Patent ID: 6483976
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: F21S,G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
A monolithic optical element through which light is able to pass, comprising:a substrate body through which light is able to pass; a macro-optical characteristic integral with the substrate body; and a plurality of micro-structures through which light is able to pass and which are random in nature and which are integral with the substrate body, wherein the micro-structures are characterized as being able to homogenize light exiting the monolithic optical element via the substrate body, wherein the micro-structures are further characterized as being able to direct a predetermined distribution of light exiting the monolithic optical element via the substrate body in a manner so as to shape substantially all of a light output of the monolithic optical element into a predetermined direction and distribution pattern, wherein the substrate body, the macro-optical characteristic integral therewith and the plurality of random micro-structures also integral therewith cooperate thereby to enable the monolithic optical element to produce the light output providing the predetermined direction and distribution pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the monolithic optical element, wherein the substrate body is a total internal reflection lens assembly and wherein the macro-optical characteristic is a total internal reflection capability of the total internal reflection lens assembly, and wherein the total internal reflection lens assembly includes opposed end surface portions, the opposed end surface portions including the micro-structures from where the light within the total internal reflection lens assembly exits the total internal reflection lens assembly.