Patent ID: 8320045

Claim:
A light collection and concentration system, comprising: a light concentrating layer having a first section and at least a second section; a first light transport layer characterized by an index of refraction n 1-1 , including a plurality of light directing elements disposed in at least a portion of one of the top and bottom surfaces thereof in optical registration with the first section of the light concentrating layer, and having a respective side-end primary light exit surface; a first light transmissive medium layer characterized by an index of refraction n 2-1 , where n 2-1 <n 1-1 , disposed immediately adjacent the light concentrating layer and the first light transport layer; at least a second light transport layer characterized by an index of refraction n 1-2 , including a plurality of light directing elements disposed in at least one of the top and bottom surfaces thereof and in respective optical registration with the at least second section of the light concentrating layer, and having a respective side-end primary light exit surface; and a respective at least second light transmissive medium layer characterized by an index of refraction n 2-2 , where n 2-2 <n 1-2 , disposed immediately adjacent the first light transport layer and the second light transport layer.