Laser Pocket Projection – Novalux’s NECSEL Technology Review

A new solid state lighting technology gaining interest is Novalux’s patented, NECSEL (Novalux Extended Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) semiconductor laser driven by high-power surface emitting diode lasers.

Although recognized for their illumination potential, lasers have lacked the power, compact size and cost performance to be adapted for televisions. However, NECSEL lasers overcome these obstacles and are being considered for rear projection tvs (RPTVs) and front projectors. Recently, Novalux has entered joint development and license agreements with Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) and Unaxis Optics (one of the world’s leading microdisplay component manufacturers) for NECSEL-based RGB illumination devices for projection display products.

On February 9, 2006, Novalux, won a “Best Buzz” award from Insight Media, for “best new enabling technology” shown during the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Available size, performance and cost data promise a new class of embedded projectors integrated into mobile phones, pda’s and other personal technology sized devices, allowing users to watch streaming video or surf the web on a larger projected image on any convenient surface.

Constructed with standard InGaAs semiconductor material, NECELS lasers can be manufactured with wafer fabrication techniques. In fact, Novalux manufactures NECSEL laser chips in their vertically integrated facility in Silicon Valley.

Standout NECSEL Laser Features:

Compact and Powerful

According to Novalux, “compact size current palm-top projectors based on LED lighting measure over 30 cubic inches, produce around 20 lumens, and cost in excess of $700.00. NECSEL prototypes display a light output of over 200 lumens with both device size and cost cut in half”.

Novalux lasers are able to project all of their light onto even the smallest microdisplays without a reduction in coupling efficiency. Reducing microdisplay size reduces their cost. High power and narrow illumination angles will deliver striking brightness and contrast. Light output can be directly modulated for gray scaling

Wide Color Gamut

NECSEL lasers boast improved color reproduction compared to conventional UHP lamps currently used in projection TVs. While current LCD and Plasma RPTVs display approximately 40% of the colors your eyes can see, laser systems display close to 90% - well over twice the color coverage.Since NECSEL devices are wavelength tunable, future plans for multi-primary color products - beyond RGB - are being planned.

Low Cost

NECSEL lasers produce a ploarized light output. This will make for simplified, less costly optical trains eliminating the need for both polarizers and color filters in 3LCD televisions. With DLP systems, a color wheel, light tunnel and relay optics are not reuired.

Reliability – Long Life

Being solid-state NECSEL technology is inherently more reliable than legacy UHP lamps. The NECSEL lasers also run cooler. Novalux quotes over 30,000 hours life at 100% power output. Maintainence of 100% output means images remain just as bright and lifelike as when the projection product was new. Improved lifetimes promise the end to projector lamp replacement with the NECSEL light source lasting the effective life of the product. Novalux promote that their NECSEL laser will outlast LEDs currently in use for microdisplay illumination

Responsiveness

As a bonus for mobile projector users, NECSEL lasers have quick turn-on and off capability compared with many other products currently available.

Scalability

NECSEL modules can simply be fiber optically grouped together to produce the required projection lumens: Novalux quote 5,000 for a small theater and over 20,000 for the biggest screens.

Funding and Joint Development and License Agreements

On March 13, 2006 Novalux, announced entry into a joint development and license agreement with Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) for NECSEL-based RGB illumination devices for use in microdisplay-based products for example, rear projection TVs (RPTV).

According to the agreement, Novalux licenses its RGB laser reference design and will supply Epson with the NECSEL semiconductor chips. Epson plans to leverage its high-precision processing, optical technologies and expertise to develop optical engines for integration of NECSEL lasers into its 3LCD projectors. Epson expect to achieve high-quality, high-performance projection displays with lower production costs.

On June 14, 2006 Novalux, announced the closure of Series B financing for up to $21.7 million and its entry into a joint development and license agreement with Unaxis Optics (of Switzerland - one of the world’s leading microdisplay component manufacturers) for NECSEL-based RGB illumination devices for projection display products.