Patent ID: 7164819
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A light pipe with side-light extraction by light pipe-surface alteration, comprising: a) an optical light pipe with a plastic light-carrying portion covered with a fluoropolymer cladding; the light pipe having a longitudinal axis; and b) a plurality of light-extraction devices in an arrangement including being spaced along a longitudinal dimension of an active section of the light pipe for emission of side light over only a range from about 2 to 270 degrees of the cross-sectional circumference of the light pipe in the active region; c) the light-extraction devices extending, with respect to the longitudinal axis, radially beyond an outer surface of the fluoropolymer cladding; and d) the light-extraction devices having inlets passing through the cladding and optically contacting the plastic light-carrying portion.