Light management system with light converting quantum dot layer and distributed light input ports

Abstract

A light management system includes a visible light source and a planar layered light confining structure having front and back sheets with a light converting layer between them. A microstructured front layer on the front sheet includes linear optical structures extending between opposite edges. The back sheet has an opaque reflective surface, and the structure includes a surface for total internal reflection. Light input ports having a cumulative area of no more than 10% of the converting layer area are arranged in a two-dimensional array and used to inject light into the structure. The light converting layer has an active layer containing light converting materials with different bandgaps that absorb light in a selected spectral band and transmit light in a different spectral band. The active layer includes quantum dots and has a thickness less than needed for complete single-pass absorption to accommodate multiple transverse light propagation.