Thermally insulated distributed light network from a central light source

Abstract

A thermally insulated distributed light network employs an array of discrete, thermally insulative light guides that are spaced slightly away from a central light source and provide optical coupling to optical fibers that have a lower thermal capability. The light guides can either be solid such as quartz, focusing lenses, or a combination of the two. The light receiving ends of the light guides are preferably held by a specially designed coupler so that the guides do not diverge from each other by more than the fibers' optical acceptance angle. The light guides are shaped so that their adjacent edges touch and form an enclosure around the light source, and the fibers are provided in bundles with matching geometries. The network includes an edge-lit display panel that is illuminated by a fiber that has either internal light scattering centers in the form of reflective particles or gas bubbles, or a series of edge notches, to redirect light into the panel.