Multizone mixing cup illumination system

Abstract

An optical cup which mixes multiple channels of light to form a blended output, the device having discreet zones or channels including a plurality of reflective cavities each having a remote light converting appliance covering a cluster of LEDs providing a channel of light which is reflected upward. The predetermined blends of luminescence materials provide a predetermined range of illumination wavelengths in the output. The remote light converting appliances may be provided as frustoconical elements directly adjacent to the LEDs within frustoconical reflective cavities. An index matching compound can be disposed between the light converting appliances and the associated LEDs.

Description

FIELD

A method to blend and mix specific wavelength light emitting diode illumination.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of light emitting devices are known in the art including, for example, incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lights, and semiconductor light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”).

White light may be produced by utilizing one or more luminescent materials such as phosphors to convert some of the light emitted by one or more LEDs to light of one or more other colors. The combination of the light emitted by the LEDs that is not converted by the luminescent material(s) and the light of other colors that are emitted by the luminescent material(s) may produce a white or near-white light. White lighting from the aggregate emissions from multiple LED light sources, such as combinations of red, green, and blue LEDs, typically provide poor color rendering for general illumination applications due to the gaps in the spectral power distribution in regions remote from the peak wavelengths of the LEDs. Significant challenges remain in providing LED lamps that can provide white light across a range of CCT values while simultaneously achieving high efficiencies, high luminous flux, good color rendering, and acceptable color stability.

The luminescent materials such as phosphors, to be effective at absorbing light, must be in the path of the emitted light. Phosphors placed at the chip level will be in the path of substantially all of the emitted light, however they also are exposed to more heat than a remotely placed phosphor. Because phosphors are subject to thermal degradation, by separating the phosphor and the chip thermal degradation can be reduced. Separating the phosphor from the LED has been accomplished via the placement of the LED at one end of a reflective chamber and the placement of the phosphor at the other end. Traditional LED reflector combinations are very specific on distances and ratio of angle to LED and distance to remote phosphor or they will suffer from hot spots, thermal degradation, and uneven illumination. It is therefore a desideratum to provide an LED and reflector with remote photoluminescence materials that do not suffer from these drawbacks.

DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein are aspects of methods and systems to blend multiple light channels to produce a preselected illumination spectrum by providing a common housing with an open top, openings at the bottom to cooperate with domed lumo converting appliances (DLCAs), each DLCA placed over an LED illumination source; altering the illumination produced by a first LED illumination source by passing it through a first domed lumo converting appliance (DLCA) associated with the common housing to produce a blue channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a second LED illumination source by passing it through a second DLCA associated with the common housing to produce a red channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a third LED illumination source by passing it through a third DLCA associated with the common housing to produce a yellow/green channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a fourth LED illumination source by passing it through a fourth DLCA associated with the common housing to produce a cyan channel preselected spectral output; blending the blue, red, yellow/green, and cyan spectral outputs as they exit the common housing; and, wherein the first, second, and third LED illumination sources are blue LEDs and the fourth LED illumination source is blue LEDs, cyan LEDs, or a combination of blue and cyan LEDs. In some implementations, the fourth illumination source is cyan LEDs. One or more of the LED illumination sources can be a cluster of LEDs.

Disclosed herein are aspects of methods and systems to blend multiple light channels to produce a preselected illumination spectrum by providing a common housing placed over a series of LED illumination sources; altering the illumination produced by a first LED illumination source by passing it through a first domed lumo converting appliance (DLCA) associated with the common housing to produce a blue channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a second LED illumination source by passing it through a second DLCA associated with the common housing to produce a red channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a third LED illumination source by passing it through a third DLCA associated with the common housing to produce a yellow/green channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a fourth LED illumination source by passing it through a fourth DLCA associated with the common housing to produce a cyan channel preselected spectral output; blending the blue, red, yellow/green, and cyan spectral outputs as they exit the common housing; and, wherein the first, second, and third LED illumination sources are blue LEDs which have an output in the range of substantially 440-475 nms and the fourth LED illumination is a blue LED which has an output in the range of substantially 440-475 nms or a cyan LED which has an output in the range of substantially 490-515 nms. One or more of the LED illumination sources can be a cluster of LEDs.

In the above methods and systems each DLCA provides at least one of Phosphors A-F wherein phosphor blend “A” is Cerium doped lutetium aluminum garnet (Lu₃Al₅O₁₂) with an emission peak range of 530-540 nms; phosphor blend “B” is Cerium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) with an emission peak range of 545-555 nms; phosphor blend “C” is Cerium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) with an emission peak range of 645-655 nms; phosphor blend “D” is GBAM: BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu with an emission peak range of 520-530 nms; phosphor blend “E” is any semiconductor quantum dot material of appropriate size for an emission wavelength with a 620 nm peak and an emission peak of 625-635 nms; and, phosphor blend “F” is any semiconductor quantum dot material of appropriate size for an emission wavelength with a 610 nm peak and an emission peak of 605-615 nms.

In the above methods and systems the spectral output of the blue channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 4, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity. The spectral output of the red channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 5, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity. The spectral output of the yellow/green channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 6, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity. The spectral output of the cyan channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 7, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity.

Disclosed herein are aspects of methods and systems to blend multiple light channels to produce a preselected illumination spectrum by providing a common housing with an open top, cavities each having open tops, openings at the bottom to fit over an LED illumination source with a lumo converting device over each cavity's open top; altering the illumination produced by a first LED illumination source by passing it through a first lumo converting appliance (LCA) to produce a blue channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a second LED illumination source by passing it through a second LCA to produce a red channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a third LED illumination source by passing it through a third LCA to produce a yellow/green channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a fourth LED illumination source by passing it through a fourth LCA to produce a cyan channel preselected spectral output; blending the blue, red, yellow/green and cyan spectral outputs as they exit the common housing; and, wherein the first, second, and third LED illumination sources are blue LEDs and the fourth LED illumination source is blue LEDs, cyan LEDs, or a combination of blue and cyan LEDs. In some implementations, the fourth LED illumination source is cyan LEDs. In some instances, at least one of the LED illumination sources is a cluster of LEDs.

Disclosed herein are aspects of methods and systems to blend multiple light channels to produce a preselected illumination spectrum by providing a common housing with an open top, cavities each having open tops, openings at the bottom to fit over an LED illumination source with a lumo converting device over each cavity's open top; altering the illumination produced by a first LED illumination source by passing it through a first lumo converting appliance (LCA) to produce a blue channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a second LED illumination source by passing it through a second LCA to produce a red channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a third LED illumination source by passing it through a third LCA to produce a yellow/green channel preselected spectral output; altering the illumination produced by a fourth LED illumination source by passing it through a fourth LCA to produce a cyan channel preselected spectral output; blending the blue, red, yellow/green and cyan spectral outputs as they exit the common housing; and, wherein the first, second, and third LED illumination sources are blue LEDs which have an output in the range of substantially 440-475 nms and the fourth LED illumination is a blue LED which has an output in the range of substantially 440-475 nms or a cyan LED which has an output in the range of substantially 490-515 nms. In some implementations, the fourth LED illumination is a cyan LED which has an output in the range of substantially 490-515 nms. In some instances, at least one of the LED illumination sources is a cluster of LEDs.

Disclosed herein are aspects of methods and systems to blending multiple light channels to produce a preselected illumination spectrum of substantially white light. The methods can comprise providing a common housing having an open top, a plurality of reflective cavities with open bottoms, and each cavity having an open top, each open bottom placed over an LED illumination source, affixing a volumetric lumo converting appliance (VLCA) within the internal volume of each of the plurality of reflective cavities, altering a first illumination produced by a first LED illumination source by passing the first illumination produced by the first LED illumination source through a first VLCA to produce a blue channel preselected spectral output, altering a second illumination produced by a second LED illumination source by passing the second illumination produced by the second LED illumination source through a second VLCA to produce a red channel preselected spectral output, altering a third illumination produced by a third LED illumination source by passing the third illumination produced by the third LED illumination source through a third VLCA to produce a yellow/green channel preselected spectral output, altering a fourth illumination produced by a fourth LED illumination source by passing the fourth illumination produced by the fourth LED illumination source through a fourth VLCA to produce a cyan channel preselected spectral output, blending the blue, red, yellow/green and cyan spectral outputs as the blue, red, yellow/green and cyan spectral outputs exit the common housing. In some implementations, the first, second, and third LED illumination sources comprise one or more blue LEDs and the fourth LED illumination source comprises one or more blue LEDs, one or more cyan LEDs, or a combination thereof. In certain implementations, the blue LEDs can have a substantially 440-475 nm output and the cyan LEDs can have a substantially 490-515 nm output. In some implementations, each of the VLCAs and each of the reflective cavities can have a substantially frustoconical shape. In certain implementations, the bottom surface of each of the VLCAs can be adjacent to the top surface of the associated LED illumination source. In certain implementations, the VLCAs can be affixed within the reflective cavities by injection molding the VLCAs within each of the reflective cavities. In further implementations, the bottom portion of each of the VLCAs can be formed with one or more physical features to match one or more corresponding physical features of the associated LED illumination source.

In some implementations of the above methods and systems each LCA provides at least one of Phosphors A-F wherein phosphor blend “A” is Cerium doped lutetium aluminum garnet (Lu₃Al₅O₁₂) with an emission peak range of 530-540 nms; phosphor blend “B” is Cerium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) with an emission peak range of 545-555 nms; phosphor blend “C” is Cerium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) with an emission peak range of 645-655 nms; phosphor blend “D” is GBAM: BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu with an emission peak range of 520-530 nms; phosphor blend “E” is any semiconductor quantum dot material of appropriate size for an emission wavelength with a 620 nm peak and an emission peak of 625-635 nms; and, phosphor blend “F” is any semiconductor quantum dot material of appropriate size for an emission wavelength with a 610 nm peak and an emission peak of 605-615 nms.

In the above methods and systems the spectral output of the blue channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 4, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity. The spectral output of the red channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 5, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity. The spectral output of the yellow/green channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 6, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity. The spectral output of the cyan channel is substantially as shown in FIG. 7, with the horizontal scale being nanometers and the vertical scale being relative intensity.

DRAWINGS

The disclosure, as well as the following further disclosure, is best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings exemplary implementations of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, compositions, and devices disclosed. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a cut away side view and a top view of an optical cup with a common reflective body having a plurality of domed lumo converting appliances (DLCAs) over LEDs providing illumination;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a multiple zoned optical cup (ZOC) with DLCA within cavities;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a zoned optical cup (ZOC) with lumo converting appliances (LCAs) above reflective cavities and the illumination therefrom;

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate the spectral distribution from each of four channels providing illumination from optical cups disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is a table of ratios of spectral content in regions, highest spectral power wavelength region normalized to 100%; and

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D illustrate aspects of implementations of zoned optical cups with lumo converting appliances within reflective cavities and the illumination therefrom.

The general disclosure and the following further disclosure are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as defined in the appended claims. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the details as provided herein. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. All callouts and annotations are hereby incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein.

FURTHER DISCLOSURE

Light emitting diode (LED) illumination has a plethora of advantages over incandescent to fluorescent illumination. Advantages include longevity, low energy consumption, and small size. White light is produced from a combination of LEDs utilizing phosphors to convert the wavelengths of light produced by the LED into a preselected wavelength or range of wavelengths. The light emitted by each light channel, i.e., the light emitted from the LED sources and associated lumo converting appliances (LCAs) or domed lumo converting appliances (DLCAs) together, can have a spectral power distribution (“SPD”) having spectral power with ratios of power across the visible wavelength spectrum from about 380 nm to about 780 nm. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is speculated that the use of such LEDs in combination with recipient converting appliances to create unsaturated light within the suitable color channels provides for improved color rendering performance for white light across a predetermined range of CCTs from a single device. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is speculated that because the spectral power distributions for generated light within the blue, cyan, red, and yellow/green channels contain higher spectral intensity across visible wavelengths as compared to lighting apparatuses and methods that utilize more saturated colors, this allows for improved color rendering.

Lighting units disclosed herein have shared internal tops, a common interior annular wall, and a plurality of reflective cavities. The multiple cavities form a unified body and provide for close packing of the cavities to provide a small reflective unit to mate with a work piece having multiple LED sources or channels which provide wavelength specific light directed through one of lumo converting appliances (LCAs) and domed lumo converting appliances (DLCAs) and then blending the output as it exists the lighting units.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate aspects of a reflective unit 5 on a work piece 1000 with a top surface 1002. The unit has a shared body 10 with an exterior wall 12, an interior wall 14, a series of open bottoms 15, and an open top 17. A plurality of DLCAs (20A-20D) are affixed to the reflective interior wall 14 at the open bottoms 15, and a diffuser 18 may be affixed to the open top 17.

Affixed to the surface 1002 of the work piece 1000 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first LED 30 emits a wavelength of light substantially “A”, the second LED 32 emits a wavelength of light substantially “B”, the third LED 34 emits a wavelength of light substantially “C” and the fourth LED 36 emits a wavelength of light substantially “D”. In some instances wavelength “A” is substantially 440-475 nms, wavelength “B” is substantially 440-475 nms, wavelength “C” is substantially 440-475 nms, and wavelength “D” is substantially 490-515 nms.

When the reflective unit is placed over the LEDs on the work piece, DLCAs are aligned with each LED. An LED may also be a cluster of LEDs in close proximity to one another whereby they are located in the same open bottom. Aligned with the first LED is a first DLCA 20A; aligned with the second LED is a second DLCA 20B; aligned with the third LED is a third DLCA 20C; and, aligned with the fourth LED is a fourth DLCA 20D.

The DLCA is preferably mounted to the open bottom 15 of the cavity at an interface 11 wherein the open boundary rim 22 of the DLCA (20A-20D) is attached via adhesive, snap fit, friction fit, sonic weld or the like to the open bottoms 15. In some instances the DLCAs are detachable. The DLCA is a roughly hemispherical device with an open bottom, curved closed top, and thin walls. The DLCA locates photoluminescence material associated with the DLCA remote from the LED illumination sources.

The interior wall 14 may be constructed of a highly reflective material such as plastic and metals which may include coatings of highly reflective materials such as TiO2 (Titanium dioxide), Al2O3 (Aluminum oxide) or BaSO4 (Barium Sulfide) on Aluminum or other suitable material. Spectralan™, Teflon™, and PTFE (polytetrafluoethylene).

The emitted wavelengths of light from each of the LEDs or LED clusters are altered when they pass through the photoluminescence material which is associated with the DLCA. The photoluminescence material may be a coating on the DLCA or integrated within the material forming the DLCA.

The photoluminescence materials associated with LCAs 100 are used to select the wavelength of the light exiting the LCA. Photoluminescence materials include an inorganic or organic phosphor; silicate-based phosphors; aluminate-based phosphors; aluminate-silicate phosphors; nitride phosphors; sulfate phosphor; oxy-nitrides and oxy-sulfate phosphors; or garnet materials including luminescent materials such as those disclosed in co-pending application PCT/US2016/015318 filed Jan. 28, 2016, entitled “Compositions for LED Light Conversions,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein. The phosphor materials are not limited to any specific examples and can include any phosphor material known in the art. Quantum dots are also known in the art. The color of light produced is from the quantum confinement effect associated with the nano-crystal structure of the quantum dots. The energy level of each quantum dot relates directly to the size of the quantum dot.

Table 1 shows aspects of some exemplar phosphor blends and properties.

					Emission
					Peak
		Density	Emission	FWHM	Range	FWHM
Designator	Material(s)	(g/mL)	Peak (nm)	(nm)	(nm)	Range (nm)
Phosphor	Luag: Cerium doped	6.73	535	95	530-540	90-100
“A”	lutetium aluminum garnet
	(Lu3Al5O12)
Phosphor	Yag: Cerium doped yttrium	4.7	550	110	545-555	105-115
“B”	aluminum garnet
	(Y3Al5O12)
Phosphor	a 650 nm-peak wavelength	3.1	650	90	645-655	85-95
“C”	emission phosphor:
	Europium doped calcium
	aluminum silica nitride
	(CaAlSiN3)
Phosphor	a 525 nm-peak wavelength	3.1	525	60	520-530	55-65
“D”	emission phosphor:
	GBAM: BaMgAl10O17:Eu
Phosphor	a 630 nm-peak wavelength	5.1	630	40	625-635	35-45
“E”	emission quantum dot:
	any semiconductor
	quantum dot material of
	appropriate size for desired
	emission wavelengths
Phosphor	a 610 nm-peak wavelength	5.1	610	40	605-615	35-45
“F”	emission quantum
	dot: any semiconductor
	quantum dot material of
	appropriate size for desired
	emission wavelengths

The altered light “W” from the first DLCA (the “Blue Channel”) 40A has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 4. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence material, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 2 below shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

TABLE 2
Blue Channel blends
	Phosphor “A”	Phosphor “B”	Phosphor “C”	Phosphor “D”	Phosphor “E”	Phosphor “F”
Blends for	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by
Blue Channel	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)
Blue Blend 1	X		X
Blue Blend 2		X	X
Blue Blend 3	X	X	X
Blue Blend 4			X	X
Blue Blend 5		X	X	X
Blue Blend 6	X				X
Blue Blend 7	X				X	X
Blue Blend 8		X			X
Blue Blend 9		X			X	X

The altered light “X” from the second DLCA (the “Red Channel”) 40B has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 5. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence material, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 3 below shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

TABLE 3
Red Channel blends
	Phosphor “A”	Phosphor “B”	Phosphor “C”	Phosphor “D”	Phosphor “E”	Phosphor “F”
Blends for	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by
Red Channel	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)
RED Blend 1			X
RED Blend 2	X		X
RED Blend 3		X	X
RED Blend 4	X	X	X
RED Blend 5			X	X
RED Blend 6		X	X	X
RED Blend 7					X	X
RED Blend 8	X				X	X
RED Blend 9		X			X	X

The altered light “Y” from the third DLCA (the “Yellow/Green Channel”) 40C has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 6. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence materials, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 4 below shows ten variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

TABLE 4
Yellow/Green Channel
Blends for
YELLOW/	Phosphor “A”	Phosphor “B”	Phosphor “C”	Phosphor “D”	Phosphor “E”	Phosphor “F”
GREEN (Y/G)	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by
Channel	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)
Y/G Blend 1	X
Y/G Blend 2	X	X
Y/G Blend 3	X		X
Y/G Blend 4		X	X
Y/G Blend 5	X	X	X
Y/G Blend 6			X	X
Y/G Blend 7		X	X	X
Y/G Blend 8	X				X
Y/G Blend 9	X				X	X
Y/G Blend 10		X			X	X

The altered light “Z” from the fourth DLCA (the “Cyan Channel”) 40D has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 7. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence materials, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 4 below shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

TABLE 5
Cyan Channel.
	Phosphor “A”	Phosphor “B”	Phosphor “C”	phosphor “D”	Phosphor “E”	Phosphor “F”
	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by	(excited by
Blends for	Cyan LED or	Cyan LED or	Cyan LED or	Cyan LED or	Cyan LED or	Cyan LED or
CYAN Channel	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)	Blue LED)
CYAN Blend 1			X
CYAN Blend 2	X		X
CYAN Blend 3		X	X
CYAN Blend 4	X	X	X
CYAN Blend 5			X	X
CYAN Blend 6		X	X	X
CYAN Blend 7	X				X
CYAN Blend 8	X				X	X
CYAN Blend 9		X			X	X

The photoluminescence material may be a coating on the DLCA or integrated within the material forming the DLCA.

Light mixes in unit, may reflect off internal wall 14 and exits top 17 which may include diffuser 18. The diffuser may be glass or plastic and may also be coated or embedded with Phosphors. The diffuser functions to diffuse at least a portion of the illumination exiting the unit to improve uniformity of the illumination from the unit.

The altered light wavelengths “X”-“Z” are preselected to blend to produce substantially white light 500.

In some instances wavelengths “W” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 5 with a peak in the 421-460 nms range; wavelengths “X” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 6 with a peak in the 621-660 nms range; wavelength “Y” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 7 with peaks in the 501-660 nms range; and, wavelength “Z” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 8 with peaks in the 501-540 nms range.

The process and method of producing white light 500 includes mixing or blending altered light wavelengths “W”-“Z” within the shared body 10. The mixing takes place as the illumination from each DLCA is reflected off the interior wall 14 of the shared body 10. Additional blending and smoothing takes place as the light passes through the optional diffuser 18.

FIG. 8 shows an average for minimum and maximum ranges of the spectral distributions in a given range of wavelengths 40 nm segments for each color channel.

FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of a shared body having separate reflective cavities, each cavity containing a DLCA.

FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of a reflective unit 100. The unit has a shared body 102 with an exterior wall 12, an interior wall 14, a plurality of cavities 42A-42D each with an open bottom 15, and a shared open top 17. A plurality of DLCAs (40A-40D) are affixed to the interior wall 12 at the open bottoms 15, and a diffuser 18 may be affixed to the open top 17.

Affixed to the surface of a work piece are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first LED 30 emits a wavelength of light substantially “A”, the second LED 32 emits a wavelength of light substantially “B”, the third LED 34 emits a wavelength of light substantially “C” and the fourth LED 36 emits a wavelength of light substantially “D”. In some instances wavelength “A” is substantially 440-475 nms, wavelength “B” is 440-475 nms, wavelength “C” is 440-475 nms, and wavelength “D” is 490-515 nms.

When the reflective unit 100 is placed over the LEDs on the work piece, DLCAs in each cavity are aligned with each LED. An LED may also be a cluster of LEDs in close proximity to one another whereby they are located in the same open bottom. Aligned with the first LED is a first DLCA 40A; aligned with the second LED is a second DLCA 40B; aligned with the third LED is a third DLCA 40C; and, aligned with the fourth LED is a fourth DLCA 40D.

The emitted wavelengths of light from each of the LEDs or LED clusters are altered when they pass through the photoluminescence material which is associated with the DLCA. The photoluminescence material may be a coating on the DLCA or integrated within the material forming the DLCA.

The photoluminescence materials associated with DLCAs are used to select the wavelength of the light exiting the DLCA. Photoluminescence materials include an inorganic or organic phosphor; silicate-based phosphors; aluminate-based phosphors; aluminate-silicate phosphors; nitride phosphors; sulfate phosphor; oxy-nitrides and oxy-sulfate phosphors; or garnet materials. The phosphor materials are not limited to any specific examples and can include any phosphor material known in the art. Quantum dots are also known in the art. The color of light produced is from the quantum confinement effect associated with the nano-crystal structure of the quantum dots. The energy level of each quantum dot relates directly to the size of the quantum dot.

The illustration of four cavities is not a limitation; those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a two, three, four, five or more reflective cavity device is within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the specific size and shape of the reflective cavities in the unitary body may be predetermined to be different volumes and shapes; uniformity of reflective cavities for a unitary unit is not a limitation of this disclosure.

The altered light “W” from the first DLCA (the “Blue Channel”) 40A has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 4. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence material, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 2 above shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The altered light “X” from the second DLCA (the “Red Channel”) 40B has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 5. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence material, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 3 above shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The altered light “Y” from the third DLCA (the “Yellow/Green Channel”) 40C has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 6. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence materials, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 4 above shows ten variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The altered light “Z” from the fourth DLCA (the “Cyan Channel”) 40D has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 7. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence materials, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the DLCA. Table 4 above shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The photoluminescence material may be a coating on the DLCA or integrated within the material forming the DLCA.

Light mixes in unit, may reflect off internal wall 14 and exits top 17 which may include diffuser 18. The altered light wavelengths “X”-“Z” are preselected to blend to produce substantially white light.

In some instances wavelengths “W” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 4 with a peak in the 421-460 nms range; wavelengths “X” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 5 with a peak in the 621-660 nms range; wavelength “Y” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 6 with peaks in the 501-660 nms range; and, wavelength “Z” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 7 with peaks in the 501-540 nms range.

The process and method of producing white light 500 includes mixing or blending altered light wavelengths “W”-“Z” within the shared body 10. The mixing takes place as the illumination from each DLCA is reflected off the interior wall 14 of the shared body 10. A common reflective top surface 44, which sits above the open tops 43 of each cavity, may be added to provide additional reflection and direction for the wavelengths. Additional blending and smoothing takes place as the light passes through the optional diffuser 18.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate aspects of a reflective unit 150. The unit has a shared body 152 with an exterior wall 153, and a plurality of reflective cavities 42A-42D. Each reflective cavity has an open bottom 15, and an open top 45. A plurality of LCAs (60A-60D) are affixed to the open tops 45. The multiple cavities form a unified body 152 and provide for close packing of the cavities to provide a small reflective unit. The LCAs 60A-60D can be formed as substantially planar circular disks as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Affixed to the surface 1002 of a work piece 1000 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first LED 30 emits a wavelength of light substantially “A”, the second LED 32 emits a wavelength of light substantially “B”, the third LED 34 emits a wavelength of light substantially “C” and the fourth LED 36 emits a wavelength of light substantially “D”. In some instances wavelength “A” is substantially 440-475 nms, wavelength “B” is 440-475 nms, wavelength “C” is 440-475 nms, and wavelength “D” is 490-515 nms.

When the reflective unit 150 is placed over the LEDs each cavity is aligned with an LED. An LED may also be a cluster of LEDs in close proximity to one another whereby they are located in the same open bottom.

Each reflective cavity has an open top 45. The reflective cavities direct the light from each LED towards the open top 45. Affixed to the open top of each cavity is a lumo converting device (LCA) 60A-60D. These are the first through fourth LCAs.

The emitted wavelengths of light from each of the LEDs or LED clusters are altered when they pass through the photoluminescence material which is associated with the LCA. The photoluminescence material may be a coating on the LCA or integrated within the material forming the LCA.

The photoluminescence materials associated with LCAs are used to select the wavelength of the light exiting the LCA. Photoluminescence materials include an inorganic or organic phosphor; silicate-based phosphors; aluminate-based phosphors; aluminate-silicate phosphors; nitride phosphors; sulfate phosphor; oxy-nitrides and oxy-sulfate phosphors; or garnet materials. The phosphor materials are not limited to any specific examples and can include any phosphor material known in the art. Quantum dots are also known in the art. The color of light produced is from the quantum confinement effect associated with the nano-crystal structure of the quantum dots. The energy level of each quantum dot relates directly to the size of the quantum dot.

The altered light “W” from the first LCA (the “Blue Channel”) 60A has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 4. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence material, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the LCA. Table 2 above shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The altered light “X” from the second LCA (the “Red Channel”) 60B has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 5. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence material, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the LCA. Table 3 above shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The altered light “Y” from the third LCA (the “Yellow/Green Channel”) 60C has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 6. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence materials, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the LCA. Table 4 above shows ten variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

The altered light “Z” from the fourth LCA (the “Cyan Channel”) 60D has a specific spectral pattern illustrated in FIG. 7. To achieve that spectral output a blend of the photoluminescence materials, each with a peak emission spectrum, shown in table 1 are associated with the LCA. Table 4 above shows nine variations of blends of phosphors A-F.

Photoluminescence material may also be a coating on the reflective cavity internal wall “IW”. A reflective surface 155 is provided on the interior surface of the exterior wall 153 as shown in the top cut-away view in FIG. 3B.

Light mixes in unit, may reflect off internal wall 14 and exits top 17 which may include diffuser 18. The altered light wavelengths “X”-“Z” are preselected to blend to produce substantially white light.

In some instances wavelengths “W” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 4 with a peak in the 421-460 nms range; wavelengths “X” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 5 with a peak in the 621-660 nms range; wavelengths “Y” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 6 with peaks in the 501-660 nms range; and, wavelengths “Z” have the spectral power distribution shown in FIG. 7 with peaks in the 501-540 nms range.

The process and method of producing white light 500 includes mixing or blending altered light wavelengths “W”-“Z” as the light leaves the reflective unit 150. The mixing takes place as the illumination from each cavity passes through each LCA and then blends as the wavelengths move forward.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate aspects of implementations of reflective units 1150, which are modified implementations of the reflective unit depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The unit has a shared body 1152 with an exterior wall 1153, and a plurality of reflective cavities 142A-142D. Each reflective cavity has an open bottom 115, and an open top 145. The reflective cavities 142 direct the light from each LED 130 towards the open top 145. A plurality of volumetric lumo converting appliances (“VLCA”s)(160A-160D) can be disposed within the internal volumes of the reflective cavities 142A-142D with the bottom of each VLCA adjacent to the top of the associated LED. The top surface of the VLCAs can be flush with the top edges of the open tops. The bottom of each VLCA can be placed adjacent to the top of the associated LED, with any volume between the two components filled with an index matching compound at the interface 1106 to avoid any voids or air gaps between the VLCAs and the associated LEDs so that the light emitted by the LED may pass from the LED to the VLCA with minimized reflection and refraction. Suitable index matching compounds are known in the art. In some implementations the index matching compound may be a liquid or gel which does not cure or harden. In other implementations, the index matching compound may be cured or hardened after the VLCA is positioned adjacent to the LED. In certain implementations, the cured or hardened index matching compound may be an adhesive. In some implementations the index matching compound may be a low viscosity liquid monomer, such as those commercially available from Norland Products Incorporated (Cranbury, N.J., USA), including but not limited to Norland Index Matching Liquid 150. The associated LEDs may have a dome-shaped encapsulant layer 1105 in some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, or in other implementations may have the top surface of the diode directly adjacent to the VLCA as shown in FIGS. 9C-9D. Suitable encapsulant layer materials are known by those skilled in the art and have suitable optical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal characteristics. In some implementations, encapsulant layers can include dimethyl silicone, phenyl silicone, epoxies, acrylics, and polycarbonates. The multiple cavities form a unified body 1152 and provide for close packing of the cavities to provide a small reflective unit. The VLCAs 160A-160D can be disposed within the internal volumes of the reflective cavities 142A-142D as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D. Affixed to the surface 1002 of a work piece 1000 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). First, second, third, and fourth LEDs 130/132/134/136 emit light of wavelengths “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”, respectively, as described above with regard to LEDs 30/32/34/36. When the reflective unit 1150 is placed over the LEDs each cavity is aligned with an LED. An LED may also be a cluster of LEDs in close proximity to one another whereby they are located in the same open bottom 115. The photoluminescence materials associated with VLCAs 160A-160D are used to select the wavelength of the light exiting each LCA, with the light exiting the VLCAs 160A-160D being altered light wavelengths “X”-“Z”, as described above.

The cross-sections of some implementations of one of the reflective cavities 142A are depicted schematically in FIGS. 9A and 9C. A VLCA 160A is shown above associated first LED 130, with luminescence material particles 1101 suspended within the VLCA 160A matrix material 1102. A smooth reflective internal wall 144 is provided to reflect the light emitted from LED 130 towards the VLCA 160A for excitation of the luminescence material particles 1101. Light of wavelength “A” is converted to altered light “W” that exits the reflective cavity 142A.

The cross-section of some implementations of one of the reflective cavities 142A′ are shown schematically in FIGS. 9B and 9D. Reflective cavities 142A′ function the same as reflective cavities 142A shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C, but have different reflective internal walls 144′. Reflective internal walls 144′ can be provided with texturing, faceting, or other surface features. These surface features can alter the optical properties of the reflection of the light emitted by the LED into the volume of the VLCA 160A′, such as by directing the light into a more diffuse or more focused pattern. The surface features can also serve to improve retention of the VLCA 160A′ within the reflective cavity 142A′.

In each VLCA 160 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the matrix material 1102 can be any material capable of retaining luminescence materials and capable of allowing light to pass through it. In certain implementations, the matrix material 1102 can be an acrylic, silicone, polycarbonate, Nylon, or other resin into which the luminescence material particles 1101 are mixed and suspended within. Suitable silicones are known in the art and include those commercially available from Dow Corning, Shin-Etsu, NuSil. The VLCAs 160 can be formed via injection molding within the reflective cavities 142, or can be formed in a separate mold and then inserted into the reflective cavity 142. The VLCAs formed separately can be inserted into the reflective cavities via mechanical press-fit for retention, or may be affixed in place with an adhesive. Suitable adhesives are known in the art and can include polymer adhesives. Preferred adhesives can secure the VLCAs in place while mitigating any undesirable absorption or blocking of the light emitted by the LEDs. In some implementations a UV-cured liquid polymer adhesive, such as F-UVE-61 from Newport Corporation (Irvine, Calif.).

The VLCAs 160A-D and 160A′-D′ can each have a substantially frustoconical shape to fill substantially all of the substantially frustoconical internal volume of the reflective cavities 142A-D and 142A′-D′. The frustoconical shapes of the reflective cavities and VLCAs can be truncated cones, truncated elliptical cones, or truncated parabolic cones, or truncations of other conical shapes with different wall curvatures. The bottom portion of the VLCAs can be formed with physical features to match any corresponding physical features of the LED or encapsulant layering around the LED, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D. For example, in FIG. 9A, the bottom of the VLCA 160A is depicted with a dome-shaped void that matches the corresponding dome-shaped encapsulant layer 1105 around LED 130.

It will be understood that various aspects or details of the invention(s) may be changed without departing from the scope of the disclosure and invention. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention(s).

Claims

1. A method of blending multiple light channels to produce a preselected illumination spectrum of substantially white light, the method comprising: providing a common housing having an open top, a plurality of reflective cavities with open bottoms, and each cavity having an open top, each open bottom placed over an LED illumination source;affixing a volumetric lumo converting appliance (VLCA) within the internal volume of each of the plurality of reflective cavities;altering a first illumination produced by a first LED illumination source by passing the first illumination produced by the first LED illumination source through a first VLCA to produce a blue channel preselected spectral output;altering a second illumination produced by a second LED illumination source by passing the second illumination produced by the second LED illumination source through a second VLCA to produce a red channel preselected spectral output;altering a third illumination produced by a third LED illumination source by passing the third illumination produced by the third LED illumination source through a third VLCA to produce a yellow/green channel preselected spectral output;altering a fourth illumination produced by a fourth LED illumination source by passing the fourth illumination produced by the fourth LED illumination source through a fourth VLCA to produce a cyan channel preselected spectral output;blending the blue, red, yellow/green and cyan spectral outputs as the blue, red, yellow/green and cyan spectral outputs exit the common housing; wherein the first, second, and third LED illumination sources comprise one or more blue LEDs and the fourth LED illumination source comprises one or more blue LEDs, one or more cyan LEDs, or a combination thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective cavities has a substantially frustoconical shape.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the VLCAs has a substantially frustoconical shape.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of each of the VLCAs is adjacent to the top surface of the associated LED illumination source.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein an index matching compound is provided between the bottom surface of each of the VLCAs and the top surface of the associated LED illumination source.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the bottom portion of each of the VLCAs is formed with one or more physical features to match one or more corresponding physical features of the associated LED illumination source.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more corresponding physical features of the associated LED illumination source comprises an encapsulant layering around the LED illumination source.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective cavities has a substantially frustoconical shape with a plurality of surface features provided on the interior walls.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the affixing of the VLCAs is performed by injection molding the VLCAs within each of the reflective cavities.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the affixing of the VLCAs is performed by molding the VLCAs in tooling separate from the reflective cavities and then subsequently inserting the VLCAs into the reflective cavities.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the fourth LED illumination source comprises one or more cyan LEDs.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more of the spectral outputs of the blue, red, green/yellow, and red channels are substantially: 32.8% for wavelengths between 380-420 nm, 100% for wavelengths between 421-460 nm, 66.5% for wavelengths between 461-500 nm, 25.7% for wavelengths between 501-540 nm, 36.6% for wavelengths between 541-580 nm, 39.7% for wavelengths between 581-620 nm, 36.1% for wavelengths between 621-660 nm, 15.5% for wavelengths between 661-700 nm, 5.9% for wavelengths between 701-740 nm and 2.1% for wavelengths between 741-780 nm for the blue channel;3.9% for wavelengths between 380-420 nm, 6.9% for wavelengths between 421-460 nm, 3.2% for wavelengths between 461-500 nm, 7.9% for wavelengths between 501-540 nm, 14% for wavelengths between 541-580 nm, 55% for wavelengths between 581-620 nm, 100% for wavelengths between 621-660 nm, 61.8% for wavelengths between 661-700 nm, 25.1% for wavelengths between 701-740 nm and 7.7% for wavelengths between 741-780 nm for the red channel;1% for wavelengths between 380-420 nm, 1.9% for wavelengths between 421-460 nm, 5.9% for wavelengths between 461-500 nm, 67.8% for wavelengths between 501-540 nm, 100% for wavelengths between 541-580 nm, 95% for wavelengths between 581-620 nm, 85.2% for wavelengths between 621-660 nm, 48.1% for wavelengths between 661-700 nm, 18.3% for wavelengths between 701-740 nm and 5.6% for wavelengths between 741-780 nm for the yellow/green channel; and0.2% for wavelengths between 380-420 nm, 0.8% for wavelengths between 421-460 nm, 49.2% for wavelengths between 461-500 nm, 100% for wavelengths between 501-540 nm, 58.4% for wavelengths between 541-580 nm, 41.6% for wavelengths between 581-620 nm, 28.1% for wavelengths between 621-660 nm, 13.7% for wavelengths between 661-700 nm, 4.5% for wavelengths between 701-740 nm and 1.1% for wavelengths between 741-780 nm for the cyan channel.