Light mixing optics and systems

摘要

In one aspect, a light-mixing optic is disclosed for use with one or more light sources such as light emitting diodes. In one embodiment, an exemplary optic can include an optical body disposed about an optical axis and having an input and an output surface and a peripheral surface extending between the two. The input surface can form a central cavity for receiving light from the light sources, if not the light sources themselves. Further, the input surface can be shaped to refract substantially all of the light received from the one or more light sources away from the optical axis to the peripheral surface of the optic, where that light (e.g., substantially all of it) can be redirected (e.g., via total internal reflection or specular reflection) to the output surface. An array of micro-lenses or other surface features can be formed on the output surface. Further embodiments, as well as exemplary design methods, are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A light-mixing lens, comprising:
a lens body disposed about an optical axis and characterized by an output surface and an input surface and a peripheral surface extending between the input and output surfaces, said input surface forming a cavity for receiving light from at least one light source, said cavity having a peripheral surface shaped to refract at least about 80 percent of the light received at the input surface from the at least one light source away from the optical axis and to the peripheral surface of the lens body, said peripheral surface being configured such that light propagating thereto from the cavity is totally internally reflected to the output surface for exiting the lens body, wherein said peripheral surface of the cavity comprises a proximal portion configured to present a concave surface to light received from the at least one light source and a distal portion configured to present a convex surface to light received from the at least one light source, and wherein said distal convex portion tapers to a point on or near the optical axis.