WATERPROOF SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING LIGHT TO A LIGHT GUIDE

摘要

A light delivery system includes a light source. A first generally tubular, hollow coupling device with an interior light-reflective surface receives light fro m the source at an inlet and transmits it to an outlet. The coupling device increases in cross sectional area from inlet to outlet in such manner as to reduce the angle of light reflected fro m the surface as it passes through the device. A thermal-isolating region has an inlet positione d in proximity to an outlet of the coupling device and has an outlet for passing light to an optical member, the thermal-isolating region comprising one or more members. A waterproof container for the light source and coupling device has an aperture allowing light to pass out of the container. The aperture is sealed in part by a portion of a member of the thermal- isolating region. Advantageously, the system can be buried beneath the surface of the ground. This avoids the problem of people or equipment colliding with the system. The components in the sealed container are protected from intrusion by wildlife or deterioration from dir t and dust. In some embodiments, the container may be free of a fan, reducing the complexity and noise of the system.