Method of developing and manufacturing optical elements and assemblies

Abstract

Alternative methods of designing, developing and manufacturing optical elements and assemblies are provided which enable improvements in effectiveness and efficiency. Subtractive processes using lasers or other tools are utilized to create embedded void spaces that provide reflecting walls within internally reflective optical elements. The designs have advantages in cost, reduced development time, and performance. Light from multiple light sources can be mixed and collimated. Some embodiments provide the ability to integrate a large number of internally reflective optics into a single component and very large components can be made. Embodiments of the invention are designed for manufacturing and can be made without molding tooling.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.