Patent ID: 6259562
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A device comprising:a hollow carrier having an open end portion;an optical element captively retained by the open end portion of the carrier, wherein the optical element includes a macro-optical characteristic and defines at least one surface;wherein the optical element further includes a light shaping surface microstructure that is random in nature and integral with said surface of the optical element;a light source, spaced from the microstructure, for producing output light;a light-reflective target interposed between the light source and the carrier, wherein the target includes a light-reflective surface that is so disposed relative to the light source and the microstructure as to reflect output light from the light source toward the microstructure;wherein the random nature of the microstructure enables the optical element to homogenize incident light transmitted through the optical element and into the carrier, and wherein the random nature of the microstructure additionally enables the optical element to shape and control directionality of said incident light transmitted through the optical element, thereby to produce in the carrier a smooth, continuous pattern of light in a predetermined distribution shape and direction.