Patent ID: 6529678
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
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 macro-optical characteristic, the micro-structures being formed in a predetermined non-uniforn pattern in a portion of the substrate body separate from the macro-optical characteristic; wherein the micro-structures are characterized as being able to homogenize light exiting the monolithic optical element via the macro-optical characteristic of 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 macro-optical characteristic of 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 clement.