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

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, an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Nature communications 2020-03, Vol.11 (1), p.1437-1437, Article 1437
Main Authors:	Schütt, Fabian, Zapf, Maximilian, Signetti, Stefano, Strobel, Julian, Krüger, Helge, Röder, Robert, Carstensen, Jürgen, Wolff, Niklas, Marx, Janik, Carey, Tian, Schweichel, Marleen, Terasa, Maik-Ivo, Siebert, Leonard, Hong, Hyo-Ki, Kaps, Sören, Fiedler, Bodo, Mishra, Yogendra Kumar, Lee, Zonghoon, Pugno, Nicola M, Kienle, Lorenz, Ferrari, Andrea C, Torrisi, Felice, Ronning, Carsten, Adelung, Rainer
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Boron Boron nitride Brightness Broadband Diffusers Diodes Energy conversion efficiency Fog Headlights Illumination Irradiance Laser applications Lasers Light Light scattering Light sources Lighting Phosphors Semiconductor lasers Thermal degradation Thickness White light
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Summary:	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.
ISSN:	2041-1723 2041-1723