Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Particular coupling structure
Patent
1995-09-20
1998-09-22
Lee, John D.
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Particular coupling structure
385 43, G02B 634
Patent
active
058127135
ABSTRACT:
Disclosed are optical couplers and optical coupling systems for coupling a source of non-coherent light to a light distribution harness, wherein the couplers are polygonal in cross section to increase light mixing. The couplers have inlet and outlet arms, and an intermediate bend region configured to achieve compactness and minimal light loss through the bend region. In one embodiment, the bend region is an integral part of the coupler, with the inlet arm having a different cross-sectional dimension from the outlet art in such manner that substantially all light directed from the inlet portion to the bend portion reaches the outlet arm portion, and light rays parallel to the inlet axis are reflected in the bend portion to be directed substantially parallel to the outlet axis. In a second embodiment, the bend region comprises a prism having a pair of parallel spaced surfaces, and inlet, outlet, and third surfaces that are non-parallel to the spaced surfaces. The inlet arm projects from the inlet surface, and the outlet arm projects from the outlet surface. One of the inlet and outlet surfaces forms a first interface with a first material having an index of refraction different from that of the prism, so that light rays within the prism totally internally reflect from the first interface.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3453036 (1969-07-01), Swope et al.
patent: 3870396 (1975-03-01), Racki et al.
patent: 4411490 (1983-10-01), Daniel
patent: 4540237 (1985-09-01), Winzer
patent: 4708423 (1987-11-01), Erman et al.
patent: 5305401 (1994-04-01), Becker et al.
patent: 5341445 (1994-08-01), Davenport et al.
patent: 5604837 (1997-02-01), Tanaka
Cassarly et al., "Distributed Lighting Systems: Uniform Light Delivery," Reprint from Fiberoptics for Automotive Lighting (SP-1081), SAE: The Engineering Society for Advanced Mobility Land Sea Air and Space, International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Michigan, Feb. 27, 1995-Mar. 2, 1995.
Allen Gary R.
Cassarly William J.
Davenport John M.
Hansler Richard L.
General Electric Company
Hawranko George E.
Kang Ellen Eunjoo
Lee John D.
LandOfFree
Optical coupling system with bend does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical coupling system with bend, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical coupling system with bend will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1631670