Conversionless efficient and broadband laser light diffusers for high brightness illumination applications

Schuett F, Zapf M, Signetti S, Strobel J, Krueger H, Roeder R, Carstensen J, Wolff N, Marx J, Carey T, Schweichel M, Terasa MI, Siebert L, Hong HK, Kaps S, Fiedler B, Mishra YK, Lee Z, Pugno NM, Kienle L, Ferrari AC, Torrisi F, Ronning C, Adelung R (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Nature Communications Nature Publishing Group: Nature Communications

Book Volume: 11

Article Number: 1437

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14875-z

Abstract

Laser diodes are efficient light sources. However, state-of-the-art laser diode-based lighting systems rely on light-converting inorganic phosphor materials, which strongly limit the efficiency and lifetime, as well as achievable light output due to energy losses, saturation, thermal degradation, and low irradiance levels. Here, we demonstrate a macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional diffuser composed of interconnected hollow hexagonal boron nitride microtubes with nanoscopic wall-thickness, acting as an artificial solid fog, capable of withstanding ~10 times the irradiance level of remote phosphors. In contrast to phosphors, no light conversion is required as the diffuser relies solely on strong broadband (full visible range) lossless multiple light scattering events, enabled by a highly porous (>99.99%) non-absorbing nanoarchitecture, resulting in efficiencies of ~98%. This can unleash the potential of lasers for high-brightness lighting applications, such as automotive headlights, projection technology or lighting for large spaces.

Involved external institutions

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel DE Germany (DE) Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena DE Germany (DE) Università degli Studi di Trento IT Italy (IT) Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH) DE Germany (DE) University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB) Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) / 울산과학기술원 KR Korea, Republic of (KR) University of Southern Denmark / Syddansk Universitet DK Denmark (DK) Queen Mary University of London GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Schuett, F., Zapf, M., Signetti, S., Strobel, J., Krueger, H., Roeder, R.,... Adelung, R. (2020). Conversionless efficient and broadband laser light diffusers for high brightness illumination applications. Nature Communications, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14875-z

MLA:

Schuett, Fabian, et al. "Conversionless efficient and broadband laser light diffusers for high brightness illumination applications." Nature Communications 11.1 (2020).

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