Abstract: An exemplary directional light homogenizer includes a one-piece, hollow hexagonal cross-section tube. The tube has an internal highly light reflective surface. The tube defines a first end configured to receive a non-homogenous light from a light source and a second end configured to output homogenized light. At least one curved section is disposed between the first end and the second end, and the curved section has a curvature greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. An output section of the tube is straight, has a finite length, and terminates at the second end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a Gaussian profile optical input signal and splitting the input signal into two or more homogenized, top-hat profile output beams. In one embodiment first and second hexagonally shaped homogenizer tubes are coupled perpendicularly to one another. A beam splitting element is disposed within the second tube. A Gaussian profile input optical signal is directed into an input end of the first tube and reflects off highly reflective interior surfaces of the first tube as it propagates therethrough and impinges the beam splitting element. As it is split into two or more subcomponents by the beam splitting element, it continues reflecting off of highly reflective interior surfaces of the second tube until each of the output beams reaches a respective output end of the second tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing signals communicated on fiber optic transmission lines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic communications system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an optical signal, and at least one receiver operable to receive an optical signal. A fiber optic splitter assembly includes a first optic fiber coupled to the transmitter and one or more second optic fibers adjacent to the first optic fiber and coupled to the one or more receivers. The respective terminal ends of the first optic fiber and the one or more second optic fibers are spaced apart from a concave optical reflector that is operable to receive optical signals from the first optical fiber and to reflect the optical signals towards the one or more second optic fibers.

Abstract: A right angle light diverter includes a hexagonal tube that is bent at a right angle that is coated with a highly reflective coating on the inside surface. An incoming light beam may be homogenized upon entering an input port of the hexagonal tube and may be evenly diverted at a right angle at a reflection section while the homogenized profile may be maintained. A right angle optical splitter may include at least one additional output section. An incoming light beam may be homogenized and may be split into at least two outgoing beams that may be diverted at right angles at reflection sections. The right angle light diverter and the right angle optical splitter may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in aircraft industry, both military and commercial. They may be used, for example, in connection with airborne laser programs, in commercial airplanes, and in military jets.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a light mixing and homogenizing apparatus includes a tubular member and a dividing member. The tubular member has a reflective interior surface and a polygonal cross section. The tubular member has a first end configured to receive a plurality of incoming light beams and a second end configured to output mixed and homogenized light from the plurality of incoming light beams. The dividing member has a reflective surface and is located within the tubular member first end. The dividing member is configured to separate the plurality of incoming light beams from each other prior to mixing.

Abstract: An optical wave guide. The guide includes a body with a cross section that defines a polygon, preferably a hexagon. The proximal end of the body optically couples to an optical source (e.g. an optical fiber or light source) with an initial distribution. The wave travels through the body to the distal end whereby the distribution becomes a top hat distribution. In another preferred embodiment a bundle of optical fibers is coupled to the distal end. Additionally, the guide may include a coupler to align the source and the bundle with the body. In yet another preferred embodiment, the length of the body is at least about 6 times the width of the cross section. In another preferred embodiment, a method of splitting a wave is provided. The method includes passing an electromagnetic wave through a wave guide with a hexagonal cross section.

Abstract: A right angle light diverter includes a hexagonal tube that is bent at a right angle that is coated with a highly reflective coating on the inside surface. An incoming light beam may be homogenized upon entering an input port of the hexagonal tube and may be evenly diverted at a right angle at a reflection section while the homogenized profile may be maintained. A right angle optical splitter may include at least one additional output section. An incoming light beam may be homogenized and may be split into at least two outgoing beams that may be diverted at right angles at reflection sections. The right angle light diverter and the right angle optical splitter may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in aircraft industry, both military and commercial. They may be used, for example, in connection with airborne laser programs, in commercial airplanes, and in military jets.

Abstract: A light mixing apparatus and method for mixing two Gaussian profile input light beams of different frequencies to form a third, homogenized output light beam having a top hat profile. The apparatus includes a first homogenizer tube having interfaced to it a second homogenizer tube. The second homogenizer tube includes an outer tubular portion which receives inside of it a tubular subassembly having an optical element at one end. The optical element is positioned to reside within the first homogenizer tube at a 45° angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first homogenizer tube. The optical element is transmissive on one surface and on the opposite surface includes a reflective surface for reflecting light traveling through the second homogenizer tube along the longitudinal axis of the first homogenizer tube. The apparatus forms a robust yet efficient means for mixing Gaussian profile light beams of different wavelengths to produce an output light beam having a top hat profile and a desired color.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a light mixing and homogenizing apparatus includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The first tubular member has a reflective interior surface, a polygonal cross section with a first maximum diameter, and a first number of sides. The first tubular member has a first end and a second end with the first end configured to receive a plurality of incoming light beams. The second tubular member has a reflective interior surface, a polygonal cross section with a second maximum diameter smaller than the first maximum diameter, and a second number of sides that is different from the first number of sides. The second tubular member has a first end disposed adjacent to a first tubular member second end. The second tubular member second end is configured to output a homogeneous light beam comprising a mixture of the plurality of incoming light beams.

Abstract: A right angle light diverter includes a hexagonal tube that is bent at a right angle that is coated with a highly reflective coating on the inside surface. An incoming light beam may be homogenized upon entering an input port of the hexagonal tube and may be evenly diverted at a right angle at a reflection section while the homogenized profile may be maintained. A right angle optical splitter may include at least one additional output section. An incoming light beam may be homogenized and may be split into at least two outgoing beams that may be diverted at right angles at reflection sections. The right angle light diverter and the right angle optical splitter may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in aircraft industry, both military and commercial. They may be used, for example, in connection with airborne laser programs, in commercial airplanes, and in military jets.

Abstract: An optical wave guide. The guide includes a body with a cross section that defines a polygon, preferably a hexagon. The proximal end of the body optically couples to an optical source (e.g. an optical fiber or light source) with an initial distribution. The wave travels through the body to the distal end whereby the distribution becomes a top hat distribution. In another preferred embodiment a bundle of optical fibers is coupled to the distal end. Additionally, the guide may include a coupler to align the source and the bundle with the body. In yet another preferred embodiment, the length of the body is at least about 6 times the width of the cross section. In another preferred embodiment, a method of splitting a wave is provided. The method includes passing an electromagnetic wave through a wave guide with a hexagonal cross section.

Abstract: A light homogenizer having a hexagonal cross-section tube concentric about a longitudinal axis within an internal highly light reflective metallic surface and a first end of the tube for receiving a non-homogenous light from a light source and a second end of the tube for exiting of homogenized light. The tube preferably has an internal surface formed of a metallic layer of gold or silver and an external support member preferably formed of nickel or other equivalent material. A method is provided in which the hexagonal tube is formed on an aluminum mandrel which is then chemically dissolved to separate the mandrel from the internal highly light reflective metallic surface.