Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing an optical waveguide illuminator are disclosed. By controlling the propagation of light in the core and cladding regions of the waveguide, distributed light emission along a length of an optical fiber or along a planar waveguide surface can be achieved by varying the core/cladding refractive index ratio and introducing light scattering centers in the core.

Abstract: A remote light source lighting system is provided having an illuminator assembly including a housing. Held within the housing is a high intensity light source for providing light energy to a fiber optic cable bundle connected to the housing and facing the light source. The cable bundle includes a plurality of plastic optical fibers wherein at least one of the terminal ends of the bundle is formed by molding an optical quality resin around an optically transparent ferrule that binds the exposed ends of the optical fibers. The housing further includes a separate air plenum containing a blower. The blower produces a high velocity air stream directed precisely at the terminal end of the cable adjacent the light source to cool the terminal end.

Abstract: Surface light assemblies are disclosed that are particularly useful as edge light assemblies for illuminating the outer boundaries of a deck of a ship or a heliport and as line-up light assemblies for illuminating a path on a surface such as a ship deck, a runway or the like. The light assembly includes a fiber optic cable connected to the bottom of a housing or enclosure which distributes light from a terminal end of the cable. The terminal end may include a transformer which produces a particular spread or cone of a light output pattern. Alternatively, a diffuser or optical element may be placed directly adjacent the terminal end of the cable or transformer which shapes, directs and homogenizes light emanating from the cable. The light assembly can include a durable glass window which protects the diffuser and cable and which can be adapted to filter out certain wavelengths of light producing a light output in a desired color. Such a construction is particularly useful for deck edge lighting.