Optical system with segmented and/or flexible reflector
OwnerRichard G. Tuck, R. Stephen Mulderinventors
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Abstract
An optical system includes an energy source and a reflector partially surrounding the energy source to reflect energy produced by the energy source. Preferably, the reflector is formed by segments of second order surfaces or segments approximating second order surfaces. The segments are each sized and shaped to provide a predetermined amount of energy in a predetermined energy pattern on a target surface. Additionally, the reflector is preferably a flexible reflector that can be selectively deformed from a first shape to a second shape to provide different first and second predetermined energy patterns.
Claims38
An optical system comprising, in combination:
- an energy source;
- a reflector formed by segments of second order surfaces and partially surrounding the energy source to reflect energy produced by the energy source;
- and
- wherein the segments of the second order surfaces are each sized and shaped to provide a predetermined amount of energy in a predetermined energy pattern on a target surface.
An optical system comprising, in combination:
- an energy source;
- a reflector partially surrounding the energy source to reflect energy produced by the energy source and formed by parameterized segments approximating second order surfaces sized and shaped to provide a predetermined amount of energy in a predetermined energy pattern on a target surface;
- and
- wherein the segments are parameterized as one of facets and strips.
An optical system comprising, in combination:
- an energy source;
- a flexible reflector having a first shape and partially surrounding the energy source to reflect energy produced by the energy source;
- wherein the first shape provides a first predetermined energy pattern;
- and
- a deformer for selectively deforming the flexible reflector to a second shape;
- and
- wherein the second shape provides a second predetermined energy pattern different from the first predetermined energy pattern.
An optical system comprising, in combination:
- an energy source;
- a reflector partially surrounding the energy source to reflect energy produced by the energy source;
- and
- a window sized and shaped so that energy reflected by the reflector is received by the window substantially normal to an inner surface of the window.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.