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Very small PC lamps are used with localized waveguides to construct regional distributed lighting systems (DLS). This approach reduces the size, cost, and redesign of implementing DLS illumination. Wattage usage is decreased, and installation complexity is reduced. The logical conclusion of this approach is to have very large sources illuminating large regions. An example of this is a DLS tail light. HIDs and waveguides are used with standard parabolic reflector optics to generate legal tail light functions. Enough light is generated by one HID to power a red stop, an amber turn, and a white backup with light left over to power functions in the interior. One parabolic reflector and four formed waveguides collect the light. Waveguides distribute the light to output optics. Switching (i.e., modulation) is accomplished with scattering liquid crystal light valves (LCLV) and electro-mechanical switches (servos).

Waveguide connections are studied to determine how the geometry of the transmitting and receiving waveguides impacts light losses. Optical software is used to determine the properties of the connections. This study also predicts where leaks occur for a given waveguide. Fillets are primarily investigated in this preliminary paper.

Presented in this paper is a description of an automobile that is partially retrofitted with a hybrid HID/fiber focus-less optic system. Tail lights are constructed that provide stops, turns, CHMSL, and backups. Lenses are used to meet the most demanding beam patterns. Focus-less optics (FLO) are used with waveguides to collect the rest of the light off the HID and to distribute to the rest of the car. Preliminary measurements indicate that the tail light beam patterns are legal according to SAE and DOT specifications. Different features discussed include electro mechanical modulators (EMM), liquid crystal device modulators (LCD).

Bends and branches in optically transmitting waveguides are studied to determine if the geometry of the bend or branch impacts the transmission of the waveguides. A unitless approach to bend radius makes the study generic for any waveguide bend metric. Optical software is used to determine the properties of the bent or branched waveguides. This study also predicts where leaks occur for a given waveguide. Experimental results prove the value of this computer model.

Presented in this paper is an in-depth analysis and laboratory results of a High Intensity Discharge (HID) focus-less optical (FLO) collector system used in a Distributed Lighting System (DLS). HIDs are the current lamps of choice for these systems. Any lamp source with an extended filament presents a challenge for collector designers. The collector must be large enough to ensure good light angles and high collection efficiency for the fiber but small enough to take up a limited amount of space. This system presented has a high measured collection efficiency. The overall system is very compact and efficient. Measurements also show tolerance to physical placement of the HID. Included in this paper are two approaches to bend light 90″ in conjunction with the FLO. The first approach uses formed, tightly packed glass fiber as an efficient way to collect and distribute light from a FLO to other waveguides or large core optical fiber. The second approach utilizes waveguides.

This paper looks at Distributed Lighting Systems (DLS) from a size, efficiency, and reliability point of view. A small DLS with high reliability should be the final product. This paper discusses the use of Liquid Crystal Light Valve modulators (LCLV), plastic optical fiber, and a focus-less optical system (FLO) for use in automotive DLSs. LCLVs modulate the lights on and off. The use of LCLVs helps to increase reliability. The use of FLOs helps to reduce the part count, and to increase efficiency. A reduced number of parts also helps to reduce the size. A single size large core plastic optical fiber helps to reduce size and to reduce the number of parts. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are the current light sources of choice for these systems.