US 6,272,267 B1 · Optical coupler and system for distributing light in a 360-degree pattern

Abstract

An optical coupler for distributing light in a 360-degree pattern at a small angle is disclosed. The coupler comprises a solid rod with a first end region for receiving light and a second end region for distributing light. The rod tapers up in cross-sectional dimension between the first and second regions so as to decrease the angular distribution of light reflecting internally from the sides of tapered portions of the rod. An axis extends from the second end region towards the first end region. The second end region includes a generally conically shaped void pointing towards the first end region and defining a surface for deflecting light in a 360-degree pattern about the axis at a small angle compared to light entering into the first end region.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An optical coupler for distributing light in a 360-degree pattern at a small angle, comprising:

a) a solid rod with a first end region for receiving light and a second end region for distributing light;
said rod tapering up in cross-sectional dimension between said first and second regions so as to decrease the angular distribution of light reflecting internally from the sides of tapered portions of said rod;
b) an axis extending from said second end region towards said first end region;
and
c) said second end region including a generally conically shaped void pointing towards said first end region and defining a surface for deflecting a substantial amount of light in a 360-degree pattern about said axis at a small angle compared to light entering into said first end region.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Optical coupler and system for distributing light in a 360-degree pattern

Life of this patent

Optical coupler and system for distributing light in a 360-degree pattern

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11