LIGHT CONDENSING AND COLLECTING SYSTEMS USING LENSED LIGHT PIPES

摘要

An optical coupling element for use in large numerical aperture collecting and condensing systems. The optical coupling element includes a lens (503) having a curved surface and a tapered light pipe (504). The curved surface reduces the angle of incidence of the light striking the input end of the optical coupling element such that the Fresnel reflection is greatly reduced. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source (506) is collected and focused onto a target by positioning the source of electromagnetic radiation at a first focal point of a first reflector (508a) so that the source produces rays of radiation reflected from the first reflector that converge at a second focal point (511) of the second reflector (508b). The optical coupling element is positioned so that a center (507) of the lens is substantially proximate with the second focal point of the second reflector and the curved surface (505) is between the second reflector and the center. The converging rays of radiation reflected from the second reflector pass through the curved surface of the lens and reach the center.