Shedding light on laser phosphor lighting

Marcos Fernandez, Christie's director for Spain and Portugal, explains in this column the benefits that laser-based projectors offer compared to lamp equipment, marking the differences between pure laser systems, laser phosphor and hybrid laser phosphor.

In recent years, Interest in laser projectors has been increasing within the Pro AV industry. Considered a first-rate technological development, which could eventually replace traditional lamp-based systems, Manufacturers are beginning to market laser-based projectors and describe them using terms such as pure laser, laser phosphor or hybrid laser phosphor. For clients, Laser lighting offers several benefits over lamp-based projectors. However, It is important to understand some of the differences between these new systems.

The pure laser, also known as 3-Primary (3P) o laser RGB, generates light directly from three individual lasers: red, green and blue.

The main advantage of an RGB laser system is the light output, while achieving higher performance in other standard image quality parameters such as color gamut, contrast ratio and dynamic range, compared to standard lamp-based systems. As such, RGB laser is ideal for large format applications and cinema.

laser phosphor lighting, as used in the Christie GS Series, uses a blue laser diode as a light source instead of a high intensity discharge lamp (HID). To generate the three primary colors, laser diode emits laser light onto a phosphor wheel to create yellow light, while the blue laser light passes through an opening in the phosphor wheel. The projector sends yellow light through a color wheel to generate red and green, while the blue laser light passes through a different window.

These red colors, green and blue are directed onto an imaging surface, like a DLP chip, which sends light through a lens and onto the projection screen. The advantage of a laser phosphor projector is the long life of the lighting system before it reaches the 50% of brightness.

Being a system without lamp, laser phosphor also eliminates the need to replace lamps and filters, reducing downtime, Maintenance and costs associated with lamp-based projectors. The long life and low maintenance of laser phosphor projectors make them ideal for corporate boardrooms., classrooms and location-based entertainment.

The laser match

A hybrid laser phosphor projector is similar to a laser phosphor system, but with the addition of a second or third light source (usually LED) to increase the amount of red color produced.

Some manufacturers claim that their laser phosphor projectors provide 'maintenance-free' operation. You have to be careful with these types of statements!!

While it is true that laser phosphor lighting systems are solid state and do not require any type of maintenance throughout their life cycle, This only applies to the light engine. Laser-based projectors still require regular maintenance, such as cleaning fans and lenses to maximize efficiency and performance.

The development of laser-based projection is a very interesting possibility. With increasing brightness, performance and useful life, Customers will be able to reap the benefit of these new systems. However, As with any new technology, It is important to understand exactly what these new advances offer.

 

Marcos Fernandez

Director of Christie for Spain and Portugal