HIGH-BRIGHTNESS, COMPACT ILLUMINATOR WITH INTEGRATED OPTICAL ELEMENTS

摘要

A compact, high-brightness, integrated illuminator in which collection of light from a point arc source (1) is maximized by a multi-curvature reflector section configuration of elliptical reflector (21) and segmented spherical retroreflector directing all light rays (14) into a well-defined numerical aperture. The invention also integrates a homogenizer (15) and other elements with the multi­curvature reflector section, constructs any or all of these components in a single block of optical material, or, alternatively, constructs these components with molded hollow reflective cavities fabricated in metal or plastic blocks. Cooling is provided by internal fluid channels within the block.