Abstract: The present application discloses, among other things, optics and lighting devices, systems, and associated methods for delivering light asymmetrically onto a target surface so as to create a desired illumination pattern. Typically, the optics and lighting systems described herein include an optic that receives light from one or more light sources and redirects the light in a patterned or other controlled manner. In many cases, a central lens portion can generate a desired asymmetric illumination pattern while peripheral lens portions redirect light received from the light source to portions of the asymmetric illumination pattern generated by the central lens portion. In many embodiments, the central lens portion redirects light received from a source only via refraction, whereas the peripheral lens portions redirect the light received from the source via a combination of reflection and refraction.

Abstract: Environmentally sealed optical systems, and methods for sealing them, are disclosed. Such optical systems include area lighting panels and other optical systems. For example, in one exemplary aspect of the invention, a sealed optical system includes a substrate having first and second light sources disposed thereon, and a light-shaping panel with first and second optics formed therein that are positioned (e.g., aligned) to receive light from the first and second light sources, respectively. A sealing membrane is disposed between the substrate and the light-shaping panel, with a first adhesive surface contacting the substrate and a second adhesive surface contacting the light-shaping panel. The sealing membrane has first and second openings formed therein that allow light to pass from the first and second light sources to the first and second optics, respectively, while allowing the sealing membrane to independently seal the light sources from one another and from the external environment.

Abstract: Improved lighting devices and methods are provided. In many embodiments, the devices and methods provide the capability to change a spot of light projected onto a target surface. In other embodiments, the devices and methods are fixed-focus. In one embodiment a lens can have a lens body with anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior surface can be adapted to receive light from a light source. The posterior surface can have a central portion and a peripheral portion. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the central portion of the posterior surface via refraction. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the peripheral portion of the posterior surface via both refraction and reflection at various surfaces of the lens.

Abstract: Optical systems are disclosed herein for re-distributing light generated by a light source. For example, in one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the optic includes an optical body disposed about an optical axis. The optical body includes a proximal end and a distal end and a peripheral surface extending at least partially therebetween. An input surface disposed at the optical body's proximal end receives light from a light source. An optical redirecting element that is disposed at the optical body's distal end includes an output surface and a redirecting surface. The redirecting surface is configured such that substantially all light received from the peripheral surface undergoes total internal reflection and is thereby redirected out of the optical body at least partially through the output surface, e.g., perpendicular to the optical axis and/or in a proximal direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a light-mixing optic is disclosed for use with one or more light sources such as light emitting diodes. In one embodiment, an exemplary optic can include an optical body disposed about an optical axis and having an input and an output surface and a peripheral surface extending between the two. The input surface can form a central cavity for receiving light from the light sources, if not the light sources themselves. Further, the input surface can be shaped to refract substantially all of the light received from the one or more light sources away from the optical axis to the peripheral surface of the optic, where that light (e.g., substantially all of it) can be redirected (e.g., via total internal reflection or specular reflection) to the output surface. An array of micro-lenses or other surface features can be formed on the output surface. Further embodiments, as well as exemplary design methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lighting system comprising a generally conical shaped optical housing having a focal point and a light source. The light source, for example, an LED, is disposed in the focal point of the optical housing. A lens surrounds at least a portion of the light source and encloses a cavity aligned with the light source. The top output surface of the lens is distal from the focal point of the optical housing. The optical housing is attached to an electrical board connected to the light source and an external housing at least partially encloses the optical housing, the light source and the electrical board.

Abstract: In one aspect, a lighting system is disclosed that includes an inner reflector extending from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis, where the proximal end is adapted to receive light from a light source and the distal end provides an exit opening (aperture) for the received light. The system can further include an outer reflector that is axially positioned relative to the inner reflector. The outer reflector extends from a proximal end adapted to receive light from the light source to a distal end that provides an exit opening (aperture) for the received light. The inner and outer reflectors are axially movable relative to one another and are configured such that, beginning in a position with the inner reflector nested within the outer reflector, distal movement of the outer reflector (that is, a movement away from the inner reflector) along the axis about which the reflectors are disposed progressively reduces a flood spread produced by the lighting system.

Abstract: Improved lighting devices and methods are provided. In many embodiments, the devices and methods provide the capability to change a spot of light projected onto a target surface. In other embodiments, the devices and methods are fixed-focus. In one embodiment a lens can have a lens body with anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior surface can be adapted to receive light from a light source. The posterior surface can have a central portion and a peripheral portion. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the central portion of the posterior surface via refraction. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the peripheral portion of the posterior surface via both refraction and reflection at various surfaces of the lens.

Abstract: A scanning light source system combines the outputs from multiple, spatially separated, sequentially pulsed light sources for travel in rapid succession along one or more common delivery paths to provide one or more collective outputs that are comparatively higher than would otherwise be possible with the light sources operating singly.

Abstract: A scanning light source system combines the outputs from multiple, spatially separated, sequentially pulsed light sources for travel in rapid succession along one or more common delivery paths to provide one or more collective outputs that are comparatively higher than would otherwise be possible with the light sources operating singly.