Abstract: A LCD illuminator (20), when energized, emits light which impinges upon an input surface of a light pipe included in a LCD module (54). The LCD illuminator (20) includes a thermally-conductive housing (22) to which a thin, thermally conductive printed circuit board (“PCB”) (32) is mechanically and thermally bonded. The PCB (32) has an array of LED die (34) mounted thereon that face away from the thermally conductive housing (22). A layer of thermal interface material (56) interposed between an outer surface of the thermally conductive housing (22) and the LCD module (54) facilitates conducting heat generated by the LED die (34) out of the LCD module (54). Also disclosed is an improved LCD module (54) that includes the disclosed LCD illuminator (22).

Abstract: A LCD illuminator (20), when energized, emits light which impinges upon an input surface of a light pipe included in a LCD module (54). The LCD illuminator (20) includes a thermally-conductive housing (22) to which a thin, thermally conductive printed circuit board (“PCB”) (32) is mechanically and thermally bonded. The PCB (32) has an array of LED die (34) mounted thereon that face away from the thermally conductive housing (22). A layer of thermal interface material (56) interposed between an outer surface of the thermally conductive housing (22) and the LCD module (54) facilitates conducting heat generated by the LED die (34) out of the LCD module (54). Also disclosed is an improved LCD module (54) that includes the disclosed LCD illuminator (22).

Abstract: A light pipe used for backlighting liquid crystal displays has a planar front surface and a stair-stepped or faceted back surface. Light is injected from the ends of the light pipe from cold- or hot-cathode, apertured, fluorescent lamps. The cold-cathode lamps are preferably insulated to raise their operating temperature. The back surface has a series of planar portions parallel to the front surface connected by facets, which are angled so that the injected light reflects off the facets and through the front surface. A reflector having a planar, highly reflective, highly scattering surface or a sawtoothed or grooved upper surface in located adjacent to and parallel with the light pipe back surface to reflect light escaping from the back surface back through the light pipe to exit the front surface. The axis of grooves is preferably slightly skewed from the facet axis to reduce moire pattern development.

Abstract: A light pipe used for backlighting liquid crystal displays has a planar front surface and a stairstepped or faceted back surface. Light is injected from the ends of the light pipe from cold or hot cathode, apertured, fluorescent lamps. The cold cathode lamps are preferably insulated to raise their operating temperature. The back surface has a series of planar portions parallel to the front surface connected by facets, which are angled so that the injected light reflects off the facets and through the front surface. A reflector having a planar, highly reflective, highly scattering surface or a sawtoothed or grooved upper surface is located adjacent to and parallel with the light pipe back surface to reflect light escaping from the back surface back through the light pipe to exit the front surface. The axis of grooves is preferably slightly skewed from the facet axis to reduce moire pattern development.