simulation
At SLE a significant part of our research is the conception and development of new lighting applications. The aim is to create lighting systems which are more energy efficient and do not reduce the experience of the end user. Inventing new lighting systems leads to many creative solutions which may lead to products. Projects in SLE can span the entire development cycle of the lighting system, from conception to final design and tolerance analysis.
However, to design, prototype and test so many designs takes time, is expensive and creates waste. Therefore, at SLE we make use of a range of simulation tools to reduce all three. We use commercial optical simulation packages such as ASAP, LightTools, Zemax and TracePro to quickly identify and develop only the most promising designs. We can also use packages like SolidWorks or Comsol to simulate other aspects of a prototype, such as thermal issues or diffractive structures. This versatile approach allows us to quickly develop ideas from many areas of research, including:
Adaptive lighting
Many LEDs used in lighting are currently made from a blue LED and yellow phosphor. This leads to a reduced quality of colour reproduction. It would be better to improve the colour gamut of these light sources. It would be better still to be able to adapt the lighting to suit the environment in which it is used. At SLE we are developing adaptive lighting solutions. These may allow us to make highly directional light to reduce light pollution, change the colour of emitted light to enhance wellbeing, or change the location of a light source from a light in panel to reduce energy use.
Optical model of an RGBG LED for TV
Automotive Lighting
Transport is a focus for global research into the reduction of green house emissions. Usually this is targeted towards developing electric vehicles. Making a car more efficient can also involve making it smaller and lighter. This can equally apply to the headlights and tail lights. Nearly all cars have large, heavy light clusters. At SLE we are involved in the optical design much smaller and lighter headlights. Not only that, but it aims to use less electricity than any headlight unit available on the market today.
Full model of a mobile display baclight unit
These above are just two examples of projects that SLE are working on. The simulation tools available make us very adaptable in the projects we can work on. For example, simulation has been essential to the development of many projects over many disciplines, including a single lens 3-D panoramic camera, flexible backlights for mobile devices, new touch screen technology, projectors, 3-D displays or even LEDs to be used in large area TVs to name but a few.
Currently we are also involved in the development of other non-lighting applications, including improved solar concentrators, high efficiency displays and large area, light TVs. All of these projects have the aim of reducing the impact of technology on the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A Sharp concentrated photovoltaic solar array.
