Abstract: An optical system is disclosed that includes a housing that has an interior, a reflective interior surface, and a first opening. The optical system further includes a spatial light modulator that is disposed proximate the first opening and a light source that is disposed within the interior of the housing. The spatial light modulator modulates the light that is emitted by the light source to form image rays. The optical system further includes a first light redirecting film that is disposed proximate the first opening between the spatial light modulator and the light source. The first light redirecting film recycles at least a portion of the light that is emitted by the light source. The optical system further includes an optically absorptive film that is disposed proximate the first opening between the spatial light modulator and the viewing position. The optically absorptive film receives the image rays from the spatial light modulator and displays the received image rays to the viewing position.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed that includes a housing that has an interior, a reflective interior surface, and a first opening. The optical system further includes a spatial light modulator that is disposed proximate the first opening and a light source that is disposed within the interior of the housing. The spatial light modulator modulates the light that is emitted by the light source to form image rays. The optical system further includes a first light redirecting film that is disposed proximate the first opening between the spatial light modulator and the light source. The first light redirecting film recycles at least a portion of the light that is emitted by the light source. The optical system further includes an optically absorptive film that is disposed proximate the first opening between the spatial light modulator and the viewing position. The optically absorptive film receives the image rays from the spatial light modulator and displays the received image rays to the viewing position.

Abstract: An optical element having a front side and a back side operates in an ambient lit mode and a backlit mode. The optical element includes a diffusely reflecting layer facing the front side for reflecting ambient light. A light absorbing layer faces the back side and is positioned to prevent back light from illuminating the diffusely reflecting layer. A plurality of light transmitting regions extend through the light absorbing layer and the diffusely reflecting layer for permitting back light to pass through in a restricted angular range without illuminating the diffusely reflecting layer.

Abstract: A head-up display system for a vehicle includes a projector and a combiner in which a multilayer film is provided to reflect a display from the projector to the driver, the display being superimposed on the image of the vehicle surroundings that the driver receives through the vehicle windscreen. The display comprises light within a single restricted frequency band, or a plurality of spaced restricted frequency bands only. The frequency bands are selected to ensure that essential visual information which would normally be conveyed to the driver through the windscreen is not blocked by the multilayer film.

Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate such that at least a portion of the post is embedded in the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.

Abstract: An optical element having a front side and a back side operates in an ambient lit mode and a backlit mode. The optical element includes a diffusely reflecting layer facing the front side for reflecting ambient light. A light absorbing layer faces the back side and is positioned to prevent back light from illuminating the diffusely reflecting layer. A plurality of light transmitting regions extend through the light absorbing layer and the diffusely reflecting layer for permitting back light to pass through in a restricted angular range without illuminating the diffusely reflecting layer.

Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate such that at least a portion of the post is embedded in the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.

Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the major surface of the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.