Slim waveguide coupling apparatus and method

摘要

In various embodiments, an illumination structure includes a discrete light source disposed proximate a bottom surface of a waveguide and below a depression in a top surface thereof. A top mirror may be disposed above the discrete light source to convert modes of light emitted from the discrete light source into trapped modes, thereby increasing the coupling efficiency of the illumination structure.

主权项

1. An illumination structure comprising:
a waveguide having (i) top and bottom opposed surfaces, (ii) an in-coupling region for receiving light, (iii) an out-coupling region for emitting light from the waveguide, and (iv) a depression in the top surface thereof; a discrete light source disposed proximate the bottom surface of the waveguide in the in-coupling region; and disposed over the discrete light source and at least substantially filling at least a portion of the depression, a conical mirror for reflecting light from the discrete light source into the out-coupling region, wherein substantially no light reflected by the conical mirror or the depression into the out-coupling region reflects back to the discrete light source.