Optical fiber illumination system and method

Abstract

An illumination system that includes at least one light-diffusing optical fiber is disclosed. The illumination system includes at least one low-scatter light-conducting optical fiber that optically couples the at least one light-diffusing optical fiber to at least one light source. The light-diffusing optical fiber includes a light-source fiber portion having a length over which scattered light is continuously emitted. The light-source fiber portion can be bent, including wound into a coil shape. The light-diffusing optical fiber includes a plurality of nano-sized structures configured to scatter guided light traveling within the light-diffusing optical fiber out of an outer surface of the fiber.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority benefit to US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 269055, filed October 7, 2011, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. technical field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to light-diffusing optical fibers having nano-sized structural regions, and more particularly, to optical fiber illumination systems and methods of using such optical fibers for various applications, including bioreactors, guide signage, and special lighting applications. Background technique

[0004] Optical fibers are used in a variety of applications that require the delivery of light from a light source to a remote site. For example, optical telecommunications systems rely on fiber optic networks to carry light from service providers to system end users.

[0005] Telecommunication fibers are designed to operate at near-infrared wavelengths, in the ra...

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