Abstract: At the light emission surface of a light-guiding plate, first and second grooves and second grooves are formed. Each of the first grooves has a pair of slope parts, and each slope part has an easy slope and a steep slope. The second grooves intersect the first grooves at predetermined angles. Each of the second grooves has a pair of slope parts, and each slope part has an easy slope and a steep slope. With the first grooves and the second grooves intersecting each other, at the light emission surface, a plurality of minute prisms are formed in flat quadrangular pyramid shapes to be dented toward the surface opposite to the light emission surface of the light-guiding plate.

Abstract: An interactive display that uses a planar radiation guide (such as a planar light guide) to perform display and/or imaging. The planar radiation guide has a radiation propagation portion and a radiation interface portion. The radiation propagation portion propagates the radiation by the principles of total internal reflection (with perhaps some minor leakage). The planar radiation guide also has a radiation interface portion where radiation is more apt to exit or enter the planar radiation guide. The interactive display performs both display and imaging, while the planar radiation guide is used to perform at least one (but perhaps both) of the display and imaging operations.

Abstract: An illumination system that makes it possible to generate light with less color irregularity with a simple structure while restraining the increase of size is provided. A tube-shaped reflector having a tube-shaped wall whose inner surface is reflective is provided. The wall includes an aperture extending along a longitudinal axis of the reflector. In the reflector, plural sets of LEDs are arranged, where colors of light to be emitted from the LEDs in each set are different (for example, red, green, or blue LEDs are used for each set). The LEDs in each set are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the reflector to form a linear light source. A collecting lens is fixed to the reflector in such a way as to fill the aperture of the reflector.

Abstract: Described are a backlight, a backlight assembly for use in an electronic device and an electronic device configured to activate the backlight's first light source and to activate the backlight's second light source independently of one another. The described double-sided backlight may illuminate either the primary display or the secondary display. The disclosed backlight includes two light sources, each used to direct light in opposite directions from the double-sided backlight. The light guide of the backlight is configured to direct light from the first light source in a first direction to exit the light guide via its first face, and to direct light from the second light source in a second direction different from the first direction to exit the light guide via its second face.

Abstract: A backlight module 200 is provided, which includes a light guide plate 22 and a nonspecular reflective device 28, 34. The light guide plate 22 has a light-incident surface 221, a light-emitting surface 223, and a bottom surface 222 opposite to the light-emitting surface 223. The nonspecular reflective device 28, 34 arranged on and within an elongate section of the bottom surface 222. The elongate section of the bottom surface 222 is proximate to or adjacent the light-incident surface 221 of the light guide plate 22. The backlight module 200 can also include a light source 21 and a reflective plate 23. The light source 21 is disposed facing the light-incident surface 221, and the reflective plate 23 is disposed below the bottom surface 222.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light-emitting element which generates light, and a light guide plate which causes light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident from an end face, causes the light to be reflected between opposite plate surfaces to guide the light along the plate surfaces and make the light emerge from the plate surfaces, and transmits light incident from one plate surface toward the other plate surface. A first optical element is placed on one plate surface side of the light guide plate, transmits part of light emerging from one plate surface of the light guide plate toward a front side, and returns the remaining light to a rear side. A second optical element is placed on the other plate surface side and transmits at least part of light emerging from the other plate surface side.

Abstract: An edge-type backlight unit having a plurality of rows of red, blue and green LEDs to provide a light source. In the backlight unit, a light guide plate has a light incidence part formed on a side surface thereof to receive light, the light guide plate inducing the light from the light incidence part to be emitted through a top surface of the light guide plate. A light source is disposed near the light incidence part of the light guide plate, and includes a plurality of red, green and blue light emitting diodes along the light incidence part. The light emitting diodes are grouped into at least three rows according to color. Here, the row of the green light emitting diodes is arranged most adjacent to the top surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a back-lighting device, comprising a housing (10) with a plurality of fluorescent lamps (12), which are operated either individually or in groups (11A, 11B, 11C), wherein operation is controlled by a control device (1) which is fed with response signal; from one or more sensor devices (13A, 13B, 13C). The response signals relate to the intensity of the (groups) of fluorescent lamps. This allows a correction of inhomogeneities in the intensity distribution, based on group or individual variations, and thus a more homogeneous illumination. The invention also provides a display device comprising a back-lighting device according to the invention and a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light source and a light guide body having a light guiding surface from which light emitted from the light source is received and having a light emitting surface from which the received light is emitted. A plurality of rows of light source allays each formed by a plurality of the light sources are provided on the light guiding surface.

Abstract: A surface light source device has a light-conductor plate that conducts light at an interior and allows same to exit at a light-exit surface to an outside, and a light source arranged oppositely to a light incident surface of the light-conductor plate and small in size as compared to a width of the light-conductor plate. The light source is held by a fixture engaged on the light-conductor plate. The fixture in part is elastically abutted against an opposite surface of the light source to a surface thereof facing to the light incident surface thereby urging the light source on the light incident surface. The fixture and the light-conductor plate are aligned to each other thicknesswise of the light-conductor plate, and the fixture and the light source are aligned to each other thicknesswise of the light-conductor plate.

Abstract: An illuminating unit having a plurality of light emitting devices and collimators and a projection type image display apparatus using the same are provided. The illuminating unit includes: a plurality of light emitting devices which output light beams of predetermined wavelengths; a plurality of collimators, each having a parabolic reflection surface for reflecting the light beam in a predetermined direction, a mounting section for locating the light emitting device at the focal point of the parabolic reflection surface, a light output surface opposite to the parabolic reflection surface, and a light guide section for guiding the light beam reflected from the parabolic reflection surface to the light output surface; and one or more fixing members having two or more steps for mounting the light emitting devices and the collimators on their top surface. A plurality of light emitting devices and collimators are efficiently arranged in a small space.

Abstract: A backlight module is provided, including a back-plate, a light-source structure having a cover, wherein the light-source structure set on the back-plate, and a resilient element, which can be set on any one of the cover of the light-source structure and the back-plate. The cover of the light-source structure is electrically contacts with the back-plate and furthermore fixed the cover on the back-plate via the resilient element. Therefore, the resilient element is utilized to force the metal surface of the cover of the light-source structure to tightly contact with the metal of the back-plate, and so as to enhance the grounding effect.

Abstract: A backlight module including a back plate, a reflector, a light source and a light guide plate is provided. The back plate has at least a recess. The reflector is disposed on the back plate and has at least one protrusion part disposed on the recess. The light source is disposed on the reflector. The light guide plate is disposed on the back plate and adjacent to the light source, and the light guide plate is supported by the protrusion part. Since the reflector having the protrusion part cooperates with the back plate, the reflector has a larger inner space to avoid the collisions between the light sources, and between the light source and the reflector.

Abstract: A light guiding device to compensate insufficient lighting in a light guide plate's corner areas is provided. The light guiding device is positioned on the inner side of the lamp reflector neighboring to the electrodes at the ends of the lamp. The light guiding device has a reflection surface which reflects and directs lights toward the dim corner areas of the light guide plate, compensating the lighting and thereby reducing these dim areas.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and a backlight module thereof are provided. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel and the backlight module disposed under the panel. The backlight module includes an optical plate, at least a metal plate, a circuit board, a plurality of light emitting devices and a heat conductor. The optical plate has a light incident surface and a light exit surface. The light exit surface faces the liquid crystal display panel. The metal plate and the circuit board are disposed near the light incident surface. The light emitting devices are disposed between the metal plate and the light incident surface. The heat conductor is disposed between the light emitting devices and the metal plate, for conducting heat generated by the light emitting devices to the metal plate.

Abstract: An illumination system, such as might be used for illuminating a projection system, includes at least a first source of incoherent light capable of generating light in a first wavelength range. The system also includes a body containing a fluorescent material that emits light in a second wavelength range, different from the first wavelength range, when illuminated by light in the first wavelength range. The body has an extraction area and at least some of the light at the second wavelength is internally reflected within the body to the extraction area.

Abstract: A light diffusing film for a back light display is described. The light diffusing film includes a unitary film consisting essentially of polycarbonate and a uniformly dispersed anti-static material in an amount sufficient to impart anti-static properties to the film. The anti-static material may comprise a fluorinated phosphonium sulfonate. The film may additionally include at least one textured surface for the low scattering of light. Alternatively, the film may additionally include a uniformly dispersed acrylic bulk scattering additive of particles having a mean particle size of from about 3 to about 10 microns and present in an amount from about 2 to about 7 percent by weight percent for the high scattering of light.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent, overlapping light-guide plates formed of substantially transparent material, and a plurality of light sources. Each of the light-guide plates has i) first and second ends, ii) one or more substantially transparent surfaces through which light is emitted, and iii) one or more reflective surfaces to redirect light within the light-guide plate. Where first and second light-guide plates are adjacent, the first end of the first light-guide plate A) underhangs the second end of the second light-guide plate, and B) is positioned opposite a primary light-emitting side of the apparatus. The plurality of light sources are optically coupled to the first ends of the light-guide plates so as to illuminate the interiors of the light-guide plates.

Abstract: A load control device comprises an actuator for controlling a connected lighting load and a plurality of status indicators for displaying the intensity of the lighting load as feedback to a user. One or more of the status indicators are illuminated to a bright active level when the actuator is actuated. After a predetermined amount of time, the intensity of the status indicators is faded one of two dim levels depending upon whether the lighting load is on or off. Accordingly, the load control device will “wake up”, i.e., the status indicators will illuminate to the bright active level, upon another actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to backlighting systems, which include first and second lightguides, at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the first lightguide and at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the second lightguide for supplying light into their respective interiors. In the appropriate exemplary embodiments, the backlighting systems of the present disclosure include an extractor disposed at a surface of the second lightguide for diffuse extraction of light from the interior of the second lightguide. In such exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the light supplied into the interior of the second lightguide and then diffusely extracted therefrom enters the interior of the first lightguide through a substantially optically clear surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the backlighting systems of the present disclosure include recycling enhancement structures, which may be attached to the first lightguide.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for use in a transmissive display system is described. The backlight assembly includes a light source that illuminates a light chamber. A transmissive display is positioned adjacent the light chamber so that light that exits the chamber illuminates the transmissive display. The backlight assembly may include one or more specular reflectors and one or more other optical elements to ensure that the light that exits the light chamber has the desired spatial uniformity, polarization, color, and/or angular distribution.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a display device and a liquid crystal display device using the backlight unit suppresses light leakage to a neighboring region with a display area that is divided and driven by a DDAM (Divided Display Area Method). The backlight unit in one aspect includes a main light guide plate defined by an n number of regions for a field sequential driving, auxiliary light guide plates arranged below edges of the main light guide plate, first and second reflection plates arranged below the main light guide plate and the auxiliary light guide plate, a plurality of light source parts arranged at a predetermined interval at both sides of the auxiliary light guide plate, and a housing configured to enclose a side of the main light guide plate, the auxiliary light guide plate and side and lower portion of the light source parts.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling upper clamshell and preferably key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members. In still additional preferred embodiments, the keyboard space bar includes a luminescent line or decorative design for indicating the space bar's function and position.

Abstract: Product cabinet having an illumination element, wherein the illumination element is fastened to the product cabinet and further comprises: a light-conducting luminous body which has a planar front side from which light emerges and which has a side surface into which light is fed, wherein the luminous body is configured so that the light entering laterally is deflected within the luminous body to the front side, so that it emerges there; and at least one light source, which emits light onto the side surface.

Abstract: A diffusion plate and a backlight module for use in a liquid crystal display panel are provided. The backlight module includes a housing, a reflection plate, a light source, a diffusion plate and films. The diffusion plate has a plate body, a first supporter, and a second supporter. The plate body has a light exit surface. The first supporter and the second supporter are respectively disposed on two sides of the plate body and extend outwardly from the light exit surface. The films are disposed on the plate body and between the first and second supporters. The first and second supporters contact and support the liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to maintain sufficient light extraction from an organic light emitting device and reduce reflection of external light. There are arranged a polarizing member, a prism member, a phase member, and an organic light emitting element which has an organic light emitting layer arranged between a pair of electrodes, in mentioned order from the side of a light extraction surface. When the prism member includes two sheets, the vertex angle of the prism member sheet arranged on the side of the organic light emitting element is preferably a vertex or less of the prism member arranged on the side of the light extraction surface. Furthermore, the prism members are preferably arranged so that pitch directions thereof are orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: An illuminatable windshield assembly, preferably for use on a motorcycle, but adaptable for use on all types of vehicles. The illuminatable windshield assembly includes a windshield comprised of a translucent panel having an outer peripheral surface wherein the panel has an opening formed therein defining an edge in the panel, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted within the opening and arranged to emit light into the edge for illuminating at least a portion of the windshield, a source of electrical power for the light emitting diodes, and an electrical circuit connecting the light emitting diodes to the source of electrical power. Preferably, the source of electrical power is a battery for a motorcycle, and the windshield has an ornamental design etched therein which is illuminated by the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface light source utilizing a light pipe. The present invention is also directed to a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display which are provided with such surface light source. The light pipe includes an inner surface structured with a plurality of prisms, wherein the light from the light source is incident on the inner surface; and a smooth outer surface having a light emitting surface disposed substantially parallel to the liquid crystal panel, wherein the incident light is emitted through the light emitting surface.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a lamp tube, a light guide plate and a light guide unit. The light guide plate has a light incident side. The light guide unit is in contact with the light incident side of the light guide plate. The light guide unit and the light incident side cooperatively form a receiving tunnel. The lamp tube is disposed in the receiving tunnel. Another backlight module is also provided. The present backlight module can be assembled conveniently and quickly, and has a relatively high light energy utilization rate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module displays an image on a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal module includes a liquid crystal panel and a backlight assembly. The backlight assembly includes a reflecting sheet having a raised portion that receives a light source and supports a diffusing sheet and/or optical sheet positioned between the liquid crystal panel and the light source.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display. The backlight unit in a liquid crystal display includes a light source having a plurality of basic cell structures. Each basic cell structure consists of three unique colors of first, second, and third light emitting diodes, arranged in a first equilateral triangle. An LCD utilizing the backlight unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact backlight system for illuminating a display device has a front wall and a rear wall situated opposite thereto. At least one light source comprising a light-emitting diode is provided with a translucent lens-shaped cover. The system has at least one light input structure for coupling light from the light source into the light-emitting panel. During operation, light originating from the light source is incident on the light input structure and distributes itself in the light-emitting panel. According to the invention the light input structure is conically or frustoconically shaped towards the light source. The thickness dp of the light-emitting panel is smaller than the diameter dc of the translucent lens-shaped cover of the light source. Preferably, the light input structure is of prismatic or pyramidal shape.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes a planar light source member that has a light-emitting surface and that emits light having directivity in a perpendicular direction to the light-emitting surface. An optical member has a light-receiving surface opposed to the light-emitting surface of the planar light source member and a light-emitting surface opposite to the light-receiving surface. The light-receiving surface has a multiplicity of prisms. By the prism action, the optical member emits the light having directivity in the perpendicular direction from the planar light source member as light having directivity in at least two directions on opposite sides of the perpendicular direction. The directions of light directivity are changed by varying the apex angle of the prisms.

Abstract: A backlight system includes a light diffusion plate and at least one light source module. The light source module is disposed under the light diffusion plate. The light source module includes a base, a sidewall extending from a longitudinal edge of the base, a protrusion formed on an edge of the base opposite the first sidewall, the protrusion having a reflective surface facing the sidewall, and at least a light source fixed on an inner surface of the sidewall facing the reflective surface of the protrusion. Light rays from the light source being reflected at the reflective surface toward the light diffusion plate. The present backlight system has a good optical performance, lightweight and thin body.

Abstract: The provided backlight module includes a reflection sheet, a retardation plate, a light-guide plate, a light source, and a sub-wavelength grating plate. The retardation plate is set over the reflection sheet. The light-guide plate is disposed over the retardation plate, and the surface of the light-guide plate comprises a plurality of micro-structures. The light source is set beside the light-guide plate, and the light from the light source transferring into the light-guide plate passes through one of its end and out through the micro-structures. The sub-wavelength grating plate is disposed over the light-guide plate: (i) to transmit light having a polarization oriented parallel to the rows of bars and to define a transmitted light, corresponding to the light, as P-ray, and (ii) to reflect light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the rows of bars and to define a reflected light, corresponding to the light, as S-ray.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes an optical cluster a light-receiving structure, a light sensor and a circuit board. The optical cluster includes a plurality of point-light sources that emit different light beams. The light-receiving structure is disposed within an emitting area of the optical cluster, and receives the light beams emitted from each of the point-light sources. The light sensor is connected to the light-receiving structure, and senses the light beams received from the light-receiving structure. The optical cluster is mounted on the circuit board. The circuit board has an opening formed within the emitting area of the optical cluster, so that the light-receiving structure may be inserted into the circuit board. Therefore, intensity of light received by the light-receiving structure disposed within the optical cluster may be sensed, so that white balance may be controlled.

Abstract: An uneven surface portion is formed on the inner surface of a lamp holder to thereby reduce the contact area between the inner surface of the lamp holder and a light incident face of a light guide plate. The light incident face of the light guide plate and the inner surface of the lamp holder are prevented from coming into close contact with each other due to heat transferring from cold-cathode fluorescent tubes and to the light guide plate. The heat transferring via the lamp holder to the light guide plate is intercepted by an air layer occurring between the uneven surface portion of the lamp holder and the light incident face of the light guide plate. Accordingly, it can be prevented that a part of the lamp holder sticks to the light incident face of the light guide plate of the backlight when the lamp holder is replaced.

Abstract: Backlighting systems are disclosed, which include a lightguide with at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the lightguide for supplying light into its interior and a reflective cavity with at least one light source optically connected to the reflective cavity for supplying light into its interior. The reflective cavity may include a first reflector and a second reflector and at least one source may be disposed at an edge of the reflective cavity. Alternatively, the reflective cavity may include a back reflector portion and light sources may be disposed at the back reflector portion.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a light guide plate, having a plane of incidence into which light enters and a plane of emission from which the light is emitted, a light source, having a luminous portion and a non-luminous portion, that is located adjacent to the light guide plate so that the light guide plate is irradiated by light. The system further includes a lamp socket, for holding at least one end of the light source, and a reflector, which is extended along the light source for reflecting the light produced by the light source. The lamp socket exhibits a transmittance of 20 to 90% in wavelengths of from 300 to 900 nm, and the light is scattered through the lamp socket. An embodiment discloses also relates to a display device using the above described side light device.

Abstract: In a backlight assembly and an LCD apparatus having the same, a lamp-fixing member includes a base substrate, a fixing clip protruded from a base substrate so as to fix a lamp and a fixing portion formed by partially cutting-away the base substrate. A mold frame includes a receiving portion for receiving the lamp-fixing member and the receiving portion includes a fixing protrusion inserted into the fixing portion. The fixing protrusion includes a supporting portion formed at an end of the fixing protrusion and coupled to the base substrate when the lamp-fixing member is slid. Accordingly, the backlight assembly may have an improved light efficiency and an enhanced assemblability.

Abstract: A backlight illumination system for illuminating a large area with light of a uniform color has a set of a pre-determined number of light emitters arranged along a straight line. The set is divided in a plurality of subsets, each subset including at least two light emitters. Each subset comprises light emitters with substantially the same light-emission color point, the respective subsets having color points different from each other. As a first step, the light emitters of the subset with a smallest number of light emitters are assigned to respective substantially equidistant positions. The light emitters of the set are assigned to the respective positions by iteratively starting with the subset with the smallest number of light emitters, assigning the light emitters of the subset to substantially equidistant positions which are not yet occupied. The backlight illumination system according to the invention has a uniform light and color distribution.

Abstract: A planar light source device includes a primary light source (1), a light guide (3) which leads the light emitted from the primary light source (1), and having a light incident face (31) to which the light emitted from the primary light source (1) comes in, and a light emitting face from which the led light goes out, a light deflection element (4) arranged adjacent to the light emitting face (33) of the light guide (3), and a polarization separation element (6) disposed on the side of a light outgoing surface (42) of the light deflection element (4), and having a function of transmitting one of polarization components of the incident light and reflecting the other of the polarization components. The full width at half maximum of the luminance distribution of the incident light upon the polarization separation element (6) in an XY plane parallel to the travel direction of the light in the light guide (3) is 25° or less. The reference symbol 7 indicates a liquid crystal display element.

Abstract: A fluorescent structure is provided on a curved recess plane of a reflector. The fluorescent structure has a shape of a cylinder which is cut by a plane including its central axis and along its longitudinal direction. An inner wall of the fluorescent structure tapers in like a cone from both ends to the central portion of the fluorescent structure. The structure includes a fluorescent material, for example YAG, which converts blue light to white light and diffuses the white light. Blue LEDs are provided close to both ends of the structure. The blue LEDs are positioned such that blue light emitted from the blue LED enters from both ends and is led to the central portion.

Abstract: A backlight system (300) includes a light guide plate (3024), a reflection plate (3023), a light source (3021) disposed at one side of the light guide plate, a diffusion plate (3025) and a reflection polarizer (3027), which allows light polarized in one certain direction to pass, and reflects light polarized in a direction perpendicular to said one certain direction. The diffusion plate, the light guide plate, the diffusion plate, and the reflection polarizer are stacked up one on top of the other. A plurality of prisms (11) are disposed on a surface of the diffusion plate, thereby defining a plurality of V-shaped grooves (not labeled).

Abstract: A reflecting apparatus for a backlight module of a plane display is disclosed. The backlight module includes a light guide distal from the reflecting apparatus, and a plurality of diffusers. The apparatus comprises a light source, a reflector, and two substantially parallel sets of partially overlapped light deflectors wherein a gap exists between either two adjacent light deflectors of the same set or one light deflector and the reflector. A portion of emitted light is directed to the light guide after being reflected from the reflector. The remaining portion of light is directed to the light guide either after it has been deflected by the light deflectors or deflected by the light deflectors prior to being reflected by the reflector. Parallel light received at the light guide is deflected to the plane display as a backlight source of the plane display after passing the diffusers.

Abstract: A backlight module with two translucent faces applicable to operations of scanner is used for scanning of transparent documents. The backlight module has a shell and a light source unit disposed in the shell. The shell has a first translucent portion and a second translucent portion corresponding to each other. The light source unit in the shell can emit light via the first translucent portion and the second translucent portion. When the backlight module is used for scanning of a transparent document and the transparent document is placed outside the first translucent portion, the user can preview the content of the transparent document before scanning via the second translucent portion.

Abstract: A folding mobile phone comprising a main body, a display sheathing and a pivot is provided. The main body comprises a button panel, and the display sheathing pivots on the main body. The display sheathing has two corresponding surfaces. Moreover, the display sheathing comprises a liquid crystal module, a light source and a light-guiding bar. Two light-guiding plates are respectively disposed over the two surfaces of the liquid crystal module. Each of the two corresponding surfaces exposes a portion of the light-guiding plate. Furthermore, the light source is disposed at a side of the liquid crystal module, and the light-guiding bar is disposed between the light source and the liquid crystal module. The light-guiding bar is connected with the pivot to swing between the two light-guiding plates and guides the light from the light source to one of the two light-guiding plates.

Abstract: Light emitting assemblies include a multilayer light emitting panel member that receives light from at least one light source. The panel member may have at least one solid light conducting or transmitting layer and at least one hollow light conducting or transmitting layer.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light-emitting element which generates light, and a light guide plate which, causes light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident from an end face, causes the light to be reflected between opposite plate surfaces to guide the light along the plate surfaces and make the light emerge from the plate surfaces, and transmits light incident from one plate surface toward the other plate surface. A first optical element is placed on one plate surface side of the light guide plate, transmits part of light emerging from one plate surface of the light guide plate toward a front side, and returns the remaining light to a rear side. A second optical element is placed on the other plate surface side and transmits at least part of light emerging from the other plate surface side.

Abstract: Optical devices such as backlight assemblies, according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.