Light guide

Abstract

A light guide comprising an entrance window, an output window and a multiplicity of light channels for transmitting light falling onto the entrance window towards the output window by internal reflection, wherein the light channel consists of light guiding core material which is enclosed in a cladding gas having a refractive index that is lower that the refractive index of the core material.

1 . A light guide comprising an entrance window (3), an output window (4) and a multiplicity of light channels (1) for transmitting light falling onto the entrance window towards the output window by internal reflection, characterised in that a light channel (1) consists of light guiding core material which is enclosed in a cladding gas (5) having a refractive index that is lower that the refractive index of the core material.  
     
     
         2 . A light guide according to  claim 1  wherein said core material is one of polymethylmethacrylate (PPMA), poly carbonate, poly styrene, glass.  
     
     
         3 . A light guide according to  claim 1  wherein said light channel has a constant cross section.  
     
     
         4 . A light guide according to  claim 1  wherein said light channel has an increasing cross section.  
     
     
         5 . A light guide according to  claim 1  wherein the ends of said light channels near to said entrance window are fused to a core material block (6).  
     
     
         6 . A light guide according to  claim 1  wherein the ends of said light channels near to said output window are fused to a core material block (6).  
     
     
         7 . A light guide according to  claim 5  or  6  wherein core material blocks (6) are suspended at said input and/or output window by means of a window plate (7).  
     
     
         8 . A light guide according to  claim 5  or  6  wherein said core material blocks (6) are suspended by means of reflectors (8).  
     
     
         9 . A light guide-according to  claim 1  wherein said cladding gas (3) is air.