Patent Description:
The present technology pertains in general to lighting devices including solid-state lighting (SSL) devices and in particular to lighting devices including thick, for example prism- or cylinder- or spherical- or dome-shaped scattering elements and an optical extractor with a convex output surface.

The development of lighting devices has focused in many ways on how to extract as much light as possible into the ambient and while doing so provide at least some directionality of propagation to the light to make it useful for application in space illumination, indication, display and/or other lighting applications. Such aspects apply to all types of SSL and non-SSL lighting devices and generally manifest themselves in the design of the optical subsystem. These requirements are particularly relevant when light is generated within optically dense material. Efficient utilization of high brightness light that originates from quasi-point sources and controlling respective glare provides a number of challenges for optical subsystem design. These and other aspects have become increasingly important in the configuration of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), LED-based lighting devices and other SSL devices.

SSL devices in particular are finding rapid adoption in large portions of illumination applications due to their low power consumption, high luminous efficacy and longevity in comparison to incandescent and fluorescent light sources. SSL devices have been developed that can generate quality white light via down-conversion of short wavelength pump light, including ultraviolet, blue or other light provided by corresponding LEDs, via a suitable luminescent material (also referred to as a phosphor). Such devices may be referred to as phosphor-based LEDs (PLEDs). Although subject to losses in efficacy due to light-conversion, various aspects of PLEDs promise reduced complexity, better cost efficiency and durability of PLED-based luminaires in comparison to luminaires that generate white light from light emitted by various combinations of LEDs that directly generate red, green, blue, amber and/or other colors of light, for example.

While new types of phosphors are being actively investigated and developed, configuration of PLED-based lighting devices and/or luminaires, however, provides further challenges due to the properties of available luminescent materials. Challenges include light-energy losses from photon conversion, generally referred to as Stokes loss or Stokes shift, self-heating from Stokes loss, dependence of photon conversion properties on operating temperature, degradation due to permanent changes of the chemical and physical composition of phosphors in effect of overheating or other damage, dependence of the conversion properties on intensity of light, propagation of light in undesired directions in effect of the random emission of converted light that is emitted from the phosphor, undesired chemical properties of phosphors, and controlled deposition of phosphors in lighting devices, for example.

Therefore there is a need for a lighting device that overcomes at least one of the deficiencies of the state-of-the art.

In general, innovative aspects of the technologies described herein can be implemented in a lighting device that includes one or more of the following aspects:
In a first aspect, a lighting device includes one or more light-emitting elements (LEE) configured to provide pump light, and a scattering element including a matrix of phosphor embedded in dielectric material. The phosphor is configured to absorb at least a portion of the pump light and to emit converted light with converted light wavelengths longer than pump light wavelengths. The dielectric material is transparent to the pump light and the converted light. The scattering element forms an input interface with the LEEs, such that the pump light emitted by the LEEs is input into the scattering element through the input interface. The input interface has a first dimension. The scattering element has a second dimension orthogonal to and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension. Additionally, the lighting device includes an optical extractor forming an extraction interface with the scattering element, such that mixed light from the scattering element is input into the optical extractor through the extraction interface. An output surface of the optical extractor is arranged and shaped relative to the extraction interface such that the mixed light received by the optical extractor through the extraction interface impinges on the output surface at incident angles smaller than or equal to the critical angle θC = arcsin(nE/nO), where nE is a refractive index of the optical extractor, and nO is a refraction index of an environment surrounding the optical extractor.

The foregoing and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. According to the invention, the extraction interface has a third dimension being along, and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than, the first dimension. In some implementations, the extraction interface is shaped as a portion of a sphere, and the second dimension of the scattering element corresponds to a radius of the sphere.

In some implementations, the phosphor can be uniformly distributed within the dielectric material. In some implementations, the dielectric material of the matrix can be plastic or glass. In some implementations, the one or more LEEs can include one or more LED dies. In some implementations, the one or more LEEs can include one or more LED packages. In some implementations, the mixed light can include a portion of the converted light and a portion of the pump light that is unconverted by the phosphor. In any of the foregoing implementations, the lighting device further can include a reflector extending from the input interface to a boundary of the extraction interface.

According to the invention, the optical extractor can be arranged and shaped relative to the extraction interface such that the incident angles at which the mixed light impinges on the extraction interface are larger than or equal to the Brewster angle θB = arctan(nE/nO). In some implementations, the optical extractor can be arranged and shaped relative to the extraction interface such that the incident angles at which the mixed light impinges on the extraction interface are smaller than the Brewster angle θB = arctan(nE/nO).

In a second aspect not according to the invention, a lighting device includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide pump light, and a scattering element including a matrix of phosphor embedded in dielectric material. The phosphor is configured to absorb at least a portion of the pump light and to emit converted light with converted light wavelengths longer than pump light wavelengths. The dielectric material is transparent to the pump light and the converted light. The scattering element forms an input interface with the LEDs, such that the pump light emitted by the LEDs is input into the scattering element through the input interface. The input interface has a first dimension. The scattering element has a second dimension orthogonal to and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension. Additionally, the lighting device includes an optical extractor forming an extraction interface with the scattering element, such that mixed light from the scattering element is input into the optical extractor through the extraction interface. An output surface of the optical extractor has a radius Ro that satisfies the condition <MAT> where RE is a radius of a notional sphere that inscribes the extraction interface, and wherein nE is a refractive index of the optical extractor and no is a refraction index of an environment surrounding the optical extractor.

According to the invention, the scattering element is shaped as a cylinder having a height equal to the second dimension, and a base diameter 2RE that is along, and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than, the first dimension; and the optical extractor is shaped as a spherical dome with the radius Ro.

In some implementations, the radius Ro can satisfy the condition <MAT>.

In some cases of the latter implementations, the radius Ro can satisfy the condition <MAT>.

In other cases of the latter implementations, the radius Ro can satisfy the condition <MAT>.

In any of the above implementations, the lighting device further can include a reflector extending from the input interface to a boundary of the extraction interface.

In some implementations, the phosphor can be uniformly distributed within the dielectric material. In some implementations, the dielectric material of the matrix can be plastic or glass. In some implementations, the one or more LEDs can include one or more LED dies. In some implementations, the one or more LEDs can include one or more LED packages. In some implementations, the mixed light can include a portion of the converted light and a portion of the pump light that is unconverted by the phosphor.

The details of one or more implementations of the technologies described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed technologies will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate exemplary aspects, implementations of particular features of the present disclosure.

The present technology pertains to lighting devices including SSL devices, layer-shaped or three-dimensional (3D) scattering elements, and optical extractors with convex output surfaces. The disclosed lighting devices can be used in applications such as general illumination, and/or display illumination, e.g., projection displays, backlit LCDs, signage, etc..

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of a lighting device <NUM> having a layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> and an optical extractor <NUM> with a convex output surface <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> further includes one or more light emitting elements (LEEs) <NUM> and a conversion/recovery enclosure <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> efficiently provides broadband, homogenized light to an ambient environment across a broad range of angles.

The LEEs are configured to produce and emit light during operation. A spectral power distribution of light emitted by the LEEs <NUM> (also referred to as pump light) can be concentrated in a blue wavelength range, for instance. Depending on the context, color of light may refer to its chromaticity. In general, the LEEs <NUM> are devices that emit radiation in a region or combination of regions of the electromagnetic spectrum for example, the visible region, infrared and/or ultraviolet region, when activated by applying a potential difference across it or passing a current through it, for example. The LEEs <NUM> can have monochromatic, quasi-monochromatic, polychromatic or broadband spectral emission characteristics. Examples of LEEs that are monochromatic or quasi-monochromatic include semiconductor, organic, polymer/polymeric light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some implementations, the one or more LEEs <NUM> can be a single specific device that emits the radiation, for example an LED die, or/and can be a combination of multiple instances of the specific device that emit the radiation together. Such LEE(s) <NUM> can include a housing or package within which the specific device or devices are placed. As another example, the one or more LEEs <NUM> can be a single device that includes one or more lasers and more specifically semiconductor lasers, such as vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and edge emitting lasers. In embodiments utilizing semiconductor lasers, the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> functions to reduce (e.g., eliminate) spatial and temporal coherence of the laser light, which may be advantageous where the lighting device <NUM> may be viewed directly by a person. Further examples of LEEs <NUM> include superluminescent diodes and other superluminescent devices.

The layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> has an input surface <NUM> positioned to receive the light from the LEEs <NUM>. In some cases, the input surface <NUM> is spaced apart from the one or more LEEs <NUM>. In other cases, the input surface <NUM> is an optical interface of the 3D scattering element <NUM> with the one or more LEEs <NUM>. In the latter cases, the input surface <NUM> will be referred to as the input interface <NUM>. The layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> includes scattering centers arranged to scatter the light from the LEEs <NUM> and to provide mixed light. Such scattering may be configured to be substantially isotropical. The mixed light can include elastically scattered pump light (represented as dashed-lines) and inelastically scattered pump light (represented as dotted-lines). Depending on its nature, scattering can be the result of combined absorption/emission and/or refractive interaction with scattering centers. Elastically scattered pump light, if any, includes photons that have undergone elastic scattering at the scattering centers. Inelastically scattered pump light includes photons that have undergone inelastic scattering at the scattering centers. For example, the spectral distribution of photons remains substantially unchanged due to elastic scattering or, on the other hand, changes in effect of inelastic scattering. Typical elastic scattering entails refraction of light at a scattering center, for example. Typical inelastic scattering entails emission of light from a scattering center in effect of light that was previously absorbed by the scattering center.

With respect to the technology described in this specification, inelastic scattering typically is associated with one visible or ultraviolet (UV) incoming photon and one visible outgoing photon. Scattering of light by a scattering center can result from effects such as light conversion, refraction, and/or other effect and/or combination thereof. The distribution of a plurality of outgoing photons that result from inelastic scattering at one scattering center can be isotropic as is typically the case, for example, in effect of light conversion. The distribution of a plurality of outgoing photons that result from elastic scattering at multiple scattering centers can be isotropic depending on, for example, shapes, arrangements and/or compositions of the scattering centers. A scattering center can include one or more portions that each scatter light in one or more ways, for example, by light conversion, refraction or other effect. Example scattering centers include discontinuities in the composition or structure of matter. In order to achieve a predetermined degree of randomness in its propagation, light has to undergo multiple elastic scattering events. As such multiple scattering events are required to exceed a predetermined randomness, for example, when the light is scattered by interaction with scattering centers that scatter light merely by refraction. Scattering centers can include light-converting material (LCM) and/or non-light converting material, for example. Light conversion via LCM is a form of inelastic scattering.

LCM is a material which absorbs photons according to a first spectral distribution and emits photons according to a second spectral distribution, as described below in connection with <FIG>. The terms light conversion, wavelength conversion and/or color conversion are used interchangeably. LCM is also referred to as photoluminescent or color-converting material, for example. LCM can include photoluminescent substances, fluorescent substances, phosphors, quantum dots, semiconductor-based optical converters, or the like. LCM also can include rare earth elements.

<FIG> shows an example of a spectrum <NUM> of mixed light that is output by the lighting device <NUM>. A blue LED used as LEE <NUM> in the lighting device <NUM> can have an emission spectrum <NUM>. In addition, <FIG> shows an absorption spectrum <NUM> and an emission spectrum <NUM> of the scattering centers, along with the spectrum of mixed light <NUM> (the latter is represented with a dotted-line. ) Spectral power distribution of the elastically scattered light is the same as the spectral power distribution of the pump light (corresponding to the spectrum <NUM>. ) Moreover, the absorption spectrum of the scattering centers <NUM> overlaps the spectrum of the light emitted by the light-emitting element <NUM>. Spectral power distribution of the inelastically scattered light is different from the pump light. For instance, inelastically scattered light will have a spectrum <NUM> that is shifted (e.g., Stokes shifted) to longer wavelengths than the pump light spectrum <NUM>. For example, blue pump light, when inelastically scattered, can yield light with an overall yellow/amber color, e.g., corresponding to the spectrum <NUM>. Moreover, the spectrum of mixed light <NUM> is a combination of the spectrum <NUM> of the elastically scattered light and spectrum <NUM> of the inelastically scattered light.

Referring again to <FIG>, the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> can be configured to substantially randomize the direction of propagation of light received from LEEs <NUM> by scattering substantially all light entering the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element, while allowing substantial portions of light to pass through the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element.

The optical extractor <NUM> is formed from a transparent material, such as a transparent glass or a transparent organic polymer, and has a convex output surface <NUM>. The output surface <NUM> is generally a transparent surface. In other words, changes in the mixed light passing through the output surface <NUM> can generally be described by Snell's law of refraction, as opposed to, for example, an opaque or diffuse surface where further scattering of transmitted light occurs. The optical extractor <NUM> is in contact with the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM>, such that there is an optical interface <NUM> between the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element and the optical extractor at the place of contact, and the optical interface is opposite the input surface/interface <NUM> of the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element. The optical interface <NUM> is referred to as the extraction interface <NUM>. The layer-shaped or 3D extractor element <NUM> is arranged so that mixed light transmitted through the extraction interface <NUM> enters the optical extractor <NUM>. Light from the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> that directly reaches the output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM> is referred to as forward light.

In some implementations, the lighting device <NUM> includes a medium, such as a gas (e.g., air), between the LEEs <NUM> and the input surface <NUM> of the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> having a refractive index n<NUM>, and the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element includes a material having a first refractive index nS, where n<NUM> < nS. Light from the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> that reaches the input surface <NUM> is referred to as backward light. Because n<NUM> < nS, the input surface <NUM> allows only a fraction of the backward light to escape into the low-index medium. Here, the transparent material of the optical extractor <NUM> has a refractive index nE, where n<NUM> ≤ nE and is immersion-coupled with the extraction interface <NUM>. As such, the lighting device <NUM> asymmetrically propagates mixed light because the amount of transmitted forward light is greater than the amount of backward light transmitted into the low index medium. In such a case, depending on the degree of asymmetry between n<NUM> and nE, the extraction interface <NUM> between the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> and the optical extractor <NUM> permits varying ratios of forward to backward light transmission. A high asymmetry in this ratio is reached if nE and nS are about equal. Light emitting devices that feature asymmetric optical interfaces (i.e., different refractive index mismatches) on opposing sides of the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> are referred to as asymmetric scattering light valves (ASLV), or ASLV lighting devices.

The output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM> is a transparent surface that is shaped such that the mixed light that directly impinges on the output surface satisfies specified reflection conditions to ensure that the mixed light that directly impinges on the output surface experiences little or no total internal reflection (TIR). In this manner, the output surface <NUM> transmits a large portion of light impinging thereon that directly propagates thereto from the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> and propagates in at least certain planes and outputs it into the ambient of the optical extractor <NUM> on first pass. The mixed light output through the output surface <NUM> can be used for illumination or indication functions provided by the lighting device <NUM> or for further manipulation by another optical system that works in conjunction with the lighting device.

Some of the specified reflection conditions satisfied by the shape of the output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM> are described below. The output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM> is shaped as a spherical dome with a radius Ro, such that the extraction interface <NUM> is disposed within an area of the optical extractor defined by a respective notional cylinder that is concentric with the output surface and has a radius Rw = RO/nE, wherein nE is the refractive index of the optical extractor. Such a configuration is referred to as Weierstrass geometry or Weierstrass configuration. It is noted that a spherical Weierstrass geometry can avoid TIR for rays passing through the area circumscribed by a corresponding notional RO/nE sphere irrespective of the plane of propagation. A cylindrical Weierstrass geometry can exhibit TIR for light that propagates in planes that intersect the respective cylinder axis at shallow angles even if the light passes through an area circumscribed by a corresponding notional Rw = RO/nE cylinder.

It is noted that other lighting devices can have an extractor element <NUM> with non-spherical or non-cylindrical output surface <NUM> the can be employed to refract light and aid in shaping an output intensity distribution in ways different from those provided by a spherical or cylindrical exit surface. The definition of the Weierstrass geometry can be extended to include an output surface <NUM> with non-circular sections by requiring that the extraction interface <NUM> falls within cones, also referred to as acceptance cones, subtended from points P of the output surface whose axes correspond to respective surface normals at the points P and which have an apex of <NUM>*Arcsin(k*nO/nE), wherein no is the refractive index of the medium on the outside of the output surface and k is a positive number smaller than nE. It is noted that the output surface <NUM> needs to be configured such that the plurality of all noted cones circumscribe a space with a non-zero volume. It is further noted that k is assumed to refer to a parameter that determines the amount of TIR at an uncoated output surface <NUM> that separates an optically dense medium, having nE><NUM>, on one side of the output surface making up the optical extractor <NUM> from a typical gas such as air with no ~ <NUM> at standard temperature and pressure conditions, on the outside of the output surface. Depending on the embodiment, k can be slightly larger than <NUM> but is preferably less than <NUM>. If k > <NUM>, some TIR may occur at the output surface <NUM> inside the optical extractor <NUM>. In some embodiments, this results in the extraction interface <NUM> being at least R(P)*(<NUM>-k/nE) away from the output surface <NUM> in a direction normal to the output surface at a point P thereof. Here, R(P) is the local radius of curvature of the output surface <NUM> at the point P, and nE is the refractive index of the optical extractor <NUM>. For a spherical or cylindrical output surface <NUM> with k = <NUM>, the boundaries circumscribed by the noted cones correspond to a spherical or cylindrical Weierstrass geometry, respectively. In this case, the mixed light received by the optical extractor <NUM> through the extraction interface <NUM> impinges on the output surface <NUM> at incident angles smaller than the critical angle θC = arcsin(nE). Some embodiments are configured to allow for some TIR by choosing k > <NUM>. In such cases, k/n is limited to k/n < <NUM>, for example. In summary, a lighting device <NUM> is said to satisfy the Weierstrass configuration if a radius Ro of the output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM>, which has an index of refraction nE, is equal to or larger than Ro ≥ Rw = nERE, where RE is a radius of the extraction interface <NUM> of the lighting device.

In some embodiments, the parameter k is not just smaller than <NUM> to avoid TIR at the output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM> for light propagating in at least one plane, but k is made so small that certain Fresnel reflections are additionally avoided. In such cases, the mixed light received by the optical extractor <NUM> through the extraction interface <NUM> impinges on the output surface <NUM> at incident angles equal to or smaller than the Brewster angle θB = arctan(nE) against an air interface. More generally, p-polarized light that impinges at a point P of the output surface <NUM> from within directions bound by a cone subtended from the point P with apex <NUM>*Arctan(<NUM>/nE) whose axis corresponds to the surface normal at the point P will not be reflected at the exit surface. Such a configuration is referred to as Brewster geometry (or Brewster configuration), and the output surface <NUM> forms a Brewster sphere or a Brewster cylinder. In summary, a lighting device <NUM> is said to satisfy the Brewster configuration if a radius Ro of the output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor <NUM> is equal to or larger than Ro ≥ RB = RE(<NUM> + <MAT>, where RE is the radius of the extraction interface <NUM> of the lighting device. Note that for a given radius RE of the extraction interface <NUM> of the lighting device <NUM>, an optical extractor <NUM> that satisfies the Brewster condition has an output surface <NUM> with minimum radius Ro(Brewster;min) = RB that is larger than a minimum radius Ro (Weierstrass;min) = Rw of the output surface of an optical extractor that satisfies the Weierstrass condition.

In a first implementation of the optical extractor <NUM>, the radius Ro of its output surface <NUM> is larger than or equal to the Brewster radius: <MAT>, for a given radius RE of the extraction interface <NUM>. A volume VE of the optical extractor <NUM> in the first implementations can vary from a minimum volume equal to a Brewster volume, VE=VB for RO=RB, to infinity, VE → ∞ for RO→∞. The losses suffered by the mixed light due to Fresnel reflections at the output surface <NUM> (of an optical extractor <NUM> having a refraction index nE=<NUM>) increase by only about <NUM>% when the volume VE of the optical extractor <NUM> decreases from ∞ to the Brewster volume VB.

In some other implementations of the optical extractor <NUM>, the radius Ro of its output surface <NUM> is between the Weierstrass radius RW=nERE, for a given radius RE of the extraction interface <NUM>, and the Brewster radius: RW ≤ Ro ≤ RB. The volume VE of the optical extractor <NUM> in the second implementations can vary from a minimum volume equal to a Weierstrass volume, VE=VW for Ro=Rw, to a maximum volume equal to the Brewster volume, VE=VB for RO=RB. The losses suffered by the mixed light due to Fresnel reflections at the output surface <NUM> (of an optical extractor <NUM> having a refraction index nE=<NUM>) increase by <NUM>% while the volume of the optical extractor <NUM> decreases by only <NUM>% from the Brewster volume VB to the Weierstrass volume Vw. In view of the foregoing volume to loss penalty considerations for the first and second implementations, some embodiments of the optical extractor <NUM> will have a radius of its output surface <NUM> that satisfies the condition RO ≈ <NUM>. 5RB, <NUM>. 2RB, <NUM>. 1RB, RB, <NUM>. 9RB, <NUM>. 8RB, or <NUM>. 5RB, for instance. The above estimates of the loss penalty for the optical extractor <NUM> as a function of its volume are described in detail in the Annex of provisional application <CIT> in connection with <FIG>.

Further in the example shown in <FIG>, the conversion/recovery enclosure <NUM> is defined to enclose the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM>. The conversion/recovery enclosure <NUM> is arranged and configured to recover a portion of the mixed light that propagates in the backward direction by causing at least some of this mixed light to exit the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> through the extraction interface <NUM> into the optical extractor <NUM>, and reducing the amount of mixed light that returns to the LEEs <NUM> (where it can be absorbed). If a 3D scattering element <NUM> fully fills the conversion/recovery enclosure <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, then the conversion/recovery enclosure represents simply a conversion enclosure that is "bound" by the input interface <NUM>, the extraction interface <NUM> of the 3D scattering element and one or more additional optical components that redirect back-scattered light away from the input interface. If a layer-shaped scattering element <NUM> does not fully fill the conversion/recovery enclosure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, then the conversion/recovery enclosure also encloses a medium adjacent the input surface <NUM> of the layer-shaped scattering element. In one such example illustrated in <FIG>, the conversion/recovery enclosure 240a is bound by the extraction interface 225a and a reflector 245a. In another such example illustrated in <FIG>, the conversion/recovery enclosure 240b is bound by the extraction interface 225b and side surfaces 245b of an optical coupler 245b. Referring again to <FIG>, note that the backscattered light recovered from the conversion/recovery enclosure <NUM> further increases asymmetry in the propagation of light through the lighting device <NUM>.

Moreover, the lighting device <NUM> can be fabricated using conventional extrusion and molding techniques and conventional or other assembly techniques - some examples are described herein. Components of the lighting device <NUM> can include one or more organic or inorganic materials, for example acrylic, silicone, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride such as KynarTM, lacquer, acrylic, rubber, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) such as RytonTM, polysulfone, polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene oxide (PPO) such as NorylTM, glass, quartz, silicate, adhesive, other polymers organic or inorganic glasses and/or other materials.

In some embodiments, the optical extractor <NUM> and the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> are integrally formed. In an example of such an integral formation, the extraction interface <NUM> is a notional interface drawn between regions of a corresponding integrally formed object, such that the extraction interface substantially includes interfaces formed by the scattering centers. This may be the case, when the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> includes scattering centers inside a material that is the same as the material used to form the optical extractor <NUM>, for example. In this manner, the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> can be shaped as a tile, disc, spherical or aspherical shell or dome, tubular, prismatic or other elongate shell, or other structure to provide a predetermined spatial profile of conversion properties to achieve a predetermined light-output profile including color and/or brightness homogeneity from the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element.

The layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> can be adjacent to, or partially or fully surrounded by, the optical extractor <NUM>. Various shapes of the layer-shaped or 3D scattering element <NUM> and of the optical extractor <NUM>, and their combinations, are described in detail below in connection with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section in the x-z plane of a lighting device 200a not in accordance with the present invention having a spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a and a spherical shell-shaped optical extractor 230a that have a common extraction interface 225a. In some implementations, the lighting device 200a has rotational symmetry around the z-axis. In other implementations, the lighting device 200a is elongated along the y-axis (i.e., along a direction perpendicular to the page). The lighting device 200a further includes one or more LEEs <NUM> (e.g., a blue pump), and a flat reflector 245a (e.g., a mirror represented by a double line. ) The scattering element 220a has an input surface 215a spaced apart from the LEEs <NUM> and positioned to receive the light from the LEEs. In this example, an LEE <NUM> is inserted into an opening (e.g., having a half-width Rd) of the flat reflector 245a. A dimension 2Rd in the x-y plane of the LEE <NUM> can be of order <NUM>, for instance. In some implementations, the reflector 245a extends to at least the input surface 215a of the scattering element 220a. In other implementations, the reflector 245a extends to at least an output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor 230a. In this example, the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a is located on the inside of the optical extractor 230a and has substantially uniform thickness, such that a distance between the extraction interface 225a and the input surface 215a of the scattering element is constant for any point of the optical extraction. The thickness of the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a is less than <NUM>, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or other thicknesses. Note that, in this example, the thickness of the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a is about 3x-10x smaller than the dimension 2Rd of the LEE <NUM>. As such, the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a is first embodiment of the layer-shaped scattering element <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>.

Moreover, the input surface 215a of the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a is adjacent an air filled semispherical enclosure 240a of the optical extractor 230a. The enclosure 240a encompasses the LEE <NUM> and its surrounding reflector 245a. Here, a radius RE of the extraction interface 225a can be of order <NUM>-<NUM>. In some implementations, the output surface <NUM> of the extractor element 230a is concentric with the extraction interface 225a and has a radius Ro that satisfies one of the following reflection conditions. Reflection condition <NUM>: RO>RB, where the Brewster radius RB is related to the radius RE of the extraction interface 225a through <MAT>; Reflection condition <NUM>: RO=RB; Reflection condition <NUM>: RW<RO<RB, where the Weierstrass radius Rw is related to the radius RE of the extraction interface through RW=nERE; Reflection condition <NUM>: Ro=Rw. In this manner, mixed light that directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> experiences little or no total internal reflection thereon.

Further in this example, light propagation asymmetry in large part arises from the refraction indices of materials on the inside (index n<NUM>) and outside (index nE) of the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a (with index ns) being unequal. For instance, if <NUM><ns<<NUM> and n<NUM> = <NUM>, that is n<NUM> < nS, a large fraction (~<NUM>%) of the isotropically distributed mixed light impinging on the input surface 215a will be reflected by TIR back into the spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a and only a smaller fraction (~<NUM>%) will be transmitted backwards into the air medium of the recovery enclosure 240a from where some may reach the LEE <NUM>. In some implementations, at the extraction interface 225a, the condition nS ≤ nE will guarantee that substantially all the mixed light reaching the extraction interface will transition into the extractor element 230a, and either of the above-noted reflection conditions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> will further guarantee that practically all the mixed light will transmit into air without TIR through the output surface <NUM>. Only a small fraction (down to about ~<NUM>% depending on incidence angle) will be returned by Fresnel reflection at the output surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of an example of a lighting device 200b not in accordance with the present invention having a plate-shaped scattering element 220b and a spherical dome-shaped optical extractor 230b that have a common extraction interface 225b. In some implementations, the lighting device 200b has rotational symmetry around the z-axis. In other implementations, the lighting device 200b is elongated along the y-axis (i.e., along a direction perpendicular to the page). The lighting device 200b further includes one or more LEEs <NUM> (e.g., a blue pump), and an optical coupler 245b (e.g., configured as a compound parabolic collector (CPC), a conical or other hollow optical coupler having reflective side surfaces represented by double lines. ) Note that an air filled enclosure 240b of the optical coupler 245b encompasses an LEE <NUM> and the plate-shaped scattering element 220b. Here, the LEE <NUM> is positioned at an input aperture of the optical coupler 245b. A dimension 2Rd in the x-y plane of the LEE <NUM> can be of order <NUM>, for instance. The plate-shaped scattering element 220b is positioned at an output aperture of the optical coupler 245b and has an input surface 215b through which it receives the pump light from the LEE <NUM>. In this example, the plate-shaped scattering element 220b has substantially uniform thickness, such that a distance between the extraction interface 225b and the input surface 215b of the plate-shaped scattering element is constant for any point of the optical extraction. The thickness of the plate-shaped scattering element 220b is less than <NUM>, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or other thicknesses. Note that, in this example, the thickness of the plate-shaped scattering element 220b is about 3x-10x smaller than the dimension 2Rd of the LEE <NUM>. Additionally, a dimension 2RE in the x-y plane of the scattering element 220b can be of order <NUM>-<NUM>. As such, the plate-shaped scattering element 220b is a second example of the layer-shaped scattering element <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>.

Note that the extraction interface 225b is inscribed in (i.e., forms a chord of) a nominal sphere (represented in dashed-line) that is concentric with the output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor 230b. The largest such nominal sphere has a diameter equal to the dimension 2RE in the plane x-y of the extraction interface 225b. In the current disclosure, a radius Ro of the output surface <NUM> satisfies one of the following reflection conditions. Reflection condition <NUM>: RO>RB, where the Brewster radius RB is related to the dimension 2RE of the extraction interface 225b through <MAT>; Reflection condition <NUM>: RO=RB; Reflection condition <NUM>: RW<RO<RB, where the Weierstrass radius RW is related to the dimension 2RE of the extraction interface through RW = nERE; Reflection condition <NUM>: Ro=Rw. In this manner, mixed light that directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> experiences little or no total internal reflection thereon.

Further in this example, light propagation asymmetry arises mostly from the refraction indices of materials on the inside (index n<NUM>) and outside (index nE) of the plate-shaped scattering element 220b (with index ns) being unequal. For instance, if <NUM><ns<<NUM> and n<NUM> = <NUM>, that is n<NUM> < nS, a large fraction (~<NUM>%) of the isotropically distributed mixed light impinging on the input surface 215b will be reflected by TIR back into the plate-shaped scattering element 220b and only a smaller fraction (~<NUM>%) will be transmitted backwards into the air medium of the recovery enclosure 240b from where some may reach the LEE <NUM>. In some implementations, at the extraction interface 225b, the condition nS ≤ nE will guarantee that substantially all the mixed light reaching the extraction interface will transition into the optical extractor 230b, and either of the above-noted reflection conditions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> will further guarantee that practically all the mixed light will transmit into air without TIR through the output surface <NUM>. Only a small fraction (down to about ~<NUM>% depending on incidence angle) will be returned by Fresnel reflection at the output surface <NUM>.

As noted above, the lighting device 200a has a spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a and the lighting device 200b has a plate-shaped scattering element 220b, each of these layer-shaped scattering elements can have a thickness comparable to a characteristic dimension of the LEEs <NUM>. The lighting devices described below have 3D scattering elements with a thickness that can be a few to many times a characteristic dimension of the LEEs.

For example, <FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a lighting device <NUM> having a thick, for example cylinder-shaped, scattering element <NUM> and a spherical dome-shaped optical extractor 230b that have a common extraction interface 225b. The cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM> is an example embodiment of the 3D scattering element <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>. As another example, <FIG> shows a schematic cross section of an example of a lighting device <NUM> having a spherical dome-shaped scattering element <NUM> and a spherical shell-shaped optical extractor 230a that have a common extraction interface 225a. The spherical dome-shaped scattering element <NUM> is another embodiment of the 3D scattering element <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>. In some implementations, the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> has rotational symmetry around the z-axis. In other implementations, the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> is elongated along the y-axis (i.e., along a direction perpendicular to the page).

The lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> further includes one or more LEEs <NUM>. As described above in connection with <FIG>, the LEE(s) <NUM> can include light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, the LEDs can emit pump light, as described above in connection with <FIG>. In some cases, the LEDs can be bare LED dies. In some other cases, the LEDs can be packaged LED dies. In the latter cases, the packaged LED dies can include a lens or other light shaping optical element.

The 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> can include a matrix of phosphor particles embedded in dielectric material. The phosphor can absorb a portion of the pump light and emit converted light with converted light wavelengths longer than pump light wavelengths, as illustrated in <FIG>, for instance. Here, the dielectric material is transparent to the pump light and the converted light. In this manner, the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> provides mixed light which includes a portion of the converted light and a portion of the pump light that is not absorbed by the phosphor, as illustrated in <FIG>, for instance. In some implementations, the dielectric material of the matrix is plastic. In other implementations, the dielectric material of the matrix is glass. Moreover, the phosphor particles can be uniformly distributed in the dielectric material. In this manner, an effective refracting index of the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> is nS > <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> < nS < <NUM>.

The optical extractor 230b/230a can include a material that is transparent to the mixed light and has a refractive index nE that is larger than a refraction index nO of an environment surrounding the optical extractor. The material of the optical extractor 230b/230a can be plastic or glass. A value of the refractive index nE of the optical extractor material is in the range of <NUM> < nE < <NUM>, for instance. In some implementations, nE can be smaller than nS. In other implementations, nE can be equal to or larger than nS.

Further, the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> can form an immersion-coupled input interface <NUM> with the LEE(s) <NUM>, such that the pump light emitted by the LEE(s) is input into the 3D scattering element through the input interface. Furthermore, the optical extractor 230b/230a forms an immersion-coupled extraction interface 225b/225a with the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM>, such that the mixed light is input into the optical extractor from the 3D scattering element through the extraction interface. Moreover, an output surface <NUM> of the optical extractor 230b/230a is arranged and shaped relative to the extraction interface 225b/225a such that the mixed light received by the optical extractor through the extraction interface impinges on the output surface at incident angles smaller than a predetermined angle. Examples of predetermined angles corresponding to particular reflection conditions are provided below in this specification.

The lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> further includes a reflector <NUM>/245a (represented in <FIG> and <FIG> by double lines) extending from the input interface <NUM> to a boundary of the extraction interface 225b/225a. In this manner, a cylinder-shaped conversion chamber (corresponding to the conversion enclosure <NUM> of the lighting device <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the lighting device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is bounded by the reflector <NUM> and the extraction interface 225b and encloses the cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM>. Further, a spherical dome-shaped conversion chamber (taking the position of the conversion enclosure <NUM> of the lighting device <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the lighting device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is bounded by the reflector 245a and the extraction interface 225a and encloses the spherical dome-shaped scattering element <NUM>. In some implementations, the reflector 245a can extend along the x-axis beyond the boundary of the extraction interface 225a at least to the boundary of the output surface <NUM>. The reflector <NUM>/245a can be configured to reflect the mixed light via specular reflection or diffuse reflection. A reflectivity of the reflector <NUM>/245a is larger than <NUM>%, e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc. In some implementations the reflectors <NUM>/245a provide a white diffuse reflective surface, which, when immersion coupled with the scattering element <NUM>/<NUM>, can provide very high reflectivity.

Moreover, the input interface <NUM> has a first dimension, 2Rd. In the examples illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first dimension 2Rd is in the x-y plane and can represent a length of the LED die or LED package that forms the LEE <NUM>. The first dimension 2Rd is of order <NUM>, for instance.

Referring now to <FIG>, the cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM> has a second dimension, T, which is orthogonal to and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension 2Rd of the input interface <NUM>. Here, the second dimension T represents a thickness along the z-axis of the cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM>. Additionally, the cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM> has a third dimension, 2RE, which is along and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension 2Rd of the input interface <NUM>. Here, the third dimension 2RE represents a length in the x-y plane of the cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM>. In this example, the extraction interface 225b also has the third dimension 2RE in the x-y plane.

In this example, the extraction interface 225b is inscribed in (i.e., forms a chord of) a nominal sphere (represented in dashed-line) that is concentric with the output surface <NUM> of the spherical dome-shaped optical extractor 230b. The largest such nominal sphere has a diameter equal to the third dimension 2RE in the plane x-y of the extraction interface 225b. In the current disclosure, a radius Ro of the output surface <NUM> satisfies one of the following reflection conditions. Reflection condition <NUM>: RO>RB, where the Brewster radius RB is related to the third dimension 2RE of the extraction interface 225b through <MAT>; Reflection condition <NUM>: RO=RB; Reflection condition <NUM>: RW<RO<RB, where the Weierstrass radius Rw is related to the third dimension 2RE of the extraction interface through RW = nERE; Reflection condition <NUM>: Ro=Rw. In this manner, mixed light that directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> of the spherical dome-shaped optical extractor 230b experiences little or no total internal reflection thereon for the following reasons. For all reflection conditions <NUM>-<NUM>, the mixed light directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> at incidence angles smaller than or equal to the critical angle θC = arcsin(nE/nO). Moreover, for conditions <NUM>-<NUM>, the mixed light directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> at incidence angles smaller than or equal to the Brewster angle θB = arctan(nE/nO).

Referring now to <FIG> showing an example not in accordance with the present invention, the scattering element <NUM> can be a dome-shaped hemi-sphere. Here, the dome-shaped scattering element <NUM> has a second dimension, RE, which is radial with respect to the input interface <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension 2Rd of the input interface. Here, the second dimension RE represents a radius of the extraction interface 225a. Additionally, the spherical dome-shaped scattering element <NUM> has a third dimension which coincides with a length of the extraction interface 225a. Here, the length of the extraction interface 225a is ~πRE, e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension 2Rd of the input interface <NUM>.

In some implementations, the output surface <NUM> of the spherical shell-shaped optical extractor 230a is concentric with the extraction interface 225a and has a radius Ro that satisfies one of the following reflection conditions. Reflection condition <NUM>: RO>RB, where the Brewster radius RB is related to the radius RE of the extraction interface 225a through RB = RE(<NUM> + <MAT>; Reflection condition <NUM>: RO=RB; Reflection condition <NUM>: RW<RO<RB, where the Weierstrass radius Rw is related to the radius RE of the extraction interface through Rw = nERE; Reflection condition <NUM>: Ro=Rw. In this manner, mixed light that directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> of the spherical shell-shaped optical extractor 230a experiences little or no total internal reflection thereon for the following reasons. For all reflection conditions <NUM>-<NUM>, the mixed light directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> at incidence angles smaller than or equal to the critical angle θC = arcsin(nE/nO). Moreover, for conditions <NUM>-<NUM>, the mixed light directly impinges on the output surface <NUM> at incidence angles smaller than or equal to the Brewster angle θB = arctan(nE/nO).

Note that, in contrast with the lighting device <NUM> having a cylinder-shaped scattering element <NUM> with a thickness T (orthogonal to the input interface <NUM>) that is larger than the dimension 2Rd of its LEE <NUM>, e.g., T=<NUM>-10x2Rd, the corresponding lighting device 200b has a plate-shaped scattering element 220b with a thickness that represents a fraction of the dimension Rd of its LEE <NUM>, e.g., ~ <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, in contrast with the lighting device <NUM> having a spherical dome-shaped scattering element <NUM> with a radius RE that is larger than the dimension 2Rd of its LEE <NUM>, e.g., RE=<NUM>-10x2Rd, the corresponding lighting device 200a has a spherical shell-shaped scattering element 220a with a thickness that represents a fraction of the dimension Rd of its LEE <NUM>, e.g., ~ <NUM>-<NUM>. While the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> of the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> and the layer-shaped scattering element 220b/220a of the corresponding lighting device 200b/200a may contain similar quantities of phosphor, a volume of the former can be much larger than a volume of the latter. Hence, the phosphor in the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> of the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> can be more dilute than the phosphor in the layer-shaped scattering element 220b/220a of the corresponding lighting device 200b/200a. Likewise, the mean free path lengths can be longer. In this manner, a likelihood for the converted light to backscatter towards the input interface <NUM> for the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> is beneficially smaller than a likelihood for the converted light to backscatter towards the input interface 215b/215a for the corresponding lighting device 200b/200a. As such, in the case of the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM>, a remaining portion of the backscattered light is reflected off the reflector <NUM>/245a (which has a higher reflectance than a surface of an LEE <NUM> - that is the input interface <NUM> as viewed from the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM>. ) Additionally, a likelihood for the converted light - that scatters laterally (e.g., in the x-y plane) relative to a forward direction (e.g., along the z-axis) between the input interface <NUM> and the extraction interface 225b/225a - to be absorbed for the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> is beneficially smaller than a likelihood for the converted light - that scatters laterally (e.g., in the tangential direction/x-y plane) relative to a forward direction (e.g., along the radial direction/z-axis) between the input interface 215b/215a and the extraction interface 225b/225a - to be absorbed for the corresponding lighting device 200b/200a. In this manner, in the case of the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM>, a remaining portion of the laterally scattered converted light is reflected off the reflector <NUM>/245a. Additionally, larger mean free path lengths in the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM> than in the corresponding layer-shaped scattering element 220b/220a allow for better spreading of light across the extraction interface 225b/225a. This can provide greater uniformity in brightness and/or color, for example.

As such, contributions to increasing the efficiency of the lighting device <NUM>/<NUM> over the corresponding lighting device 200b/200a come from an effective conversion cavity enclosing the 3D scattering element <NUM>/<NUM>. Depending on the embodiment, the thickness of the scattering element may be half to twice the mean free path length and about one to ten times the first dimension of the input interface. The foregoing embodiments of the technology can be varied in many ways.

The preceding figures and accompanying description illustrate example methods, systems and devices for illumination. It will be understood that these methods, systems, and devices are for illustration purposes only and that the described or similar techniques may be performed at any appropriate time, including concurrently, individually, or in combination. In addition, many of the steps in these processes may take place simultaneously, concurrently, and/or in different orders than as shown. Moreover, the described methods/devices may use additional steps/parts, fewer steps/parts, and/or different steps/parts, as long as the methods/devices remain appropriate.

Claim 1:
A lighting device (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs) (<NUM>) configured to provide pump light;
a cylinder-shaped scattering element (<NUM>) comprising a matrix of phosphor embedded in dielectric material, wherein the phosphor is configured to absorb at least a portion of the pump light and to emit converted light with converted light wavelengths longer than pump light wavelengths, and the dielectric material is transparent to the pump light and the converted light, the scattering element forming an immersion-coupled input interface (<NUM>) with the LEEs, such that the pump light emitted by the LEEs is input into the scattering element through the input interface,
wherein the input interface has a first dimension (2Rd) corresponding to a characteristic dimension of the LEEs representing a length of the LED die or LED package that forms the LEE (<NUM>), and wherein the scattering element has a second dimension representing a thickness (T) orthogonal to and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the first dimension, and
a spherical dome-shaped optical extractor (230b) forming an extraction interface (225b) with the scattering element (<NUM>) that is located outside the optical extractor (230b), such that mixed light from the scattering element is input into the optical extractor through the extraction interface,
wherein the extraction interface has a third dimension (2RE) being along, and <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than, the first dimension,
wherein an output surface (<NUM>) of the optical extractor is arranged and shaped relative to the extraction interface such that the mixed light received by the optical extractor through the extraction interface impinges on the output surface at incident angles smaller than or equal to a Brewster angle θB = arctan(nE/n<NUM>), wherein nE is a refractive index of the optical extractor and n<NUM> is a refraction index of an environment surrounding the optical extractor.