CPC G02B 6/0003 (2013.01) [F21V 5/004 (2013.01); F21V 5/02 (2013.01); F21V 7/06 (2013.01); G02B 6/001 (2013.01)] | 23 Claims |
1. A composite structure having an embedded, side-emitting optical fiber, comprising:
an optical fiber having an active photoluminescent layer integrated in the optical fiber that is to wavelength-convert primary propagating light within the optical fiber into secondary light that is emitted from an outer side surface of the optical fiber; and
a composite overcoating formed on the outer side surface of the optical fiber, having (i) an inactive light transmissive material that does not wavelength-convert and is formed on and entirely surrounds the outer side surface of the optical fiber, and (ii) a light reflective layer that is formed on and conforms to an outer side surface of the inactive light transmissive material except for a top layer of the inactive light transmissive material, wherein the secondary light is to emerge from the composite structure through the top layer of the inactive light transmissive material.
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