Abstract: Provided is an electronic image display and control system comprising in various embodiments a microdisplay video projector that projects a high quality color image from a non-CRT image source onto a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen that is optically coupled with and viewable through a biocular adapted to this purpose. Systems are disclosed that are adapted to be mechanically coupled with a user to prevent relative movement between the biocular and the user, for instance in tactical applications. Closed-loop control electronics are provided for automatically controlling the brightness and chromaticity of the image.

Abstract: Provided are diffused but transmissive optical image projection screens and methods of their manufacture, including screens comprising acetal polymers such as polyoxymethylene. Such screens may be used in various applications, including but not limited electronic image display and control system comprising in various embodiments a microdisplay video projector that projects a high quality color image from a non-CRT image source onto a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen that is optically coupled with and viewable through a biocular adapted to this purpose. Systems are disclosed that are adapted to be mechanically coupled with a user to prevent relative movement between the biocular and the user, for instance in tactical applications. Closed-loop control electronics are provided for automatically controlling the brightness and chromaticity of the image.

Abstract: Provided are diffused but transmissive optical image projection screens and methods of their manufacture, including screens comprising acetal polymers such as polyoxymethylene. Such screens may be used in various applications, including but not limited electronic image display and control system comprising in various embodiments a microdisplay video projector that projects a high quality color image from a non-CRT image source onto a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen that is optically coupled with and viewable through a biocular adapted to this purpose. Systems are disclosed that are adapted to be mechanically coupled with a user to prevent relative movement between the biocular and the user, for instance in tactical applications. Closed-loop control electronics are provided for automatically controlling the brightness and chromaticity of the image.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic image display and control system comprising in various embodiments a microdisplay video projector that projects a high quality color image from a non-CRT image source onto a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen that is optically coupled with and viewable through a biocular adapted to this purpose. Systems are disclosed that are adapted to be mechanically coupled with a user to prevent relative movement between the biocular and the user, for instance in tactical applications. Closed-loop control electronics are provided for automatically controlling the brightness and chromaticity of the image.

Abstract: A collimating waveguide, an optical backlight apparatus, and a method of producing a collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy are disclosed. A collimating waveguide comprises an input surface to receive radiant electromagnetic energy from a point source and an output surface to emit an output beam of substantially collimated radiant electromagnetic energy. A first collimating surface of the waveguide receives a beam of the radiant electromagnetic energy entering from the input surface traveling in a first direction and reflects the radiant electromagnetic energy into a substantially collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy traveling in a second direction, which is the reverse of the first direction. A second collimating surface of the waveguide receives the substantially collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy and to redirect the substantially collimated beam toward the output surface.

Abstract: A backlight apparatus includes a point source of radiant electromagnetic energy. A total internal reflection (TIR) lens has a vertical central axis located along a path of the radiant electromagnetic energy. The TIR lens receives and evenly distributes the radiant electromagnetic energy at an output face. The radiant electromagnetic energy exiting the TIR lens is substantially collimated and defines vertical optical paths parallel to the vertical central axis. A first diffuser receives the radiant electromagnetic energy from the output face of the TIR lens and spreads the radiant electromagnetic energy to a predetermined first angle relative to the vertical optical paths.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an LED light fixture that linearly arranges a plurality of LEDs within a housing such that each LED has a respective collimator. The output from the collimators is directed to a diffuser that shapes the light provided by the fixture so that a desired viewing angle is achieved. More particularly, the LEDs are located on a first circuit board and the driver chips for the LEDs are located on a second circuit board which sandwich a heat sink.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an LED light fixture that linearly arranges a plurality of LEDs within a housing such that each LED has a respective collimator. The output from the collimators is directed to a diffuser that shapes the light provided by the fixture so that a desired viewing angle is achieved. More particularly, the LEDs are located on a first circuit board and the driver chips for the LEDs are located on a second circuit board which sandwich a heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess defining a concave surface, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess and a light source positioned to transmit light having a predetermined wavelength via the concave surface of the recess into the lens. The lens may be a non-imaging lens or a total internal reflection lens (TIR) configured to radiate optical radiation received at the concave surface. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink to conduct heat generated by the light source to the heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess, and a light source positioned to transmit light via the recess into the lens. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink, which conducts away heat generated by the light source. The apparatus may be used to provide optical radiation at various wavelengths, activating tooth whitening material, and curing dental composite material.

Abstract: A light source useful for a wide variety of lighting applications such as signage, architectural or automotive designs, as well as cosmetic and/or functional features for other products can be created by combining a light collector comprising a sheet of material having a fluorescent substance incorporated therein and an optical element juxtaposed adjacent the collector. Light incident on the collector induces fluorescence that is trapped by total internal reflection, concentrated, and radiated from an edge of the collector. The size of collector plate with respect to its thickness is such that it provides an intensified image along its edge that is readily visible during both daytime and nighttime. The optical element modifies the distribution of light output from an edge of the collector. The optical element is preferably configured to decrease divergence of light emitted from the edge. The optical element may also direct the light emitted from the collector above or below the plane of the collector.

Abstract: A fluorescent structure comprising a plurality of quantum dots that radiate emission in response to optical pumping. These quantum dots are disposed in relation to a waveguide so as to be able to propagate this emission through the waveguide. Preferably, the fluorescent structure comprises a layer of quantum dots sandwiched between two layers, at least one layer being optically transmissive to the pump radiate and at least one of the layers being optically transmissive to emission from the quantum dots.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile lighting apparatus that is particularly advantageous for use as a backlight for illuminating a display. The lighting apparatus includes a waveguide coupled to a light source for injecting light into the waveguide. The waveguide includes a plurality of elongate structures for ejecting light propagating within the waveguide through a predetermined surface of the waveguide. Another embodiment of the waveguide includes a central region of reduced thickness that redirects light propagating within the waveguide. The lighting apparatus has a low profile so it is particularly useful in areas of limited space.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises an elongated waveguide having proximal and distal ends and a central longitudinal axis. The waveguide includes an elongated forward side for outputting light and an elongated rearward side having an elongated reflective surface for reflecting light towards the forward side. A light source such as a solid state light emitter may be situated on the proximal end of the waveguide introduces light into the waveguide in the form of a beam which propagates from the proximal end to the distal end. Light traveling within the waveguide is reflected from the reflective surface along the elongated rearward side towards the forward side for viewing.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus provides an output with high spatial uniformity of luminance. The illumination apparatus includes a cavity that has reflective surfaces and an output area. At least one light source is disposed in the cavity, with the light source including a point source (such as an LED) and an optical diverter having a flared (e.g., cuspated) reflecting surface. Light from the point source is distributed by the optical diverter towards the reflective surfaces within the cavity. Before exiting the device, light passes through an optical conditioning element that is positioned over the output area of the cavity. The optical conditioning element includes at least a diffuser, such as a translucent film or plastic sheet, and preferably also includes one or more prism sheets such as a brightness-enhancing film.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises a lighting segment that includes a plurality of lighting sections. Each of the sections comprises a printed circuit board having a solid state optical emitter mounted thereon. The sections are interconnected by printed circuit board connectors, which serially position the printed circuit boards with edges of adjacent printed circuit boards proximate to each other. The connectors are deformable to alter the orientation in response to an applied force. The sections are electrically connected to each other such that the solid state optical emitters are electrically connected in series. The segment has a current regulator that controls current through the solid state optical emitter.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical coupler that is a figure of revolution combining a light-transmitting body defining a recessed input cavity, a transparent droplet-shaped encapsulant of a light-emitting diode, or array of diodes in the cavity, the body having a curved side wall shaped to totally internally reflect all the light emitted from the LED and encapsulant, traveling toward the side wall, within a predetermined distance from the diode or center of array, the body having a cylindrical transition section extending from a curved side wall and forwardly, and a planar exit face at the forward end of the body, transverse to the central axis of the figure of revolution.

Abstract: A light source for backlighting a display comprises a light-emitting device such as an incandescent bulb or LED array disposed within a cavity having diffusely reflecting walls and an aperture. A diffuser and brightness enhancing film are situated at the opening of the aperture between the aperture and the display to be backlit. A color filter may also be employed to whiten the light emerging from the light source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile lighting apparatus that is particularly advantageous for use as a backlight for illuminating a display. The lighting apparatus includes a waveguide coupled to a light source for injecting light into the waveguide. The waveguide includes a plurality of elongate structures for ejecting light propagating within the waveguide through a predetermined surface of the waveguide. Another embodiment of the waveguide includes a central region of reduced thickness that redirects light propagating within the waveguide. The lighting apparatus has a low profile so it is particularly useful in areas of limited space.

Abstract: A light source for illuminating a display panel comprises a light-emitting device such as an incandescent light bulb or LED array disposed within a cavity having diffusely reflecting walls and an aperture. In one embodiment, a diffuser and brightness enhancing film are situated proximate the opening of the aperture which illuminates the display. Preferably, light emerging from the aperture is substantially uniform in intensity and color, and in one embodiment, a color filter is employed to whiten the light emerging from the aperture. The ratio of the area of the aperture to the sum of such area and the surface area of the cavity is at least 0.05. The sides of the cavity are sloped so as to reduce the sum and increase the ratio.