In applications such as concert show lighting, architectural lighting, and cinema projection, good color mixing is essential. The optics design in front of a RGBW LED source must include optimization for color uniformity as well as beam shape.
A common solution is to place diffuse materials in the optical path. This can provide a good color mix but has negative trade-offs including increased etendue and light losses. These schemes are not suitable when tight beam angles are required.
One design approach for narrower beam angles is color mixing rods. In the images below, that approach is explained.
A typical RGBW LED is shown in the first image. Knowing the die location in LED is important. Some LED suppliers use mixed die location in their products (such as Ledengin LZC-03MD07 LED). In that arrangement, the diffusion option is the correct approach.
RGBW LED
A simple glass or clear plastic rod produces an even color illuminance at the end surface if the LED is placed at the opposite aperture. The luminous intensity is however poorly color mixed. The light is collimated but the luminous intensity profile is also transferred. See images below
Clear plastic rod produces an even color illuminance at the end surface
Luminence and illuminance after the mixing rod
By adding a microlens array at both rod ends, we can achieve a mixed color luminous intensity.
A microlens array at the each end of the rod gives a mixed color luminous intensity
High angles of light at the mixing rod end
We still have high angles of light at the mixing rod. Some light is reflected back due to total internal reflection on the steep microlens surfaces: light is lost. To increase efficiency, we add some slope to the rod and the color mixed spots are improved. See images below.
Some light is reflected back due to total internal reflection on the steep microlens surfaces. Light is lost
To increase efficiency, we add some slope to the rod. Color mixed spots are improved
With slope, we can improve the color mix and efficiency
Color mix spot with good luminous intensity
Now that we have good luminous intensity color mix, we can use a TIR lens to collimate light. An asphere based concept can be used to provide variable spot system. The spot shown here is not perfect but can can be improved with additional optimization, or by adding more lens elements.
Using a TIR lens to collimate light
Using asphere based concept to provide variable spot system
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