Compact optical coupling systems

Details Compact optical coupling systems Compact optical coupling systems

1995-09-20

1997-11-25

Lee, John D.

Optical waveguides

Noncyclindrical or nonplanar shaped waveguide

362 32, 385 31, 385 43, 385901, G02B 624

Patent

active

056920911

ABSTRACT:
A compact optical coupling member is useful for coupling non-coherent light from a source of light to a light distribution harness. The coupling member includes an elongated light transmissive body having a central longitudinal axis, an inlet end for receiving light from the light source, and an outlet end for providing light to a leading end of a light distribution harness. The elongated body has a polygonal cross-sectional shape for providing increased light mixing of the non-coherent light. The polygonal shape of the elongated body increases in size from a first cross-sectional area at the inlet end to an enlarged cross-sectional area at the outlet end for reducing, with respect to the longitudinal axis, the maximum angle of light passed through the outlet end relative to the maximum angle of light received through the inlet end. A pair of compact optical coupling members of the foregoing type may be used for coupling non-coherent light from first and second sides of the source of light to respective first and second light distribution harnesses. A compact, folded optical system may be realized by making the polygonal shape of a an elongated body of an optical coupling member trapezoidal; and using a plano-convex lens as part of the light distribution harness. The plano-convex lens has a convex surface through which light is received from the coupling member, and a mirrored, planar surface confronting the coupling member and being for reflecting light at an angle that causes the light to substantially miss the coupler.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3832028 (1974-08-01), Kapron
patent: 3901581 (1975-08-01), Thiel
patent: 4950059 (1990-08-01), Roberts
patent: 5271077 (1993-12-01), Brockman et al.
patent: 5290169 (1994-03-01), Friedman et al.
patent: 5341445 (1994-08-01), Davenport et al.
patent: 5506929 (1996-04-01), Tai et al.
Mathyssek, "Communication and European Search Report," European Patent Office, Dec. 17, 1996, three pages.

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