Lambertian surfaces to tailor the distribution of light in a nonimaging optical system

David P. Ramer; Jack C. Rains Jr.

doi:10.1117/12.368252

6 October 1999 Lambertian surfaces to tailor the distribution of light in a nonimaging optical system

David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains Jr.

Proceedings Volume 3781, Nonimaging Optics: Maximum Efficiency Light Transfer V; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.368252
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

In this paper we will introduce a new light distribution technique we term `Constructive Occlusion'. Using the geometry of Constructive Occlusion, diffuse surfaces can be used to tailor the distribution of a light source, eliminating the need for refractors or reflectors. The use of diffuse materials alone does not enable the tailoring of the distribution because lambertian materials distributed light as a cosine distribution. This cosine distribution is largely independent of the specific shape of the surface. Constructive Occlusion overcomes this limitation by the use of its patented geometry. Through application of the geometry, an integrating cavity is formed using a highly reflective diffuse material (>95% reflectivity). A mask is placed over the cavity, such that the light source and major portion of the cavity is occluded, enabling an interaction between the cavity and the mask. The arrangement and dimensions of the cavity opening, the mask, and the distance of the mask from the cavity, as well as several other geometric relationships, combine to control the light distribution of the optic. Contrary to expectations, we have been able to demonstrate our ability to shape the light distribution while maintaining high optical efficiencies, as high as 87% dependent upon the distribution. The specific techniques of constructive occlusion and example applications will be discussed in this paper.

Citation Download Citation

David P. Ramer and Jack C. Rains Jr. "Lambertian surfaces to tailor the distribution of light in a nonimaging optical system", Proc. SPIE 3781, Nonimaging Optics: Maximum Efficiency Light Transfer V, (6 October 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.368252

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
12 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Data modeling

Lamps

Tolerancing

Reflectivity

Sensors

Light sources

Light sources and illumination

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years