Study on the light delivery to a transmissive‐LCD spatial light modulator used in an LED projector

Abstract— The main targeted areas of this study focused on the optical analysis and design verification of light delivery to a transmissive‐LCD spatial light modulator in LED projectors. The behavior and the distribution pattern of the LED light source, its ray path, and its secondary optical performance in the light tube were investigated. Through the use of LightTools, an optical analysis software, an optical engine structure was established to simulate the LED‐light‐source distribution at the outlet of the light tube after passing through the focus lens. Optical experiments, including a goniophotometer, and scanning illumination measurements were then used to compare the results with computer‐software simulation results to ensure rationality and accuracy of the optical simulation. By using the improved approximation method for uniformity, it was found that the most suitable tilting angle for the light tube would be between 49.2° and 49.4°. The value of the light angle for minimal light intensity deviation to occur was found to be 9°. The optimum location for the light source was found to be 1 mm within the center of the light tube and at 35 mm away from the inlet of the light tube; the effect of uniformity was observed.