Optical coupler for a light emitting device with enhanced output brightness
US7621677B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4214
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A light source is described where the light emitted by a solid-state light emitting device such as an LED is coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber. A highly reflective coupler (reflector) is disposed around the LED and a segment of the waveguide adjacent the LED. Light emitted from the LED that falls outside of the numerical aperture of the waveguide leaks out of the waveguide, but is reflected back to the waveguide by the reflector. The reflected light is re-reflected or scattered by the LED or the substrate the LED is mounted on, and the re-reflected or scattered light that falls within the numerical aperture of the waveguide is coupled into the waveguide. As a result, light coupling efficiency is increased and the output brightness of the light at the other end of the fiber is enhanced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.