1994-08-05
1996-10-01
Heyman, Leonard E.
Illumination
Revolving
362298, 385 31, 385900, F21V 800
Patent
active
055607004
ABSTRACT:
A light coupler includes an array of non-imaging optical microcollectors. Each of the microcollectors has an entrance aperture for receiving light emitted from a source, an optical axis, and an exit aperture for emitting the light received by the entrance aperture. The array of non-imaging optical microcollectors are adapted and arranged such that the entrance apertures together subtend an acceptance angle for accepting divergent light emitted from the source and such that the optical axes of the non-imaging optical microcontrollers converge. The acceptance angle preferably is substantially matched to a divergence angle of the source. The entrance apertures can be mapped to a portion of a spherical surface (e.g., a hemisphere) which has a radial center at an apparent or actual center of the source. Alternatively, the entrance apertures can be mapped to a portion of a parabolic surface which has a focus at an apparent or actual center of the source. In general, the entrance apertures can be mapped onto any hollow volume.
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Heyman Leonard E.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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