Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems includes plural lamps and a collective light guide, where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light into respective light guides that are both optically connected to the collective light guide. In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by a mirror and-prism arrangement and an intermediate light guide and an intermediate mirror-and-prism arrangement. An augmented color modulator may be provided with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields is equal to the number of lamps.

Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems comprising two lamps or more and a collective light guide, where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light into respective light guides that are both optically connected to the collective light guide. In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by means of a mirror (38)-and-prism arrangement and an intermediate light guide and an intermediate mirror (32)-and-prism arrangement. The invention also comprises an augmented color modulator with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields are equal to the number of lamps. The multi-lamp system will produce a flux level that is equal to or better than known systems but with fewer lamps, thus yielding reduced material cost, manufacturing cost and operating costs, reduced power consumption and reduced product temperature.