Beam projection for fast axis expansion

Abstract

A light projection system disclosed herein provides fast axis expansion of a light beam for high optical performance despite sizing constraints of a device into which the light projection system is integrated. In one implementation, the light projection system includes a diffuser, an edge-emitting semiconductor laser diode, and a printed circuit board. The diffuser defines a diffuser plane and is oriented to be substantially parallel to least a portion of the printed circuit board. The edge-emitting semiconductor laser diode emits laser light having a fast axis and a slow axis, with the fast axis of the laser light defining a fast axis plane corresponding to a path the laser light travels from the edge-emitting semiconductor laser diode. The edge-emitting semiconductor laser diode is oriented such that the fast axis plane is substantially parallel the diffuser plane between the diffuser and at least the parallel portion of the printed circuit board.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.