Luminaires with side-lit light panels incorporating sub-surface optical features

Abstract

A luminaire includes a housing, a light diffusion panel, and a light source. The light diffusion panel is positioned within the housing. The light diffusion panel includes a light source aperture defined therein, an edge surface defining the light source aperture, a plurality of sub-surface optical features disposed within the light diffusion panel, and an emitting surface. The emitting surface includes an emitting surface section. The light source projects light into the light diffusion panel through the edge surface of the light diffusion panel. The light is projected into the light diffusion panel to interact with the plurality of sub-surface optical features and exits the light diffusion panel through the emitting surface section.

Description

[0001] Cross-application of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 959,565, filed January 10, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 975,492, filed February 12, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments described herein relate to luminaires including side-lit light guides. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a luminaire comprising a housing, a light diffusion panel, and a light source. The light diffusion panel is positioned within the housing. The light diffusion panel includes a light source aperture defined therein, an edge surface defining the light source aperture, a plurality of sub-surface optical features disposed within the light diffusion panel, and an emitting surface. The emitting surface includes an emitting surface section. The light source projects light into the light diffusion panel through the edge surface of the light diffusion panel. The light is projected into the light diffusion panel to interact with the plurality of sub-surface optical features and exits the light diffusion panel through the emitting surface section.

[0005] On the other hand, this disclosure relates to a luminaire including a housing, a light diffusion panel, and a light source. The light diffusion panel is positioned within the housing. The light diffusion panel includes a plurality of sub-surface optical features disposed therein, an outer edge of the panel, and a panel emitting surface. The light source projects light through the outer edge of the panel into the light diffusion panel, into one or more sub-surface optical features, and out through the panel emitting surface from the light diffusion panel.

[0006] Other aspects of this embodiment will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A side / bottom perspective view of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the light fixture.

[0009] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the light fixture.

[0010] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the light fixture.

[0011] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Top perspective view of the light fixture.

[0012] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 Top plan view of the light fixture.

[0013] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The bottom plan view of the light fixture.

[0014] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 Top plan view of the light diffusion panel of the luminaire.

[0015] Figure 9 A side cross-sectional view of a light-diffusing panel that has undergone a subsurface laser engraving process is shown.

[0016] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture.

[0017] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the light projection pattern of two separate luminaires of the type shown.

[0018] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The top plan view of the first light projection pattern.

[0019] Figure 13 It shows Figure 11 The top plan view of the second light projection pattern.

[0020] Figure 14 A detailed cross-sectional front view of a portion of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0021] Figure 15 A detailed cross-sectional front view of a portion of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0022] Figure 16 A detailed cross-sectional front view of a portion of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0023] Figure 17 A cross-sectional front view of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0024] Figure 18 A detailed cross-sectional front view of the light diffusion panel of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 19 A detailed cross-sectional front view of the light diffusion panel of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 20A bottom plan view of an example of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0027] Figure 21 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 Replacement components for two light diffusion panels used together with the same luminaire.

[0028] Figure 22 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example layout of a light diffusion panel of a luminaire according to an embodiment described herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1-7 A luminaire 100 is shown. The luminaire includes a housing 102. For example, the housing 102 may be made of a low-copper die-cast aluminum material. The housing 102 at least partially includes a light diffusion panel 104, which may also be referred to as a light guide or light-guiding panel. In some embodiments, the light diffusion panel 104 is a flat or planar structure. In other embodiments, the light diffusion panel 104 may be curved or some other shape. The light diffusion panel 104 may be made of, for example, a light-transmitting material, such as transparent acrylic.

[0030] like Figure 8 As shown, some embodiments of the light diffusion panel 104 include at least one light source hole 106 (illustrated as the white stripe segment). In some embodiments, the light diffusion panel 104 also includes optical features 108 laser-engraved or otherwise manufactured. These optical features 108 (which may also be referred to as extraction features) may be in the form of a surface treatment (which may also be referred to as a surface feature) of the light diffusion panel 104, or may be within the light diffusion panel 104. The optical features 108 may form so-called extraction regions. The optical features 108 may be implemented in a uniform or non-uniform manner. For example, the optical features 108 may be formed by laser engraving on a surface or sub-surface. The optical features 108 in Figure 8 The image shows multiple points.

[0031] Figure 9 The sub-surface laser engraving process is illustrated. Figure 9In this design, a light-diffusing panel 104 is exposed to a laser system S1 (e.g., a subsurface laser engraving machine) that generates multiple three-dimensional subsurface optical features 108 within the material of the light-diffusing panel 104. The subsurface optical features 108 collectively form a design for functional or artistic purposes. Each subsurface optical feature 108 is generated by the interaction of light beams B1 and B2, for example, by focusing to high intensity at a specific location (focal point) within the light-diffusing panel 104. These subsurface optical features 108 are a result of photon excitation and strong thermal gradients generated at the focal points of light beams B1 and B2. The material of the light-diffusing panel 104 outside the focal points of light beams B1 and B2 remains relatively unchanged and is relatively undamaged by the light beams B1 and B2 passing through it. In some embodiments, the diameter of each subsurface optical feature 108 is in the range of 40 to 80 micrometers. The size of each subsurface optical feature 108 may be referred to as a point size.

[0032] In some embodiments, the use of sub-surface laser engraving can improve production time and precision. This process also allows the sub-surface optical features 108 to form multidimensional effects at different locations along the length, width, and thickness directions of the light diffusion panel 104 that are impossible with surface treatment. In some embodiments, this versatility allows for more complex and efficient light diffusion panels than surface treatment can achieve. In some embodiments, the use of sub-surface optical features 108 also allows for reduced accumulation of contaminants on the surface of the light diffusion panel 104, as the flat outer surface of the light diffusion panel 104 replaces the recessed outer surface, etc., resulting from surface treatment.

[0033] exist Figure 10 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light diffusion panel 104, including the light source aperture 106, is defined by an edge surface 110. The edge surface 110 is shown as a vertical wall of the light diffusion panel 104 surrounding the centrally located light source aperture 106. The light diffusion panel 104 also includes an emitting surface 112, which... Figure 8 Shown in the plan view and Figure 10 The image shows a emitting surface 112 perpendicular to the edge surface 110. The emitting surface 112 includes a first emitting surface segment 112a. Figure 8 In one embodiment, the first emitting surface segment is shown as a central square segment defined by four light source holes 106. The emitting surface 112 also includes a second emitting surface segment 112b, in... Figure 8In one embodiment, the second emitting surface segment is shown as the outer boundary segment located between the light source aperture 106 and the outer edge 114 of the light diffusion panel 104. Although the optical feature 108 is similarly shown in the first emitting surface segment 112a and the second emitting surface segment 112b, other embodiments contemplated herein include different optical features 108 between the emitting surface segments 112a, 112b.

[0034] like Figure 10 As shown, some embodiments include a reflective surface 116 (shown above the light diffusion panel 104) disposed within the housing 102 adjacent to the light diffusion panel 104. The reflective surface 116 is positioned on the light diffusion panel 104 opposite to the emitting surface 112. The reflective surface 116 can be fixed to the housing 102, a surface of the housing 102 itself, fixed to the light diffusion panel 104, sandwiched between the housing 102 and the light diffusion panel 104, etc. The reflective surface 116 can be included to improve system efficiency, and the reflective surface can be applied to or adjacent to the surface of the light diffusion panel 104 opposite to the emitting surface 112. The reflective surface 116 can be a reflector, a diffuse reflective material, a specular reflective material, etc.

[0035] Similarly, Figure 10 As shown, multiple light sources 118 project light 120 into the light diffusion panel 104 through the edge surface 110 of the light diffusion panel 104. At least one light source 118 is positioned relatively close to the edge of the light diffusion panel 104 (e.g., edge surface 110) such that the light 120 is at least partially transmitted into the light diffusion panel 104. The multiple light sources 118 include a first light source 118a (in... Figure 10 (shown on the left), the first light source projects light 120a into the light diffusion panel 104 and emits it from the light diffusion panel 104 through the first emitting surface section 112a. The plurality of light sources 118 also includes a second light source 118b (in...). Figure 10 (As shown on the right), the second light source projects light 120b into the light diffusion panel 104 and emits it through the second emitting surface segment 112b. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources 118 include a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs 118 may be brighter on the first emitting surface segment 112a side than on the second emitting surface segment 112b side, and vice versa. In other embodiments, in addition to, or as an alternative to, the characteristics of the light diffusion panel 104 are utilized to control the brightness.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources 118 includes a first light source 118a configured to emit white light and a second light source 118b configured to emit light of a specific color (red, blue, green, etc.), and vice versa. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources 118 includes more than one first light source 118a and more than one second light source 118b. In such embodiments, some first light sources 118a may be configured to emit white light, while others may be configured to emit light of a specific color. Similarly, some second light sources 118b may be configured to emit white light, while others may be configured to emit light of a specific color. However, in some embodiments, all first light sources 118a may be configured to emit white light, and all second light sources 118b may be configured to emit light of a specific color, and vice versa. In any of the above embodiments, the light source 118 configured to emit light of a specific color may include some light sources 118 configured to emit one specific color (e.g., red), other light sources 118 configured to emit another specific color (e.g., blue), etc.

[0037] Similarly, Figure 10 As shown in the embodiment, multiple light sources 118 are disposed in the light source holes 106. The light sources 118 are mounted on a frame 122, which is connected to the housing 102. The frame 122 may also include a support flange 124, which individually supports the light diffusion panel 104 or, together with the outer edge 126 of the housing 102, supports the light diffusion panel (e.g., ...). Figure 2 and Figure 7 (As shown). In some embodiments, frame 122 includes one or more sensors 128. For example, sensor 128 may include a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an induction coil sensor, a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. Additionally or alternatively, luminaire 100 may include one or more actuators, one or more electronic interfaces, one or more mechanical interfaces, etc.

[0038] Figure 10 The light diffusion panel 104 can also be configured such that at least some of the light 120b is internally reflected until the light passes through the outer edge 114 of the light diffusion panel 104. In some embodiments, depending on the shape of the housing 102, the outer edge light 120b can be used as recessed lighting for the luminaire 100.

[0039] like Figure 11-13 As shown, the luminaire 100 can be configured to propagate light 120 in more than one pattern, at least in part due to the two emitting surface sections 112a, 112b. For example, the central emitting surface section 112a can produce a rectangular light emission pattern for general area lighting (such as...). Figure 12As shown), the outer edge emitting surface segment 112b can generate an asymmetric light emission pattern for illumination at a specific location (e.g., Figure 13 (As shown). In other embodiments, the light emission pattern can be achieved by illuminating different of the plurality of light sources 118. The luminaire 100 can also be configured to adjust or change the brightness, color, and / or temperature of the light 120 for signaling or appropriate illumination purposes.

[0040] Regardless of whether the light source 118 is located in the aperture or near the outer edge of the light diffusion panel 104, the light source 118 projects light 120 into the light diffusion panel 104, which is then emitted through the emitting surface 112. Figure 14 As shown, some embodiments of the luminaire 100 also include a heat sink 130 to dissipate heat generated by one or more light sources 118.

[0041] refer to Figure 15 At least some of the light 120 projected from the light source 118 can escape around the outer edge of the light. At least some of the light 120 projected onto the light diffusion panel 104 is reflected from the inner surface of the light diffusion panel 104 at an angle exceeding the critical angle. This results in internal reflection of the light 120 within the light diffusion panel 104. Portions of the light diffusion panel 104 that do not have optical features 108 produce most of the internal reflection of the light 120. These portions may be referred to as transition regions. Transition regions are generally inefficient at emitting light and are therefore used to project light into the emitting surface section 112.

[0042] like Figure 16 As shown, at least some of the light 120 encounters one or more optical features 108 (shown as sub-surface optical features). The light 120 exits the light source 118, passes through the transition region of the light diffusion panel 104, and is projected onto or through the optical feature 108. Figure 16 In the illustrated embodiment, light 120 is projected from the light diffusion panel 104 onto the sub-surface optical feature 108 and reflected from the reflective surface 116 back into the light diffusion panel 104. Figure 16 The embodiment also shows light 120 projected into sub-surface optical feature 108 and toward emitting surface 112. Because light 120 is at a more aggressive angle of incidence due to optical feature 108, light 120 is able to escape from light diffusion panel 104 through emitting surface 112 instead of internal reflection.

[0043] like Figure 17 As shown, another embodiment of the luminaire 1000 is illustrated. Many components of the luminaire 1000 are similar to or the same as those of the luminaire 100 discussed above. Similarly, similar components will have the same reference numerals as described above, but with values ​​increased to thousands.

[0044] The luminaire 1000 includes a housing 1102 that at least partially contains a first light diffusion panel 1104 and a second light diffusion panel 1105, which can cooperate to form a multi-element light guide assembly (MLGA). Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, light diffusion panels 1104, 1105 are shown in a stacked configuration. Two or more light diffusion panels 1104, 1105 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the light diffusion panels 1104, 1105 includes an aperture 1106 defined therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 1106 receives one or more sensors 1128.

[0046] The light diffusion panels 1104 and 1105 include optical features 1108 that are laser-engraved or otherwise manufactured on the subsurface. Figure 17 In the diagram, optical feature 1108 is shown as a series of bubbles or voids. As described above, optical feature 1108 may be in the form of a surface treatment of light diffusion panels 1104, 1105, or may be within light diffusion panels 1104, 1105.

[0047] The first light diffusion panel 1104 also includes a first panel emitting surface 1112. Similarly, the second light diffusion panel 1105 also includes a second panel emitting surface 1113. Each emitting surface 1112, 1113 may have one or more emitting segments, but... Figure 17 The embodiments shown depict only one continuous emitting surface 1112, 1113 for each light diffusion panel 1104, 1105.

[0048] The first light diffusion panel 1104 also includes a first panel outer edge 1114. Similarly, the second light diffusion panel 1105 also includes a second panel outer edge 1115. The light diffusion panels 1104 and 1105 are shown as rectangular in the illustrated embodiment, but other shapes may also be considered herein.

[0049] Similarly, Figure 17 As shown, a first reflective surface 1116 is disposed within the housing 1102 and adjacent to the first light diffusion panel 1104. The first reflective surface 1116 and the first panel emitting surface 1112 are disposed opposite to each other on the first light diffusion panel 1104. The first reflective surface 1116 can be fixed to the housing 1102, the surface of the housing 1102 itself, fixed to the first light diffusion panel 1104, or sandwiched between the housing 1102 and the first light diffusion panel 1104, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reflective surface 1116 substantially covers all (or completely all) of the side surface of the first light diffusion panel 1104 opposite to the first panel emitting surface 1112 of the first light diffusion panel 1104.

[0050] The second reflective surface 1117 is disposed within the housing 1102 and adjacent to the second light diffusion panel 1105. The second reflective surface 1117 and the second panel emitting surface 1113 are disposed opposite each other on the second light diffusion panel 1105. The second reflective surface 1117 can be fixed to the second light diffusion panel 1105, fixed to the first light diffusion panel 1104, sandwiched between the light diffusion panels 1104 and 1105, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the second reflective surface 1117 substantially covers most of the side surface of the second light diffusion panel 1105 opposite to the second panel emitting surface 1113. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the second reflective surface 1117 does not cover the entire side surface of the second light diffusion panel 1105. Specifically, the illustrated embodiment includes a boundary region surrounding the second light diffusion panel 1105 adjacent to the outer edge 1115 of the second panel, where the second reflective surface 1117 is not present.

[0051] Similarly, Figure 17 As shown, a plurality of first panel light sources 1118 project light 1120 onto a first light diffusion panel 1104 through the outer edge 1114 of the first panel. The plurality of first panel light sources 1118 are shown as light sources configured to emit light of one or more specific colors. Specifically, Figure 17 The illustrated embodiment includes red, blue, and green light sources 1118. Of course, other embodiments include additional or alternative light sources 1118. The first panel light source 1118 projects light 1120 into a first light diffusion panel 1104 and exits the first panel emitting surface 1112 through the first panel emitting surface 1112.

[0052] The luminaire 1000 also includes a plurality of second panel light sources 1119. Each second panel light source 1119 projects light 1121 into a second light diffusion panel 1105 through the outer edge 1115 of the second panel. The plurality of second panel light sources 1119 are shown as light sources configured to emit white light. Of course, other embodiments include additional or alternative light sources 1119. The second panel light sources 1119 project light 1121 into the second light diffusion panel 1105 and exit the second light diffusion panel 1105 through the emitting surface 1112 of the second panel.

[0053] Due to the stacked configuration of the light diffusion panels 1104, 1105, light 1120 passing through the first panel emitting surface 1112 also passes through the second light diffusion panel 1105 and through the second panel emitting surface 1112. Therefore, the total output of light 1120, 1121 from the luminaire 1000 is approximately the sum of the outputs from two or more light diffusion panels 1104, 1105. In such embodiments, since the size / shape is no longer limited by the number of multiple light sources 118a, 118b that can be arranged in a single plane, the luminaire 1000 can include a reduced size or shape.

[0054] The positioning, size, and shape of the second reflective surface 1117 can affect the amount of light 1120 that can pass through the second light diffuser panel 1105 and the position on the second light diffuser panel 1105 where light 1120 can pass. In some embodiments, when light 1120, 1121 is projected through the second light diffuser panel 1105 and extends beyond the second panel emitting surface 1113, light 1120 is at least partially (or even substantially) mixed with at least some of the light 1121 (e.g., light 1120 is emitted in a mixed manner with light 1121). Figure 18 (As shown). In other embodiments, the second reflective surface 1117 is positioned such that light 1120 is emitted substantially separately from light 1121, passing through and beyond the second panel emitting surface 1113.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the position, size, and shape of each segment of the optical feature 108 in the plurality of light diffusion panels 1104, 1105, 1107 may allow light 1120, 1121, 1123 to be transmitted beyond the luminaire 1000 with minimal interference to each other (e.g., Figure 19 and Figure 20 (As shown). For example, this capability allows for a variety of functions, including photometric distribution, task lighting, indicator lighting, antibacterial effects, etc. This capability also allows for a variety of lighting characteristics, including, for example, varying spectral power, correlated color temperature, color quality, intensity, etc.

[0056] exist Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel light source 1118 and the second panel light source 1119 are mounted on the housing 1102, although in some embodiments the light sources 1118 and 1119 may be fixed on the corresponding light diffusion panels 1104 and 1105. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first light diffusion panel 1104 and the second light diffusion panel 1105 are held within the housing 1102 by the outer edge 1126 of the housing 1102.

[0057] Sensor 1128 is shown mounted on a portion of housing 1102, but it can also be mounted on one or both of light diffusion panels 1104 and 1105. Figure 17In one embodiment, housing 1102 further includes a control module 1130, a first panel light source driver 1132, and a second panel light source driver 1134 disposed therein. These electrical components of the luminaire 1000 may be powered by a battery (not shown) disposed on or within housing 1102, or by mains power entering housing 1102 via junction box 1136. Junction box 1136 is shown disposed above a canopy wall 1138 of the structure (e.g., a ceiling panel of a canopy).

[0058] like Figure 21 As shown, a first reflective surface 116 can be disposed between a first light diffuser panel 1104 and a second light diffuser panel 1105, such that the first panel emitting surface 1112 is the upper surface of the first light diffuser panel 1104. In this illustrated embodiment, light 1120 is projected into the first light diffuser panel 1104 through the outer edge 1114 of the first panel and emitted upward from the first panel emitting surface 1112. For example, this embodiment can be used to provide recessed lighting for a luminaire 1000.

[0059] Now go to Figure 22 Although the above descriptions of luminaires 100 and 1000 related to ceiling installation locations have been provided, these luminaires can also be installed as wall lamps on the vertical walls of the structure, as pendant lights suspended from ceiling panels, or mounted on light poles, etc. The luminaires can guide light with various characteristics in multiple directions as needed. For example... Figure 22 As shown, multiple light-diffusing panels can cooperate to guide light in multiple directions. Although in Figure 22 The image only shows a two-dimensional layout of the light diffusion panel, but these layouts are merely exemplary. The light diffusion panels can be arranged in a three-dimensional layout to form cubes, pyramids, prisms, etc. Figure 22 As some examples show, certain layouts of light diffusion panels can additionally or alternatively illuminate the interior space of a luminaire assembly.

[0060] The luminaires 100 and 1000 discussed herein are capable of mixing light with various properties. Blue light can be combined with white light to produce white light with potentially different temperatures compared to white light produced alone. For example, light with a temperature of 6500K can be emitted from the first light diffusion panel 1104 of the luminaire 1000, and light with a temperature of 2700K can be emitted from the second light diffusion panel 1105. These lights can be combined, illuminating one at a time or two simultaneously in some order, to produce light with different properties. Some embodiments may combine white light with high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light to provide sufficient visual illumination, which has the additional benefit of eliminating at least some bacteria in the area. The structure discussed above allows one or more light sources to be powered by a battery backup system in an emergency. Different light-guiding media can be used to modify the effects of different light sources. Non-illuminating or transmissive materials can be used for the housing or other components. Similarly, volumetric diffusing materials can be used for one or more of the aforementioned components.

[0061] The accompanying drawings, additional disclosed images (in the form of a PowerPoint presentation), and the above description are merely exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method conceived by the applicant.

Claims

1. A lighting fixture, comprising: case; A light diffusion panel, positioned within the housing, comprises: A light source aperture, which is defined in the light diffusion panel; An edge surface that defines the light source aperture; Multiple sub-surface optical features are disposed within the light diffusion panel. The multiple sub-surface optical features include a first group of sub-surface optical features and a second group of sub-surface optical features. The second group of sub-surface optical features is positioned on the opposite side of the light source aperture relative to the first group of sub-surface optical features. The emitting surface includes a first emitting surface segment and a second emitting surface segment, the second emitting surface segment being positioned on the opposite side of the light source aperture relative to the first emitting surface segment; A first light source projects light through an edge surface of the light diffusion panel into the light diffusion panel so as to interact with the optical features of the first set of sub-surfaces and exit the light diffusion panel through the first emitting surface segment; and The second light source projects light through the edge surface of the light diffusion panel into the light diffusion panel so as to interact with the optical features of the second set of sub-surfaces and exit the light diffusion panel through the second emitting surface segment.

2. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein, The light source aperture extends completely through the thickness of the light diffusion panel, which extends from the emitting surface to the side of the light diffusion panel opposite to the emitting surface.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of sub-surface optical features are disposed within the light diffusion panel, between the first emitting surface segment and the second emitting surface segment and the side of the light diffusion panel opposite to the emitting surface.

4. The lamp according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of sub-surface optical features are located at different depths between the emitting surface and the side of the light diffusion panel opposite to the emitting surface.

5. The lighting fixture according to claim 2, further comprising: A reflective surface is disposed on the side of the light diffusion panel opposite to the emitting surface, and the reflective surface is configured to reflect light back into the light diffusion panel.

6. The lighting fixture according to claim 2, further comprising: A frame, which is attached to the housing, with a portion of the frame extending through the light source aperture.

7. The luminaire according to claim 6, wherein, The light source is connected to the frame.

8. The luminaire according to claim 6, further comprising: A support flange is attached to the frame and engages with the side of the light diffusion panel opposite to the emitting surface.

9. The lamp according to claim 1, wherein, The subsurface optical features include voids in the light diffusion panel.

10. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein, The subsurface optical features are arranged in an irregular pattern within the light diffusion panel.

11. A lighting fixture, comprising: case; A first light diffusion panel, positioned within the housing, the first light diffusion panel comprising: A first group of multiple sub-surface optical features is disposed in the first light diffusion panel; The outer edge of the first panel; and First panel emission surface; and A second light diffusion panel, positioned within the housing, comprises: The second group of multiple sub-surface optical features is disposed in the second light diffusion panel; The outer edge of the second panel; and Second panel emission surface; At least one first light source projects light through the outer edge of the first panel into the first light diffusion panel, into one or more of the first group of multiple sub-surface optical features, and out through the emitting surface of the first panel; A second reflective surface is disposed on the side of the second light-diffusing panel opposite to the emitting surface of the second panel, and is located between the first light-diffusing panel and the second light-diffusing panel; and At least one second light source projects light through the outer edge of the second panel into the second light-diffusing panel, into one or more of the second set of multiple sub-surface optical features, and projects light out from the second light-diffusing panel through the emitting surface of the second panel. The first panel's emitting surface faces one direction, and the second panel's emitting surface faces that direction. The reflective surface is smaller than the first panel emitting surface and the second panel emitting surface, and the reflective surface is sized to allow light emitted from the first light diffusion panel to mix with light emitted from the second light diffusion panel.

12. The luminaire according to claim 11, wherein, The subsurface optical features include voids in the light diffusion panel.

13. The luminaire according to claim 11, wherein, The first panel emitting surface is disposed between at least a portion of the housing and the second light diffusion panel.

14. The luminaire according to claim 11, wherein, The light exiting the emitting surface of the first panel then passes through at least a portion of the second light-diffusing panel.

15. The luminaire according to claim 11, wherein, The first light diffusion panel and the second light diffusion panel are arranged in a stacked manner.

16. The luminaire according to claim 11, further comprising: A reflective surface is disposed on the side of the light diffusion panel opposite to the emitting surface of the panel.

Images