Abstract: A light coupling and distribution system includes a plurality of light sources are used to generate light. The lighting system further has an optical fiber and a light coupler optically coupling the light sources to the fiber. The light coupler has a body and a plurality of lenslets corresponding to a respective light source. Each lenslet directs light through the body to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A lighting system for night vision applications including a near infrared light source, a visible light source, a beamsplitter and an optical element. The beamsplitter is arranged to reflect light emitting from either the near infrared light source or the visible light source and transmit light emitting from the other of the near infrared light source or visible light source so as to produce a color-corrected light source. The optical element is disposed a predetermined distance from the color-corrected light source. The optical element includes an input surface for receiving light from the color-corrected light source and an output surface for emitting the received light in a desired emission pattern. In one embodiment, each of the near infrared light source and visible light source is associated with respective first and second optical elements.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes a detector for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: A light coupling apparatus for coupling a linear diode laser array to an optical fiber. The apparatus includes a cylindrical lens positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to the linear diode laser array. The cylindrical lens has a length substantially equal to the length of the linear diode laser array, and receives emitted light from the plurality of diode lasers within the linear diode laser array to collimate the light. The collimated light is received by a wedge-shaped coupling element between the cylindrical lens and the optical fiber. The coupling element has a length (L) extending from an input surface to an output surface. The input surface defines a radius of curvature along a height (h) that is substantially equal to the cylindrical lens length. The coupling element tapers from its input surface to its output surface. The input surface also has an associated width (w1), and the output surface has an associated width (w2).

Abstract: A lighting system for night vision applications including a near infrared light source, a visible light source, a beamsplitter and an optical element. The beamsplitter is arranged to reflect light emitting from either the near infrared light source or the visible light source and transmit light emitting from the other of the near infrared light source or visible light source so as to produce a color-corrected light source. The optical element is disposed a predetermined distance from the color-corrected light source. The optical element includes an input surface for receiving light from the color-corrected light source and an output surface for emitting the received light in a desired emission pattern. In one embodiment, each of the near infrared light source and visible light source is associated with respective first and second optical elements.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes an infrared light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the infrared light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes an infrared camera for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a video signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes an infrared light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the infrared light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes an infrared camera for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a video signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: A light manifold assembly 10 having a relatively thin and low profile manifold 30 which is selectively placed within the frame 16 of a back window 14 and which receives light and/or laser energy 44 which is generated by a source 18 which is remotely located from the manifold 30.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes an infrared light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the infrared light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes an infrared camera for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a video signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: A light manifold assembly 10 having a relatively thin and low profile manifold 30 which is selectively placed within the frame 16 of a back window 14 and which receives light and/or laser energy 44 which is generated by a source 18 which is remotely located from the manifold 30.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes an infrared light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the infrared light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes an infrared camera for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a video signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: An optical element, a lighting system utilizing the optical element and a method of manipulating light from a source to provide an illumination pattern suitable for use in a night vision system and exterior lighting applications is disclosed. The optical element has an input surface and an output surface disposed at approximately perpendicular to the input surface. A stepped surface angles between the input surface and the output surface intersecting the light inside the optical element. Multiple facets are formed in the stepped surface to reflect the light towards the output surface. The input, stepped and output surfaces are arranged such that the light reflects only from the stepped surface. The optical element has a rectangular shape in one embodiment and a wedge shape in a second embodiment.

Abstract: A taillight system for an automotive vehicle has an optic manifold mounted in a assembly defining a light emitting area, a first light source configured to provide illumination through the light emitting area, and a second light source configured to provide illumination through a predetermined portion of the light emitting area. The system has an illumination mode in which the first light source provides illumination of a first intensity in a first wavelength range through the light emitting area, a brake mode in which the first light source provides illumination of a second intensity in the first wavelength range through the light emitting area, and a backup mode in which the second light source provides illumination in a second wavelength range through the predetermined portion of the light emitting area, with or without the first light source providing illumination through the light emitting area, the second wavelength range including the first wavelength range.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes a light source for generating light and a unitary optical element having a light collimating surface, a plurality of stepped surfaces projecting from the collimating surface, each stepped surface having a reflective surface angled with respect to the collimating surface for receiving collimated light, a dispersal surface angled with respect to the stepped surfaces, the dispersal surface having a plurality of dimples aligned with respect to the reflective surfaces for dispersing collimated light, and a kicker adjacent the surface having a plurality of reflective facets adapted to receive and redirect the dispersed light.

Abstract: A fiber optic light guide for a vehicle lighting system has a light transmissive core and a light absorptive cladding provided circumferentially about the core. The light guide has a pair of end portions with opposing canted parallel end surfaces. The end surfaces are canted at a predetermined angle greater than the critical angle associated with the light transmissive core material and the surrounding air, so that if the end surfaces are separated light will not be emitted from the fiber optic light guide, but rather reflected off an end surface and into the light absorptive cladding.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a remote laser light source coupled with a light transmitting fiber optic light guide which illuminates a unitary thin sheet optic having a diffractive optical element portion, a manifold section, and a kicker section.

Abstract: A lighting system for an automotive vehicle includes a remote laser light source coupled with a light transmitting fiber optic light guide which illuminates a thin sheet optical element tail lamp having a manifold portion, a kicker portion adjacent and substantially parallel to the manifold portion, and a turning prism adjacent to and in optical communication with the manifold and kicker portions for receiving light from the manifold portion and internally reflecting and redirecting light to the kicker portion.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system, which includes a remote light source having an interlock circuit, an optical element, and a fiber optic light guide having a coextensive electrically conductive wire, the light guide electrically coupled to the light source and optical element so that if the light guide should become disconnected or severed, the interlock circuit will prevent power from being transmitted to the remote light source.

Abstract: A lighting system for an automotive vehicle includes a remote laser light source coupled with a light transmitting fiber optic light guide bundle which illuminates a uniform thickness thin sheet optical element having a plurality of micro-optical wedges formed thereon and a plurality of diffractive optical elements disposed intermediate the fiber optic light guide bundle and the uniform thickness thin sheet optical element for receiving light and redirecting the light to predetermined regions of the plurality of micro-optical wedges.

Abstract: A fiber optic light guide for a vehicle lighting system has a light transmissive core and a cladding provided circumferentially about the core. A light absorptive viscous fluid is disposed intermediate the light transmissive core and the cladding, so that if the fiber optic light guide is severed, and the light transmissive core is exposed, the viscous fluid will flow over and cover the exposed light transmissive core.