Efficient arrangement for coupling light between light source and light guide
US6304693A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S385/901
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An efficient arrangement for coupling light between a light source and at least one light guide comprises a light source having a bulbous region and electrical in-leads extending into the bulbous region. A generally tubular, hollow coupling device with an interior light-reflective surface receives light from the source at an inlet and transmits it to an outlet. The coupling device increases in cross sectional area from inlet to outlet in such manner as to reduce the angle of light reflected from the surface as it passes through the device. A thermal-isolating region has an inlet positioned in proximity to an outlet of the coupling device and has an outlet for passing light to an optical member. The thermal-isolating region comprises one or more members. The foregoing can achieve high efficiency and considerable compactness while using a non-"point-like" light source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.