INCREASING COLLIMATION OF LIGHT FROM LIGHT BAR TO LIGHT PANEL USING TAPERING

摘要

An illumination apparatus includes a light bar having a first end for receiving light from a light source. The light bar includes material that supports propagation of the light along the length of the light bar. Turning microstructure is disposed on a first side of the light bar. The turning microstructure is configured to turn a substantial portion of light incident on the first side and to direct the portion of the light out a second opposite side of the light bar. A light guide panel is disposed with respect to a second opposite side of the light bar to receive the light turned by said turning microstructure and directed out of the second opposite side of the light bar. An optical coupler has an input surface and an output surface. The input surface is disposed to receive the light directed out of the second opposite side of the light bar. The output surface is disposed to couple light from the optical coupler into the light guide panel. The output surface of the optical coupler is tapered.