Optical array and collimated light distribution

A collimated light distribution system comprising:

• (a) a source of collimated light;
• and
• (b) a waveguide responsive to said collimated light, wherein the waveguide further comprising:
• (i) a pattern surface including microstructured features for extracting the collimated light propagating within the waveguide, and
• (ii) where the patterned surface is clocked about its normal to modify the propagation direction of the light extracted from the waveguide.

A mirror coating for the surface of a refractive optical element having a predetermined refractive index and internally propagating light flux, said mirror coating comprising:

• (a) a light transmitting low refractive index layer having a thickness of at least three wavelengths of a predetermined electromagnetic signal;
• (b) said low refractive index layer being between the surface of said refractive optical element and a reflective coating layer;
• and
• (c) wherein said low refractive index layer having a refractive index lower than the predetermined refractive index of said refractive optical element and adapted to promote total internal reflection of said internally propagating light flux at an interface between said mirror coating and said refractive optical element.

A collimated light distribution system comprising

• (a) a source of collimated light;
• (b) a waveguide responsive to said collimated light, wherein the waveguide has a pattern of microstructured features for extracting the collimated light propagating within the waveguide, and wherein said waveguide further comprises:
• (i) a mirror coating on its microstructured light-extracting patterned surface;
• (ii) a reflective polarizer over the waveguide surface opposite to its patterned surface;
• (iii) a retarder layer between said reflective polarizer and the waveguide surface, said retarder layer generating one-quarter wave rotation;
• and
• (d) wherein said waveguide adapted to generate a substantially polarized collimated light output.