Patent ID: 7390116

Claim:
A compact, high-efficiency illuminator system comprising: a) a reflector chamber portion having a forward elliptical reflector with an axis with a near-focus position and a far-focus position with respect to such forward elliptical reflector, and having a spherical retro-reflector opposite such forward elliptical reflector surrounding an exit port, said spherical retro-reflector being opposite to said elliptical forward reflector; b) a point-source light emitting element, mounted at said near-focus on said axis intermediate said elliptical reflector and said exit port at said far-focus, arranged to emit light rays directed as follows: b1) a significant percentage of rays directed at said elliptical forward reflector for single-reflection out said exit port; b2) a small percentage of rays directed out said exit port without reflection; and b3) the remaining significant percentage of rays directed at said spherical retro-reflector for retro-reflection back to said elliptical forward reflector for re-reflection out said exit port.