Totally internally reflecting thin, flexible film

Details Totally internally reflecting thin, flexible film Totally internally reflecting thin, flexible film

1988-07-12

1990-03-06

Arnold, Bruce Y.

350103, 350109, G02B 504, G02B 5124, G02B 5136

Patent

active

049060708

ABSTRACT:
A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prisms make an angle of approximately 45.degree. with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.

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