Abstract: A compound lens and a related method of manufacture are provided. The compound lens includes a first lens element and a second lens element such that a light emitting surface of the first lens element is integrally joined to a light receiving surface of the second lens element, the first and second lens element being in optical alignment with each other. The first and second lens element are molded from optical grade silicone and can achieve complex illumination objectives not possible with single lens constructions. The method of manufacture includes injecting a silicone resin molding compound into a mold cavity having the desired shape of the compound lens. The method of manufacture can include over-molding a lens holding member onto the compound lens and adding electro-optically active particles to a surface of the compound lens or to the silicone resin forming the compound lens.

Abstract: An optical emitter providing improved light uniformity. The optical emitter includes a light source and a lens element spaced apart from the light source such that no additional lens elements are positioned therebetween. The lens element includes an inner light-receiving surface within the Fresnel field of the light source. In some embodiments, the light source includes an LED array and the lens element includes a lens array. The optical emitter provides the ability to adjust focus or spot size while not degrading the uniformity of the light intensity.

Abstract: A tractrix-based optical device is provided. The tractrix-based optical device includes a light receiving surface, a light emitting surface, and an intermediate portion of transparent material between the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface. The intermediate portion includes a boundary connective surface that adheres to a tractrix when in cross-section to provide total internal reflection of light propagating from the light receiving surface to the light emitting surface. The tractrix-based optical device can align and correlate light from multiple off-axis light emitting elements, or from an extended source light emitting element, thereby providing a generally uniform output distribution.

Abstract: An optical emitter enabling conversion of light from a light source. The optical emitter includes a first conic reflector defining an aperture for receiving the light source, a second conic reflector opposite the first conic reflector for collimating light emitted by the light source, and a volumetric light conversion element between at least a portion of the first reflector and at least a portion of the second reflector. The optical emitter can also include a convex mirror adjacent the vertex of the second conic reflector, and an elliptical element adjacent the first conic reflector. The light conversion element can include phosphor dispersed in a resin to convert light from a first wavelength to light of a second, longer, wavelength, wherein converted light is emitted from the light conversion element.

Abstract: An optical emitter enabling conversion of light from a light source. The optical emitter includes a first conic reflector defining an aperture for receiving the light source, a second conic reflector opposite the first conic reflector for collimating light emitted by the light source, and a volumetric light conversion element between at least a portion of the first reflector and at least a portion of the second reflector. The optical emitter can also include a convex mirror adjacent the vertex of the second conic reflector, and an elliptical element adjacent the first conic reflector. The light conversion element can include phosphor dispersed in a resin to convert light from a first wavelength to light of a second, longer, wavelength, wherein converted light is emitted from the light conversion element.

Abstract: An optical coupling device enabling spherical or hemispherical light sources to be more fully utilized by gathering more of the emitted radiation and reducing the angle of emission. The optical coupling device includes a first conic reflector having an aperture at the first conic reflector vertex; a second conic reflector coaxial with the first conic reflector and opening toward the first conic reflector; a light source positioned at the second conic reflector vertex; and a negative element located at the aperture for reducing the numerical aperture of the light emitted from the optical coupling device. The optical coupling device may include a refractive medium between the first and second conic reflectors. The present invention provides for improved efficiencies when transferring or coupling optical energy into additional optical systems, and may be used with solid state light as well as conventional sources.

Abstract: An optical emitter enabling conversion of light from a light source. The optical emitter includes a first conic reflector defining an aperture for receiving the light source, a second conic reflector opposite the first conic reflector for collimating light emitted by the light source, and a volumetric light conversion element between at least a portion of the first reflector and at least a portion of the second reflector. The optical emitter can also include a convex mirror adjacent the vertex of the second conic reflector, and an elliptical element adjacent the first conic reflector. The light conversion element can include phosphor dispersed in a resin to convert light from a first wavelength to light of a second, longer, wavelength, wherein converted light is emitted from the light conversion element.

Abstract: An optical coupling device enabling spherical or hemispherical light sources to be more fully utilized by gathering more of the emitted radiation and reducing the angle of emission. The optical coupling device includes a first conic reflector having an aperture at the first conic reflector vertex; a second conic reflector coaxial with the first conic reflector and opening toward the first conic reflector; a light source positioned at the second conic reflector vertex; and a negative element located at the aperture for reducing the numerical aperture of the light emitted from the optical coupling device. The optical coupling device may include a refractive medium between the first and second conic reflectors. The present invention provides for improved efficiencies when transferring or coupling optical energy into additional optical systems, and may be used with solid state light as well as conventional sources.

Abstract: A 360 degree view anamorphic resolution imaging system, which is a photonic device capable of illuminating the interior surface of a cylindrical object and then focusing the reflected light onto the detection surface of a viewing device. The system enables the selection of the level of image resolution from very high in the longitudinal axis near the center of the image, to moderate axial resolution near the outer edge of the image. The system may be used for viewing in-process machining operations, material flaw detection and measurement, and internal thread inspection.