Multicolored linear light source

Abstract

A multicolored linear light source is disclosed. In an embodiment, the multicolored linear light source comprises a linear light source emanating light of a first spectrum, and regions of photoluminescent material. The light of the first spectrum interacts with regions of photoluminescent material to give light of a different spectrum. The composition of different regions of photoluminescent material is different, providing light of different spectra in different regions. Coupled to each region of photoluminescent material is a columnar light guide such that light produced by the regions traverses respective columnar light guides and gets extracted.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a light source emanating light of a first spectrum,   a plurality of regions of photoluminescent material disposed on the surface of the light source, and   a plurality of light guides situated perpendicular to the light source, wherein least a first region of photoluminescent material and a second region of photoluminescent material emanate light of different spectra.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is a gas discharge tube. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a light guide, diffuser particles and a second light source. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mirror partially covering the surface of the light source, wherein
 the plurality of regions of photoluminescent material is disposed in an area where   the mirror is not disposed on the surface of the light source.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each light guide of the plurality of light guides is situated closed to a particular region of the plurality of regions of photoluminescent material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each light guide of the plurality of light guides further comprises means of extracting light. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the means of extracting light comprises particles that scatter light. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a second light guide, and a second light source situated near the end of the second light guide, the second light guide comprising means of extracting light. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the means of extracting light comprises particles that scatter light. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a display lighted by the plurality of light guides.