Polarizing light pipe
US6795243B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S385/901
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A recirculating light polarizer utilizes a reflective polarizer on the exit face of a light integrator, such as a light pipe or light tunnel. Light is provided to the light integrator and light of one polarization is transmitted through the polarizer, the remaining light being reflected back into the integrator. The back-reflected light accumulates polarization shift before it eventually is reflected back to the polarizer. The reflected light is further homogenized on its trip back to the polarizer. This process is typically repeated several times to enhance the light output from the light pipe assembly, with some light being lost in each cycle due to various loss mechanisms. A polarization state modifier, such as a retarder plate or phase-shifting coatings, may be included in the recirculating light path to enhance polarization shift.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.