Wide-area light guide illumination systems with patterned light emission

Abstract

Wide-area solid-state illumination system, including one or more linear arrays of compact solid-state light sources, such as LEDs, an optical waveguide, and a light distributing grid panel. The optical waveguide comprises a thin sheet of an optically transmissive material which is optically coupled to the plurality of compact solid-state light sources and configured to distribute light from a first broad-area surface and an opposing second broad-area surface. A light extraction pattern is formed in the first broad-area surface and defines a plurality of light extraction areas alternating with separation areas. The light distributing grid panel comprises a plurality of transverse walls defining a plurality of openings configured for transmitting light and is positioned parallel to the thin sheet of an optically transmissive material such that at least one of the plurality of light extraction areas is disposed in registration with one of the plurality of openings and at least one of the separation areas is disposed in registration with one of the plurality of transverse walls.