Solid-state source of intense yellow light based on a Ce:YAG luminescent concentrator

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Solid-State Lighting

Background:

• Developing high-intensity, efficient yellow light sources is crucial for various applications.
• Existing technologies like LEDs and lasers have limitations in terms of intensity, efficiency, or spectral characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel luminescent concentrator design for bright yellow light generation.
• To evaluate the performance of this new light source in terms of optical power, intensity, and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a cerium-doped YAG crystal waveguide optically pumped by InGaN LEDs.
• Guiding phosphor-converted yellow light to a glass taper for output.
• Characterizing the output light's power, wavelength, linewidth, and intensity.

Main Results:

• Achieved up to 20 W of continuous optical power centered at 575 nm with a 76 nm linewidth.
• Output light intensity significantly exceeds that of yellow LEDs.
• Demonstrated wall-plug efficiency superior to yellow lasers.

Conclusions:

• The luminescent concentrator offers a highly effective method for generating bright yellow light.
• The design shows potential for further scaling to increase intensity, power, and efficiency.
• This technology presents a promising alternative to current yellow light sources.