摘要 |
A light source[20, 30, 40] for generating light that is collected by an optical system[29] that collects light leaving the light source[20, 30, 40] within a predetermined acceptance angle relative to an axis defined in relation to the optical system[29]. The light source[20, 30, 40] includes a plurality of LEDs[21-23, 31-33] mounted on a reflecting base. Each of the LEDs[21-23, 31-33] generates light that leaves that LED[21-23, 31-33] via a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more side surfaces of the LED[21-23, 31-33]. The reflecting base has a reflective surface in contact with the bottom surface of each of the LEDs[21-23, 31-33]. Light leaving the side surfaces of the LEDs[21-23, 31-33] is reflected into the acceptance angle of the optical system[29] by a plurality of reflectors[36, 46, 91]. In one embodiment of the invention, the reflectors[36, 46, 91] include a plurality of reflecting facets for reflecting light leaving the side surfaces of the LEDs[21-23, 31-33]. The facets may be part of the reflective base[24, 34] or separate objects located between the LEDs[21-23, 31-33]. In another embodiment of the invention, the reflectors[36, 46, 91] include scattering centers located between the LEDs[21-23, 31-33]. |