OPTICAL CONCENTRATOR/DIFFUSER USING GRADED INDEX WAVEGUIDE

摘要

An optical concentration/diffusion apparatus and method is provided that uses a waveguide having a graded index of refraction in a first direction. Light propagating in a second direction different from the first direction follows a curved, path being reflected at multiple intervals by a planar interface of the waveguide. Reflectors are located along the planar interface at a spacing that is selected to limit their interaction with the light propagating in the second direction. Coupling elements are located in optical communication with the reflectors. When used as a concentrator, light is focused by the elements onto the reflectors and redirected in the second direction towards one or more exit apertures. When used as a diffuser, light in the second direction is redirected by the reflectors toward the elements and diffused at multiple exit apertures.

主权项

1. An optical concentration/diffusion apparatus comprising:
a waveguide into which light is coupled, the waveguide comprising a material having a graded index of refraction in a first direction that causes light propagating within the waveguide along a second direction different from the first direction to follow a curved path, being reflected at multiple intervals by a planar interface of the waveguide; and a plurality of reflectors located within the waveguide along said planar interface that receive light coupled into the waveguide and redirect it within the waveguide towards at least one exit aperture, the reflectors having a spacing along said second direction that is selected to limit interaction between the reflectors and light propagating along the second direction.