Lighting device for accent lighting & methods of use thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of invention are directed to a lighting device for use in accent lighting applications. In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a coherent light source, such as a laser, and a diffractive optical element. The diffractive optical element may be, for example, a holographic optical element. The lighting device may be adapted to retrofit into a pre-existing light fixture. In one application, the lighting device may project a static or movable star field and/or static or movable clouds.

1 . A lighting device, comprising:
 a coherent light source;   a holographic optical element positioned within a light pathway of the coherent light source when power is supplied thereto; and   a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) in electrical communication with the coherent light source to supply power thereto, wherein the device is adapted to retrofit into a pre-existing light fixture.   
     
     
         2 . The lighting device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a housing to house the coherent light source, the housing having an opening to allow light emanating from the coherent light source to project therethrough; and   a first heatsink positioned about the housing.   
     
     
         3 . The lighting device of  claim 2  wherein the first heatsink defines a lumen, the lumen having the housing therein, the first heatsink having a plurality of fins on an outer periphery thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The lighting device of  claim 3 , further comprising, a threaded base adapted to retrofit into a socket of the light fixture, the threaded based in electrical communication with the coherent light source. 
     
     
         5 . The lighting device of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a plate to secure the housing and the first heatsink thereto; and   a second heatsink having a first recess to situate the plate therein and a second recess to house the SMPS, the second heatsink connected to the threaded base.   
     
     
         6 . The lighting device of  claim 5  wherein the second heatsink has a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter, the first diameter smaller than the second diameter, the second heatsink having a plurality of fins on an outer periphery thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The lighting device of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a printed circuit board positioned between the threaded base and the second heatsink, the printed circuit board in electrical communication with the threaded base and the SMPS.   
     
     
         8 . The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the coherent light source is one of a diode pumped solid state laser or a direct diode laser. 
     
     
         9 . The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the holographic optical element is embossed and integrated into collimation optics of the laser. 
     
     
         10 . The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein, when the lighting device is retrofitted to the light fixture and when power is supplied thereto, the lighting device projects a plurality of pin-point lights, the pin-point lights comprising a star field. 
     
     
         11 . The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the pre-existing light fixture is one of a track light, an incandescent lighting fixture, a recessed can lighting fixture, an uplight or a spot light. 
     
     
         12 . The lighting device of  claim 3  wherein the SMPS is attached to the first heatsink. 
     
     
         13 . The lighting device of  claim 12  wherein one end of the lighting device is adapted to secure to a lens and the other end is adapted to secure to a plate. 
     
     
         14 . The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the device has dimming capabilities. 
     
     
         15 . A lighting device adapted to retrofit into a pre-existing lighting fixture, comprising:
 a coherent light source housed within a housing, the housing having an opening through which light from the coherent light source projects therethrough when power is supplied thereto;   a holographic optical element fixed within a retainer, the retainer positioned within a light pathway of the coherent light source when power is supplied thereto, the retainer having an opening in substantial alignment with the opening in the housing;   a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) in electrical communication with the coherent light source to supply power thereto; and   means for retrofitting the lighting device into a pre-existing lighting fixture.   
     
     
         16 . The lighting device of  claim 15 , further comprising, a heatsink positioned about the housing. 
     
     
         17 . The lighting device of  claim 16  wherein the heatsink defines a lumen, the lumen having the housing therein, the heatsink having a plurality of fins on an outer periphery thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The lighting device of  claim 15  wherein the coherent light source is one of a diode pumped solid state laser or a direct diode laser. 
     
     
         19 . The lighting device of  claim 15  wherein the holographic optical element is embossed and integrated into collimation optics of the laser. 
     
     
         20 . The lighting device of  claim 15  wherein, when the lighting device is retrofitted to the light fixture and when power is supplied thereto, the lighting device projects a plurality of pin-point lights, the pin-point lights comprising a star field.