ILLUMINATION SYSTEM HAVING EDGE-ILLUMINATED WAVEGUIDE AND SEPARATE COMPONENTS FOR EXTRACTING AND DIRECTING LIGHT

摘要

An illumination system has separate components (e.g. microprism arrays) for extracting (60) and directing (80) light from a waveguide (30). The system eliminates the need to provide a light directing array (LDA ) that is optically and physically coupled to the waveguide. It is more reliable and robust than previous illumination systems and virtually eliminates the failures associated illumination systems having laminated LDAs. Manufacturing costs are reduced and system performance and reliability are improved. The illumination system is inexpensive to construct, and operates in an efficient, reliable manner, affording extended service at low cost.