초록 ▼

Improved linear illumination sources are disclosed which utilize external, highly reflective enclosures containing one or more linear openings and thereby achieve improved source efficiency, output irradiance and/or output radiance. Such improved illumination sources may be combined with additional

Improved linear illumination sources are disclosed which utilize external, highly reflective enclosures containing one or more linear openings and thereby achieve improved source efficiency, output irradiance and/or output radiance. Such improved illumination sources may be combined with additional optical elements to produce more complex illumination systems.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A linear illumination source comprising:(a) a linear light source having a width w.sub.1 in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the linear light source; and(b) an external reflective enclosure partially surrounding the linear light source, wherein the external reflective

[ We claim:] [1.] A linear illumination source comprising:(a) a linear light source having a width w.sub.1 in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the linear light source; and(b) an external reflective enclosure partially surrounding the linear light source, wherein the external reflective enclosure has a maximum inside width w.sub.2, and wherein the external reflective enclosure has at least one linear opening of maximum width w.sub.3 such that (0.03)(w.sub.2).ltoreq.w.sub.3.ltoreq.(0.75)(w.sub.2) wherein the external reflective enclosure comprises an engineering thermoplastic filled with fine particles of a clear or white filler wherein the index of refraction of said fine particles is greater than the index of refraction of said thermoplastic; and wherein the enclosure comprises a reflecting material having a reflectivity R greater than or equal to 95%.