

1. A light generating system for generating system light, comprising one or more light sources, a luminescent arrangement and a support; the luminescent arrangement comprising an array of luminescent bodies, and a matrix at least partly configured between the luminescent bodies, wherein the luminescent bodies comprise a first luminescent material, wherein the matrix comprises a light transmissive material, wherein the light transmissive material comprises a second luminescent material, wherein the first luminescent material and the light transmissive material are different materials; and wherein the luminescent bodies are ceramic bodies; wherein the light transmissive material comprises one or more of a glass, an inorganic polymeric material, an organic polymeric material, quarts and silica; wherein the one or more light sources are configured to generate one or more beams of light source light, wherein the luminescent arrangement is configured in a light receiving relationship with the one or more light sources, wherein the first luminescent material and the second luminescent material are configured to convert at least part of the light source light received by the first luminescent material and the second luminescent material into first luminescent material light and second luminescent material light, respectively; wherein the first luminescent material comprises a luminescent material of the type A.sub.3B.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce, wherein A comprises one or more of Y, Gd, Lu, and wherein B comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc; wherein the one or more light sources comprise a laser diode or a superluminescent diode; wherein the support comprises a thermally conductive material and being configured to support the luminescent bodies and the matrix; wherein the system light comprises luminescent material light of one or more of the first luminescent material and the second luminescent material, and optionally light source light of the one or more light sources; and wherein the system light is white light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 2700 K and 5500 K.

2. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the matrix is defined by a continuous phase with luminescent particles embedded therein, wherein the luminescent particles comprise the second luminescent material, and wherein the luminescent bodies are at least partly embedded in the continuous phase.

3. The light generating system according to claim 2, wherein the continuous phase comprises an organic polymeric material.

4. The light generating system according to claim 2, wherein the continuous phase comprises an inorganic material.

5. The light generating system according to claim 3, wherein the first luminescent material and the second luminescent material are different luminescent materials.

6. The light generating system according to claim 3, wherein the first luminescent material luminescent material and the second luminescent material are the same luminescent materials.

7. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the second luminescent material is selected from luminescent materials of the type A.sub.3B.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce, wherein A comprises one or more of Y, Gd and Lu, and wherein B comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

8. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the luminescent bodies have a first total cross-sectional area A1 and wherein the matrix has a second total cross-sectional area A2, wherein 0.1?A1/A2?4.

9. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the luminescent bodies define a circular equivalent diameter D, wherein a shortest distance (d1) between adjacent luminescent bodies is selected from the range of 0.1*D?d1?4*D.

10. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the support is reflective or transmissive for light.

11. The light generating system according to claim 9, wherein the circular equivalent diameter D is in the range D?2*H, wherein H is the height of the luminescent bodies.

12. The light generating system according to claim 11, wherein the one or more beams have a spatial power distribution relative to the luminescent arrangement, wherein the spatial power distribution is controllable, wherein the light generating system further comprises a control system configured to control one or more of (i) the one or more light sources, and (ii) the spatial power distribution of the one or more beams of the one or more light sources relative to the luminescent arrangement.

13. The light generating system according to claim 11, wherein the one or more light sources are selected from the group consisting of laser diodes and superluminescent diodes.

14. The light generating system according to claim 11, wherein the beam shape of the one or more beams of light source light is controllable and wherein during an operational mode the light generating system is configured to irradiate with at least 80% of the light source light the luminescent bodies and with at maximum 20% of the light source light the matrix.

15. A light generating device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the light generating system according to claim 12.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

(2) FIGS. 1a-1f schematically depict some aspects and embodiments; and

(3) FIG. 2 schematically depict some applications. The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(4) FIG. 1a schematically depicts a luminescent arrangement 2000 comprising an array 2005 of luminescent bodies 2100, and a matrix 2210 at least partly configured between the luminescent bodies 2100.

(5) The luminescent bodies 2100 comprise a first luminescent material 2110. The matrix 2210 comprise a light transmissive material 2215. The light transmissive material 2215 comprises a second luminescent material 2220.

(6) Especially, the first luminescent material 2110 and the light transmissive material 2215 are different materials.

(7) Further, in embodiments the luminescent bodies 2100 comprise ceramic bodies.

(8) In embodiments, the matrix 2210 may at least partly defined by a continuous phase 2230 with luminescent particles 2240 embedded therein. In embodiments, the luminescent particles 2240 may comprise the second luminescent material 2220.

(9) Especially, in embodiments the luminescent bodies 2100 may at least partly embedded in the continuous phase 2230. In embodiments, the continuous phase 2230 comprise an organic polymeric material. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments the continuous phase 2230 comprise an inorganic material. Other embodiments, however, may also be possible.

(10) In specific embodiments, the first luminescent material 2110 and the second luminescent material 2220 are different luminescent materials. In other specific embodiments the first luminescent material luminescent material 2110 and the second luminescent material 2220 are the same luminescent materials.

(11) Especially, in embodiments the first luminescent material 2110 and/or the second luminescent material 2220, especially at least the first luminescent material 2110, are selected from luminescent materials of the type A.sub.3B.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce, wherein A comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

(12) In embodiments, the array 2105 of luminescent bodies 2100 is a regular 2D array. Hence, as schematically depicted the array 2105 has an equal pitch in one direction or equal pitches in two directions, respectively.

(13) In specific embodiments, the luminescent bodies 2100 may have a first total cross-sectional area A1 and the matrix 2210 may have a second total cross-sectional area A2, wherein 0.1?A1/A2?4.

(14) Especially, in embodiments a cross-sectional area of the luminescent bodies 2100 define a circular equivalent diameter D, wherein a shortest distance dl between adjacent luminescent bodies 2100 is selected from the range of 0.1*D?d1?4*D.

(15) The luminescent bodies in FIG. 1a have a length L1 and a width W1, defining a cross-sectional area A1. The shortest distances di are also indicated with L2 and W2, which are the shortest distances in a length and width direction, respectively.

(16) FIG. 1b schematically depict a number of embodiments. In embodiments, I and V the height of the luminescent bodies 2100 and the matrix 2210 are essentially the same. In embodiments II and IV the height of the luminescent bodies 2100 is smaller than of the matrix 2210. In embodiments IV, the matrix 2210 even encloses the luminescent body 2100. In embodiments III the height of the luminescent body (bodies) 2100 is larger than of the matrix 2210. The heights of the luminescent bodies 2100 is indicated with H and of the matrix 2210 with H1.

(17) FIG. 1b also schematically depicts an embodiment of the luminescent arrangement 2000 further comprising a support 400 configured to support the luminescent bodies 2100 and the matrix 2210. In embodiments, the support 400 may be reflective or transmissive for light.

(18) In the embodiment of FIG. 1b, the support 400 may especially be reflective. A reflective mode is depicted in embodiment I of FIG. 1b.

(19) Reference 300 schematically depicts a control system, which may be configured to control the one or more light sources 10 and/or the optics 450 (see also below). Hence, FIG. 1b also schematically depicts an embodiment of a light generating system 1000 comprising one or more light sources 10 and the luminescent arrangement 2000 as described herein.

(20) The one or more light sources 10 are especially configured to generate one or more beams 12 of light source light 11.

(21) In embodiments, the one or more light sources 10 may be selected from the group consisting of LEDs, laser diodes, and superluminescent diodes. Especially, in embodiments the one or more light sources 10 may comprise laser diodes.

(22) As schematically depicted the luminescent arrangement 2000 is configured in a light receiving relationship with the one or more light sources 10.

(23) Especially, the first luminescent material 2110 and the second luminescent material 2220 are configured to convert at least part of the light source light 11 received by the first luminescent material 2110 and the second luminescent material 2220 into first luminescent material light 2111 and second luminescent material light 2221, respectively.

(24) Reference 450 refers to optics, which may especially be controllable. As indicated above, in embodiments, a moving or scanning mirror may be applied as controllable optics. In yet other embodiments, the controllable optics may comprise a liquid crystal based diffuser. In embodiments, the optics may have a controllable focal length. In yet other embodiments, the optics may comprise a micromirror device. A micromirror device may especially be based on microscopically small mirrors. The micromirror device may especially be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS). The term optics may refer to one or more optical elements, like one or more lenses and/or one or more mirrors, etc. The optics may thus be controllable, such as by the control system 300.

(25) Other optics than depicted may be available, such as e.g. (polarizing) beam splitters, dichroic beam splitter, half mirrors, mirrors, etc. etc.

(26) Here, the optics 450 are very schematically depicted. Further, the system is schematically depicted in the reflective mode. However, the transmissive mode may also be possible.

(27) In the reflective mode, optionally one or more dichroic beam splitter may be applied (not depicted). Such optics may in embodiments be used to reflect luminescent material and transmit light source light, or to reflect light source light and transmit luminescent material light.

(28) Reference 1001 refers to system light, that may escape from the system. In operational modes the system light 1001 may comprise one or more of (a1) first luminescent material light 2111 and (a2) second luminescent material light 2221, and may optionally also comprise light source light 11. E.g. with the optics and/or the choice which light sources 10 provide light (or the intensity of the light 11 of the respective light sources 10), the spectral power distribution of the system light 1001 may be controllable.

(29) FIG. 1c schematically depict a number of embodiments. In embodiments VI-IX (and embodiment I) schematically depict a non-limiting number of embodiments of the way in which different parts of the arrangement may be illuminated with light source light 11.

(30) Embodiment VI shows light sources of which the beam 12 of light source light is controllable with the optics 450, which may be controllable. These optics may e.g. have a controllable focus (in the depth direction) and/or may be laterally movable.

(31) Embodiment VII shows an array of light sources 10, optionally with optics 450. These optics may not be necessarily controllable. But as the light source 10 may be controlled, also the beams 12 of light source light 11 may be controlled.

(32) Referring to e.g. embodiments VI and VII, the light sources 10 may be laser light sources.

(33) Embodiments VIII and IX schematically depict transmissive modes. Embodiment VIII shows a light transmissive support 400. Embodiment IX shows a self-supporting arrangement 2000. In embodiment VIII by way of example a controllable lens has been depicted as controllable optics 450. In embodiments IX a micromirror as example of a controllable optics 450 has been depicted.

(34) FIG. 1d schematically depicts another array of the luminescent bodies 2100. However, yet other arrangements may be possible.

(35) Referring to FIGS. 1e and 1f, some embodiments and variants are schematically depicted wherein the beam shape of the one or more beams may be controllable. This may lead to selective excitations. This may lead to different beams shapes of the luminescent material light escaping from the arrangement and/or different spectral power distributions of the luminescent material light escaping from the arrangement. Here, beams 12 of light source 11 are schematically depicted. As can be understood, different beams of light source light and/or at different locations may provide light escaping from the arrangement 2000 having different spectral power distributions, especially when the first luminescent material and second luminescent material are different.

(36) FIG. 1f schematically depicts in embodiment I that light source light (not shown, but the beam of light source light may have a similar shape as the schematically depicted hollow circular beam of system light 1001) may essentially only irradiate the second luminescent material 2220 and essentially not the first luminescent material 2110. This may lead to essentially only second luminescent material light 2221, which may have e.g. have a ring shape. Hence, the system light 1001 in such operational mode essentially only second luminescent material light 2221. On the right, in embodiment II, an embodiment is schematically depicted wherein the light source light (not shown, but the beam of light source light may have a similar shape as the schematically depicted circular beam of system light 1001) may essentially only irradiate the first luminescent material 2110 and essentially not the second luminescent material 2220. This may lead to essentially only first luminescent material light 2111, which may have e.g. have a circle shape. Of course, when controlling (with the control system (not depicted)) the beam shape of the beam(s) of light source light, the spectral power distribution of the system light 1001 may in embodiments be controlled.

(37) Hence, in embodiments the one or more beams 12 have a spatial power distribution relative to the luminescent arrangement 2000, wherein the spatial power distribution is controllable, wherein the light generating system 1000 further comprises a control system 300 configured to control one or more of (i) the one or more light sources 10, and (ii) the spatial power distribution of the one or more beams 12 of the one or more light sources 10 relative to the luminescent arrangement 2000.

(38) For instance, in embodiments during an operational mode (of the light generating system 1000), the light generating system 1000 is configured to irradiate with at least 90% of the light source light 11 the luminescent bodies 2100 and with at maximum 10% of the light source light 11 the matrix 2210.

(39) FIG. 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire 2 comprising the light generating system 1000 as described above. Reference 301 indicates a user interface which may be functionally coupled with the control system 300 comprised by or functionally coupled to the light generating system 1000. FIG. 2 also schematically depicts an embodiment of lamp 1 comprising the light generating system 1000. Reference 3 indicates a projector device or projector system, which may be used to project images, such as at a wall, which may also comprise the light generating system 1000. Reference 1200 refers to a lighting device, which may e.g. be selected from the group of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3. The lighting device 1200 comprises the light generating device 1000. However, in embodiments the lighting device 1200 may also comprise a disinfection device or an optical wireless communication device (comprising the light generating device 1000). FIG. 2 also schematically depicts an embodiment of the lighting device 1200 comprising a wall light device (such as especially wall washers). The lighting device 1200 may also comprise a cove lighting device (for illuminating a cove).

(40) The term plurality refers to two or more.

(41) The terms substantially or essentially herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms substantially or essentially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially or the term essentially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

(42) The term comprise also includes embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of.

(43) The term and/of especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

(44) Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

(45) The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

(46) It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

(47) In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

(48) Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

(49) The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

(50) The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

(51) The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

(52) The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

(53) The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.