A technique has been developed for producing Light Fibers with Precision Lighting Elements, which emit side light in carefully controlled patterns for exterior lighting applications. Target specifications can now be satisfied with light delivered from a very small, robust package. Conventional lenses and reflectors are not required.
Three exterior applications have been targeted: the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), a Side Marker, and an Emergency Flasher. An optical model of each application has been built, for which basic input parameters are target distribution, fiber diameter, and fiber length. Fiber cores are manufactured with the desired optical elements; cladding and a reflective coating over the notches complete the Precision Lighting Element.
Measured intensity distributions from prototypes meet the modeled performance expectations. The three applications vary significantly in both amount and distribution of light, yet the Precision Lighting Elements have easily satisfied the performance requirements of each.