Optical element having an integral surface diffuser
AssigneePhysical Optics Corporation
InventorsRick L. Shie, Jeffrey A. Laine, Gajendra D. Savant, Tomasz P. Jannson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A monolithic element has a substrate body and at least one macro-optical characteristic integral in a first portion of the optical element. A plurality of surface micro-structures are integral in a portion of the optical element. The micro-structures are designed to homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element. The light exiting the optical element is therefore altered according to both the macro-optical characteristic of the optical element as well as the homogenizing characteristics of the micro-structures.
Claims18
A monolithic optical element comprising:
- a substrate body;
- at least one macro-optical characteristic integral in a first portion of the optical element;
- and
- a plurality of micro-structures integral in a portion of the optical element wherein the micro-structures homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined distribution of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element.
A monolithic lens comprising:
- a solid lens body having a first surface and a second surface;
- a lens macro-structure integral in the first surface of the lens body;
- and
- a plurality of surface micro-structures integral in the second surface of the monolith wherein the micro-structures homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined distribution of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.