具体实施方式：
[0026]The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027]Techniques are disclosed for extracting light from within a lightguide by providing therein a plurality of internal light extraction features (e.g., materials and/or structures). A broad range of internal light extraction feature configurations (e.g., geometries/shapes, materials, refractive index changes, etc.) can be provided, and a variety of processes/techniques (e.g., 3-D printing, laser cutting/etching, injection molding, embossment, layer stacking, extrusion, etc.) can be used to do so. The features can be configured to achieve any desired set of photometric performance criteria (e.g., single/double-sided emission, optical efficiency, energy efficiency, spatial/angular luminance distribution, intensity gradients, etc.) for a given lightguide-based fixture/device. In some cases, internal and surficial light extraction features can be used together to extract light. Also, a wide variety of lighting fixtures/devices (e.g., panels, bulbs, tubes, rings, containers, three-dimensional structures/sculptures, multi-layered, multi-sectioned, etc.) can be produced using the disclosed techniques. In some cases, transparent/semi-transparent devices can be produced. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0028]General Overview
[0029]Existing edge-lit fixture designs typically include a lightguide having one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) edge-coupled thereto. The LEDs emit light into the lightguide, where it is typically guided in a contained fashion as a result of total internal reflection (TIR) therein. Existing lightguide designs typically utilize a surface texture on the lightguide surface to extract light from the lightguide. Generally, the surface texture comprises a plurality of surficial light extraction features consisting of a single application-specific material and having a single application-specific geometry/shape. Also, existing designs use a back reflector on the back (non-emitting) surface of the lightguide to reflect/redirect light which is extracted in an undesired direction (e.g., light which otherwise would escape the lightguide through the back/non-emitting surface if not for the presence of the back reflector) back towards/through a desired output surface of the fixture.
[0030]However, existing edge-lit fixture designs are associated with a number of non-trivial issues. For instance, one such issue pertains to the fact that existing lightguides which utilize a surface texture (of surficial light extraction features) are substantially limited in the amount of curvature that they can undergo while still maintaining the requisite TIR conditions therein. Another non-trivial issue pertains to the fact that existing designs require use of a back reflector to address optical efficiency concerns and to provide single-sided emission when desired. However, inclusion of a back reflector adversely increases design complexity and cost, as well as precludes the fixture from being transparent (and/or semi-transparent).
[0031]Thus, and in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, techniques are disclosed for extracting light from within a lightguide by providing therein one or more internal light extraction features. In accordance with an embodiment, the internal light extraction features can be materials and/or structures (two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional) and can have any of a broad range of configurations (e.g., geometries/shapes, compositional materials, refractive index changes, etc.). Furthermore, and in accordance with an embodiment, the internal light extraction features can be provided within a lightguide using any of a variety of techniques/processes (e.g., 3-D printing, laser cutting/etching, injection molding, embossment, layer stacking, extrusion, etc.).
[0032]Also, in accordance with an embodiment, the internal light extraction features can be configured to achieve any desired set of photometric performance criteria (e.g., single/double-sided emission, optical efficiency, energy efficiency, intensity gradients, etc.) for a given lightguide-based fixture/device. Furthermore, and in accordance with an embodiment, the internal light extraction features can be configured to achieve a desired spatial and/or angular distribution, for example, of luminance, illuminance, luminous intensity, color, color temperature, correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), and/or any other light property (uniform and/or non-uniform) for a given lightguide-based fixture/device. In some cases, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a given lightguide with both internal light extraction features and surficial light extraction features, which can be used together to extract light from the lightguide.
[0033]As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a lightguide with internal or both internal and surficial light extraction features which are configured to extract light from within the lightguide by means of a wide variety of light extraction mechanisms, such as: (1) total internal reflection (TIR); (2) reflection; (3) refraction; (4) transmission; (5) absorption; (6) scattering; and/or (7) any other light extraction techniques/mechanisms suitable for extracting light from within a lightguide.
[0034]As will be further appreciated in light of this disclosure, one or more embodiments of the present invention can be used to provide a lightguide which achieves single-sided emission without use of a reflector (e.g., back reflector, side reflector, etc.) and with high optical efficiency (e.g., greater than 65%; greater than 70%; greater than 75%; greater than 80%; greater than 85%; greater than 90%; etc.). In some such instances, a high total energy efficiency can be obtained (e.g., greater than 65%; greater than 70%; greater than 75%; greater than 80%; greater than 85%; greater than 90%; etc.). In some cases, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide an edge-lit panel/fixture, for example, having higher optical efficiency and higher energy efficiency than can be achieved by existing approaches/designs.
[0035]As a further example, optional omission of a back reflector, in accordance with an embodiment, can reduce the total number of components, the design complexity, and/or the cost of a lighting fixture/device implementing a lightguide provided using the disclosed techniques. As yet a further example, optional omission of a back reflector, in accordance with an embodiment, may allow for a transparent/semi-transparent lightguide and thus allow for a lighting fixture/device that is light-transmissive (e.g., ambient light, sunlight, etc.), for instance, when the light source is off. As discussed below, and in accordance with one or more embodiments, a wide variety of transparent structures (e.g., windows, containers, sculptures, etc.) which also may function as light sources or may be otherwise capable of being illuminated can be provided using the disclosed techniques.
[0036]As still another example, one or more embodiments of the present invention can be used to provide a lightguide with a greater curvature tolerance (e.g., TIR conditions are maintained over a greater curvature range) as compared to existing approaches/designs. Thus, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used with planar as well as with rounded/curved or otherwise non-planar lightguides (and associated panels, fixtures, devices, etc.).
[0037]As yet a further example, one or more embodiments of the present invention can be used to provide a multi-layered and/or multi-section lightguide which may allow for three-dimensional lighting designs. In some cases, an edge-lit panel/fixture having multiple lightguide layers/sections which can function simultaneously without substantially interfering with one another can be provided. Also, in some instances, a substantially greater quantity of light sources (e.g., LEDs) may be operatively coupled with such a stacked lightguide, thus allowing for a lighting panel/fixture having a substantially higher light output as compared with existing designs/approaches.
[0038]As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with an embodiment, a wide variety of lighting fixtures/devices (e.g., panels, bulbs, tubes, rings, containers, three-dimensional structures/sculptures, etc.) can be produced using the disclosed techniques. Also, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used in any of a wide variety of lighting applications (e.g., office lighting, commercial lighting, signage lighting, display backlighting, etc.). Other suitable uses of the disclosed techniques will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0039]Light Extraction Techniques
[0040]In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a lightguide with one or more internal light extraction features. For example, consider FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a lightguide 110 configured with internal light extraction features 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, an internal light extraction feature 150 may comprise, for example, a material and/or a structure that is formed, deposited, or otherwise provided completely within the interior of a lightguide 110 (e.g., enclosed by or otherwise not exposed at a surface of the lightguide 110). As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, an internal light extraction feature is distinct from a surficial light extraction feature 140, discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B. As will be further appreciated in light of this disclosure, lightguide 110 may include additional, fewer, and/or different elements or components from those here described (e.g., reflectors, diffusers, films, polarizers, other optical components, etc.), and the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to any particular lightguide 110 configurations, but can be used with numerous configurations in numerous applications.
[0041]In accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used with a wide variety of lightguide materials. For instance, lightguide 110 may comprise a bulk/quantity of optical material having the ability: (1) to be configured for total internal reflection (TIR) of light coupled therein (e.g., provided by one or more light sources 130, discussed below); and/or (2) to transmit/emit the wavelength(s) of interest (e.g., visible, ultraviolet, infrared, etc.) of the light coupled therein. In some example embodiments, lightguide 110 may be constructed from or otherwise include a transparent solid, such as, but not limited to: (1) a transparent plastic or other polymer, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, etc.; (2) a transparent ceramic, glass, or other crystal, such as sapphire (Al2O3), yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), etc.; (3) a combination of the aforementioned; and/or (4) any other optical material suitable for a lightguide. It should be noted, however, that the claimed invention is not so limited, as in some other example embodiments, lightguide 110 may be constructed from or otherwise include: (1) a transparent liquid (e.g., oil, water, a solvent, liquid crystals, etc.); (2) a transparent gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.); and/or (3) vacuum. In some instances, a given lightguide 110 may comprise a single material, while in some other instances multiple materials may be utilized for a given lightguide 110. Also, in some cases, lightguide 110 may be configured as a partially or wholly hollow structure (e.g., constructed from one or more of the aforementioned optical materials) having provided therein one or more of the aforementioned optical materials. In some cases, lightguide 110 also optionally may have one or more optical and/or protective coatings (e.g., anti-reflective, diffractive, etc.) disposed thereon. Other suitable materials and/or coatings for lightguide 110 will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0042]Also, and in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed techniques can be used with a wide variety of lightguide geometries/shapes. For instance, lightguide 110 may be configured as any three-dimensional structure, including: (1) a square/rectangular plate (such as is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B); (2) a circular/elliptical plate (such as is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B); (3) a ring (such as is illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B); (4) a spiral; (5) a helix, (6) an oval; (7) a wave; (8) a star; and/or (9) any custom three-dimensional structure (e.g., a container, such as is illustrated in FIG. 9). Furthermore, and in accordance with an embodiment, lightguide 110 can be configured as a substantially planar structure or as a curved, rounded, or otherwise non-planar structure (e.g., such as is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B). Still further, the dimensions (e.g., length, width/diameter, height, etc.) of lightguide 110 can be customized for a given application. Other suitable geometries/shapes and/or dimensions for lightguide 110 will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0043]As previously noted, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a given lightguide 110 with a wide variety of internal light extraction features 150. In some embodiments, a given internal light extraction feature 150 can be configured as a substantially two-dimensional feature, such as a dot or other quantity of material (e.g., a reflective paint, a phosphor, a liquid, etc.). In some other embodiments, a given internal light extraction feature 150 can be a three-dimensional feature/structure (e.g., a geometric structure, a void or hollow, a depression or other formation, etc.). In some still other embodiments, the internal light extraction features 150 may comprise a grouping or collection of embedded scattering particles deposited or otherwise provided within lightguide 110.
[0044]In accordance with an embodiment, internal light extraction features 150 may comprise a wide range of materials. For instance, one or more internal light extraction features 150 may comprise: (1) a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other gases); (2) a liquid (e.g., oil, water, a solvent, liquid crystals, etc.); (3) a solid (e.g., a ceramic, a metal, crystals, a glass, a plastic, etc.); (4) vacuum; (5) a phosphor; (6) a quantum dot; (7) combinations of any of the aforementioned; and/or (8) any other suitable material that can be used to extract light from within a lightguide. Thus, as will be appreciated, in some instances a given internal light extraction feature 150 may comprise a material of different refractive index from that of lightguide 110. In accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide internal light extraction features 150 having a wide range of refractive index changes (e.g., a difference in the range of about zero to 1.5) as compared to the refractive index of the material which comprises lightguide 110. Other suitable materials and/or refractive index ranges will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0045]Also, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a given lightguide 110 with internal light extraction features 150 having any of a wide variety of geometries/shapes. For instance, and in accordance with some specific example embodiments, one or more internal light extraction features 150 may be configured as a two-dimensional shape (e.g., a rectangle, square, hexagon, or any other polygon; an ellipse/circle or any other curved/rounded shape; and/or a combination of the aforementioned). Furthermore, and in accordance with some specific example embodiments, one or more internal light extraction features 150 may be configured as a three-dimensional shape (e.g., a plate, box, cube, prism, or other polyhedron; a disk, cylinder, ring, ellipsoid, sphere, toroid, or other curved shape; a cone, pyramid, or other tapered shape; a conical frustum, pyramidal frustum, or other frustum shape; and/or a combination of the aforementioned). Still further, and in accordance with an embodiment, a given internal light extraction feature 150 can be of any desired size (e.g., ranging from a few nanometers to meters or greater). In some cases, the internal light extraction features 150 may be configured, for example, as photonic crystals or other fine structures. Other suitable shapes/geometries and/or sizes for internal light extraction features 150 will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0046]In accordance with an embodiment, the distribution (e.g., density, pattern/periodicity, etc.) of internal light extraction features 150 can be varied within lightguide 110. For example, in some instances, lightguide 110 can be configured with one or more regions (e.g., emitting regions) having internal light extraction features 150, as well as with one or more regions (e.g., non-emitting regions) which do not have internal light extraction features 150. As will be appreciated, and in accordance with an embodiment, the emitting and non-emitting regions of lightguide 110 can be adjusted as desired to achieve a wide range of lighting effects from lightguide 110 (e.g., color mixing, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B; display of patterns, pictures, characters, words, etc., as discussed below).
[0047]In accordance with an embodiment, a wide variety of techniques/processes may be used to form, deposit, or otherwise provide the internal light extraction features 150 within a given lightguide 110. For instance, and in accordance with one specific example embodiment, a lightguide 110 may be provided with internal light extraction features 150 using three-dimensional printing of transparent materials (e.g., transparent plastics/polymers). In another specific example embodiment, a lightguide 110 may be provided with internal light extraction features 150 by stacking multiple constituent layers of the lightguide 110, wherein one or more of the constituent layers have the desired internal light extraction features 150 therein/thereon. The individual constituent layers of such a lightguide 110 can be formed by any of a wide variety of techniques/processes including, but not limited to, machining, extrusion, injection molding, and/or other suitable processes. To form the multi-layered lightguide 110 (having the internal light extraction features 150), the individual constituent layers can be arranged (e.g., by stacking) and operatively coupled with one another using, for example, a suitable adhesive material and/or by other suitable process/material.
[0048]In still another specific example embodiment, a laser or other optical beam can be used to form (e.g., by cutting, etching, or other laser-based processing, etc.) internal light extraction features 150 within, for instance, a lightguide 110 comprising a transparent material (e.g., a transparent plastic/polymer). The laser/optical beam can be focused at different positions/depths of lightguide 110 to produce internal light extraction features 150 locally. In yet some other specific example embodiments, techniques/processes such as extrusion, injection molding, and/or embossment may be used to form internal light extraction structures 150 (e.g., prisms, cylinders, etc.) within, for instance, a lightguide 110 comprising a transparent plastic such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Other techniques/approaches suitable for providing a given lightguide 110 with one or more internal light extraction features 150 (e.g., materials and/or structures) will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0049]As will be appreciated, and in accordance with an embodiment, a very large variety of lightguides 110 having a wide variety of internal light extraction features 150 can be provided using the disclosed techniques. For instance, in one specific example embodiment, the disclosed techniques may be used to provide a lightguide 110 comprising glass or PMMA and having internal light extraction features 150 comprising liquid crystals. In another specific example embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a lightguide 110 comprising liquid oil and having internal light extraction features 150 comprising one or more metals. Numerous other configurations of a lightguide 110 with internal light extraction features 150 are possible, as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure.
[0050]As previously noted, and in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a lightguide 110 with both internal light extraction features 150 and surficial light extraction features 140. For example, consider FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a lightguide 110 configured with internal light extraction features 150 and surficial light extraction features 140, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, a lightguide 110 may be provided with one or more surficial light extraction features 140 (e.g., a surface texture) on one or more of its surfaces. Also, as can be seen, such surficial light extraction features 140 are physically distinct from any internal light extraction features 150. As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with an embodiment, any of the materials, geometries/shapes, and/or techniques/processes described above with reference to the internal light extraction features 150 applies equally as well here with respect to the surficial light extraction features 140.
[0051]In some cases, and in accordance with an embodiment, a given lightguide 110 can be provided with zoned or otherwise grouped internal light extraction features 150. For example, consider FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a lightguide 110 having a plurality of zones of internal light extraction features 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, lightguide 110 can be configured with one or more zones (e.g., Zones A, B, C, etc.), each zone having a grouping of internal light extraction features 150a, 150b, etc. In some cases, two or more zones may have similarly configured internal light extraction features 150, while in some other cases all zones may have uniquely configured internal light extraction features 150. As will be appreciated, and in accordance with an embodiment, any quantity of zones can be designated, and the zones can be of any desired dimensions (e.g., equal or varied proportionalities of lightguide 110). Furthermore, the density of internal light extraction features 150 may be varied (e.g., uniform, non-uniform, etc.) within a given zone and/or across one or more zones.
[0052]In much the same manner, and in accordance with an embodiment, a given lightguide 110 can be provided with zoned or otherwise grouped surficial light extraction features 140, as well. For example, consider FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a lightguide 110 having a plurality of zones of internal light extraction features 150 and surficial light extraction features 140, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, some zones of lightguide 110 can include a grouping of internal light extraction features 150 while some other zones of lightguide 110 can include a grouping of surficial light extraction features 140. In some cases, a given zone may include only internal light extraction features 150 or only surficial light extraction features 140, while in some other cases a given zone may include both internal light extraction features 150 and surficial light extraction features 140. Again, any quantity of zones can be designated, the zones may be of any desired dimensions (e.g., equal or varied proportionalities of lightguide 110), and the density of internal light extraction features 150 and/or surficial light extraction features 140 may be varied within a given zone and/or across one or more zones.
[0053]FIGS. 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a lightguide 110 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, one or more light sources 130 may be operatively coupled with lightguide 110 and configured to emit/couple light therein. The one or more light sources 130 may be of any desired spectral emission band (e.g., visible spectral band, infrared spectral band, ultraviolet spectral band, etc.) suitable for a given application. In some cases, light source(s) 130 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some instances, multiple-color LED light sources 130 can be used, for example, for color mixing within lightguide 110. In some such cases in which color mixing is desired, non-emitting regions (discussed above) of lightguide 110 can be used to achieve good color mixing within such lightguide 110. Other suitable types of light sources 130 will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
[0054]In accordance with an embodiment, light provided by the one or more light sources 130 can be coupled into lightguide 110 by any of a wide variety of light coupling means/mechanisms. For example, consider FIG. 6A, which is a side view of a lightguide 110 configured for direct light coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, a lightguide 110 with internal light extraction features 150 provided using the disclosed techniques can have one or more light sources 130 (e.g., LEDs) operatively coupled thereto (e.g., physically coupled with an input surface/edge of lightguide 110; disposed sufficiently proximate to, but separate from, an input surface/edge of lightguide 110; etc.) and configured to direct/emit light therein.
[0055]As a further example, consider FIG. 6B, which is a side view of a lightguide 110 configured for internal light coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, a lightguide 110 with internal light extraction features 150 provided using the disclosed techniques can have one or more light sources 130 (e.g., LEDs) embedded therein and configured to direct/emit light therein.
[0056]As still a further example, consider FIG. 6C, which is a side view of a lightguide 110 configured for TIR lens light coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, a lightguide 110 with internal light extraction features 150 provided using the disclosed techniques can include a coupling region 113 (discussed below) provided therewith (e.g., at an edge or surface), and one or more light sources 130 (e.g., LEDs) can be disposed within or otherwise operatively coupled with such coupling region 113 and configured to direct/emit light into lightguide 110 using, for example, a TIR lens 131.
[0057]As yet a further example, consider FIG. 6D, which is a side view of a lightguide 110 configured for reflector-based light coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, a lightguide 110 with internal light extraction features 150 provided using the disclosed techniques can include a coupling region 113, and one or more light sources 130 (e.g., LEDs) can be disposed therein or otherwise operatively coupled therewith and configured to direct/emit light into lightguide 110 using, for example, a reflector 132.
[0058]In each of the example configurations noted above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6D, the light coupled into lightguide 110 may be retained thereby until it is sufficiently incident upon an internal light extraction feature 150 (and/or surficial light extraction feature 140, when included) and extracted thereby from within lightguide 110. Other suitable configurations for coupling light into a lightguide 110 having one or more internal light extraction features 150 as described herein will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure. For instance, in one specific example embodiment, lightguide 110 may be configured as a bottom-lit lightguide (e.g., as opposed to an edge-lit lightguide), wherein the one or more light sources 130 are operatively coupled with a bottom surface thereof and configured to couple light therein by a reflector.
[0059]As can further be seen from FIGS. 5A-5B, and in accordance with an embodiment, lightguide 110 optionally may include a back reflector 120 and/or one or more side reflectors 122 on one or more of its surfaces. When included, a given reflector 120/122 may comprise a highly reflective metal film/layer such as: (1) aluminum (Al); (2) gold (Au); (3) silver (Ag); and/or (4) any other suitably reflective material which may be implemented with lightguide 110. In some cases, the material used for a given reflector 120/122 may be chosen, at least in part, based on its ability to reflect the wavelength(s) of interest of the light (e.g., visible, ultraviolet, infrared, etc.) provided by the one or more light sources 130. Furthermore, and in accordance with an embodiment, it may be desirable to ensure that a given reflector 120/122, when included, is implemented sufficiently proximate to the desired surface (e.g., such that the gap therebetween is in the range of a few micrometers to a few millimeters) to ensure a sufficient amount of reflection. However, and in accordance with an embodiment, optional back reflector 120 and/or optional side reflector(s) 122 may be omitted in some cases, for instance: (1) to permit light to be extracted and emitted, for example, through multiple surfaces of lightguide 110 (e.g., discussed below with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B); and/or (2) to allow for a light-transmissive (e.g., transparent or semi-transparent) lightguide 110, as previously noted.
[0060]As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with an embodiment, the disclosed techniques can be implemented with curved/rounded lightguides (and/or any other lightguide configuration/structure) as well. For example, consider FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a round/elliptical lightguide 110 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As a further example, consider FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are a perspective view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a curved lightguide 110 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in these example configurations, a curved/rounded lightguide 110 can be provided with one or more internal light extraction features 150 and, in some specific example instances, optionally may include a back reflector 120.
[0061]As yet a further example, consider FIG. 9, which is a perspective view of a custom three-dimensional lightguide 110 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the specific example embodiment depicted, lightguide 110 has been configured as a container (e.g., a mug, a cup, a tankard, etc.). However, the claimed invention is not so limited, and any number of various custom three-dimensional structures (e.g., fish tank, bowl, sculpture, statue, etc.) can be configured with a lightguide 110 having one or more internal light extraction features 150. Furthermore, and in accordance with an embodiment, such custom structures can be illuminated from the inside while being transparent/semi-transparent.
[0062]As will be appreciated, and in accordance with an embodiment, each of the example configurations of FIGS. 7A-7B, 8A-8B, and 9 also may include one or more surficial light extraction features 140, as previously discussed.
[0063]Lighting Fixtures and Devices
[0064]In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed techniques can be used to provide a wide variety of lighting fixtures and devices. For example, consider FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are a perspective view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a lighting panel/fixture 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be se