Compact nonimaging lens with totally internally reflecting facets

William A. Parkyn; David G. Pelka

doi:10.1117/12.49131

24 October 1991 Compact nonimaging lens with totally internally reflecting facets

William A. Parkyn, David G. Pelka

Proceedings Volume 1528, Nonimaging Optics: Maximum Efficiency Light Transfer; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.49131
Event: San Diego, '91, 1991, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A compact non-imaging lens is described and analyzed: the Totally Internally Reflecting (TIR) lens. It constitutes a major class of optical devices distinct from reflectors and Fresnel lenses. It is a transmissive device that redirects light passing through it via the action of a multiplicity of prismatic facets basically acting as annular Harting-Dove prisms that rotationally `wash-out' image structure. They can achieve much larger bend angles (well over 90 degree(s)) than those of the refraction-only facets of Fresnel lenses. As a consequence, TIR lenses are extremely compact, typically having a thickness about one fifth their diameter. This paper discusses their applications as collimators for small light sources (LEDs and HID lamps), injectors for fiber- optic illumination systems, and solar concentrators, and how close their performance comes to the ideal thermodynamic limit.

Citation Download Citation

William A. Parkyn and David G. Pelka "Compact nonimaging lens with totally internally reflecting facets", Proc. SPIE 1528, Nonimaging Optics: Maximum Efficiency Light Transfer, (24 October 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.49131

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