P‐199: Late‐News‐Poster: Projection Headlight with Non‐Uniform DMD Illumination

Abstract

This paper presents a laser excited phosphor automotive headlight capitalizing on the high efficiency of the white LEDs and the high intensity spot of the laser excited phosphor, producing a non‐uniform, hot spot intensity profile imaged onto the DMD. Automotive headlights had evolved over decades from incandescent light bulbs to halogen lamps up to about 10 years ago. As LED brightness continues to increase with lower prices, LED headlights started to be introduced. Beside the light outputs could be higher in power, the small footprints also allow automobile and lighting manufacturers to come up with very different aesthetic designs. The smallness of the LED light source also allows multiple light sources to be housed inside a single headlight allowing various schemes of spatial modulation. This allows controlled dimming or ON/OFF, reducing glares to other drivers. With the spatial intensity modulation capability of the DMD, the output intensity profile on the roadway can be controlled more precisely. With sufficient power and intensity from the light source, it is possible for a single DMD headlight to provide the low beam, high beam, extreme high beam, and controlled dimming for various detected objects. Special symbols can also be projected assisting the driver and improving safety under various road conditions. This requires a special light source using LEDs, lasers, and phosphor plates, with hotspots as described in this paper.