Light Mixing Optics And Systems

Abstract

In one aspect, a light-mixing optic is disclosed for use with one or more light sources such as light emitting diodes. In one embodiment, an exemplary optic can include an optical body disposed about an optical axis and having an input and an output surface and a peripheral surface extending between the two. The input surface can form a central cavity for receiving light from the light sources, if not the light sources themselves. Further, the input surface can be shaped to refract substantially all of the light, received from the one or more light sources away front the optical axis to the peripheral surface of the optic, where that light (e.g., substantially all of it) can be redirected (e.g., via total internal reflection or specular reflection) to the output surface. An array of micro-lenses or other surface features can be formed, on the output surface. Further embodiments, as well as exemplary design methods, are also disclosed.

1 .- 59 . (canceled) 
     
     
         60 . A light-mixing lens, comprising:
 a lens body disposed about an optical axis and characterized by an output surface and an input surface and a peripheral surface extending between the input and output surfaces,   said input surface forming a cavity for receiving light from at least one light source, said cavity being shaped to refract at least about 80 percent of the light received from the at least one light source away from the optical axis and to the peripheral surface of the lens body,   said peripheral surface being configured such that light propagating thereto from the cavity is totally internally reflected to the output surface for exiting the lens body,   wherein said input surface of the cavity presents a convex surface to light received from the at least one light source, wherein said convex surface tapers to a point on or near the optical axis.   
     
     
         61 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 60 , wherein said convex surface provides a positive optical power for refracting light from the light source incident thereon. 
     
     
         62 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 60 , wherein said convex surface refracts at least about 97 percent of the light received from said at least one light source to said peripheral surface. 
     
     
         63 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 60 , wherein said convex surface refracts at least about 99 percent of the light received from said at least one light source to said peripheral surface. 
     
     
         64 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 60 , further comprising a diffusing plate optically coupled to the output surface for receiving and diffusing light received therefrom. 
     
     
         65 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 64 , wherein said diffusing plate comprises any of lenslets, micro-lenses, micro-prisms, micro-cylinders, and surface texturing formed thereon. 
     
     
         66 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 60 , wherein said at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources generating light at different colors. 
     
     
         67 . The light-mixing lens of  claim 60 , wherein said lens body is configured to mix light from two light sources producing illumination of equal intensity such that a ratio of luminosity produced through the lens at a location on a target surface by the two light sources is in a range of about 1/1 to 1/1.5.