Total reflection doubles LED light output

Problem: . Solution: Omron has introduced high efficiency DR-LEDs with simple optics that doubles their effective light output and efficiencies. The devices incorporate an integral resin lens, a surface reflective annular mirror around the chip, and total internal reflection within the encapsulation. The latter takes light coming out of the chip at a large angle to the axis, and reflects it back onto the mirror so that it is directed more along the device axis. The result is that large equivalent luminous areas can be achieved using fewer individual LEDs. Power consumption is also halved to achieve the same effective luminosity. Using different mirror and lens element designs, it is possible to accurately control both tangential and axial beam distribution, to meet particular designer needs. The devices are available in red, yellow, orange, green, blue and blue green colours with dominant wavelengths of 630, 608, 590, 530, 470 and 503 nm respectively. Applications: Exterior and interior display signs and illuminations, consumer interior lighting, road traffic signals and vehicle lighting. Eye level brake light arrays already sometimes use lines of LEDs, whereas others still use lines of filament lamps. LEDs are also beginning to be used in torches and are increasingly favoured in traffic signals, because of their much greater reliability and reduced maintenance requirements. The new development will encourage further use of LEDs. TS Omron Electronic Components