Illumination system employing an array of microprisms

Details Illumination system employing an array of microprisms Illumination system employing an array of microprisms

1995-01-03

1996-05-28

Sikes, William L.

Optical: systems and elements

Holographic system or element

Using a hologram as an optical element

359 42, 359 48, 362 26, 362 31, 385901, G02F 11335, F21V 800, G02B 502

Patent

active

055217257

ABSTRACT:
An optical illumination system comprising a waveguide that accepts light generated by a diffuse light source and transmits the light via total internal reflection. Attached on one surface of the waveguide is a low index of refraction layer and an array of microprisms, with each microprism having an light input surface and at least one sidewall tilted at an angle from the direction normal to the surface of the waveguide such that light escapes from the waveguide, reflects off the tilted sidewalls and emerges from the microprism as a spatially-directed light source. The low index of refraction layer prevents low angle light from entering the microprisms. An array of microlenses may be positioned to accept the output of the microprisms so that the light exiting from the microlenses is a substantially collimated light source. The optical illumination system is advantageous for any application that requires a non diffuse or substantially collimated that is both energy efficient and contained in a low profile assembly.

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