Optical waveguide structure with raised or embedded waveguides
AssigneeFederal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
InventorsGeorge R. Hulse, Ronald O. Woodward, Joe P. Young
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical waveguide structure (1000) is configured to receive light from a light source (1020) and distribute the light to output ports. The structure includes a central portion having top and bottom surfaces, peripheral edges and an opening (1070) for receiving the light source (1020). A first waveguide (1010) extends above the top surface of the central portion. The first waveguide (1010) has an input face (1030) at an end nearest the opening (1070). The first waveguide (1010) extends from the opening (1070) toward a peripheral edge of the central portion.
Claims24
An optical waveguide structure configured to receive light from a light source and distribute the light to output ports, characterized in that substructure comprises:
- a central waveguide portion having top and bottom surfaces, peripheral edges and an opening for receiving the light source, and
- a first waveguide extending from one of said top and said bottom surfaces of said central portion, said first waveguide having an input face at an end nearest said opening, and said first waveguide extending from said opening toward a peripheral edge of said central portion, said first waveguide receiving light transmitted from said central waveguide portion.
The optical waveguide structure of claim 5, wherein said input face of said first waveguide forms a non-orthogonal angle with respect to a side of said second waveguide.
The optical waveguide structure of claim 15, wherein said input face of said first waveguide forms a non-orthogonal angle with respect to a side of said second waveguide.
A lighting assembly comprising:
- a light source,
- a waveguide support structure made of an optically transmissive material having a top and a bottom surface,
- said light source extending above said top surface;
- and
- an integral optical waveguide on the top surface, receiving light directly from the light source, and receiving light reflected from the waveguide support structure, the optical waveguide being made of a solid material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.