Search Results

Thick optical waveguides (or “light pipes”) which utilize aspheric surfaces are shown to greatly improve illumination system efficiency over those that use linear or spherical surfaces only. An aspheric collection optic that is tailored to the filament of a particular bulb is demonstrated. Bending light around a ninety degree turn is also investigated, and the use of aspheric surfaces is once again shown to be more effective than linear or spherical mirrors. Optical design software is used to provide illustrative examples of general problems and solutions that are often encountered in waveguide illumination system design.

Computer analysis is quickly becoming the most important tool in the design of thick waveguide illumination systems used in car radios and dashboards. Used correctly, computer modeling decreases waveguide design time and increases cost effectiveness. This paper presents examples of computer analysis. First, modeled sources such as tungsten filaments and miniature booted bulbs are presented. Computer simulation of thick optical waveguides illuminated with these sources will then demonstrate the correlation between experimental measurement and computer model output. Output coupling is also modeled and the results provide information about the amount, uniformity, and directionality of the output flux. All of this information is of the utmost importance to an illumination system designer.