ULTRATHIN MESH OPTICAL PANEL AND A METHOD OF MAKING AN ULTRATHIN MESH OPTICAL PANEL

摘要

An ultrathin mesh optical panel and a method of use and making are disclosed. One embodiment of the optical panel includes a plurality of optical waveguides, wherein each optical waveguide is formed of a mesh material surrounding an optically clear core. The optical panel further includes a light generator. Each optical waveguide internally reflects the light incoming at the inlet of the waveguide to the outlet of the waveguide. The optical panel may optionally include a light redirecting coupling layer and/or a diffuser. An alternate embodiment of the ultrathin optical panel includes a plurality of optical waveguides, wherein the mesh material serves as the light transmissive material. A method of making and using is applicable to both major embodiments. A modification of either embodiment is disclosed wherein the optical waveguide is aligned to be non-perpendicular to the panel face.