3m Innovative Properties Company

Raymond C Wegleitner

John E Gozum

Thomas J Reid

Gerald L Uhl

Light fibers comprising: (a) an elongate polymeric core having an input end for receiving light from a light source, an output end for emitting light transmitted through the core, and a lateral surface extending along a longitudinal axis of the core between the input end and the output end; (b) a light-emitting region directing light traveling though the light fiber out of at least a portion the lateral surface of the light fiber in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, the light-emitting region comprising at least one optical element; and (c) a continuous outer cladding layer comprising a polymeric material having a lower index of refraction than the core extending over the lateral surface of the core and the optical elements. Methods of making the light fibers using an embossing process are also reported.

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Maplewood, MN, United States of America

Raymond C Wegleitner