| 摘要 |
A superemissive light pipe includes a photon transmitting optically transparent host having a body and oppositely arranged end portions. In one embodiment, superemissive material is disposed within the host and an optical cladding is disposed onto an outside surface portion of the host. The superemissive material emits photons upon thermal stimulation. The optical cladding reflects photons emitted by the superemissive material toward the host and directs the photons to the end portions. The optical cladding has an index of refraction different from that of the host. In another embodiment, a layer of superemissive material is interposed between the surface of the host and the optical cladding. A thermal energy source is either disposed internally within the host, in the form of radioisotopic particles that undergo nuclear decay, or externally outside of the light pipe, in the form of a general purpose heating source, to effect photon emission by the superemissive material. One or more photovoltaic cells are positioned adjacent the end portions of the light pipe to convert photon radiation to electricity. An optical filter can be inserted before the cell to limit the radiation received to a selected wavelength. An optical reflector can be positioned at one end of the light pipe to direct all photon emission from a single light pipe end. |
