Abstract: An ultra thin lighting element including at least one light source. A lightguide element includes one lightguide layer comprising a plurality of discrete fine optic surface relief structures on at least one portion of at least one surface. Each surface relief structure includes basic structural features on the order of about 10 microns or less in height, and on the order of about 10 microns or less in each lateral dimension. The number, arrangement and size of each surface relief structure and height and lateral dimensions of the structural features of the surface relief structures being varied to provide a desired degree of outcoupling modulation of light incoupled into the light guide element.

Abstract: An ultra thin lighting element including at least one light source. A lightguide element includes one lightguide layer comprising a plurality of discrete fine optic surface relief structures on at least one portion of at least one surface. Each surface relief structure includes basic structural features on the order of about 10 microns or less in height, and on the order of about 10 microns or less in each lateral dimension. The number, arrangement and size of each surface relief structure and height and lateral dimensions of the structural features of the surface relief structures being varied to provide a desired degree of outcoupling modulation of light incoupled into the light guide element.

Abstract: A light panel that includes a light source and a panel element operatively connected to the light source. The panel element includes a substantially transparent light transmitting material and is operative as a waveguide panel inside which light beams received from the light source propagate with total reflection. A diffractive outcoupling system is arranged on the panel element over a light surface of the panel element and is operative to outcouple the light beams from inside the panel element. The diffractive outcoupling system includes a plurality of local grating elements. The local grating elements have a plurality configurations and are optimized such that a diffraction efficiency is a function of location.