Zoomable beamspreader with matched optical surfaces for non-imaging illumination applications

Abstract

A zoomable light beam spreader comprising first and second multiple-lens arrays includes a plurality of plano-convex lenses in correspondence with a plurality of plano-concave lenses having matched, curved optical surfaces. In a zero-power state, the two multiple-lens arrays are very closely spaced so that the matched convex and concave surfaces effectively cancel each other optically but, as the two arrays are separated coaxially along the axis of a light beam, beam divergence angle increases as a function of the distance of separation. A large amount of beam divergence is obtained when the curved surfaces of the plano-concave lenses of the second array are positioned beyond the focus points of the plano-convex lenses of the first array.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to lighting instruments, and especially to devices and apparatus for controlling the distribution of light energy in non-imaging illumination applications.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0002]Four qualities of lighting as described by Stanley McCandless in his book “A Method of Lighting the Stage” are intensity, color, distribution, and movement. Whereas intensity and color may be said to refer to attributes of particular light beams, distribution refers to the arrangement of light sources about the stage and the directions in which they are aimed. Intensity, color, and distribution are primary qualities, whereas movement is emergent from changes in the primary qualities. Movement in this sense occurs as the condition of the other three qualities changes over time. A simple adjustment of intensity results in movement. No change in any of the other three qualities can occur without resulting in movement, and movement cannot occur w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a solid-state apparatus that can control the distribution of light energy in non-imaging illumination applications. It is economical, scalable to large diameters, and operates over a short distance along the optical axis of a luminaire. The apparatus includes two multiple-lens arrays with matching curved surfaces that are aligned and disposed serially and coaxially in a light beam path. One of the multiple-lens arrays is movable coaxially with respect to the other multiple-lens array. This design allows for precise control of the beam of light, resulting in improved illumination.

Problems solved by technology

Such a system is quite large and requires many inches of travel for the lamp and reflector combination along the optical axis of the lens.

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