Abstract: A first light source system comprises a light guide with light deflecting particles. If its light emission function and concentration variation function (of the light deflecting particles) are known, then a similar second light source system with a desired light emission function can be designed using the following method. The concentration variation function of the second light source system is obtained by mutating the concentration variation function of the first light source system using the same mutating function that mutates the light emission function of the first light source system into the light emission function of the second light source system.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently coupling light from a light source into a thin object such as a rod or a sheet is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sheet and a linear light source placed along the edge of the sheet. The light from linear light source is coupled into the sheet using one or more concentrator blocks. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rod and a point light source placed near one end of the rod. The light from point light source is coupled into the rod using one or more concentrator blocks.

Abstract: A first light source system comprises a light guide with light deflecting particles. If its light emission function and concentration variation function (of the light deflecting particles) are known, then a similar second light source system with a desired light emission function can be designed using the following method. The concentration variation function of the second light source system is obtained by mutating the concentration variation function of the first light source system using the same mutating function that mutates the light emission function of the first light source system into the light emission function of the second light source system.

Abstract: A light guide system is disclosed in which one or more light sources are embedded within the body of the light guide. The light sources emit light into the light guide. Light entering the light sources from outside is either reflected back or is allowed to pass through. In an embodiment, a light guide with light deflecting particles within it is used. The concentration of the light deflecting particles within the light guide can be varied based on the location of the embedded light sources in order to obtain a desired light emanation pattern. In an embodiment, external light sources can be used to increase the amount of light and mirrors can be used to reduce wastage and increase the amount of light. Finally, by building the light guide system in a modular form, multiple light guide modules can be combined to get a light source of desired specifications.

Abstract: Linear light sources with features that enhance light extraction are disclosed. In an embodiment, a linear light guide with one or more reflective faces is oriented in such a manner that deflected light undergoes reduced reflections. In another embodiment, a linear light guide with non-parallel side faces is combined with a particularly shaped reflector. The particular features result in efficient light extraction from linear light guides.

Abstract: A light source with a light recovery mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a light source placed within a mirrored enclosure. The light source is used to illuminate a light guide. All of the light entering the light N guide might not be utilized. Some of the light might get reflected back in the direction of the light source, or may travel to the other end of the light guide. The mirrored enclosure of the light source reflects this light back into the light guide. Thus the light source placed within a mirrored enclosure acts as a light source emitting light into a light guide and also redirects light coming out of the light guide back into the light guide.

Abstract: An energy efficient polarized linear light source system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reflector and a reflecting polarizer. A transparent linear light source and a quarter wave retarder are placed in between the reflector and reflecting polarizer. The polarized linear light source may be used as an illuminator for an efficient polarized surface light source.

Abstract: A photo luminescent light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light conducting medium. This light conducting medium includes particles of photoluminescent material, and a light source placed along an edge of it. The photoluminescent material absorbs light generated by the light source, and emanates light of the wavelength characterized by the photoluminescence properties of particles. The distribution of light emitting photoluminescent particles is varied throughout the medium to emanate a predetermined light pattern. In another embodiment, the light source emits light of multiple colors. In yet another embodiment, the light source emits polarized light.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently coupling light from a light source into a thin object such as a rod or a sheet is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sheet and a linear light source placed along the edge of the sheet. The light from linear light source is coupled into the sheet using one or more concentrator blocks. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rod and a point light source placed near one end of the rod. The light from point light source is coupled into the rod using one or more concentrator blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a linear light source emitting light in a narrow cone of directions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source and a sheet designed in such a way that light is emanated out in a narrow set of directions. Also disclosed is a directional surface light source using a directional linear light source.

Abstract: A directional light source comprising refractive and reflective optics is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises refracting apparatus which refracts light into a narrow cone, and reflecting apparatus which recycles light into a direction such that light will emanate from the refracting apparatus in the desired narrow cone.