Innovation

 

 

 

 SMS

LPI completed and expanded the development of the SMS design methods that was first conceived of in the early 1990s by professors at the University Politechnica in Madrid Spain.  This is the most advanced method of its kind in the field of nonimaging optics. It has the 2D and 3D variations and is used to design a wide range of optics (many patented architectures), especially for applications in illumination and solar energy concentration. The application of the 2D method typically results in optics with linear or circular symmetry, while the 3D method is used to design free-form optics (such as automotive headlights).   There are 55 patented families of optics associated with the 2D SMS alone! The method can also be combined with Kohler Integration, resulting in illuminators insensitive to the source position or solar concentrators that uniformly illuminate the receiver.

 

SMS Imaging

LPI also developed the SMS method for imaging optics. Applications include ultra-short throw distance projectors for home cinema or virtual reality and also special vision cameras.

 

Stepped Flow-lines

LPI advanced the flow-line design method (or Winston-Welford optical design method) by creating the new concept of stepped flow-line optics. It is used in the design of ultra-compact concentrators and illuminators, combination of light sources, light distribution to different locations, backlights and other applications.

 

Light confinement by caustics

LPI advanced the flow-line design method (or Winston-Welford optical design method) by creating the new concept of ideal light confinement by caustics. It allows the design of light guides with non-optical surfaces, which are very useful in manufacturing (to place the injection ports and ejection pins) or holding the part without incurring in optical losses.

 

Virtual filaments™

LPI developed virtual filament optics that mimic the behavior of filament lamps, but use LEDs as their light source. These optics consist of a transfer section to move light from an LED upward to a new focus, and an ejector section that outputs the required beam prescription.

 

Remote phosphor

LPI has developed 2 novel types of remote phosphor light systems: transmissive and reflective. Both typically consist of several blue LEDs that excites a remote phosphor.  LED and phosphor are connected by optics that contain a blue-pass filter. This filter lets the blue light through to illuminate the phosphor but reflects yellow light emitted from the phosphor, preventing it from going back to the lower-reflectivity LED, thereby increasing efficiency.