Ultrathin mesh optical panel and a method of making an ultrathin mesh optical panel
US6751019B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S385/901
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrathin mesh optical panel and a method of use and making are disclosed. One embodiment of the optical panel includes a plurality of optical waveguides, wherein each optical waveguide is formed of a mesh material surrounding an optically clear core. The optical panel further includes a light generator. Each optical waveguide internally reflects the light incoming at the inlet of the waveguide to the outlet of the waveguide. The optical panel may optionally include a light redirecting coupling layer and/or a diffuser. An alternate embodiment of the ultrathin optical panel includes a plurality of optical waveguides, wherein the mesh material serves as the light transmissive material. A method of making and using is applicable to both major embodiments. A modification of either embodiment is disclosed wherein the optical waveguide is aligned to be non-perpendicular to the panel face.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.