Optical collection and distribution system and method

An optical module comprising:

• a multi-directional light source;
• a substrate having a reflective surface facing the light source;
• a first optical medium defining a refractive index greater than unity, and disposed such that the first optical medium and the reflective substrate substantially envelop the light source;
• a second optical medium in contact with the first optical medium and defining a boundary therebetween;
• reflective sidewalls bounding a lateral portion of the second optical medium;
• and
• a lens defining a lower surface in contact with the second optical medium and spaced from the first optical medium;
• arranged such that light from the source passing through the lens follows a first and a second optical path, the first optical path comprising refraction at the boundary followed by refraction at the lens, and the second optical path comprising refraction at the boundary followed by reflection from a sidewall followed by refraction at the lens.

An optical module comprising:

• a multi-directional light source;
• a substrate having a reflective surface facing the light source;
• a first optical medium defining a refractive index greater than unity, and disposed such that the first optical medium and the reflective substrate substantially envelop the light source;
• a second optical medium in contact with the first optical medium and defining a boundary therebetween;
• reflective sidewalls bounding a lateral portion of the first optical medium;
• and
• a lens defining a lower surface in contact with the second optical medium and spaced from the first optical medium;
• arranged such that light from the source passing through the lens follows a first and a second optical path, the first optical path comprising refraction at the boundary followed by refraction at the lens, and the second optical path comprises reflection from a sidewall followed by refraction at the boundary followed by refraction at the lens.