Optics arrangements including light source arrangements for an active matrix liquid crystal image generator

Abstract

A system for producing modulated light is disclosed. The system comprises a spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light. The system also includes an arrangement for switching the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way and an illumination arrangement for producing a source of light. The system further includes an optics arrangement for directing light from the source of light into the spatial light modulator and for directing light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area. The optics arrangement cooperates with the illumination arrangement and the spatial light modulator so as to produce a real image of the source of light within the source imaging area such that an individual is able to view a virtual image of the overall patterns of modulated light from the source imaging area. A variety of novel optics arrangements are disclosed including specific combinations of different light sources, diffusing plates, polarizers, beam splitters, analyzers, lenses, mirrors, and holographic optical elements which allow the overall optical arrangement to be miniaturized to the same degree and in coordination with the spatial light modulator. The different light sources include using a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, to form an array of light sources, each of the light sources providing light to a corresponding portion of the spatial light modulator.

1 . A light source arrangement for use in a field sequentially operated assembly for producing modulated light, said arrangement comprising a single dielectric substrate having on one surface thereof a pattern of electrically conductive leads adapted for connection to a source of electric power and a plurality of LEDs individually attached to said substrate and electrically connected with said pattern of leads.  
   
   
       2 . A light source arrangement according to  claim 1  including an equal plurality of collimating lenses, each of which is connected to said substrate and disposed optically over an associated one of said LEDs.  
   
   
       3 . A light source arrangement comprising a single LED wafer having a pattern of electrically conductive leads formed on one surface of said LED wafer, said leads being adapted for connection to a source of electric power.  
   
   
       4 . A light source arrangement according to  claim 3  wherein said electrically conductive leads are opaque thereby dividing said wafer into a plurality of individual LED light sources.  
   
   
       5 . A light source arrangement according to  claim 4  including an equal plurality of collimating lenses, each of which is connected to said LED wafer and disposed optically over an associated one of said LEDs.  
   
   
       6 . A light source arrangement according to  claim 5  including a single substrate which is attached to said LED wafer and which is integrally formed to define all of said collimating lenses.  
   
   
       7 . A light source arrangement for use in a field sequentially controlled assembly for producing modulated light, said arrangement comprising a single LED wafer having a pattern of opaque, transverse electrically conductive leads formed on one surface of said LED wafer, said leads being adapted for connection to a source of electric power, and said pattern of leads dividing said wafer into a plurality of individual LED light sources.  
   
   
       8 . A light source arrangement according to  claim 7  including an equal plurality of collimating lenses, each of which is connected to said LED wafer and disposed optically over an associated one of said LEDs.  
   
   
       9 . A light source arrangement according to  claim 8  including a single substrate which is attached to said LED wafer and which is integrally formed to define all of said collimating lenses.