1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical diffuser, which has a transparent base body with a first surface, which is divided into facets and in which each facet has an elevation or a depression correlated or associated with a second curved surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
The optical diffuser can be used as a lens for a headlight. Also the optical diffuser can be used in an open-face spotlight for film, television, for stage or for architectural lighting and for photographic purposes.
EP 0 961 136 A2 discloses an optical diffuser with a diffusing body, whose surface is divided into facets. Each facet has an elevation with a spherical surface, which acts as a lens. The facets have a regular hexagonal edge contour, so that the arrangement of EP 0 961 136 A2 can be characterized as a honey-comb.
In practical applications this optical diffuser is characterized by its hexagonal light field, which is distinctly sharp-edged. The term “sharp-edged light field” means that there is a distinct gradient in the light intensities in the light field plane at the edges of the light field. The light intensities have a central region with a plateau-like behavior, which follows the strong drop or large gradient at the edge of the light field directed in an inward direction.
Also when a discharge lamp is used, coloration can occur at the edge regions of the light field, which can have different shades and tones according to the type of discharge lamp used.
USPTO Backgrounds
USPTO Backgrounds