Light Mixing Lenses And Systems

Abstract

Lighting modules and lighting systems containing one or more lighting modules, and associated methods, are provided that receive light from one or more light sources for projecting it to a target surface, e.g., in a uniform, patterned, or other controlled manner. In various embodiments, the lighting modules and lighting systems can be used to mix the light generated by one or more sources.

1 . An optical device, comprising:
 a light pipe having a proximal end adapted for optical coupling to a light source to receive a plurality of light rays therefrom and a distal end providing an output surface for the light rays, said output surface comprising a plurality of microlenses and surface texturing formed thereon, said light pipe being configured to cause mixing of the light rays via reflection at one or more lateral surfaces thereof as the light rays pass through the light pipe, and   a lens optically coupled to said output surface to receive light therefrom.   
     
     
         2 . The optical device of  claim 1 , wherein said light pipe comprises an input surface at the proximal end for receiving said light rays from the light source. 
     
     
         3 . The optical device of  claim 2 , wherein said output surface has a greater cross-sectional area than said input surface. 
     
     
         4 . The optical device of  claim 1 , wherein said lens comprises a zoom lens. 
     
     
         5 . The optical device of  claim 1 , wherein said light pipe has a polygonal cross section. 
     
     
         6 . The optical device of  claim 5 , wherein said polygonal cross section is selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangular, a hexagonal, and an octagonal cross section. 
     
     
         7 . The optical device of  claim 2 , wherein said lateral surfaces extend from said proximal end to said distal end. 
     
     
         8 . The optical device of  claim 7 , wherein any two opposed lateral surfaces of said light pipe diverge in a direction from said input surface to said output surface. 
     
     
         9 . The optical device of  claim 7 , wherein said lateral surfaces are configured to cause total internal reflection of at least some of the light rays incident thereon. 
     
     
         10 . The optical device of  claim 1 , further comprising a holder providing a housing for said light pipe. 
     
     
         11 . The optical device of  claim 1 , wherein said light source comprises an LED. 
     
     
         12 . The optical device of  claim 1 , wherein said light source comprises two LEDs providing light at different colors. 
     
     
         13 . The optical device of  claim 1 , wherein said light pipe comprises at least two portions exhibiting different cross-sectional shapes. 
     
     
         14 . The optical device of  claim 2 , wherein said input surface comprises a cavity for at least partially receiving the light source. 
     
     
         15 . The optical device of  claim 14 , wherein said cavity comprises a concave surface that matches a convex light-emitting surface of the light source. 
     
     
         16 . The optical device of  claim 4 , wherein the zoom lens comprises a lens providing a positive optical power and another lens providing a negative optical power.