Light pipe having one or more integral diffusers

A backlight assembly for a display comprising:

• a light pipe including;
• a front surface,
• a back surface, and,
• an integral surface diffuser including at least one region of surface micro-structures formed in the back surface of the light pipe wherein the integral diffuser comprises a central region of surface structures having at least one lateral edge and a lateral region of surface micro-structures adjacent to each lateral edge;
• and,
• at least one light source located adjacent an edge of the light pipe.

A method of enhancing the uniformity and brightness of light output produced by a backlight assembly comprising:

• providing a backlight assembly including;
• a light pipe having;
• a front surface,
• a back surface, and,
• an integral surface diffuser including at least one region of surface micro-structures formed in the back surface of the light pipe wherein the integral surface diffuser comprises a central region of surface structures having at least one lateral edge and a lateral region of surface micro-structures adjacent to each lateral edge.