title: Maximum-performance fiber-optic irradiation with nonimaging designs.
abstract: A range of practical nonimaging designs for optical fiber applications is presented. Rays emerging from a fiber over a restricted angular range (small numerical aperture) are needed to illuminate a small near-field detector at maximum radiative efficiency. These designs range from pure reflector (all-mirror), to pure dielectric (refractive and based on total internal reflection) to lens-mirror combinations. Sample designs are shown for a specific infrared fiber-optic irradiation problem of practical interest. Optical performance is checked with computer three-dimensional ray tracing. Compared with conventional imaging solutions, nonimaging units offer considerable practical advantages in compactness and ease of alignment as well as noticeably superior radiative efficiency.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Feuermann
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gordon