Abstract: Illumination devices whose function are to inject light into backlights, particularly into backlights that incorporate a recycling cavity formed by a front (50) and back (52) reflector, are described. In some embodiments, the device includes a light source (59) disposed proximate the back reflector, and first (42) and second (44) reflecting structures. The first reflecting structure includes an inner reflective surface (41b) at least a portion of which is inclined to form a wedge with the back reflector. The wedge partially collimates and directs light from the light source generally away from the recycling cavity. The second reflecting structure receives light exiting the wedge and redirects such light into an injection beam directed into the recycling cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a compact spotlight that can change the area which it illuminates. The spotlight incorporates a wide angle light source, a catadioptric lens, and a bearing system for moving the catadioptric lens, the light source, or both. Movement of the light source relative to the catadioptric lens along the optical axis can change the beam diameter of the spotlight, while providing an acceptable illumination pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel construction for homogenizing light in a mirror-lined light duct, in particular such as in a light duct having an increase in the cross-sectional duct area in the light propagation direction. The present disclosure also provides for an apparatus for light homogenization after a portion of the light in a duct has been extracted from the duct and/or diverted to a side duct.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to switchable light extractors and in particular to switchable light extractors useful for extracting light from light ducts used for interior lighting of a building. The disclosure also relates to lighting systems that include the light extractors, and methods of extracting light from a lighting system. The switchable light extractors generally include a first and a second reflective film, each having a plurality of voids that can aligned to extract light from a light duct.

Abstract: A decollimator for a daylighting system includes a conical section having a circular end, a square end, and a conical shape tapering inwardly from the circular end to the square end. A mixing zone section is attached to the square end of the conical section and has a square cross sectional shape of a substantially constant cross sectional dimension. The decollimator also includes either a window with a converging Fresnel lens on the circular end of the conical section, a window with a diverging Fresnel lens on an end of the mixing zone section opposite the conical section, or both. When the conical section receives collimated light, the conical section, the mixing zone section, and the Fresnel lens together decollimate the light and provide the decollimated light out of the mixing zone section.

Abstract: Illumination devices whose function are to inject light into backlights, particularly into backlights that incorporate a recycling cavity formed by a front (50) and back (52) reflector, are described. In some embodiments, the device includes a light source (59) disposed proximate the back reflector, and first (42) and second (44) reflecting structures. The first reflecting structure includes an inner reflective surface (41b) at least a portion of which is inclined to form a wedge with the back reflector. The wedge partially collimates and directs light from the light source generally away from the recycling cavity. The second reflecting structure receives light exiting the wedge and redirects such light into an injection beam directed into the recycling cavity.

Abstract: A method of making an optical film includes the steps of making a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first surface and forming a plurality of curved sided cone structures on the first surface. Each of the curved sided cone structures include a base located on the first surface, a vertex, and a curved side formed from an arc extending between the base and the vertex. The optical gain and viewing angle for the film can be controlled by adjusting angles representing a shape of each curved sided cone structure at its vertex and base.

Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.

Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer donor element is provided that includes a thermal transfer layer and a light-to-heat conversion layer, wherein the light-to-heat conversion layer has at least two regions exhibiting different absorption coefficients. The thermal transfer donor elements provided can improve imaging performance by increasing transfer sensitivity and decreasing imaging defects.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer donor element is provided that includes a thermal transfer layer and a light-to-heat conversion layer, wherein the light-to-heat conversion layer has at least two regions exhibiting different absorption coefficients. The thermal transfer donor elements provided can improve imaging performance by increasing transfer sensitivity and decreasing imaging defects.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is disclosed that includes a substrate, a transfer layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed between the substrate and the transfer layer, and an underlayer disposed between the substrate and the light-to-heat conversion layer. The underlayer manages heat flow between layers of the donor element during imaging. For example, the underlayer can increase heat transport from the light-to-heat conversion layer to the substrate to prevent overheating. The underlayer can also be used to insulate the substrate from heat generated in the light-to-heat conversion layer or to increase heat flow to the transfer layer during imaging. Managing heat flow using an underlayer can improve transfer properties and/or reduce defect formation during imaging.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer donor element is provided that includes a thermal transfer layer and a light-to-heat conversion layer, wherein the light-to-heat conversion layer has at least two regions exhibiting different absorption coefficients. The thermal transfer donor elements provided can improve imaging performance by increasing transfer sensitivity and decreasing imaging defects.