Patent ID: 6036327
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
A substantially planar illuminating device having an internal light source, comprising:a transparent substrate having a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces and an entry point for accepting light from said internal light source, said substrate functioning as a guide for light from said internal light source; anda plurality of microelements located on one of said pair of surfaces, each of said microelements having a continuous, substantially planar surface with a perimeter and an average roughness less than one micron and a side wall that intersects said planar surface at said perimeter and at an angle that is abnormal to said planar surface, said planar surface configured to re-direct a substantial amount of light received in said substrate from an external light source out of said substrate and said side wall configured to re-direct light from said internal light source out of said substrate.