Fiber bundle combiner and led illumination system and method

Abstract

A fiber bundle combiner and LED illumination system and method. In one embodiment, an illumination fixture includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, and a fiber-optic assembly having a common first bundle end and plurality of second ends. Each of the second ends is optically coupled to receive light from an LED. Ths fibers transmit light from the second ends to the common first end such that light from the LEDs is output at the first end. Optionally, pipe cells couple the light, wherein each LED is associated with a respective pipe cell that serves to focus light from the LED into one or more of the fibers. In one embodiment, each of the pipe cells includes a concave substantially spherical focussing reflective surface. Yet another aspect provides a method for making an LED and fiber-optic combiner assembly comprising: providing pipe cells, each pipe cell having an opening having a constriction for locating a fiber at a desired location within the pipe cell; inserting into each of the pipe cells one more more optical fibers; severing each of the optical fibers to form end at a desired position relative to the pipe cells; and assembling the plurality of pipe cells to a corresponding plurality of LEDs. In one embodiment, the severing operation includes melting the fibers to form a ball end on each fiber. In another embodiment, the assembling operation includes filling each of the pipe cells with liquid light-transmitting plastic.