Internal collecting reflector optics for leds

Abstract

An optical system is disclosed that uses an LED light source. The light output is coupled to an optic element formed from a material with a high refractive index. The coupling of the light to the high index material significantly reduces the cone angle of the light. The system is very efficient in that nearly all the light generated by the LED is directed to the intended subject.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . An optical system with a directed output, the optical system comprising:
 a light-transmissive solid optic element comprising a light output surface and, opposite the light output surface, a reflective surface shaped to create an internal reflection effect; and   an LED light source at the light output surface to direct light towards the reflective surface, wherein the light from the light source is reflected by the reflective surface to form an output light beam that exits the solid optic element through the light output surface.   
     
     
         25 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein the light source is located substantially at the center of the light output surface. 
     
     
         26 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein:
 the solid optic element comprises a facet adjacent an edge of, and non-parallel to, the light output surface; and   the light source is mounted in optical contact with the facet.   
     
     
         27 . The optical system of  claim 26 , wherein the solid optic element is configured such that an angle between the centerline of the light output by the light source and a centerline of light reflected from the reflective surface is no more than 60 degrees. 
     
     
         28 . The optical system of  claim 26 , in which an angle between a normal to the facet and a normal to the light output surface is no more than 60 degrees. 
     
     
         29 . The optical system of  claim 26 , wherein the reflective surface is sized, angled relative to the light output surface, and offset from the light output surface such that positive and negative rays of a cone of light output by the light source are incident thereon adjacent an edge thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein the reflective surface is parabolic. 
     
     
         31 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein the reflective surface is elliptical. 
     
     
         32 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein the reflective surface is aspheric. 
     
     
         33 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein an index of refraction of the optic element is no less than 1.3. 
     
     
         34 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein the light source comprises more than one LED die. 
     
     
         35 . The optical system of  claim 24 , wherein the light source is located adjacent an edge of the light output surface. 
     
     
         36 . A lighting system with a directed output, the lighting system comprising an array of optical systems in accordance with  claim 24 .