FIBER LIGHTING SYSTEMS WITH LIGHT DIFFUSING FIBERS AND METHODS OF OPERATING FIBER LIGHTING SYSTEMS WITH LIGHT DIFFUSING FIBERS

摘要

Fiber lighting systems and methods of switching light are disclosed. A system includes a light source and a switching device having an input that receives light from the light source, at least one output, and a microelectromechanical mirror disposed in an optical pathway between the input and the output. The mirror is repositionable to direct light from the input into the output. The system also includes a light diffusing fiber coupled to the output that emits light along its length and an electronic control unit that directs the light source to pulse the light at a frequency of 10 Hz-500 kHz and orient the mirror for directing the light to an output. The repositioning is synchronized with the pulsing such that the mirror is at a coupled orientation during a pulse and is repositioned between pulses.