Abstract: An ultrathin mesh optical panel and a method of use and making are disclosed. One embodiment of the optical panel includes a plurality of optical waveguides, wherein each optical waveguide is formed of a mesh material surrounding an optically clear core. The optical panel further includes a light generator. Each optical waveguide internally reflects the light incoming at the inlet of the waveguide to the outlet of the waveguide. The optical panel may optionally include a light redirecting coupling layer and/or a diffuser. An alternate embodiment of the ultrathin optical panel includes a plurality of optical waveguides, wherein the mesh material serves as the light transmissive material. A method of making and using is applicable to both major embodiments. A modification of either embodiment is disclosed wherein the optical waveguide is aligned to be non-perpendicular to the panel face.

Abstract: A structural shape on the surface of an optical substrate is such that the brightness of diffuse light departing from the surface of the optical substrate at certain off axis angles is reduced, at the expense of a small reduction in peak brightness measured near the viewing axis. The net result is an overall increase in useful illumination. A cross section of a prism as the structural shape has a curved sidewall or facet. A material with a relatively high index of refraction combined with a prismatic structure having a modified prism geometry improves brightness.

Abstract: A surface light source device and display utilize a light guide plate provided with micro-reflectors arranged in an orientation suitable for a plurality of input portions having point-like light emitters, respectively. A light guide plate 15 has a back face divided into areas ARA to ARC to each of which each input portion having each of LEDs 14A to 14C is shared. Micro-reflectors 19 in each of areas ARA to ARC are orientated as to be directed to each of LEDs 14A to 14C correspondingly, effecting an effective direction conversion. Emitted light is incident to a liquid crystal display panel generally at a right angle via a light diffusion sheet. Some micro-reflectors 19 in each of areas ARA to ARC may be arranged as to be directed to an adjacent input portion. Micro-reflectors may be shaped like quadrangle pyramid projections, cylindrical dents or V-shaped dents.

Abstract: A detachable lamp assembly device comprises a lamp seat and a lamp rod. A U shape reduce portion is formed at two lateral sides and an upper surface of the lamp rod. A U shape embedding block covers upon the reduced portion. The U shape embedding block has a through hole at a position corresponding to the positioning hole. A top center of the embedding block has an elastomer. When the lamp rod inserts into the lamp seat, the elastomer will eject the embedding block upwards. Thereby, the embedding block will be buckled to the embedding hole; and thus the lamp seat is conductive to the lamp rod. A user can assemble the lamp rod by insetting it into the lamp seat easily; and thus, the lamp is detachable for storage and transfer with a smaller volume.

Abstract: Featured is a high power, broadband superfluorescent source with very low relative intensity noise (RIN) including a seed source, a modulator operably coupled to the seed source and a polarization maintaining (PM) amplifier operably coupled to the modulator. The output of the seed source is processed in the modulator so the modulator outputs a polarized optical output to the PM amplifier. The PM amplifier amplifies the modulated, polarized optical output so as to provide an amplified polarized optical output therefrom. Also featured is a feedback circuit operably coupled to the PM amplifier to control the transmission of the modulator so as to minimize the amplitude fluctuations in the output signal. Such a source is advantageous in high precision fiber optical rotation sensors and multiplexed strain sensing arrays.

Abstract: A fluorescent structure comprising a plurality of quantum dots that radiate emission in response to optical pumping. These quantum dots are disposed in relation to a waveguide so as to be able to propagate this emission through the waveguide. Preferably, the fluorescent structure comprises a layer of quantum dots sandwiched between two layers, at least one layer being optically transmissive to the pump radiate and at least one of the layers being optically transmissive to emission from the quantum dots.

Abstract: High luminance display devices, typically utilized in applications requiring sunlight readability, require unique design methodologies as the thickness approaches a maximum of one-inch. The present invention relates to a high-intensity light generation engine and associated light transmission apparatus for transmitting the light generated by the engine to a remote location. The invention is especially applicable for use in constructing a back lighted display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), of minimal thickness, i.e., one-inch or less. A display of minimal thickness is achieved by separating a light source and other peripherals from the display device, using a remote enclosure. Such a display is most suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions where space is at a premium, such as in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: A lighting device includes an optic light guide having a free end that emits directional light. Surrounding the free end is a sleeve having an aperture through which a beam of light emitted by the free end of the light guide passes. The sleeve may be moved in and out relative to the free end to vary the size of the beam of light passing through the aperture.

Abstract: An illumination engine for a projection display using a TLP including a reflector having a first focal point and second focal points. A source of electro-magnetic radiation disposed proximate to the first focal point of the reflector emits rays of radiation that reflect from the reflector toward the second focal point. A TLP collects and transmits substantially all of the radiation converged at the second focal point, adjusting the numerical aperture of the radiation, but curving the surface formed by the images of the radiation. A SLP or a lens collects and transmits substantially all of the radiation transmitted by the TLP, flattening the surface formed by the images of the radiation. A condenser lens collects and transmits substantially all of the radiation transmitted by the contoured delay element to a PBS and a projection system.

Abstract: An optical integrator for an illumination device of a microlithographic projection exposure system has a rod made of a material transparent for ultraviolet light and with a rectangular cross-section. A rod arrangement with, for example, seven small rods made of the same material is arranged before the entrance surface of the rod. The aspect ratio between width and height of the small rods is the inverse of the aspect ratio between width and height of the rod. The rod arrangement, or some analogous structure, surface or treatment substituted therefor, serves to compensate the direction-dependent total reflection losses of the rod.

Abstract: A light collector for use with an illumination system, particularly an automotive interior illumination system. The light collector includes several waveguides capable of conducting light through internal reflection with the waveguides being arranged in a stacked configuration. Each waveguide includes an angled input surface at least some of which are oriented at different angles. With this arrangement, light from a single light source can be collected and routed to several locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising an optical waveguide plate 12 for introducing light 10 thereinto; an actuator substrate 18 provided opposingly to one plate surface of the optical waveguide plate 12 and arranged with actuator elements 14 of a number corresponding to a large number of pixels; a pixel structure 102 formed on each of the actuator elements 14 of the actuator substrate 18; and a crosspiece 70 formed at a portion other than the pixel structure 102 between the optical waveguide plate 12 and the actuator substrate 18. Accordingly, it is easy to form a gap between the optical waveguide plate and the pixel structure. Further, the gap can be formed uniformly for all of the pixels.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for providing a substantially uniformly illuminated light emitting surface, the apparatus comprising first and second light sources generating flux patterns including light rays that diverge about first and second central light rays, respectively and a light guide member having substantially straight first and second en sections and a curved section, the first end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a first light axis, the second end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a second light axis, the curved section including first and second ends that are linked to the distal ends of the first and second end sections, respectively, the guide forming a front surface and an oppositely facing textured back surface along each of the end sections and the curved section, the curved section forming a bend such that the back surface is concave and the front surface is convex along the curved section length, at least a portion of the back surface ta

Abstract: The present invention system and method facilitates efficient and relatively even distribution of illumination throughout a display screen. The system and method also facilitates clearer presentation of images, size reductions and conservation of limited power resources in handheld computers. In one embodiment of the present invention, a display illumination distribution system includes a light pipe, a lens, a wave-guide array and a light source. The light sources provides light waves that are directed along the wave guide array to the lens which directs the light waves into the light pipe. The light pipe conveys the light to the display and provides illumination. The routing of light through the wave-guide array confines the light waves to a wave guide and reduces the number of light waves that miss the light pipe.

Abstract: One embodiment of a back lighting apparatus of a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light source for generating light, a plurality of optical fibers having both ends optically connected with the light source and a part of the optical fibers attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel. Each optical fiber has one or more diffusion lines for scattering light from the light source to a pixel line of the liquid crystal display panel, thereby lighting the entire portion of the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel. The apparatus has a support plate for fixing the optical fibers to the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and an optical diffusing unit for optically connecting the light source to the optical fibers. The present invention can improve the resolution of a liquid crystal display apparatus and allow implementation of a 3D image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing an optical waveguide illuminator are disclosed. By controlling the propagation of light in the core and cladding regions of the waveguide, distributed light emission along a length of an optical fiber or along a planar waveguide surface can be achieved by varying the core/cladding refractive index ratio and introducing light scattering centers in the core.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a light guide plate having dots on one surface thereof includes forming an oxide film on a crystal plane of a silicon substrate, forming a resist film on the oxide film, and forming a dot pattern in the oxide film by using the resist film as a mask, anisotropically etching the silicon substrate by using the oxide film as a mask, forming a metal film on the silicon substrate, stripping the metal film off so as to produce a stamper or a replica thereof, and transferring the dots onto a surface of a film or a plastic sheet or plate by using the stamper or the replica.

Abstract: To provide a reflection type liquid-crystal display device having an illuminator in front of the liquid-crystal display device, the illuminator having a light guide plate superior in light utilization efficiency, dots constituted by a plurality of small recess or protrusion portions for reflecting the light incident on the light guide plate toward the liquid-crystal display device are formed in or on a surface of the light guide plate which does not face the liquid-crystal display device. Each of the dots is set to have a substantially V-shape in section, the sectional inclination angle of the V-shape is set in a range of from 35 to 43°, and the sectional vertex angle of the V-shape is in a range of 70.6±2.5°.

Abstract: A fiber optic fabric includes woven optical fibers, an opaque coating on the fibers and openings on the high points of the weave. The opaque coating prevents light leakage from the fibers and the openings allow light to be emitted from the fabric in a directed manner. The fabric is capable of emitting light at an angle relative to the surface of the fabric such that the light is not visible from every viewpoint.

Abstract: A faceplate (indicating operation status of an apparatus) includes a bezel and a light-pipe, which are integrated into a piece. The faceplate can be injection-molded with an optically clear plastic. The light-pipe includes a lens and a light guide. The lens focuses light from a light source toward the light guide and is shaped so as to focus and collect the light within a boundary of the light guide. The surface of the light guide includes a number of mini refracting lenses to promote illumination of the light. Alternatively, an ink can be applied on the surface of the light guide to promote the illumination of the light. Further, a diffusing lens can be formed on the surface of the light guide to promote illumination of the, light. The faceplate can include multiple light-pipes.

Abstract: A display device includes: an array of color pixels each color pixel including a plurality of individually addressable subpixels for emitting different colored light; and a fiber optic faceplate arranged adjacent the array of color pixels, with one fiber for each color pixel.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for illuminating a lithographic mask or an object in a microscope is presented, whereby the output of a laser beam homogenizer is imaged on to a field such as the object plane for lithographic application or on to the rear focal plane of an epi illuminating objective lens as a source for wide field illumination at an object plane in a microscope (for application to magnified imaging of weak phase objects).

Abstract: An optical system provides a higher resolution image, especially for use with a projection system, using a combiner formed of fiber optics each having an input end and an output end, with the fiber optics grouped together so that the combiner has one or more image input ends each configured to receive an image from an associated image source. The input images are combined to yield an output image at the other end of the combiner that is smaller in area than the sum of the input image areas, increasing resolution. According to an embodiment, the output image is also counter-distorted to compensate for the distortion of the image caused by the relay optics used in projection.

Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.

Abstract: The charge of pixels in a FPA array is retrieved by propagating an optical wave through a waveguide to interact with pixel charges from the FPA. An optical detector receives an optical wave altered by the respective pixel charges as it travels. The optical wave is sensed after passing through the waveguide. In a preferred embodiment, separate waveguides interact separate optical waves with charge from FPA pixels. Information concerning the charge is obtained with separate optical waves in the separate waveguides. In a preferred example of an N×M array according to an embodiment of the invention, a complete frame of data includes only N+M data values. A direct memory is also provided, where the pixel charges are held by maintaining an electric field to the pixels making the charge retrievable by an optical wave multiple times until the electric field is removed or reduced.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel of a display is illuminated by a surface light source device. The surface light source device comprises a primary light source consisting of, for example, a point-like light source and a light guide plate which is supplied with light to be introduced through an incidence face and to be emitted through an emission face. A back face is provided with repeatedly configurated slopes having inclinations such that a backward inner propagation light is converted into an inner reflection light directed to the emission face in order to urge the backward inner propagation light to be emitted preferentially through the emission face. A forward inner propagation light travelling toward a distal end face from an incidence face is rather restrained from being emitted.

Abstract: A light pipe has a transparent resin plate having an average in-plane retardation of not larger than 20 nm, a transparent film having an average in-plane retardation of not larger than 20 nm, and an adhesive layer having a refractive index different by 0.1 or less from that of the transparent film. The transparent film is bonded to the transparent resin plate through the adhesive layer and wherein in the transparent film includes a repetitive prismatic structure constituted by optical path control slopes which are disposed on an outer surface of the transparent film and which are aligned in a substantially predetermined direction so that each of the optical path control slopes is inclined at an inclination angle in a range of from 35 to 48 degrees with respect to a film plane.

Abstract: A front illumination device for illuminating a reflective liquid crystal display cell (42) having a light source (12), a light guide (20), and a light coupling element (22). The light guide (20) has a thin plate element configured to receive light along an edge surface (28) thereof at an angle such that a majority of the light is totally internally reflected from the front surface (24) of the light guide (20). The light coupling element (22) has a thin plate element having a front surface (30) that is in contact with the back surface (26) of planar light guide (20). The front surface (30) of the light coupling element (22) has a plurality of cavities (40) disposed therein. Light impinging the interfaces (27) between cavities (40) and the back surface (26) is totally internally reflected within light guide (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile lighting apparatus that is particularly advantageous for use as a backlight for illuminating a display. The lighting apparatus includes a waveguide coupled to a light source for injecting light into the waveguide. The waveguide includes a plurality of elongate structures for ejecting light propagating within the waveguide through a predetermined surface of the waveguide. Another embodiment of the waveguide includes a central region of reduced thickness that redirects light propagating within the waveguide. The lighting apparatus has a low profile so it is particularly useful in areas of limited space.

Abstract: High luminance display devices, typically utilized in applications requiring sunlight readability, require unique design methodologies as the thickness approaches a maximum of one-inch. The present invention relates to a high-intensity light generation engine and associated light transmission apparatus for transmitting the light generated by the engine to a remote location. The invention is especially applicable for use in constructing a back lighted display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), of minimal thickness, i.e., one-inch or less. A display of minimal thickness is achieved by separating a light source and other peripherals from the display device, using a remote enclosure. Such a display is most suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions where space is at a premium, such as in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: A fiber optic light-emitting panel having one or more braided fiber optic strand assemblies formed into a light-transmitting device. The fiber optic light-emitting panel includes a plurality of three or more fiber optic strands braided together to form a braided fiber optic strand assembly. Each of the fiber optic strands includes a single optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers to form a bundle. Each of the fiber optic strands within the braided fiber optic strand assembly has at least three (3) bends per inch along the length thereof for transmitting light laterally at the bends to form the light-transmitting device. The fiber optic light-emitting panel includes plastic ties for connecting at least two (2) of the braided fiber optic strand assemblies to form the fiber optic light-emitting panel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a light wand including a flashlight, a section of light transmitting flexible fiber optic having a plurality of slits along its length, and a tubular coupling adapted to optimize the transmission of light from the flashlight to the fiber optic.

Abstract: An optical component 10 has a plurality of optical fibers comprising a first core 12, a second core 14 formed around the first core 12, and a clad 16 formed around the second core 14, arrayed regularly so that the fiber axes may be parallel to each other, having an incident plane 10a cut obliquely to the fiber axis and an exit plane 10b cut vertically to the fiber axis. The refractive index n2 of the second core 14 is smaller than the refractive index n1 of the first core 12, and the refractive index nc of the clad 16 is smaller than the refractive index n2 of the second core 14, and further the refractive index n1 of the first core 12, the refractive index n2 of the second core 14, and the refractive index nc of the clad 16 satisfy the relation of n12−n22=n22−nc2.

Abstract: A woven fiber-optic sheet (1) has warp strands (2) formed by sheathed bundles of fine optic-fibers (4). The fibers (4) of each strand (2) are broken pseudo-randomly, different ones at different locations along its length so that light transmitted into the strands (2) from a source (7) escapes from the various locations (8) to radiate through the transparent sheathing (5). Decorative effect is intensified by periodic light-color change being a rotating multi-color filter (9) to distribute different colors to different strands (2). The sheet (1) is woven with metal wire (3), plastics filament or fiber-optic strands as the weft, and the fibers (4) are broken before, during or after weaving.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a number of light emitting elements capable of emitting light beam onto a photosensitive material based on given image information, a number of optical fibers extending between a light source and the light emitting elements for guiding light irradiated from the light source to the light emitting elements, each of the optical fibers having a light receiving end for receiving the irradiated light, and a cooling blower device for cooling the receiving ends of the optical fibers with gas stream. The apparatus further includes a controller operable to execute a pre-blowing/cooling step of operating the cooling blower device for a predetermined period before the light source is turned ON in response to an ON instruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide capable of transferring light from an illuminating apparatus to a certain distant destination. The light guide includes a light source, and a hollow guide unit extended from the light source and having a transparent lateral surface. The present invention provides a pipe shaped light guide having a cross section of an epicycloidal curve for enhancing power and a light emitting characteristic. In the present invention, light is transmitted using a light transmitting material or a prism at a portion of a cross section of the epicycloidal curve, and a reflection plate formed of a high reflection ratio is installed at the remaining portions of the cross section of the same. In addition, an expensive lens or prism is not used in the present invention thereby decreasing fabrication cost. It is possible to provide a high efficiency light guide.

Abstract: An illuminating waveguide having first and second longitudinally-extending unitary portions of differing cross-sectional shape. In use, light is injected into the waveguide at, for example, an end face of the waveguide and the light travels along the length of the waveguide with a portion of the light refracting laterally out of the waveguide along some or all of its length. The second cross-sectional shape can be any of a large number of different conical shapes to help direct the internally reflecting light toward the first portion where it can laterally exit the waveguide. The first cross-sectional shape can take a variety of different forms depending upon the illumination and other aesthetic and functional requirements for a particular application. The surface of the first portion can be treated to control the emission of light from that surface.

Abstract: A multiple optical fiber display module may be used in a Large Screen Display system. The multiple optical fiber display module includes at least two modular optical fiber display elements. Each modular display element further includes an optical fiber display tile, an optical fiber array, and an input matrix. The modular display module also includes a mounting frame for demountably attaching the input matrix of each modular optical fiber display tile to a single micro-display.

Abstract: A fiber optic display apparatus consists of a plurality of optical fibers which convey a projected image from an input, or first surface, to a display, or second surface, whose area is greater than or equal to that of the first surface, such that any image projected on to the first surface appears enlarged on the second surface. The second surface is comprised of tiles which attach to adjoining tiles by means of flexible tabs and pliable locator rods in such a fashion as to allow the second surface to follow general contours (e.g. concave or convex), while the optical fiber bundles from each tile are collected into a fixture to form the first planar surface. Because of the modular design of the display it can be assembled or disassembled rapidly.

Abstract: A display device includes a light guide plate. A light incident on the light guide plate from a linear light source is reflected by a wall surface forming each of grooves and irradiated onto a liquid crystal panel unit. Furthermore, a light striking the wall surface at an incident angle equal to or less than a critical angle is transmitted through the wall surface; however, a part of a transmitted light comes again into the light guide plate through another wall surface, and another part of the transmitted light travels straight outwardly without striking the wall surface.

Abstract: Illumination devices comprising a light source and a light fiber are reported. The light fiber is optically coupled to the light source such that at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source impinges on the input end of the light fiber. The light fiber comprises an elongate polymeric core having an input end for receiving light from a light source, an output end for emitting light transmitted through the core, and a lateral surface extending along a longitudinal axis of the core between the input end and the output end. The light fiber includes a light-emitting region including at least one optical element that directs light traveling though the light fiber out of at least a portion the lateral surface of the light fiber in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A continuous outer cladding layer comprising a polymeric material having a lower index of refraction than the core extends over the lateral surface of the core and the optical elements.

Abstract: An optical waveguide for use in converting the distribution pattern of light from a limited output light source, such as an LED, to a substantially unlimited, rotationally symmetric distribution pattern. The optical waveguide includes a guide, a collection optic and a distribution optic. The collection optic includes both refractive and reflective portions, while the distribution optic includes a first reflective optical surface and a second refractive optical surface. The first and second optical surfaces act in combination to minimize the virtual focal region of the waveguide. The waveguide is suitable for use in a number of applications involving an outer lens or secondary optic. For instance, the waveguide may be used in the lighting unit of warning barricade device, wherein the light distributed by the waveguide is transmitted to the outside environment through a fresnel lens.

Abstract: A unique solid flat panel lighting emitting luminaire (light panel) has been created that utilizes a light source remote from the luminaire. The light panel luminaire is fed light flux via a light pipe and/or a fiber optic system into one or two edges of the flat panel. The light panel has imbedded irregular tapered tetrahedron shaped light guides that emit light in a uniform controlled fashion over the length of the emitting surface. The subject lighting luminaire provides light without generating heat. The luminaire is unaffected by environmental temperatures and pressures within the boundaries of the base construction materials utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate for use in the surface light source equipment of a liquid crystal display or the like, wherein the light guide plate is a molded product of an ionizing-radiation-curable resin, and its maximum thickness on the light-source-fixing part side is 1.0 mm or less.

Abstract: An improvement video projectors having a reflector/lamp for compressing light to a focal point at a predetermined f/#, an integrating rod positioned at the focal point to collect and integrate the light, and a detector for sensing light output from the integrating rod, the improvement comprising a converging lens positioned between the reflector/lamp and the integrating rod for compressing the focal point so as to increase the amount of light entering the integrating rod while consequentially decreasing said f/#, and a diverging lens for increasing the focal point within the integrating rod so as to restore said predetermined f/#. Preferably, the diverging lens is fabricated from gradient index glass.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical light manifold that includes forming a faceted optic, forming an optical faceplate, joining the faceted optic to the optical faceplate to define a cavity therebetween and filling the cavity with a fluid.

Abstract: A system and method is described for distributing light within a light guide which is used for illuminating the user interface of an electronic device. The light guide is formed as a thin film and impressed with a pattern of input and output diffraction gratings to control the transmission of light into and out of the light guide to efficiently illuminate the user interface.

Abstract: An optical illumination system for directing the radiant energy produced by an array of high-power laser fibers to a spatial modulator from which selected rays are directed to a media requiring radiation of high radiant intensity includes various lenses and an optical mixer to transfer the high energy beams of the laser emitters to the modulator.

Abstract: A surface lighting device includes a light guiding plate having a light incident surface formed at one end surface and a light exit surface formed on a front surface thereof; an elongated light source facing the light incident surface; a light source reflector which reflects light emitted from the elongated light source toward the light incident surface; a prism sheet, wherein an array of minute parallel prism projections is formed on a surface thereof, the array of minute parallel prism projections facing the light exit surface; a regular reflection type reflector facing a rear surface of the light guiding plate; a light guiding device for guiding light emitted from the elongated light source to two portions of the light incident surface which respectively face opposite ends of the elongated light source; and a diffuser, formed on the light incident surface, which diffuses incident light thereon.

Abstract: A distributed lighting system comprising a waveguide assembly that includes a vehicle interior trim panel having an elongated opening therein and a correspondingly elongated waveguide attached to the trim panel to provide laterally-directed illumination through the opening along the length of the waveguide. The waveguide is attached to the trim panel using a support frame that includes a light-transmissive lower wall which fits within the opening and a pair of opposed side walls that, together with the lower wall, define a channel in which the waveguide is located. The waveguide includes a light-scattering region located opposite the opening in the trim panel to direct light laterally out of the waveguide and through the opening. The waveguide assembly also includes a back cover that encloses the waveguide between the cover and support frame. Different waveguide cross-sections and light-scattering configurations are disclosed.