Patent ID: 6266476
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
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; anda 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, wherein the micro-structures are characterized as being not only able to homogenize light exiting the monolithic optical element via the macro-optical characteristic of the substrate body but also able to diffuse and shape the light, 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 element, and wherein the substrate body is a Fresnel lens.