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Optical element having an integral surface diffuser

  • US 6,266,476 B1
  • Filed: 08/25/1998
  • Issued: 07/24/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A monolithic optical element through which light is able to pass, comprising:

  • a substrate body through which light is able to pass;

    a macro-optical characteristic integral with the substrate body; and

    a plurality of micro-structures through which light is able to pass and which are random in nature and which are integral with the macro-optical characteristic, wherein the micro-structures are characterized as being not only able to homogenize light exiting the monolithic optical element via the macro-optical characteristic of the substrate body but also able to diffuse and shape the light, wherein the micro-structures are further characterized as being able to direct a predetermined distribution of light exiting the monolithic optical element via the macro-optical characteristic of the substrate body in a manner so as to shape substantially all of a light output of the monolithic optical element into a predetermined direction and distribution pattern, wherein the substrate body, the macro-optical characteristic integral therewith and the plurality of random micro-structures also integral therewith cooperate thereby to enable the monolithic optical element to produce the light output providing the predetermined direction and distribution pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the monolithic optical element, and wherein the substrate body is a Fresnel lens.

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