Planar collimated illumination system using nano-hybrid low index materials

We report a low refractive index nano hybrid material to be useful in the lighting appreciations. A collimated planar light source system can be configured by the combination of a wedge light guide, a low index layer and a micro mirror array. The system is illuminated by an LED array. We developed a new type of organic-inorganic composite material that exhibit a sufficient mechanical strength and a low index as low as 1.2 in the visible region. We discuss the prototyping of this type of illumination system and its potential applications. © 2011 OSA.