Light guide with diffusive light input interface

US8789996B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Lai Wang · Zhuolan Township, TW
• Douglas C. Burstedt · San Diego, US
• Kollengode S. Narayanan · Cupertino, US
• Kebin Li · Concord, US
• Ion Bita · San Jose, US
• Marek Mienko · San Jose, US
• Russell Wayne Gruhlke · Fort Collins, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 29, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide has a surface, such as an edge, into which light is injected. The surface is treated to create a diffusive interface with a light source. For example, the surface may be subjected to abrasion to form a frosted surface that acts as the diffusive interface, or a diffusive structure may be attached to the edge, with the attached diffusive structure functioning as the diffusive interface. The diffusive interface diffuses light entering into the light guide, and can thereby increase the uniformity of light propagating within the light guide. The light guide may be provided with light turning features that redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display.