Abstract: A novel light fixture comprises a light source, a collimating element, an optical cavity and a multi-functional non-imaging optical component to control light distribution. The present invention provides a system and method of controlling the output of light from a light fixture. One or more volumetric anisotropic diffusing components can be utilized to control both the photometric distribution and visual appearance of the light fixture. A high degree of optical control is obtained with durable components that can be easily customized to optimize optical performance in light fixtures designed as pendants, wall sconces, wallwashers, downlights, and tasklights. The luminance and color uniformity as well as the illuminance and color uniformity of illumination can be controlled and improved.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides light emitting devices, including light fixtures and luminaires. In some embodiments, a light emitting device comprises at least one light source, a lightguide operable to receive light from the at least one light source at a first location on the lightguide, at least one light extraction region optically coupled to the lightguide and a substantially non-scattering region along a portion of the lightguide.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides light emitting devices, including light fixtures and luminaires. In some embodiments, a light emitting device comprises at least one light source, a lightguide operable to receive light from the at least one light source at a first location on the lightguide, at least one light extraction region optically coupled to the lightguide and a substantially non-scattering region along a portion of the lightguide.

Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, a device comprises an arcuate lightguide with an arcuate light emitting surface and light extracting features wherein the arcuate light emitting surface intersects the optical axis of a light source when disposed on the input edge of the lightguide. The light emitting surface of the lightguide may be in the shape of a elliptic paraboloid or parabolic cylinder or tapered. In another embodiment of this invention, a device comprises an arcuate lightguide wherein the wherein the ratio of the sagittal depth of the lightguide to the thickness of the first input edge is greater than 2. In another embodiment of this invention, the device is a light emitting device comprising the aforementioned lightguide and a light source.

Abstract: An outcoupling optic and omnidirectional lamp are provided which enable an omnidirectional light distribution from a lamp with directional light sources such as light emitting diodes. Specific embodiments include the A-type lamp, A19.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides light emitting devices, including light fixtures and luminaires. In some embodiments, a light emitting device comprises at least one light source, a lightguide operable to receive light from the at least one light source at a first location on the lightguide, at least one light extraction region optically coupled to the lightguide and a substantially non-scattering region along a portion of the lightguide.

Abstract: Improved Light Re-directing Elements (ILRE) are provided in which a diffracting region is combined with a light scattering region to correct angular chromatic dispersion. Further embodiments include optical devices and systems using ILRE to reduce moiré, efficiently re-direct light, improve spatial and angular color and luminance uniformity, and reduce wavelength dispersion. In one embodiment, the light scattering region is a volumetric anisotropic light scattering region. Embodiments are included for use of ILRE in light emitting devices, displays and light fixtures.

Abstract: An enhanced light fixture containing a volumetric diffuser to control the spatial luminance uniformity and angular spread of light from the light fixture is disclosed. The volumetric diffuser provides increased spatial luminance uniformity and efficient control over the illuminance such that power reductions, reduced cost or reduced size may be achieved. The volumetric diffuser contains one or more regions of volumetric light scattering particles. The spread of illumination of light from a light emitting source can be efficiently controlled by using a thin, low cost, volumetric, diffuser to direct the light in the desired direction. This allows the reduction in number of light sources, a reduction in power requirements, or a more tailored illumination. When the volumetric diffuser is used in combination with a waveguide to extract light, the light is efficiently coupled out of the waveguide in a thin, planar surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, an optical element comprises a light recycling directional control element and provides increased spatial color or luminance uniformity, desired angular color uniformity, and customizable light re-direction properties. In one embodiment, the optical element comprises at least one light blocking region and a lenticular lens element. Further embodiments incorporate an anisotropic light backscattering region within a light transmitting layer. The optical element may further comprise a light collimating element or an additional light lenticular lens element and light transmitting region that may be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the first lenticular lens element. Light emitting devices and displays incorporating the light recycling direction control element are further embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: Designs and manufacturing methods are provided for lighting components and systems with improved performance in luminous efficacy, total lumen output, product lifetime, and form factor through the use of optical composites with improved thermal management. Some embodiments also provide designs and manufacturing methods to minimize thermal warpage and increase the rigidity of optical films and sheets through improved balance of thermal stresses.

Abstract: A novel light fixture comprises a light source, a collimating element, an optical cavity and a multi-functional non-imaging optical component to control light distribution. The present invention provides a system and method of controlling the output of light from a light fixture. One or more volumetric anisotropic diffusing components can be utilized to control both the photometric distribution and visual appearance of the light fixture. A high degree of optical control is obtained with durable components that can be easily customized to optimize optical performance in light fixtures designed as pendants, wall sconces, wallwashers, downlights, and tasklights. The luminance and color uniformity as well as the illuminance and color uniformity of illumination can be controlled and improved.

Abstract: Designs for collimating optical elements and assemblies are provided which are fabricated by a subtractive process using lasers or other tools to create embedded void spaces that provide reflecting walls for 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 are designed for manufacturing and can be made without molding tooling.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include composite articles having specific optical properties. In one embodiment of this invention, a composite comprises high and low refractive index light transmitting material and surface relief features. In further embodiments, the composite comprises volumetric dispersed phase domains that may be asymmetric in shape. In one embodiment of this invention, the composite is an optical film providing light collimating features along two orthogonal planes perpendicular to the surface of the film. In another embodiment, the composite has improved optical, thermal, mechanical, or environmental properties. In further embodiments of this invention, the composite is manufactured by optically coupling or extruding two or more light transmitting materials, and forming inverted light collimating surface relief features or light collimating surface relief features.

Abstract: Designs and manufacturing methods are provided for lighting components and systems with improved performance in luminous efficacy, total lumen output, product lifetime, and form factor through the use of optical composites with improved thermal management. Some embodiments also provide designs and manufacturing methods to minimize thermal warpage and increase the rigidity of optical films and sheets through improved balance of thermal stresses.