Thermally insulated distributed light network from a central light source.

摘要

A thermally insulated distributed light network employs an array of discrete, thermally insulative light guides (4) that are spaced slightly away from a central light source (6) and provide optical coupling to optical fibers (10) that have a lower thermal capability. The light receiving ends of the light guides (4) are preferably held by a spatially designed coupler (2) so that the guides (4) do not diverge from each other by more than the fibers' optical acceptance angle (a). The light guides (4) are shaped so that their adjacent edges touch and form an enclosure around the light source (6).