초록 ▼

The optical lightpipes are provided with an internal structural configuration which enables the pipes to either transmit light with greater efficiency or to emit light more effectively along the length of the lightpipe. For light emission, light transmitting optical fibers are doped in the core regi

The optical lightpipes are provided with an internal structural configuration which enables the pipes to either transmit light with greater efficiency or to emit light more effectively along the length of the lightpipe. For light emission, light transmitting optical fibers are doped in the core region with refractive and/or reflective light scattering particles. When with a single optical fiber lightpipe, ribs are formed on the exterior of the lightpipe to prevent the lightpipe from being deformed to an angle greater than the critical angle for light conductance. A single tubular lightpipe of plastic may be formed with an internal reflective layer and outer ribs to control bending of the pipe.

대표청구항 ▼

An optical fiber comprising an elongated light transmitting core means and electromagnetic radiation scattering means embedded in said core means, said electromagnetic radiation scattering means serving to scatter electromagnetic radiation passing longitudinally through said optical fiber laterally

An optical fiber comprising an elongated light transmitting core means and electromagnetic radiation scattering means embedded in said core means, said electromagnetic radiation scattering means serving to scatter electromagnetic radiation passing longitudinally through said optical fiber laterally outwardly from the core means of said optical fiber and including small particles relatively spaced within said core means, said small particles being particles of nontransparent, reflective material.