Thin-sheet collimation optics for diode laser illumination systems for use in night vision and exterior lighting applications
US6422713B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/09
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical element, a lighting system utilizing the optical element and a method of manipulating light from a source to provide an illumination pattern suitable for use in a night vision system and exterior lighting applications is disclosed. The optical element has an input surface and an output surface disposed at approximately perpendicular to the input surface. A stepped surface angles between the input surface and the output surface intersecting the light inside the optical element. Multiple facets are formed in the stepped surface to reflect the light towards the output surface. The input, stepped and output surfaces are arranged such that the light reflects only from the stepped surface. The optical element has a rectangular shape in one embodiment and a wedge shape in a second embodiment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.