Patent ID: 8450757

Claim:
A light-emitting device, comprising: a header comprising a first threaded portion; a semiconductor light-emitting die mounted on the header within a cavity; and a gradient index (GRIN) element having a cylindrical refractive index profile in which the refractive index varies radially and is substantially constant axially, the GRIN element comprising a cylindrical body having a length-to-pitch ratio that is selected to provide a desired radiation pattern of light from the light-emitting device, the cylindrical body arranged with a planar end surface adjacent the light-emitting die to receive light therefrom and emit the light from an opposing planar end surface in the desired radiation pattern, the cylindrical body further comprising a second threaded portion proximate to the planar end surface adjacent the light-emitting die whereby the first threaded portion of the header is engaged with the second threaded portion of the cylindrical body.