Optical luminescent display device

An optical display panel, comprising:

• a plurality of first optical fibers arranged to have common axial orientation;
• a second optical fiber arranged so as not to be parallel to said plurality of first optical fibers;
• a luminescent material located between said plurality of first optical fibers and said second optical fiber;
• notches formed in said plurality of first optical fibers to provide side-emission of radiation directed toward said luminescent material;
• and
• corresponding notches in said second optical fiber to provide side-emission of radiation directed toward said luminescent material.

An optical display panel, comprising:

• a plurality of first optical fibers arranged to have common axial orientation;
• a second optical fiber arranged so as not to be parallel to said plurality of first optical fibers;
• a luminescent material located between said plurality of first optical fibers and said second optical fiber;
• means for deviating a path of radiation travelling within said plurality of first optical fibers away from the axis of each of said plurality of first optical fibers toward said luminescent material;
• and
• means for deviating a path of radiation travelling within said second optical fiber away from the axis of said second optical fiber toward said luminescent material.

A method for operating an optical display panel, comprising:

• arranging a plurality of first optical fibers to have common axial orientation;
• arranging a second optical fiber so as not to be parallel to said plurality of first optical fibers;
• emitting a first radiant energy into one of said plurality of first optical fibers;
• emitting a second radiant energy into said second optical fiber;
• providing side-emission of radiation, directed toward a luminescent material, via notches formed in said plurality of first optical fibers;
• providing side-emission of radiation, directed toward said luminescent material, via corresponding notches in said second optical fiber;
• and
• causing visible light to be emitted from said luminescent material when radiating said material by said first radiant energy and said second radiant energy,
• wherein said luminescent material is located between said plurality of first optical fibers and said second optical fiber.

An optical switch, comprising:

• an optical fiber;
• a luminescent material requiring excitement from a first type of radiant energy and a second type of radiant energy to emit visible light;
• a notch formed in said optical fiber adapted to direct a first type of radiant energy within said optical fiber toward said luminescent material;
• and
• a laser diode disposed to radiate said luminescent material with a second type of radiant energy.